Places with shortest names in Europe
The list of places around the world whose names consist of only one or two letters is surprisingly long.
Most of them are not classic travel destinations; often, the biggest attraction of the place is actually its short name, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.
We present to you 14 places in Europe with some of the shortest names:
Å in Norway
The Norwegian village Å has one of the shortest names in Europe, causing a long “oh” from many travelers. Å is located in northern Norway, in the Lofoten Islands—specifically in the south of the large island of Moskenes. But be careful: there are other places in Norway called Å—here we present the one most attractive to travelers.
It is not a place with many inhabitants; rather, it is a fishing-village museum with picturesque coastal buildings up to 150 years old. There you can learn about fishing in Lofoten and visit a blacksmith’s shop. In summer, you can expect guided tours, video films, and delicious food from the bakery.
Å on the rugged coast is also an ideal starting point for fishing or hiking tours, such as the round trip to the Munkebu summit.
Å in Sweden
There is also a place named Å in Sweden—for example, the village Å near Norrköping, about 190 kilometers south of Stockholm. Apart from a small village church and a few houses with typical Swedish-style mailboxes, there is not much to see.
But you can combine the visit with exploring Norrköping, a former industrial city now known for its industrial monuments, a labor museum, and a charming old town (Gamla Stan).
Ì (Iona) in Scotland
The Hebridean island once called Ì or Ì Chaluim Chille in Gaelic is now known as Iona. It is ideal for those seeking peace and is considered the “cradle of Celtic Christianity.” Many Scottish kings, including Macbeth, were buried here.
Visitors can explore Iona Abbey, the Heritage Centre, and climb Dún I, the island’s highest point at 101 meters.
Y in France
If you enjoy photographing unusual place-name signs, Y in northern France should be on your list. The residents call themselves “Ypsiloniens” or “Ypsoloniennes.” There is only one church to see, but you can combine the visit with the scenic Somme department.
The Bay of Somme is considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world, and Amiens—with its Gothic cathedral and floating gardens—is a cultural highlight.
My in Belgium
The village My, about 48 kilometers south of Liège, is one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia. It features a 19th-century brick church, the remarkable Gillard farm with its tower, and a large lime tree nearly four meters in circumference.
A special tip is the spring market on May 1st, with artists and artisans. The surrounding area offers great hiking and cycling paths.
Ee in the Netherlands
Ee—also written Ie in German—is perhaps the shortest place name in the Netherlands. The village of fewer than 900 residents is in Friesland near Dokkum and has a church and a small museum, Braakhok.
Ii in Finland
The town of Ii in northern Finland, with nearly 10,000 residents, is located near the Gulf of Bothnia. It features a charming old town with red and yellow wooden houses and is a gateway to wild nature.
Depending on the season, you can visit reindeer herders, pick berries, or go fishing.
Aa in Estonia
Aa, located about 150 kilometers east of Tallinn, has fewer than 200 residents but sits in a dreamlike location on the Gulf of Finland.
Nearby you can visit beaches, the Saka juga waterfall, and Lahemaa National Park, which showcases forests, bogs, cliffs, and sandy beaches.
Aš in the Czech Republic
Aš in northwest Bohemia, near the German border, has a short name but many attractions—such as Goetheplatz, the yellow town hall, and the Ascher Ländchen museum.
Iž in Croatia
The Croatian island of Iž in the Zadar archipelago has two small villages: Mali Iž and Veli Iž. They feature churches, old houses, and quiet surroundings.
You can see traditional clay processing in nearby Lopizi and enjoy beautiful beaches and even nudist-friendly spots.
Ré Island in France
Île de Ré, connected to La Rochelle by bridge, is known for its ten charming villages, especially Ars-en-Ré with its white houses and green shutters.
The island offers nature walks, cycling, and birdwatching, with 218 bird species recorded.
Vo in Italy
Italy has four two-letter municipalities: Vo, Ne, Re, and Ro.
Vo, with around 3,300 residents, is not visually striking but lies in a green landscape with attractions such as the elegant Barbarigo Gardens, Petrarch’s House, and Castle Cini.
Pi in Spain
In a mountainous region of Catalonia lies the village of Pi, with fewer than 100 residents. It is surrounded by nature ideal for outdoor lovers.
The Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park, with peaks up to 2,648 meters, attracts hikers and climbers—especially the famous double-peaked Pedraforca.
Yé in Lanzarote (Canary Islands)
Yé lies at the foot of the La Corona volcano in northern Lanzarote. It is known for its local dishes and excellent regional wine.
The volcano itself is a great hiking destination, and the picturesque Playa del Risco is nearby—accessible by a half-hour descent.
