By Norbert Figueroa | Associated Press
Europe is a continent steeped in history, and with that history come tales of restless spirits, haunted castles, and ghostly encounters. For those looking for a supernatural experience this fall, here are some of the most haunted places in Europe, along with travel ideas to help you explore these spooky sites.
Edinburgh, Scotland — The Vaults and Greyfriars Kirkyard
Edinburgh is a city where the past lives on, particularly in its famous underground vaults. Hidden beneath the busy streets, these vaults once served as a refuge for the city's poorest residents. Today, they are known for their ghostly apparitions and strange noises that echo through dark corridors.
Equally disturbing is Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh's most haunted cemetery. Here, the spirit of George Mackenzie, infamously known as the Mackenzie Poltergeist, is said to disturb the peace of visitors. Wandering through these sites offers a spooky glimpse into the city's haunted history.
To fully experience the supernatural side of Edinburgh, spend a few days exploring these haunted places on guided ghost tours. After immersing yourself in Edinburgh's eerie atmosphere, take the train to Stirling, where Stirling Castle offers more ghost stories and battles.
If you use the Eurail Passtraveling between these haunted Scottish sites is easy and convenient, allowing you to enjoy the picturesque countryside as you travel from one haunted location to another. If you have time, also visit Culloden Moor in Inverness, which is the site of the 1746 Battle of Culloden and where the spirits of fallen soldiers roam.
Paris, France — The Catacombs and Père Lachaise Cemetery
Beneath the streets of Paris lies a hidden world, far removed from the city's famous romanticism. The Paris catacombs hold the remains of more than six million people, creating a labyrinth of bones that is as strange as it is fascinating.
This underground ossuary has long been a place of ghostly encounters, with visitors reporting an unsettling presence as they navigate the dark tunnels. Above ground, Père Lachaise Cemetery is the resting place of many famous people, including Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison, whose spirits are said to wander among the graves.
Paris offers a unique blend of history and hauntings, making it an ideal destination for those interested in the supernatural. Spend a few days exploring the catacombs and Père Lachaise, perhaps joining a nighttime tour for an even spookier experience. To extend your trip, take a short train ride to the Palace of Versailles, where the ghosts of French royalty linger.
All of these haunted places can be visited independently, but to learn more about their spooky side, it is recommended to take a tour focused on their dark history and stories. Companies like Intrepid Travel and G Adventures offer specialist tours that delve into the haunted histories of these iconic locations, providing a deeper understanding of the city's ghostly past.
Bran Castle, Romania – Dracula’s House
Bran Castle in Transylvania, often associated with Bram Stoker's Dracula, looms large in the imagination of travelers and horror fans. Although the connection to Vlad the Impaler is tenuous, the castle's eerie presence and links to vampire legends make it one of the most famous haunted sites in Europe. The atmosphere inside the castle, with its hidden passages and dark history, is both frightening and captivating, offering a glimpse into the world of myth and reality that defines Romania's supernatural folklore.
A trip to Bran Castle is an adventure into the heart of Transylvania, where the Carpathians add to the feeling of mystery and dread. Departing from Bucharest, you can take a guided tour through the mountainous landscape, exploring not only Bran Castle but other haunted sites like Hoia Forest, known for its paranormal phenomena. This eerie forest, considered one of the most haunted in the world, adds an extra layer of intrigue to your Romanian adventure. Romania is undoubtedly one of the best places to travel if you are looking for a ghostly themed trip.
Prague, Czech Republic — Old Town and Prague Castle
Prague is a city where history and mystery intertwine, especially in its Old Town, where ghost stories are as common as cobblestones. The narrow streets and ancient buildings create an atmosphere conducive to stories of haunted houses and eerie alleyways.
Among the most famous stories are that of the Headless Templar, who is said to roam the city, and the tragic figure of the Golem, a creature brought to life by mystical means. Not far from the Old Town is Prague Castle, whose dark dungeons and ancient halls have been the scene of countless ghostly encounters over the centuries.
To experience Prague's haunted charm, spend several days wandering its historic streets and taking ghost tours that bring the city's legends to life. Prague Castle, with its mix of history and hauntings, is a must-visit, offering both architectural beauty and eerie tales. For those wanting to delve even deeper into the macabre, a trip to nearby Kutná Hora offers a unique experience at the Sedlec Ossuary, a chapel decorated with the bones of more than 40,000 people – a haunting reminder of the town's medieval past.
Venice, Italy — Poveglia Island
Just off the coast of Venice lies the island of Poveglia, considered by many to be one of the most haunted places in the world. The island's dark history includes its use as a quarantine station for plague victims and later as a mental asylum. Today it is abandoned, shrouded in mystery and fear. Tales of restless spirits, strange sounds and a pervasive sense of dread have made Poveglia a focal point for paranormal investigations, although official visits to the island are rare and it remains largely off-limits.
For those drawn to the darker side of Venice, a visit to the island of Poveglia offers a chilling glimpse into the city's haunted past. Although access to the island can be difficult, just being near its shores is enough to instill a feeling of unease.
Back in Venice, explore the city's other ghostly landmarks, such as Palazzo Dario, known as The House That Kills due to the mysterious deaths associated with its former owners. Venice's winding canals and narrow alleys provide the perfect backdrop for supernatural tales, making it a must-visit for those interested in the strange and unexplained.
Explore Europe through its ghostly heritage
Europe's haunted destinations have a unique blend of history, legend and ghostly encounters, making them perfect for a fall adventure. Whether you explore the eerie vaults of Edinburgh, the haunted catacombs of Paris or the cursed island of Poveglia, each location offers a different perspective on the continent's rich supernatural heritage.
Norbert Figueroa GloboTreks.com is an architect and travel writer on a mission to visit all 195 UN-recognized countries and beyond. He shares his adventures and his passion for travel, architecture and culture on his blog and social networks.
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