Top 13 Spooky
Places in Europe

Europe is home to many haunted destinations that are sure to give you goosebumps. From the eerie castles of Scotland to the mysterious catacombs of Paris, there are plenty of spine-tingling places to visit. Whether you're a believer in the paranormal or not, these haunted locations are steeped in history and folklore that are sure to captivate your imagination. So, if you're looking for a unique and thrilling travel experience, consider adding these European haunted destinations to your bucket list.

2. Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland

The Palace of Holyroodhouse lies in the heart of the historic and beautiful city of Edinburgh, Scotland. This grand palace, with its lush gardens and stunning architecture, has witnessed centuries of history. While it is a place of splendor and royal traditions, it is also a palace with a dark secret.

Mary, Queen of Scots, is the most famous historical figure associated with the palace. She resided at Holyroodhouse, and her turbulent life was marked by political intrigue, betrayal, and tragedy. While Mary herself is not believed to be a ghost at the palace, her presence is said to linger in the form of various ghostly happenings.

One of the most infamous events associated with Holyroodhouse is the murder of David Rizzio. Rizzio, Mary's secretary and confidant, was brutally assassinated in her presence in 1566. Rizzio's ghost is believed to haunt the palace, with visitors and staff occasionally reporting eerie occurrences linked to his presence.

There's also the story of the 'Weeping Stones," two stones in the palace's chambers are said to weep as if crying. These stones are believed to have absorbed the sorrow and despair of Mary, Queen of Scots. Visitors have reported that the stones appear to be moist or glistening with tears despite being dry to the touch.

One of the most famous apparitions at the castle is the "Phantom Piper." Legend has it that a lone piper was sent into the labyrinthine tunnels beneath the castle to explore and map them. The piper played his bagpipes as he ventured further and further, creating an audible trail. However, he suddenly disappeared without a trace, and the sound of his bagpipes ceased. To this day, visitors and staff claim to hear the ghostly echoes of the piper's tune in the tunnels.

Within the castle grounds is a small dog cemetery, where many of the officers' beloved pets were buried. Some have claimed to see ghostly canines roaming the cemetery, barking and playing, long after their physical lives have ended.

These haunting tales have been passed down through generations, contributing to the castle's reputation as one of the most haunted places in Scotland. While the historical accuracy of these legends is often debated, there is no doubt that the imposing and ancient Edinburgh Castle has a mysterious and eerie aura that captivates visitors and keeps the stories of its spectral inhabitants alive. Whether the hauntings are fact or folklore, they add to this iconic Scottish landmark's enduring charm and mystique.

The castle is situated in the picturesque Carpathian Mountains and is an imposing structure with Gothic architecture. Its history is filled with tales of medieval intrigue, and it was once used as a royal residence and fortress. 

Visitors to Bran Castle can explore its historic interiors and enjoy the scenic surroundings, as well as learn more about the Dracula legend and the real history that has contributed to its enduring popularity. It's a place where history and myth converge, offering a unique and eerie experience for those intrigued by a world of vampires and Gothic architecture.

5. Glamis Castle, Scotland

Glamis Castle, located in Angus, Scotland, is renowned for its long history and association with various ghostly legends and hauntings. It is considered one of the most haunted castles in Scotland. While the authenticity of these ghost stories is a matter of debate, they have contributed to the castle's reputation for paranormal activity.

Perhaps the most famous legend associated with the castle is the story of the "Monster of Glamis." It is said that within the castle, there was a hidden, deformed heir born to the family. The child was supposedly kept hidden in a secret chamber, and his presence has been associated with paranormal occurrences.

While these stories and legends are widely known, it's essential to remember that they are part of the castle's folklore, and their historical accuracy is often debated. Nonetheless, Glamis Castle remains a popular destination for those intrigued by tales of the supernatural, as the eerie atmosphere and the castle's long history continue to captivate visitors. Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, a visit to Glamis Castle offers a unique and intriguing experience.

6. Palace of Versailles, France

Versailles is famous for being the former royal residence of the French monarchy, including King Louis XIV, and it played a significant role in French history. Visitors flock to the palace to admire its stunning Hall of Mirrors, immaculate gardens, and the sumptuous décor.

7. Capela dos Ossos, Évora, Portugal

The Capela dos Ossos, or Chapel of Bones, is a famous and rather macabre chapel located in Évora, Portugal. It is one of the most well-known and visited sites in Évora due to its unique and eerie interior.

The chapel is located within the Church of St. Francis (Igreja de São Francisco) and was constructed in the 16th century by Franciscan monks. What makes the Capela dos Ossos distinctive is its interior, which is entirely adorned with human bones.

8. Poveglia, Venice, Italy

The "Forbidden Island" is a place that is off-limits for tourists. According to legends, a witch or ghost placed a curse on the island so that anyone who dared visit would literally lose their breath. The island's reputation for being cursed may have contributed to its abandonment, as no one has lived there for many years.

Adding to the island's eerie atmosphere is the fact that it was used as a mass burial site during the Black Death and other plagues. Furthermore, when ships carrying the plague were discovered entering the Lagoon, their passengers were quarantined on Poveglia.

10. Kylemore Abbey, Ireland

Kylemore Abbey in Ireland is known for being one of the most haunted places in the country. The abandoned part of the complex is believed to be haunted by souls who were forced to spend their lives there.

11. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain

Antoni Gaudi, the renowned architect from Barcelona, died in 1926 after being run over by a tram. He was laid to rest in the crypt of his masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia church. Unfortunately, only a decade later, the Spanish Civil War broke out. During this time, a group of anarchists attacked the church, setting fire to the workshop where Gaudi's materials were kept. They also vandalized the tomb of Gaudi's patron, Josep Maria Bocabella, in the same crypt as Gaudi.

12. Predjama Castle, Slovenia

Predjama Castle, located in the idyllic village of Predjama in Slovenia, is a unique and picturesque castle built into the mouth of a cave. The castle itself has a rich history, including tales of past inhabitants.

Erazem Lueger, often referred to as Erazem of Predjama, was a 15th-century knight and a robber baron. He is the central figure in the castle's legend and is said to haunt it today. 

Erazem was a subject of the Habsburg dynasty, and his defiance of their authority led to a dramatic and lengthy conflict. The Habsburgs accused him of treason and sought to capture him. Erazem, known for his cunning and resourcefulness, used the castle's strategic location to his advantage. The castle's cave provided a natural fortress. He famously taunted the Habsburg forces by dropping cherries from the castle, showcasing the castle's seemingly endless food supplies.

It was said that a local innkeeper, aware of the water supply system within the cave, shared this information with the Habsburg forces. Using this knowledge, they launched a surprise attack when Erazem was in a vulnerable position, and he was killed.

13. Catacombs of Paris, France

The Catacombes de Paris, Paris Catacombs, a subterranean network of tunnels and chambers located beneath the bustling streets of Paris, France, hold a unique and intriguing history. Originally quarries that provided the stone used to construct many of Paris's iconic buildings, these underground passageways transformed into a burial ground, leading to their current reputation as the Paris Catacombs.

Today, the Paris Catacombs are a unique historical site open to the public, offering a glimpse into the city's past and a truly unforgettable experience. Visitors can explore the labyrinthine tunnels and view the meticulously arranged bones, all while immersing themselves in the remarkable history of Paris's underground world.