10 scary places in Europe to visit this Halloween
Ok, so you’re looking for something scary?
If you’ve already watched all the famous Halloween movies and know all the lines and scenes by heart, it’s probably time to experience “scary” on another level. We’ve put together a list with the top 10 scariest places to visit in Europe that will surely send chills down your spine and give you a Halloween experience you won’t forget. From haunted castles to eerie forests, these destinations are perfect for thrill-seekers ready to take their scares beyond the screen.
Ready to face your fears? 👻🕯️
1. Bran Castle, Romania 🧛
Probably one of the most well-known places related to mystery and vampire legends, the home of Count Dracula itself. This Transylvanian fortress will automatically send you straight to a world of gothic tales and eerie shadows. Wander through its dark corridors and ancient chambers and you might just feel the presence of the infamous vampire himself. Whether you believe the legend or not, Bran Castle’s haunting atmosphere is undeniable and many swear they felt a strange, invisible presence nearby while visiting. Boo-hoo-hoo!!!
2. The Catacombs of Paris, France 💀
“Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la Mort” — “Stop! The empire of Death lies here.”
Beneath the bustling streets of Paris lies a chilling labyrinth of tunnels lined with the bones of over six million people. The Catacombs are both a macabre monument and a haunting reminder of the city’s past. As you wander through these shadowy corridors, the air thick with silence and history, it’s easy to feel like you’ve stepped into another world, one where death truly reigns. Dare to explore this underground empire, but beware: the Catacombs hold stories darker than you can imagine.
3. Poveglia Island, Italy 🏝️☠️
Known as one of the most haunted places in the world, Poveglia Island has a dark and disturbing past. Once a quarantine station for plague victims and later an asylum for the mentally ill, this small island near Venice is steeped in sorrow and eerie legends. Visitors and locals alike claim to hear ghostly screams and see shadowy figures wandering the abandoned ruins. Access is heavily restricted, but the chilling stories alone make Poveglia a terrifying destination for those craving a real-life horror experience.
Access is limited, but thrill-seekers find a way.
4. Leap Castle, Ireland 👻
One of Ireland’s most haunted castles, Leap Castle carries centuries of dark history and restless spirits. Tales of brutal murders, secret torture chambers and ghostly apparitions have earned it a fearsome reputation. Visitors have reported chilling encounters with “The Elemental,” a malevolent spirit said to haunt the castle’s corridors. Step inside if you dare but beware, the ghosts of Leap Castle don’t easily let go of their territory.
5. Hoia Baciu forest, Romania 🌲👽
Called the “Bermuda Triangle of Transylvania,” Hoia Baciu Forest is filled with unexplained phenomena and an eerie atmosphere. Visitors have reported strange lights flickering through the trees, sudden drops in temperature and even mysterious disappearances. The twisted shapes of the trees and thick fog create an otherworldly feeling — some believe the forest is a hotspot for paranormal activity and alien encounters. If you’re brave enough to explore, get ready for a chilling adventure unlike any other.
6. Edinburgh Vaults, Scotland 🕷️
Beneath the streets of Edinburgh lie the dark, damp vaults once bustling chambers that became home to crime, poverty, and despair. These underground tunnels echo with ghostly whispers and shadowy figures, drawing thrill-seekers and ghost hunters alike. Walking through the narrow corridors, you’ll feel the weight of centuries of suffering and secrets. Dare to explore the vaults after dark, and you might just encounter some of the restless spirits that refuse to leave.
7. Čachtice Castle, Slovakia 🩸
Perched high above the Slovakian countryside, Čachtice Castle is infamous as the former home of Elizabeth Báthory – the so-called “Blood Countess”. Legends say she tortured and murdered hundreds of young women, bathing in their blood to preserve her youth. The castle’s crumbling walls still echo with dark tales of cruelty and death, making it one of Europe’s most sinister and haunted ruins. Visit if you dare but beware the shadow of the Blood Countess still lingers.
8. Borgvattnet haunted vicarage, Sweden 👀
Nestled in the remote Swedish countryside, the Borgvattnet Vicarage is famed as one of Sweden’s most haunted houses. Visitors and residents have reported strange noises, eerie footsteps, sudden cold spots, and even ghostly touches. Many who have stayed overnight tell stories of restless spirits and unexplained phenomena, making it a magnet for paranormal enthusiasts. If you’re seeking a true ghost-hunting experience, spending a night here might just be the ultimate test of courage.
9. Ossuary of Sedlec, Czech Republic ☠️
Step inside the Sedlec Ossuary, a small chapel uniquely decorated with the bones of an estimated 40,000 to 70,000 people. Chandeliers, altars and even coats of arms are painstakingly crafted from human skeletons, creating a haunting yet fascinating display of mortality and artistry. This eerie “Bone Church” is both a solemn reminder of life’s fragility and a mesmerizing site that leaves visitors both awed and unsettled. It’s a must-see for those drawn to the macabre and mysterious.
10. Ancient Ram Inn, England 🛌👻
Dating back to 1145, the Ancient Ram Inn is one of England’s oldest and most haunted buildings. Built on what is believed to be pagan burial grounds, the inn has a long history of ghostly encounters and paranormal activity. Visitors and staff alike have reported chilling sightings, strange noises and unexplained phenomena throughout its creaky rooms and winding corridors. For those brave enough to spend a night here, the Ancient Ram Inn offers a truly spine-tingling experience.
And if you’re brave enough and none of these places scare you…
We know something scarier than all of them combined: roaming charges 👻. Now that’s a nightmare you’ll want to avoid.
Imagine coming home from a trip to one of the castles above, chilled out, no scares, and then seeing your roaming invoice… 🧨! Hundreds of chills down your spine, your heart races, and you feel like fainting.
To dodge this horror, use a travel eSIM from MobileSIM instead 😉 Instant activation, no physical SIM, no roaming nightmares. Now that’s a treat. 🍬
Author: Bianca from MobileSIM
