As if we didn’t have enough to be scared about, we love to freak ourselves out that bit more. It’s officially spooky season, so that means people are on the hunt for the most haunted places in the world and other spooky spots.
From famous haunted houses to ghost sightings in old jails, these places will make you shiver. Whether you believe in this stuff or not, we don’t suggest you visit any of these scary places alone…
Soulless eyes follow visitors to this creepy island. Hundreds of hanging, drowning and decapitated dolls are all over the island in a tribute to the lost soul of a girl who met her fate too soon in strange circumstances. A local man, Julian, apparently tried to save the girl but failed, so he dedicated his life to honouring her ghost by bringing spirits on the island dolls as gifts.
After 50 years of collecting dolls and hanging them on the island, Julian was found dead, drowned in the same spot where the girl did.
Leap Castle is home to many fascinating and sometimes horrific spirits. The castle has been home to much bloodshed and violence over the centuries. When the castle was renovated in the 1900s, workers found three cartloads of bones, approximately 150 bodies, in a secret dungeon in ‘The Bloody Chapel’ The current owner of the castle says he sees many spirits.
Little girls haunt the castle, as does The Red Lady, who isn’t shy about touching against visitors.
3. The Castle of Čachtice – Slovakia
Prolific serial killer Elizabeth Báthory lived here at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries. For her sadist habits she has the name of ”the Bloody Countess”. She allegedly killed 600 young girls, bathed in their blood, in order to stay forever young and beautiful. You might recognise this spooky castle from the classic horror film Nosferatu.
4. Valley of the Kings – Giza, Egypt
The Valley of Kings is the ancient burial site of many of Egypt’s New Kingdom rulers. There’s 63 tombs here, including that of the legendary King Tutankhamen. Many people believe that the untimely deaths of several of Tut’s discoverers comes from ‘The Mummy’s Curse’. It’s no surprise that the place has rumours of haunting and paranormal activity with locals saying they hear footsteps, screams and shuffling.
The cells have long been empty at Eastern State Penitentiary, but many believe the spirits of former inmates remain behind the looming walls of the former prison. Take a tour any day of the week to experience the history of one of the country’s oldest and most brutal former prisons. Today it’s considered to be one of the most haunted places on earth.
6. Aokigahara Forest – Japan
This scenic forest at the foot of Mount Fuji has a spooky history and is one of the most haunted places in the world. It has a nickname of ‘Suicide Forest’ due to fact that Aokigahara has been the site of more than 500 suicides since the 1950s, reports the BBC. . Locals claim to hear spirits scream through the night.
At the entrance of the forest, a sign reminds visitors that “life is a precious gift”. “Quietly think once more about your parents, siblings or children,” the sign says in Japanese. “Please don’t suffer alone, and first reach out.”
What’s the most haunted house in America? It’s up for debate. Now, what’s the most well-known haunted house in America? The Amityville House in Long Island, which is famous thanks to the movie of the same name. In the 70s, a ghost reportedly convinced a man to shoot six of his family members. The same demonic spirit came back when the next family moved in.
Ghost hunting in America? Here’s the 50 Most Haunted Houses in America.
Co-founder of Big 7 Travel, Sarah created the company through her passion for championing the world's best food and travel experiences. Before her career in digital media, where she previously held roles such as Editor of Food&Wine Ireland, Sarah worked in the hospitality industry in Dublin and New York. Contact [email protected]
