Dare to Explore the 10 Most Haunted Locations in Europe

A European getaway offers countless attractions, from exquisite dining to enchanting castles and tailored cultural experiences — but it also has a sinister side. This is where many legendary creatures of the night, like vampires and werewolves, first emerged. In Europe’s haunted sites, ghosts are said to haunt shadowy castles, deep caves, and forsaken islands.

Whether or not you believe in the supernatural, the chilling atmosphere at France's Château de Brissac, the haunted residence of a woman who met her tragic end centuries ago, is undeniable. Similarly, the trails of Hoia-Baciu Forest in Romania are far more unsettling than Dracula's Castle. While you probably won’t encounter the plague today (fingers crossed), a trip to Poveglia Island will transport you back to the era of the Black Death, when victims were sent there from nearby Venice.

Here are 10 of Europe’s most haunted locations — if you’re brave enough to explore them.

Kilkenny, Ireland

This Irish city boasts a rich history marked by tragic occurrences that are said to have left lingering spirits, as many visitors claim to witness today. Located approximately 80 miles from Dublin, Kilkenny was the scene of Ireland’s first witch trial. In 1324, Dame Alice Kyteler was accused but managed to flee, leaving her maid, Petronilla de Midia, to face charges in her stead. Another calamity occurred in 1763 when 16 individuals perished in the river after a bridge collapsed during flooding. Nowadays, sightings of eerie figures emerging from the mist over the River Nore in the early morning are reported.

Poveglia Island, Italy

Nestled just off the sparkling shores of Venice lies Poveglia, a stark contrast to its bustling neighbor. This eerie island once served as a refuge for those afflicted by the bubonic plague and later became home to a mental asylum in the early 1900s. In the 1930s, chilling rumors circulated about a doctor conducting experiments on patients there. Although now desolate, some local tour companies — Classic Boats Venice and Venice Tour By Boat — provide trips to explore its haunting grounds.

Château de Brissac, France

Beneath its gilded ceilings and lavish furnishings, this stunning Loire Valley castle conceals a sinister tale. According to legend, the Château de Brissac was the site of a double homicide in the 15th century — the tragic fate of Charlotte de Brézé, an unfaithful wife, and her lover, who were slain by her husband. To this day, her spirit roams the castle, eternally bound to the place of her demise. Known as la Dame Verte, or the Green Lady, she is often seen wearing a green gown, particularly in the tower room of the chapel.

The Tower of London, England

The storied past of this iconic tower is steeped in ghostly legends. Originally constructed in the 11th century to safeguard royal authority, the Tower of London has served as both a prison and a site of executions. Henry VI is said to have met his end here during the Wars of the Roses, along with three queens: Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, and Jane Grey. Nowadays, it's believed that Anne Boleyn's spirit roams Tower Green, the very location of her execution, while Arbella Stuart — Queen Elizabeth I’s cousin, imprisoned for marrying without consent — is thought to haunt the Queen’s House.

Akershus Fortress, Norway

This medieval fortress, completed around 1300, served as a prison until its closure in 1950. Inmates at the Akershus Fortress often endured strenuous labor, with irons and chains used as punishment. Reports of whispers and scratching echo through the hallways, and guards have claimed to feel unsettling pushes from unseen forces while on duty. Admission is free, and during the summer months, guided tours are available in English.

Dragsholm Castle, Denmark

You could spend the night at this historic Danish castle, now transformed into a luxury hotel, but be sure to consider its haunted past. Nestled near Nekselø Bay, this medieval fortress has been extensively renovated and is said to be haunted by several imprisoned souls, including James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell — the third husband of Mary, Queen of Scots — and the last Bishop of Roskilde, who was stripped of his title during the Protestant Reformation. Visitors often report encounters with two spectral figures: the White Lady, believed to be the ghost of a girl imprisoned after her father learned of her pregnancy, and the Gray Lady, said to be a servant who perished shortly after suffering from a mysterious toothache.

Wolfsegg Castle, Germany

Located near Munich, Wolfsegg Castle is a 14th-century site renowned for its haunting by the White Lady. Legend has it that the Lady of Wolfsegg was killed by her husband, who suspected her of infidelity during his absence. Adding to the eerie atmosphere, there is a hidden cave beneath the castle floorboards that not only functions as a secret spring water passage but also shelters various bat species and other unsettling creatures. The castle is open for visitors from May to October.

Hoia-Baciu Forest, Romania

Nestled in the foreboding region of Transylvania, Romania, Hoia-Baciu is considered one of the most haunted forests in the world. Tales of ghosts, witches, and UFO sightings abound, but the eeriest sight is a peculiar clearing where nothing grows. Despite scientific investigations into the soil, no explanation has emerged. For the adventurous, night tours are available from nearby Cluj-Napoca.

Zugarramurdi, Spain

In the northern region of Navarre, the Cave of Zugarramurdi is steeped in the history of Spain's 17th-century witch trials. Legends say that these caves were once the meeting place for dozens of accused witches, including 11 who were ultimately executed by fire. A plaque honors the memory of these women, while a small Museum of Witches delves into traditional pagan rituals and women's healing practices.

Frangokastello, Greece

While the Greek island of Crete is often seen as a sunny vacation hotspot, the ghosts at this coastal castle also enjoy a holiday. Each year on May 17, the anniversary of a deadly battle from the 19th-century Greek War of Independence, locals claim to see the spirits of fallen soldiers return. Known as Drosoulites, these apparitions manifest as shadows on the castle walls, appearing only for about 10 minutes in the calm morning sea, and no photographs have ever captured the phenomenon.