Are you still excited about being in a creepy castle? If the answer is yes, you will find kindred spirits here. We are fascinated by haunted castles. These ancient structures are more than just stone; their presence represents centuries of human drama, intrigue, and tragedy.

Especially in Europe, the long history and large number of castles have witnessed countless stories. Whether you’re a ghost hunter or a history buff, you’re in for a chilling experience at one of these European castles. So get your guts ready as we are about to travel through Europe’s most haunted castles and learn the dark history behind them. To help you pick out the most interesting castles, our list of haunted castles in Europe will take you to witness their supernatural side.

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Table of Content

• Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
• Glamis Castle, Scotland
• Leap Castle, Ireland
• Chillingham Castle, United Kingdom
• Bruce Castle, United Kingdom
• Prague Castle, Czech Republic
• Poenari Castle, Romania
• Carcassonne Castle, France
• Hohenzollern Castle, German
• Kasteel Sterkenburg, Netherlands
• Château des Amerois, Belgium
• Castello di Vezio, Italy

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Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

When we talk about haunted castles in Europe, Edinburgh Castle must come up first. This majestic castle is a popular attraction in Edinburgh, where you can view the Old Town. It is also one of the most popular destinations for Edinburgh ghost tours.

History

Edinburgh Castle is over 1,000 years old and has been a royal residence, military garrison, and prison. It was also the site of the infamous Black Dinner, where two noblemen were executed after attending the dinner.

There are many ghost stories about Edinburgh Castle, the most famous of which is the Legend of the Lone Piper. It is said that in the 17th century, a secret tunnel was discovered under the castle, and a piper was sent to explore it. He played his pipes as he walked, letting those above ground know where he was. Suddenly, the music came to an abrupt halt. He was never heard from again. It is said that the sound of bagpipes is still heard underground from time to time today.

Tour Highlights

A visit to this castle offers a wealth of historical knowledge, and for those who want to experience the paranormal in Edinburgh Castle, the Great Hall and basement are a particular hotspot for paranormal activity.

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Glamis Castle, Scotland

Glamis Castle is an hour and 30-minute drive from Edinburgh, and it is often considered one of the scariest castles in the UK. It was once the childhood home of the late Queen Mother and is said to be one of the inspirations for Macbeth.

History

Glamis Castle has been the ancestral home of the Lyon family since the 14th century. One of the most famous stories is that of the “Monster of Glamis”, a deformed heir who is said to have been hidden in a chamber within the castle. Another persistent legend tells of a duke who, on a Sunday, asked to play cards with the Devil, and is now condemned to play forever in a chamber. In the underground chambers of the castle, one can still hear the ghost playing cards from time to time.

Tour Highlights

The crowns and robes worn by George V and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother at their coronations can be viewed in the exhibition room inside the castle. When you visit the St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church inside the castle, there is a chance that you will see the Grey Lady, and there is also a seat dedicated to her. You can also look for the legendary chamber that trapped the Earl.

Leap Castle, Ireland

Leap Castle is considered the most haunted castle in the world. Located in County Offaly, Ireland, the castle is filled with a violent history, and it has been the subject of numerous supernatural investigations.

History

Built in the 13th century, the castle was the fortress of the O’Carroll family, which had a history of brutal feuds and violence. The most famous story is that a bitter power struggle led to one brother murdering another on the altar during Mass. The chapel where the incident took place became known as the “ Bloody Chapel ”. In the 20th century, workers discovered a dungeon containing numerous human bones during repairs.

Tour Highlights

Leap Castle is now privately owned, and if you wish to visit the castle, please contact the owner, Sean Ryan, in advance. You can visit the famous Bloody Chapel as well as hear the story in more detail. During your visit, you may also see The Red Lady wandering the grounds, described as a tall woman in a red dress holding a dagger. Please note that Leap Castle tours are to be considered with caution, and many describe it as disturbing.

Chillingham Castle, United Kingdom

Chillingham Castle in Northumberland is one of Britain’s most famous haunted castles. Built in the 12th century, the castle was once the front line of medieval battles, and its grimy dungeons and torture chambers are full of horrific legends.

History

During the Border Reivers period, there was constant conflict between England and Scotland. It served as an important stronghold and witnessed countless battles and torture. The castle’s dungeons and torture chambers are well preserved and filled with horrific travails. The most famous ghost in the castle is the “Blue Boy”, whose cries are said to echo through the corridors at night.

Tour Highlights

The castle offers ghost tours that begin in the evening with specialized guides exploring the haunted areas of the castle. You can explore the Torture Chamber and hear the story of the Blue Boy, who haunts the Pink Room, or the White Pantry Ghost, who frequents the Food Pantry. Staff and visitors often report strange noises, unexplained cold spots, and even physical contact.

Bruce Castle, United Kingdom

Bruce Castle, located in London, was created in the 16th century and is one of the oldest surviving brick houses in England. Today, it is a museum with a collection of local archives and photographs.

History

The land of Bruce Castle was once owned by the Bruce family, but later the castle was owned by Baron Coleraine. The castle’s ghost is not as creepy as the others, but it can be saddening. Its most famous resident ghost is Lady Constantia, Henry Hare’s first wife, who tragically committed suicide by jumping from the tower in the 17th century. The circumstances of her death are shrouded in mystery, with some citing an unhappy marriage or mental anguish as the cause.

Tour Highlights

Although the castle now serves as a museum, the ghost of Lady Constantia is said to still appear every November on the day of her death. You can take part in The Lady Constantia Ghost Walk, organized by Bruce Castle.

Prague Castle, Czech Republic 

Built in the 9th century, Prague Castle is a vast complex of palaces, churches, and gardens and is one of the largest ancient castles in the world. But the long history and sad stories make it one of Europe’s fascinating dark castles.

History

It was once the seat of the Kings of Bohemia, the Holy Roman Emperor, and the Presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic. It has witnessed countless coronations, political intrigues, and executions.

Tour Highlights

Head to Prague Castle and you will marvel at the magnificent architecture and historical significance. And the haunting stories here are extraordinarily different, the most famous being the story of the water sprite and the appearance of the ghost of Charles IV in the castle. Then there’s St. Vitus Cathedral and the Golden Lane near the castle. The cathedral is said to be haunted by a white ghost that warns the bell ringers of the liturgy, while Golden Lane is haunted by the ghosts of alchemists.

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Poenari Castle, Romania

Located in the center of Romania, Poenari Citadel is built on a hill and requires an ascent of 1,480 steps to reach it. Built in the 13th century, it was abandoned and known to be in ruins until after the 14th century. The ruins overlook the Arges River and the surrounding mountains.

History

Legend has it that this was one of Vlad III Dracula’s main fortresses. Vlad used this castle as a strategic stronghold, and according to legend, fortified it using forced labor. He is said to have imprisoned mutinous nobles in the highest room of the castle and left them to starve to death.

Tour Highlights

Although there is no traditional “ghost tour” here, visitors often report a sense of his presence. For example, the temperature inside the site is felt to be cooler, and the smell of decay can be detected. It is also possible to visit the nearby Curtea de Argeș Monastery, which has a very beautiful floral pattern inside.

Carcassonne Castle, France

Located in the south of France, Carcassonne is a medieval fortified city surrounded by a double wall and several towers.

History

Carcassonne’s history dates back to Roman times, but its most famous period was during the Middle Ages, notably the Albigensian Crusade in the 13th century. The walled castle Château Comtal has witnessed countless sieges, clashes, and persecutions of Cathars.

Tour Highlights

Carcassonne excursions are often historically themed, and local legend has it that women in white dresses have been seen near the towers, and others have heard the sound of women crying. You’re free to explore the medieval architecture and look for its ghostly residents.

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Hohenzollern Castle, German

Hohenzollern Castle is a 19th-century castle, the ancestral home of the Hohenzollern royal family. The castle has military buildings, ornate architecture, a chapel, and beautiful gardens. It also houses the personal belongings of the Crown of Wilhelm II and King Frederick the Great.

History

Although the present castle was built in the 19th century, its first buildings date back to the 13th century. Although the castle has no bloody history, aristocratic power struggles as well as political intrigue have had an impact.

Tour Highlights

Inside Hohenzollern Castle, you can see its sumptuous interior and learn about the royal history. Especially in the older parts of the castle. Rumor has it that the “White Lady” is the main ghostly figure who walks the corridors.

Kasteel Sterkenburg, Netherlands

Kasteel Sterkenburg is located in Driebergen-Rijsenburg in the Netherlands, and on the outside, this small, charming castle is hard to relate to haunted castles. But in fact, several bizarre deaths have occurred here.

History

The history of Kasteel Sterkenburg dates back to the 13th century, and the Wulven family was the first owner. Like many castles, it has undergone renovations and changes over the centuries. Today, some of the rooms have been converted into a hotel for guests.

Tour Highlights

Room 9 is the most frightening in the castle; a woman is said to have committed suicide in that room, after which a guest could hear the woman’s cries and unknown shadows. You can stay overnight at the castle for the experience, and the isolated location of the castle and the quiet charm of its surroundings can amplify these subtle feelings.

Château des Amerois, Belgium

Château des Amerois is deep in the Belgium Ardennes forest, a striking neo-Gothic castle with dark rumors surrounding it.

History

Built at the end of the 19th century, Château des Amerois was once a royal estate belonging to Prince Philippe of Belgium. Today, it belongs to the descendants of Alice Solvay. The castle is associated with the “Mother of Darkness” because of some urban legend. It is rumored that Satanic cults and rituals are held here, but there is no actual evidence to support this. The rumors may be due to its gothic appearance and remote location.

Tour Highlights

As a private property, Château des Amerois is not open to the public. You can view the exterior of the château as well as the surrounding nature, and every year it is a place where many photographers also go.

Castello di Vezio, Italy

Castello di Vezio will make you feel more relaxed than many castles that make you feel gloomy. This is due to its prime location on Italy’s Lake Como with beautiful riverside views.

History

Dating back to the early Middle Ages, it was a military outpost guarding the northern shore of Lake Como. And also used and built dungeons during the First War of Time. The Queen of Lombards, Theodelinda, is said to have spent the last years of her life here and wished for a church and bell tower to be built here. Although her wish was not realized, it is said that her spirit still haunts the castle.

Tour Highlights

It has the most special summer event, the mysterious “Ghost” sculptures. These sculptures, made by visitors and castle staff, are placed in various corners of the castle until winter, when the wind and rain cause them to dissipate naturally.

How to Plan a Haunted Castle Tour in Europe

So are you ready to head to Europe to face these scariest castles? To plan a haunted castle tour, here are some extra tips.

• Book in advance: Especially for popular castles or specialized spooky tours, tickets and accommodations sell out quickly. Especially during Halloween.
• Consider overnight stays: Many castles, like Chillingham or Kasteel Sterkenburg, offer overnight accommodations. This enhances the scary atmosphere and the possibility of encountering spirits.
• Dress properly: Even in summer, old castles can be cold, damp, and drafty. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes as you will probably be walking a lot.
• Bring the right gear: A good flashlight is vital for dark corners and nighttime travel. A camera with good low-light capabilities may capture the unexpected.
• Show respect: These castles are not just ghost stories; they are also important cultural sites and places where people live.
• Take a guided tour: Many of these castles offer specific ghost tours, often led by knowledgeable guides who can share creepy stories and point out areas for specific activities.

FAQ

Where is the most haunted castle in England?

Chillingham Castle is considered the most haunted castle in England, and it actively promotes its supernatural activities and offers numerous ghost tours and hunts. It also offers a variety of lodging options to bring visitors closer to the supernatural.

Which country has the most haunted castles?

Scotland and Ireland are often cited as having the most haunted castles, largely due to their turbulent history of clan wars, invasions, and a long tradition of folklore.

What is the most haunted place in all of Europe?

Poveglia Island in Venice, Italy, is often considered the most haunted place in Europe. It experienced the plague, and more than 160,000 bodies were dumped or burned there. It later became an asylum in the 20th century, where a doctor was rumored to have conducted gruesome experiments. Today, it is also off limits to public visitation, with only supervised visits allowed.