Are you a globetrotter? Do you like when your blood runs cold and the hair on the back of your neck stands up? If so, then you may be one of those tourists who get a certain kick out of exploring allegedly haunted places, like spooky castles in Europe or abandoned asylums in the US.
But that’s not all. You may have visited some locations linked to tragedies (like Chornobyl, to make an example) and enjoyed learning more about the related events. Don’t let that guilt settle in your stomach, though — humans naturally crave knowledge. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world and the history we (luckily) didn’t witness, even if these stories can be too much to digest for some.
When it comes to traveling, we’re drawn to the uncommon and unusual things that give our destinations character and purpose — although they may be a little more than we bargained for. But this type of tourism isn’t always associated with tragedy or disaster. Sometimes it can just be a creepy place that gets your adrenaline going. And trust us, there are plenty of those out there!
Whether you’re into urban legends and haunted houses, spooky museums, ghost-filled graveyards, or more sensitive locations that are cemented in our minds for their tragic past — rest assured, you’ll find what you seek right here.
#21 Gettysburg Battlefield, Pennsylvania, USA
Gettysburg is the site of the Civil War’s bloodiest battle, with more than 50,000 estimated casualties, and a turning point for the conflict. Visitors are left with a sense of dread as they walk through its grounds and learn more about its history.
64points
#22 Burg Wolfsegg, Germany
Wolfsegg is a charming remote town in Germany, and you know what all charming remote towns have in common: their own peculiar castles that are rumored to be possessed! Burg Wolfsegg is an 800-year-old castle, apparently haunted by a “White Woman,” whom locals say frightens off any visitors who pass by.
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61points
#23 Fairmont Banff Springs, Canada
With its 135 years of grandeur, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel has welcomed guests from royalty to Hollywood stars. A famous urban legend about room 873 has become a staple among mystery hunters — but according to a staff member, who debunked the mystery, there are far creepier stories at Fairmont Banff Springs that people have never heard of.
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61points
#24 Akershus Fortress, Norway
Take a medieval castle, and make it spooky. That’s Akershus Fortress for you! It’s considered one of the scary places in Norway with the highest level of ghost activity, and this is more than enough reason for us to want to visit it.
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60points
#25 The Queen Mary, Long Beach, California, USA
The Queen Mary is a stately ship-turned-hotel in Long Beach, California. The ship was first christened in 1934 by Queen Mary herself and was retired in 1967. Following the Queen Mary’s permanent docking in California, people started to spread stories about the ship being haunted. Unfortunately, the hotel and its attractions are temporarily closed for repairs to keep it from sinking, so you’ll have to wait some more before visiting this creepy travel destination!
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58points
#26 Raynham Hall, Norfolk, England
This location provided possibly the most viral ghost photo of all time, the “Brown Lady” descending the staircase. For centuries, there have been unsettling suggestions of this ghostly figure in a brown dress wandering through the hallways of Raynham Hall. The haunting became famous when photographers from Country Life magazine claimed to have captured it on film.
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56points
#27 One If By Land, Two If By Sea, New York, USA
What is now a chic Manhattan restaurant housed in a landmark building was once Aaron Burr’s carriage house, a creepy location with a dark past of prostitution, unsolved disappearances, and death. It’s said there are more than 20 spirits in the building today — the most famous being those of its former owner, Aaron Burr, and his daughter Theodosia.
55points
#28 Sallie House, Kansas, USA
It can’t get creepier than this. Built in the 1800s, Sallie House is said to be haunted by the ghost of a girl named Sallie, who died there during an excruciating surgery for appendicitis. According to the story, Sallie’s mother brought her there because of severe abdominal pain. Dr. Charles Finney believed it was appendicitis and cut into her before the anesthetic took effect, killing her. The story hit the national spotlight after being featured on several paranormal TV shows.
52points
#29 Casa Loma, Toronto, Canada
Toronto has its own really majestic castle that legends say could actually be haunted. We can’t confirm the claims, but we know for sure that Casa Loma is a spectacular spot for visitors — and a favorite filming location for movies and TV shows as its Gothic architecture provides a unique backdrop.
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48points
#30 Bhangarh Fort, India
Bhangarh, one of Rajasthan’s most famous forts, is a magnet for ghostbusters and curious tourists who visit with one question in mind: Is it really haunted? There are several stories behind why this city turned into ruins overnight. Still, employees and locals say there’s nothing too spooky about the fort — the place gets unsafe for visitors after sunset only because of the wild animals. Still, the fort’s eerie aura attracts millions of tourists every year.
47points
