It's October, which means we're officially into the spooky season! 🎃 While most people are busy decorating their front porches with jack-o'-lanterns and fall garlands, I've been curating a list of spooky stops for travelers in search of a bit of creepiness year-round.
There are eerie places all over the world, but Europe seems to take the top spot when it comes to creepy spots on the map… Europe, are you okay?! Since European nations have a stronghold on the hair-raising options, this blog article is dedicated to four European countries and their chilling itinerary possibilities.
As you scroll through this article, beware of the scariest thing of all: planning your trip without the guidance of a travel advisor! 👻
ROMANIA | HAUNTED FORESTS & MORE
Romania might not be at the top of travel lists like its more popular European neighbors, but it should be! Known for its stunning landscapes, Romania is a blend of medieval charm and rich folklore. From the haunting legends of Transylvania to the vibrant capital of Bucharest, it's a country full of history and mystery.
Suggested Spooky Stops:
👻 Hoia-Baciu Forest: Known as the "World's Most Haunted Forest," Hoia-Baciu is infamous for its paranormal activity, from ghost sightings to unexplained lights. Visitors report feelings of dread as they wander through its dense, twisted trees. Make it extra chilling: go on a night tour… if you dare.
👻 Bran Castle: Perched high in the Carpathian Mountains, Bran Castle is steeped in dark legends, most notably as the inspiration for Dracula’s lair. Its Gothic architecture and eerie history make it a spine-chilling stop for any traveler.
Pro-Tip: You can get a guided tour of Bran Castle and Sighisoara ("Dracula's Birthplace") when you book the Transylvania land package on AmaWaterways Gems of Southeast Europe or Grand Danube River Cruises.
FRANCE | CATACOMBS & CASTLES
You know you're going to find croissants in France, but what about creepy castles and catacombs? The Olympic crowds may have been frightening, but here are some truly hair-raising options for your “just-a-bit-spooky” itinerary:
Suggested Spooky Stops:
👻 The Catacombs of Paris: Hidden beneath the streets of Paris, the Catacombs house the bones of over six million people in a subterranean maze. This eerie and historic ossuary is a haunting reminder of the city’s past.
👻 Château de Brissac: Known as the "Giant of the Loire Valley," Château de Brissac is not only the tallest castle in France but also one of the most haunted. The spirit of the "Green Lady," said to be the ghost of a noblewoman murdered in the castle, is frequently spotted wandering its halls.
SCOTLAND | LABYRINTHS & VAULTS
The word labyrinth just screams creepy, don't you agree? Scotland is famous for its rugged landscapes and ancient castles, making it a slam dunk for spookiness.
Suggested Spooky Stops:
👻 Edinburgh Vaults: Beneath the bustling streets of Edinburgh lie the haunted vaults, a series of dark chambers once home to body snatchers, criminals, and the city's poor. Ghost sightings and eerie encounters are common in this atmospheric underground.
👻 Mary King’s Close: Beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, Mary King’s Close is a labyrinth of narrow streets and hidden rooms once abandoned during the plague. Ghostly sightings, including the famous spirit of a little girl named Annie, make this underground close one of Edinburgh’s spookiest spots.
Pro-Tip: Let's work together to build your trip with our Ireland and Scotland destination experts, Brendan Vacations. From guided tours to fully customizable independent vacations, each travel style includes unique accommodations, quality transportation, and iconic as well as exclusive sightseeing. The breadth of options available offer something for every type of traveler and every occasion.
PORTUGAL | SKULLS & SINTRA
Portugal may be chock-full of beautiful tiles and cobblestone streets, but if you're in search of a touch of eeriness, you're in luck. Here are a few spooky stops to consider for your visit to this Southern European country.
Suggested Spooky Stops:
👻 Chapel of Bones: The Chapel of Bones in Évora is a hauntingly beautiful yet unsettling site, with its walls lined with human skulls and bones. It’s a macabre masterpiece, built as a stark reminder of life’s fragility.
👻 Quinta da Regaleira: This ornate Gothic estate, with its mystical gardens and underground tunnels, has an eerie atmosphere tied to occult symbols and secret Masonic rituals. The Initiation Well, a spiral staircase descending into the ground, feels like something out of a dark fairy tale.
No trip planned? Now that's scary 😱 If you're ready to begin building your perfectly-normal or oh-so-spooky itinerary, begin by clicking the button below to start planning!
