Haunted Houses Around the World You Can Visit: A Look at the Horrifyingly Mysterious
Have you ever wondered what the world’s most haunted houses are? Have you ever wanted to experience a real-life ghost story — a location steeped in ghostly lore and fear? Look no further, as this article will dive into the best and scariest haunted houses around the world that you can actually visit.
What is a Haunted House?
A haunted house is any structure or building that is said to be inhabited by supernatural forces or unseen entities. They are often used by storytellers and filmmakers as settings for eerie tales and horror films. As a superstitious basis, haunted houses have entered the world of legend and myth, playing an important role in lore and urban legend throughout history.
In some cases, haunted houses are real places where visitors claim to have had supernatural experiences — in others, they are simply intriguing places steeped in historical ghosts and lore that capture the imagination. Whether or not you believe in the hauntings or paranormal activity therein, one thing is for sure — these spooky spots offer chills and thrills for all.
History of Haunted Houses
The idea of haunted houses has existed for centuries, with the first recorded instances found in literature and written accounts from the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. Though these stories have mostly been forgotten or discarded over time, the idea of a haunted house became associated with the dark folklore of Europe in the Middle Ages.
The early 1800s brought about the rise of so-called “paranormal experts” who began investigating haunted houses and studying the eerie phenomenon. This period of time became known as the ‘Spiritual Awakening’ and saw various reports throughout Britain and Europe of ghost sightings, poltergeist activity, and hauntings.
Notables such as Charles Dickens, Florence Marryat and Arthur Conan Doyle added to the popularity of the paranormal with their own experiences and theories. By the late 19th century, spiritualism had become popular and intellectuals had developed loose theories to explain hauntings, such as the vibrations of a particular person’s death lingering in a certain area.
Noteworthy Examples of Haunted Houses Around the World
From dark and dilapidated castles soaked in eerie tales, to desperately eerie decrepit mansions and long-abandoned hotels, these places offer a unique and breath-taking atmospheric experience for thrill-seekers and horror fans alike. Without further ado, here is a list of the most horrifying haunted houses around the world that you can actually visit:
- Bran Castle, Romania
Known as the setting for Bram Stoker’s 1897 Gothic horror novel Dracula, Bran Castle sits atop a cliff overlooking the Transylvanian countryside. Guests report mysterious figures in the form of women, a phantom dog, and even the famous Count himself. This castle is a must-visit for horror fans and adventurers alike.
- Monte Cristo Homestead, Australia
One of the most haunted locations in Australia, the Monte Cristo Homestead was cited in the novel ‘Tales of the Australasiatic Region’ as being one of the most haunted buildings in the Southern Hemisphere. From reports of a mysterious woman in white, to ghostly children playing in the gardens and the screams of a mysterious woman in the middle of the night, this homestead is an unmissable destination.
- The Stanley Hotel, Colorado USA
The Stanley Hotel, located in Estes Park, Colorado, was the inspiration for Stephen King’s classic horror novel ‘The Shining’ and is one of the most famous haunted spots in the United States. With reports of the ghostly figure of the hotel’s founder, Mr. Stanley, wandering the halls, as well as mysterious giggles in the night and other mysterious happenings, this creepy destination will stay with you long after you leave.
- Chillingham Castle, England
Built by King John in 1246, Chillingham Castle is one of the most haunted locations in England and its passages and rooms have witnessed incredible horror and tragedy. From faint voices heard in the night, to the mysterious White Pantry Ghost, this castle is a truly terrifying location.
- Hell Fire Club, Ireland
The Hell Fire Club, located on Montpelier Hill near Dublin, Ireland, has had its fair share of hauntings and legends. It has been referred to as “Satan’s Seat” and even today, it is said to be the site of strange activity, especially in the area known as “The Forge”.
- Tower of London, England
The Tower of London is well known for its dark secrets and sinister past. From Anne Boleyn’s last walk to the site of the scaffold, to the mysterious bell that tolls at midnight on the anniversary of its death, this eerie fortress has seen bloody battles, gruesome tortures and gruesome executions.
- The Village of Castellfollit de la Roca, Spain
The Village of Castellfollit de la Roca in Spain has become famous for its ghostly activity. Locals report hearing strange noises in their homes and phantom figures appearing in their yards – all of which are said to be remnants of a string of tragic events that happened in the area hundreds of years ago.
Secret Tips for Visiting Haunted Houses
If you’re hoping to visit a haunted house in real life, here are five pieces of advice to keep in mind:
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Respect the Location: Haunted houses can often be locations with sensitive histories or dark stories behind them so be respectful of the property and those who are living or working at the house.
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Research Your Trip: Spend time reading about the house you plan to visit so that you know what to expect and have an idea as to the type of activity that has been reported.
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Preparation is Key: Make sure you take all the necessary supplies with you, such as a camera, tripod and any other equipment you may need during your investigation.
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Be Safe: Always inform someone of where you’ll be and when you’ll be back, and make sure you take basic precautions when entering and exploring a haunted house.
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Trust Your Instincts: The best and most important advice is to trust your gut. If you feel uncomfortable in any way, then it’s best to trust your intuition and leave the area.
Visiting haunted houses can be a thrilling experience, especially when you find yourself in a place with a long and dark history that is steeped in ghost stories and spooky lore. Whether you’re a fan of thrill-seeking or have a love for horror, the terrifying attractions on this list will surely become a highlight on your travel bucket list.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and brace yourself for a journey full of haunted surprises. Just remember to keep in mind the tips mentioned in this article and you’ll surely have a safe and memorable experience.
