Why do people love haunted places?
Whether it is a scary forest or a creepy old building, there is an allure to spooky places that makes them exciting places to visit. For some, visiting haunted places is like an adventure, an adrenaline rush for others, myself included, it is a scary yet tempting experience!
Some of the most haunted places in the world are also stunningly beautiful, and the caveat is that you may have to endure a scare to explore their eerie beauty. Check out our list of the scariest places on earth and get inspiration for your next spooky getaway.
What are the most haunted places in the world?
Bhangarh Fort, Alwar District, India
Located around 150 miles (around 242 kilometers) from Delhi, the Bhangarh Fort — built by Raja Bhagwant Singh in 1573 AD, is probably one of the most haunted places in the world. Entry here is prohibited after sunset and before sunrise. According to a local legend, a sadhu who lived within the fort area was adamant that any houses built in the precincts of the fort should not be taller than his house. His ghost can still be seen wandering in the area.
Another folklore suggests that a wizard fell in love with a Bhangarh princess in the 17th century who did not love him back and accidently ended up crushing him to death with a big rock and they say that the wizard’s spirit still haunts the fort.
Tower of London, London, England
Regularly topping lists of the most haunted places in the world, the Tower of London was used as a prison for over 900 years. During this time, it saw its fair share of tragedy as many famous figures let out their last breath inside the castle walls. Since then, ghosts of English royalty such as Edward V and his brother Richard have been spotted aimlessly wandering the halls.
Tao Dan Park, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Tao Dan Park isn’t a creepy forest. In fact, the flower-laden gardens are an oasis in such a busy city. Legend has it that a man and his girlfriend were frolicking in the park, only to be attacked. The man was murdered, and his girlfriend assaulted. Locals still spot the ghost of a young man wandering the park at night. When I lived in Vietnam, I walked through the park at night but never got a glimpse of the ghost.
Akershus Fortress, Oslo, Norway
For one of the most haunted places in the world, Akershus is stunning. It was occupied by the Nazis, after serving as a stronghold for Oslo. Then it served as a base for executions. Sightings of a woman with no facial features making her way around the grounds have spooked the locals. A demonic dog called Malcanisen has also been seen guarding the gates.
Aughrim Battlefield, County Galway, Ireland
Surrounded by swathes of haunted forests, the Aughrim battlefield was home to the massacre of the Jacobite army. In 1961, the blood of the military streamed down the hillside as soldiers lay in piles. Since then, the screams of the soldiers can still be heard after dark. To get a glimpse of one of the most haunted places in the world, you’ll have to head 100 miles east of Dublin.
The Catacombs, Paris, France
Built to cope with the city’s overflowing cemeteries, I think the Catacombs in Paris has to be one of the scariest places on earth. Miles of underground tunnels form the final resting place for over six million Parisians, and the dead are said to haunt the pits because of the lack of honor that was shown to them at their burial. People have reported the touch of invisible hands, as well as being strangled by ghosts.
Forbidden City, Beijing, China
It’s hard to imagine haunted places existing in such populated areas, but the Forbidden City is downright terrifying. Located in the heart of Beijing, it has had ghost sightings since the 40s. Those searching for a scare often spot a lady in white or ghost dogs running through the outer corridors.
Aokigahara Forest, Japan
Steeped in mystery, Aokigahara is as scary as it is tragic. Situated a short bus ride from Mt Fuji, the creepy forest is shrouded in Japanese mythology and said to be home to many yūrei, or ghosts. In an unfortunate turn of events, the wood has become known as “suicide forest” as many choose it as the spot to take their own life. Residents claim they can hear their spirits scream through the night.
Lawang Sewu, Semarang, Indonesia
During World War II, Lawang Sewu was repurposed from a railway building to become a prison. One of the most haunted places in the building is the basement “B,” the central storage place for prisoners.
The most seen spirit is of a Dutch woman who reportedly committed suicide in the building. Other ghouls include the headless ghosts that are seen wandering the grounds. The building is located in the center of Semarang.
Isla de las Muñecas, Mexico
After finding the body of a girl in one of the local canals, Don Julian Santa began hanging horror movie type dolls in the surrounding haunted forest in memory. By 2001, Don had hung hundreds of toy dolls only to meet his demise by drowning in the same canal.
Known as the Island of the dead dolls, the mysterious island is a four and half hour round trip from Embarcadero Cuemanco ferry terminal.
Should you visit haunted places or haunted forests?
Deciding on whether to take a trip to one of the scariest places on earth can be a big decision by itself. But you also have to consider whether you want to visit a cursed forest or a haunted building. If I’m scared, I’d rather be indoors, but for those outdoor enthusiasts among you, fresh air may help with the fear.
