INFORMATION VINE * The Scariest Places in the World That You Can Visit *.

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Every country has at least one place that will haunt its locals for generations, and the tales are often retold as Halloween approaches. From out-of-this-world catacombs and eerie forests, to grand castles and mysterious islands, the world is definitely filled with haunting stories to tell. 


For many years, grotesque histories, unexplained events, and paranormal sightings around the world have left us with more questions and mystery. Whether or not its true, these spooky places will surely give you the chills. Take a look at the world's most haunted and terrifying places that you may want to visit (if you dare).

Hoia Baciu Forest, Clij-Napoca, Romania

UFO sightings and unexplained lights. Mysterious disappearances. Unusual sensations and physical harm. Ghost sightings and puzzling apparitions in photographs. These are some of the common experiences of travelers who visited the Hoia-Baciu Forest. 



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Aside from its notorious paranormal manifestations, this 250-hectare forest is covered with eerily shaped trees that add to its unnerving atmosphere. Considered as the world's most haunted forest, locals claim that it's haunted by peasants who were killed there. Disturbing stories of trapped souls make this place one of the most terrifying places on earth.

Island of the Dolls, Mexico

A tiny island packed with creepy-looking dolls is not for the faint of heart. Isla de las Muñecas or Island of the Dolls looks like a perfect horror movie setting. Filled with dolls and doll parts hanging from trees, this used to be the residence of the island's caretaker named Julian Santa Barrera. 



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After finding the body of a drowned girl and her doll in a nearby canal, he collected dolls in the hopes of warding off evil spirits. Locals say that the dolls, reportedly moving and whispering at night, are still haunted by the spirit of the girl.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Along with its rich history dating back in the 12th century, this famous castle also has a colorful paranormal saga to tell. Numerous reports of ghost sightings have lingered in this fortress, including ghosts of prisoners kept in the castle's dungeon, a headless drummer tasked to strike his drum when the castle was in danger, and a dog wandering in the castle's pet cemetery. 



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In 2001, a team of scientists who investigated the castle reported paranormal activities like being tugged at their clothes and a sudden drop in temperature.

Poveglia Island, Italy

At first glance, Poveglia looks like a tourist attraction like its neighboring canals of Venice. But this small island remains abandoned because of its history and its fame for being haunted. Also known as Plague Island, it served as a quarantine zone for people suffering from the plague in the 14th century. 



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Poveglia was then turned into a mental asylum during the 1800s. Patients were said to be experimented on and tortured. The island was closed for good when a doctor threw himself off the bell tower. Locals claim that the island is still cursed with ghosts and mysterious noises.

Davelis' Cave, Greece

Located on Mount Penteli, Davelis' Cave or Pan's Cave have gained its notoriety since the 1800s when reports of unexplained events first began. During ancient times, its chamber was said to be used as a place to hold ceremonies dedicated to their god, Pan. 



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Archaeologists excavated ceramics from the mountain that depict the ancient god and his nymphs, showing a long-standing connection between the site and the god. Mysterious visitor experiences, black magic rituals, UFO sightings and disappearances of tourists have given this cave a reputation for the supernatural.

Valley of the Kings, Egypt

The legendary curse of ancient Egyptian burial sites continue to haunt tourist attractions like the Valley of Kings. Visitors are warned that they might possess the mummies' curse of misfortune for those who dare to enter. Ancient tales report that pharaohs cursed their tombs to ward off tomb robbers. 



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In 1922, several members of an expedition team allegedly died after opening King Tutankhamun's tomb. Adventurous tourists still visit this valley but some have reported seeing an Egyptian pharaoh riding a chariot drawn by black horses.

Leap Castle, Coolderry, Ireland

This Irish castle has been around since the 13th century. Aside from its preserved structure, its disturbing stories of gruesome deaths have also lived on. According to legend, one member killed his brother, a priest, who was holding mass in the castle's chapel. Now called the Bloody Chapel, locals believe that the room is still haunted by the priest. 



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In the 1900s, numerous human skeletons were found in the castle's secret dungeon. The dungeon was reportedly designed with a trap door for prisoners to fall off and have their lungs punctured by wooden spikes.

Bhangarh Fort, India

This beautiful archaeological site is considered India's most haunted fort. Built in the 17th century, this marvelous citadel has long been deserted because of its dark past. Locals believe that the fort was cursed by a wizard named Singhia after being rejected by princess Ratnavati. 



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After condemning all of its inhabitants to death, it has been known as the House of Ghosts. You may still visit the ruins of this site, but do not dare to stay here after dark. Locals claim that anyone who spends the night here will never be seen again.

The Death Railway, Thailand

The Burma Railway, also known as Death Railway, is believed to be haunted by the spirits of its poor construction workers. Around 250,000 civilian laborers and 61,000 World War II prisoners were forced by the Japanese to build this 415-kilometer railway in 1942. About 100,000 workers reportedly died while suffering from torture. 



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Laborers worked in extreme and cruel conditions including long work hours, punishment, short food supply, and scarce tools. The construction of this railway was vital for the Japanese Empire's weapon supply, effectively linking their territories from Ban Pong, Thailand to Thanbyuzayat, Burma. 

The Separate Prison, Port Arthur, Tasmania

Imagine hundreds of hooded inmates wandering this abandoned prison at night. Will you dare to tour this haunted place? This former prison is open for tourists who are brave enough to explore the site. This 18th century convict settlement is notorious for its cells where convicts were punished with solitary confinement. 



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All inmates were not allowed to talk and they had to wear hoods when not in their cells. Many of them were rumored to develop mental illnesses from the seclusion. 1,646 bodies were reportedly buried on the tiny landmass called Isle of the Dead.

Hill of Crosses, Lithuania

More than 100,000 crosses adorn this hill and can send chills down your spine. The exact origin of the tradition of placing crosses on this hillside still remains a mystery. During the medieval period, crosses were said to symbolize Lithuanian's desire for independence. Another legend says that the 1831 peasant uprising inspired locals to place crosses in memory of dead rebels. 



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During the Soviet Union occupation, religion was banned and the hill was bulldozed by the authorities. The locals defiantly rebuilt the site and since gaining their independence in 1991, locals continue their pilgrimage and add more crosses on the hill.

Suicide Forest, Japan

Located on the foot of Mount Fuji, Aokigahara forest has long been associated with ghosts and demons in Japanese literature and mythology. During the 19th century, elders were said to be abandoned to die in this remote location. 



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Locals believe that it's haunted by the sad spirits of those who were left behind to perish. Adding to its dark history, it started becoming known as "Suicide Forest" in the 1950s with over 500 reports of suicides in this site. Hikers in this area also report that they easily get lost and have unexplained feelings of anxiety.

Čachtice Castle, Slovakia

Čachtice Castle was the home of Guinness Book of World Records' most prolific female murderer ever—Countess Elizabeth Báthory. She became known as the “Bloody Lady” and “Countess Dracula” because of her long list of grotesque crimes committed against young women. 



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She was accused of torturing, mutilating, and burying her servants alive. More than 600 women were allegedly tortured and killed, making her known as the world's most prolific serial killer. Transylvania's once historic castle has surely turned into a haunted attraction, after its countess' unbelievable sinister crimes.

The Catacombs, Paris, France

The City of Love can also be the setting for one of the most petrifying places in the world. Beneath the French capital, the 200-mile chilling underground tunnels and crypts can also be found. The sight of bones of more than six million people will surely scare you out of your wits. 



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Originally built to alleviate the city's overflowing cemeteries, the Paris Catacombs is now a famous attraction to explore the spooky Parisian underworld. Just be sure to don your bravest face as the passageways were reported to be haunted by the spirits of the dead.

Teatro Tapia, San Juan, Puerto Rico

This theater is not just famous for its plays, shows, and concerts. Puerto Rico's old stage is also known for its paranormal activities. The stalls are said to be haunted by the spirit of an actress who died while performing in this theater. Some visitors claim that she can still be heard singing on the stage. 



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There are also reports of mysterious footsteps, ghosts wandering everywhere, doors slamming shut backstage, and an unknown choir of voices. And while these stories can be terrifying, this venue still hosts different events year-round.

Höfði House, Reykjavik, Iceland

The Höfði House has hosted many famous figures over the years, including Ronald Regan, Michael Gorbachev, Queen Elizabeth, and Winston Churchill. But legend has it that this house's location used to be a Viking burial site. Locals claim that the liquor cabinet of the house is often raided by Nordic spirits. 



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The house even gained more paranormal notoriety when an ambassador experienced distress after seeing "The White Lady." The troubled ambassador eventually convinced the British consulate to sell the house.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Canada

This picturesque hotel also dubbed as "The Castle in the Rockies" looks marvelous by the Rocky Mountains in Banff National Park. But this famous railway hotel cannot escape its eerie reputation. 



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Sightings of a bride who fell down the staircase after her dress caught fire, a bellman dressed in his '60s uniform, and a family who was killed in this hotel have made this place one of the most haunted spots in Canada. But even with its paranormal infamy, this luxurious resort still continues to draw visitors year-round.

Forbidden City, Beijing, China

Who would have thought that Beijing's famous tourist destination, the Forbidden City, also has paranormal tales to tell? China's former imperial palace has actually been a favorite among supernatural enthusiasts and ghost hunters. 



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This 600-year-old palace has witnessed several deaths including executions ordered by emperors and murders from jealous feats between concubines. Phantom sightings of a sobbing white lady is the most notorious paranormal account. The palace, now turned into a museum, has been open to the public since the 1940s.

The Black Hills Forest (Blair Witch Forest), Burkittsville, USA

The Blair Witch Project still remains as one of the scariest horror movies of all time. But did you know that this film was inspired by an eerie place called The Black Hills Forest? Local tribes believe that this mystical forest has long been haunted. Adding to its scare factor is the terrifying tale of a missing 8-year-old in 1886. 



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A search party who attempted to look for the boy was reported to be found disemboweled on a rock, now called Coffin Rock. Legends claim that the Blair Witch was responsible for this disturbing incident.

Sedlec Ossuary, Kutná Hora, Czech Republic

A church full of bones does not seem to be an ideal place of worship, but this chapel still continues to draw crowds due to its unique decor. In the early 1300s, an abbot of the Sedlec Monastery reportedly scattered holy soil from Jerusalem across the church's cemetery, making it a coveted burial spot for the locals' departed loved ones. 



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The sacred ground soon became overpopulated and the abbots decided to commission a local Czech woodcarver to artfully arrange more than 50,000 human skeletons as the interior of the structure.

Tower of London, England

The Tower of London probably has the most famous royal ghost residents. The ghosts of Queen Anne Boleyn, twin brothers Edward V and Richard, and Mary, Queen of Scots have long been associated with the tower's colorful history. 



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The city's former prison was the site of numerous executions, espionage and torture including the decapitation of Queen Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey. Old legends claim that their headless ghosts continue to haunt this place. Countless other apparitions continue to be reported, making it one of Europe's most haunted places.

Beelitz-Heilstätten Hospital, Germany

This old and eerie German hospital looks like a set straight from a horror film. This abandoned complex used to be a tuberculosis sanatorium and an army hospital during World War I. 



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The young Adolf Hitler was reported to be treated here when he was wounded in the war. The 60-building complex also became a military hospital for Nazi soldiers during World War II and the Soviet armies in the 1940s. The abandoned rooms and corridors of this large complex can easily scare anyone.

Xunantunich, Belize

This Mayan ruin is not just an impressive archaeological site. Also known as a hotbed of paranormal apparitions, this ancient city has its fair share of haunting legends too. If only people could record the age of phantoms, this place is probably a strong contender for its oldest ghost. 



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The ruins are said to be haunted by a black-haired woman dressed in white. Dubbed as the "Stone Woman" or Xunantunich, the ghost is reported to have red glowing eyes. Many people say that the Stone Lady was a victim of a human sacrifice ritual performed on top of the pyramid.

Larnach Castle, New Zealand

Larnach Castle's haunted reputation has placed this grandeur as one of the world's spookiest places. Built in 1871, it took more than 200 workers and three years to construct this beauty. Its owner William Larnach made sure that it was built with the finest materials around the world. 



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But tragedy soon hit him when his daughter, first wife and second wife died from illnesses. Soon after, he discovered his son's relationship with his third wife. He eventually took his own life but it seems that his soul is not yet in peace, with reports of his apparitions to this day.

Tuol Sleng, Cambodia

This haunted place in Cambodia speaks of its dark sad history. Initially built as a school, Tuol Sleng was then turned into a prison where detainees were said to be brutally tortured during Pol Pot's reign of terror. 



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Around 20,000 to 30,000 inmates were reported to be killed in this facility. Guised as a 're-education' center, the Khmer Rouge used it to push communism in Cambodia. This eerie place still serves as a harrowing reminder of the Cambodian genocide and Khmer Rouge's brutal rule.

The Haunted Vicarage, Sweden

Would you spend a night in the most haunted house in the Nordic region? This spooky vicarage turned into a bed and breakfast has countless spine-tingling stories to reveal, but guests who are adventurous enough to stay for one night can have bragging rights of a lifetime. This inn will actually reward you with a certificate of bravery. 



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But before heading here, be sure to read about its paranormal stories. From sightings of a long dark male figure running in the dining area to strange sounds and moving objects, the haunted house is definitely only meant for the brave!

Akershus Fortress, Norway

Oslo, Norway's most haunted place is also up in contention for the world's most terrifying place. Akershus Fortress used to be a royal residence and military base. 



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Aside from its rich past and fascinating history, this medieval castle is rumored to be the home of a demon dog named Malcanisen who's said to guard the gates of the castle. The mysterious ghost of a woman with no facial features named Mantelgeisten is also reportedly seen often inside the castle's chambers.

Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, USA

Philadelphia’s Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous prison in the world with notorious criminals like Al Capone listed as one of its inmates. Its 142 years of history is tainted with harrowing tales of solitary confinement and severe punishment. Countless reports of paranormal happenings make this one of the most haunted places in the United States. 



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Footsteps in the yards, wails in the corridors, and strange figures are some of the rumored paranormal activities in this penitentiary. Now, thousands of visitors tour this place for its museum and Halloween events.

La Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Evita Perón may not be the only popular figure buried in La Recoleta Cemetery. Aside from Argentina's iconic figure, David Alleno, the cemetery's former grave-digger and caretaker for 30 years, became famous after killing himself. Local legend holds that Alleno's ghost walks the cemetery's pathways at dawn. 



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Apart from strange apparitions, the eerie atmosphere surrounding 6,400 statues, mausoleums, coffins, Masonic symbols, striking religious icons, and tombstones in baroque and Neo-Gothic architectural styles make Buenos Aires' first public cemetery on top of Argentina's scariest places.