The 11 Scariest Abandoned Places in Europe!

Gather your courage as we take you on a tour of Europe’s 11 most terrifying abandoned places! Haunted castles, cursed islands, and eerie ghost towns… Dare to enter?

Ghosts, mysterious disappearances, and unexplained phenomena... Sounds like a horror movie, doesn’t it? But these stories aren’t exclusive to the world of cinema! All across Europe, there are abandoned places where time seems to have stopped and eerie whispers can be heard at night. If the idea of walking through a deserted castle at night or exploring islands that once served as the final refuge for plague victims excites you, then you’re in the right place!

But wait—don’t forget to bring a flashlight! This list isn’t meant for the ordinary traveler, but for adrenaline-loving, brave explorers. Here are Europe’s creepiest abandoned places... Do you have the courage to visit them at night?

1. Poveglia Island, Italy – The Cursed Island of the Plague

Poveglia Island, Italy

Poveglia Island is perhaps the most famous among Italy’s creepiest places! Located in the middle of the Venetian Lagoon, it looks as if it has stepped right out of a horror film. But what really makes this place terrifying is not just its abandonment, but its dark past. In the 18th century, during the plague outbreak, Poveglia was used as a quarantine island—nearly 160,000 people met their final fate here. Those who were brought here rarely made it back...

But the story doesn’t end there! At the beginning of the 20th century, the island was used as an insane asylum. According to legends, the experiments carried out here and the tragedies that occurred were so horrifying that the screams of the patients still echo today. One legend even tells of the head doctor who, claiming that the spirits drove him insane, jumped from the tower one night. And guess what happened? Although his death was reported, the nurses still claim to hear his strangled cries.

Today, visiting Poveglia Island is legally prohibited. Yet, illegal tours are organized and some brave explorers still try to visit. If you’re thinking of going, be sure to bring a strong light source! Many people report hearing footsteps in the dead of night and feeling as though something is watching them. The number of those who claim to have seen ghosts is astonishing!

So, would you dare to visit this cursed island? Or are you one of those who prefer to watch from afar and say “That’s enough for me”?

2. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland – The Castle of Ghosts and Dark History

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

This magnificent castle, which towers over Scotland’s capital Edinburgh, is not only a tourist magnet but is also known as one of Britain’s creepiest places. Edinburgh Castle has witnessed centuries of battles, executions, and sieges, filling it with ghost stories. If you’re ready to get acquainted with the eerie side of history, this is the place for you!

The castle is especially famous for its dungeons and the Dark Prisoners’ Area. According to legends, the ghosts of executed prisoners still wander among the cold stone walls of the castle. One of the most famous ghosts is known as the Bagpiping Soldier. Legend has it that this soldier was once sent to explore the tunnels beneath the castle and never returned. Yet, some visitors claim to have heard the sound of bagpipes at night!

If you believe in paranormal events, The Stone Room might be just for you. This room is regarded as the center of many supernatural events in the castle. Visitors report sudden cold drafts, whispering voices, and at times the sensation that an unseen presence is touching them. Who knows, perhaps a prisoner is still seeking freedom?

Another dark aspect of the castle is the legend of the Black Dog. Said to be guarded by the spirits of ancient Scottish warriors, this black dog roams the castle courtyard at night, leaving some visitors with an inexplicable feeling. If you plan to join a night tour, you might want to pack an extra dose of courage!

3. Beelitz Heilstätten, Germany – The Cursed Hospital Where Hitler Was Treated

Beelitz Heilstätten, Germany

Beelitz Heilstätten is a massive hospital complex near Berlin that dates back to the 19th century. Originally built for the treatment of tuberculosis patients, this facility was also used as a care center for wounded soldiers during the First and Second World Wars. What truly makes this place famous (and frightening) is that Adolf Hitler was treated here in 1916. Who knows, perhaps the walls of the hospital still hide some of the dark secrets from those years...

Today, Beelitz Heilstätten is abandoned and reclaimed by nature—resembling a film set straight out of a horror movie. Many who wander through it report hearing knocking sounds from empty rooms, sudden bursts of cold air, and inexplicable whispers. Moreover, this place attracts not only tourists but also paranormal researchers and ghost hunters. If you’re thinking of staying here alone at night, you might find yourself accompanied by a few “invisible patients”!

Among the most eerie parts of the hospital are its old operating theaters and deserted corridors. Many visitors encounter rusty operating tables, abandoned wheelchairs, and an overwhelming feeling that time has stopped. Legends say that the spirits of some patients who once lost their lives here still roam the halls. Some claim to have seen the shadow of a doctor in a white coat, while others report moving shadows from room to room. If you dare, you can walk down the corridor to see what awaits you at the end… if you’re lucky enough to find your way back!

If you want to experience a truly terrifying encounter, consider visiting Beelitz Heilstätten on a night tour. But remember, this isn’t always an officially open tourist area, so venturing in without a guide can be risky. If you’re lucky, you might just become an unwitting listener to a whisper lost in time as you wander among the silent walls of the old hospital!

4. Mir Castle, Belarus – The Castle of Wars and Curses

Mir Castle, Belarus[/caption> One of Belarus’s most impressive historical buildings, Mir Castle was built in the 16th century and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While it may look like a fairytale castle from the outside, its past is filled with wars, sieges, and tragedies. For years, fierce conflicts took place here between powers such as the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Russian Empire, and Nazi Germany. Every stone of this castle holds a secret, making it both abandoned and eerily fascinating. Legend has it that the ghost of a warrior who once guarded the castle still roams its halls. At night, you might hear footsteps echoing through empty corridors, sudden door slams, and inexplicable gusts of wind in windless areas—just some of the paranormal phenomena frequently encountered by visitors. Some claim to have heard whispers emanating from ancient dungeons, while others report seeing shadowy figures in the towers. Perhaps the fallen soldiers of past wars are still searching for a way to find peace for their souls. Mir Castle is not only famous for its ghost stories but also for its secret passageways. Legend has it that there are escape tunnels and hidden rooms beneath the castle. Many of these tunnels remain undiscovered, and some believe that they still hold ancient treasures or terrible secrets. If you’re a history and archaeology enthusiast, this place offers you not only spine-chilling moments but also the chance to wander through the darkest corridors of history! Today, Mir Castle can be visited with guided tours. However, entering at night is a challenge for the brave. If you’re ready to follow the traces of the past and perhaps encounter an unexpected surprise, try taking a nocturnal stroll around Mir Castle. Who knows, maybe a shadow will accompany you! 5. Château de Noisy, Belgium – The Fairytale Castle in the Middle of the Forest [caption id="attachment_2918" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Château de Noisy, Belgium

Château de Noisy, one of Belgium’s most enchanting yet eerie structures—also known as the Miranda Castle—was built in 1866 by a French aristocratic family. Originally designed as a luxurious summer residence, it later served as an orphanage and, during World War II, as a hospital under Nazi occupation. Although it is now completely abandoned and reclaimed by nature, even its ruins are enough to captivate anyone.

The castle, with its neo-Gothic architecture, soaring towers, and the dense forest that surrounds it, offers visitors a truly fairytale atmosphere. However, the stories told here don’t always have a happy ending. Visitors frequently mention hearing footsteps at night and whispers echoing through the corridors. Legend has it that the spirits of the children who once lived here when it was an orphanage still roam its rooms. Some adventurous souls who dare to explore in the dark report that doors close on their own and mysterious shadows suddenly appear in the windows. Who knows, perhaps one of the former residents still lives here!

Over time, the Château de Noisy has fallen into a state of severe disrepair due to neglect, vandalism, and the elements. In 2017, demolition work began for safety reasons, yet it still continues to attract paranormal tourists and photographers. If you love exploring Europe’s creepiest abandoned places, this castle should definitely be on your list.

A small word of caution for those wishing to visit: Official entry is prohibited because the structure is dangerously dilapidated. However, that hasn’t stopped curious explorers! If you want to see it, you can take a walk in the surrounding forest and admire the castle’s majestic ruins from afar. But be careful—it is said that spending a night here requires real courage!

6. Bodiam Castle, England – The Fairytale Castle in the Shadow of War

Bodiam Castle, England

One of the best-preserved medieval castles in England, Bodiam Castle appears to have stepped right out of a storybook. Built in 1385, this castle was originally designed as a defensive stronghold against French invasions. With its broad moat, imposing towers, and massive stone walls, it was constructed like a war machine and has witnessed many sieges and battles over the centuries.

But it would be unfair to remember Bodiam Castle only for its war history, as it is also full of legends. According to lore, during the construction of the castle, Lord Edward Dalyngrigge performed a ritual in which the workers’ blood was shed—hence the belief that the castle is guarded by ghosts. Nighttime visitors report hearing echoes of footsteps in the empty corridors and mysterious mists forming in the moat. Some even claim to have seen the ghost of a woman in white by the water’s edge. Who she was remains a mystery, but those who recount the tale certainly seem quite frightened!

The castle is also a popular spot for medieval ghost hunters. Paranormal researchers claim that the site is filled with echoes of the past and that the spirits of the knights still guard the castle. If you happen to hear the heavy clanging of a knight’s armor at night or feel a sudden chill in the air, rest assured you are not alone!

Today, Bodiam Castle is one of England’s most visited castles, and thanks to guided tours, you can experience its historical atmosphere. If you plan to visit, don’t miss the sunset—because at dusk, the castle transforms into a place that is both romantic and eerie. And of course, don’t forget to bring a flashlight—perhaps the shadows of the past will wave hello!

7. Cité de Carcassonne, France – The Mysterious Medieval City

Cité de Carcassonne, France

Cité de Carcassonne is known as one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the south of France, this enchanting city, with its stone walls, narrow streets, and majestic towers, is like a gateway to the past. However, this stunning historical structure takes on a completely different atmosphere after sunset! Carcassonne is famous not only for its beauty but also for its eerie legends.

Legends say that the city’s stone walls have witnessed centuries of battles, betrayal, and executions. So if you suddenly feel a cold breeze on your back while walking, it might not just be the weather… perhaps the ghost of one of Carcassonne’s former inhabitants is greeting you! Areas such as the Basilica of Saint Nazaire and the ancient cemetery, where the graves of knights from the Crusades lie, are known to be hotspots for paranormal activity.

To truly feel the mysterious atmosphere of Carcassonne, you can join a night tour. However, be warned: wandering through its dark streets may make you feel like you’re on a medieval film set! Visitors report hearing footsteps coming from the castle stairs, church bells tolling by themselves, and even cries echoing from the dungeons. If you dare, take a walk through the narrow streets at night—perhaps a shadow will accompany you!

Today, Carcassonne attracts both tourists and paranormal enthusiasts. You can follow the traces of medieval knights, lose yourself in its narrow stone lanes, and explore the castle where old legends resonate. Just remember to keep your phone charged, because sometimes… things mysteriously disappear!

8. Abandoned Sanatorium, Greece – An Abandoned Hospital

Abandoned Sanatorium, Greece

This sanatorium, one of the creepiest places in Greece, was built at the beginning of the 20th century for the treatment of tuberculosis patients. As treatment methods were quite primitive at that time, most of the patients brought here unfortunately did not survive. Over time, the sanatorium closed and nature took over the abandoned building. Today, it is known as a ghost hospital filled with rotting beds, rusty IV stands, and old medical equipment.

It is said that the sanatorium becomes even more terrifying at night. Visitors describe hearing clicking sounds from empty rooms, raspy breaths from the depths, and occasionally echoing screams. According to legends, the spirits of those who lost their lives here still wander the halls and sometimes pursue the visitors! Many paranormal researchers who have come to examine the place claim that they detected unexplainable shadows and sudden temperature changes on their cameras.

The most frightening area of the sanatorium is the old morgue in the basement. Although many of the once cold rooms are now in ruins, it is known that hundreds of people took their last breath here. If you muster your courage, you can descend and explore the old operating theaters and abandoned patient rooms. But be cautious—some visitors report feeling a light touch on their shoulder or even being pushed toward the exit. The only way to truly know if you’re alone is to spend the night here!

Although official entry is now prohibited, this sanatorium remains a popular spot for adventurers. If you want to explore one of Europe’s creepiest abandoned hospitals, this place should definitely be on your list. But a word of caution: if you plan to stay here alone at night, make sure to check that the last exit is open!

9. Fairy Castle, Poland – A Castle Lost in the Depths of the Forest

Fairy Castle, Poland[/caption> One of Poland’s most mysterious structures, the Fairy Castle, looks as if it has stepped right out of a fairytale. Located near Zamość and surrounded by dense forests, this castle has been forgotten over time and surrendered to nature. While it exudes a mystical atmosphere during the day, at night it becomes much more eerie and mysterious. Its Gothic architecture and ivy-clad walls both enchant and unsettle visitors. Legend has it that this castle was built in the Middle Ages as a hunting lodge by nobles, but over time, dark events unfolded here. It is said that the castle’s residents plotted against each other and that even some servants mysteriously disappeared. Today, adventurous visitors claim that the ghosts of the former owners still roam the halls. At night, the footsteps echoing through the corridors, doors that open and close by themselves, and strange whispers from the forest make Fairy Castle an undeniably creepy place. One of the most intriguing features of Fairy Castle is its mysterious passageways and hidden rooms in the towers. It is believed that these passages were used as escape routes during the castle’s construction in the Middle Ages. However, as no map has ever fully revealed these secret tunnels, it is said that there are still undiscovered hidden rooms inside. If you’re brave enough, you can embark on a midnight exploration—but be careful, as some say that time stops and you lose your way inside this castle! Today, Fairy Castle is a popular destination for paranormal researchers, horror enthusiasts, and photographers. However, it is not officially open to visitors because the structure is very old and at risk of collapse. Nevertheless, for those who chase mysteries, this is definitely a place worth seeing! If you’d like to enter a castle that looks like a fairytale on the outside but hides nightmares within, this one is just for you. But a word of warning: if you hear footsteps behind you while walking in the forest, do not dare to look back! 10. The Ghost Town of Craco, Italy – Where Time Stands Still [caption id="attachment_2923" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The Ghost Town of Craco, Italy[/caption> Craco is a ghost town in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, famous for its history and tragic past. This medieval village was once a bustling settlement. However, due to landslides, earthquakes, and economic collapse, it was completely evacuated in 1963. Today, Craco is considered one of Italy’s creepiest abandoned places. The narrow stone streets, crumbling churches, and deserted houses give the impression that time has frozen. Although the San Nicola Church still stands partially, the frescoes inside have long since faded. Legends say that on certain nights, you can hear the footsteps of the town’s former residents and the whispers coming from its abandoned houses. One of the things that frightens tourists the most is hearing unidentifiable sounds within sudden gusts of wind. Is it really just the voice of nature, or are these the echoes of the past? Craco is not only a ghost town but also a popular film set. It has hosted major productions such as The Passion of the Christ (2004) and Quantum of Solace (2008). But it attracts not only cinema enthusiasts but also paranormal researchers. In some investigations, electromagnetic anomalies have been detected in the area, and some visitors claim to have captured unexplainable flares of light on their cameras. Today, Craco can be visited on guided tours, although access to some areas is restricted for safety reasons. If you’re considering a visit, it’s not hard to imagine how eerie this town—which is already unsettling by day—becomes at night. If you dare, you might try to get lost in Craco’s abandoned streets—but be careful, as sometimes the way back isn’t as easy as you think! 11. The Ruins of Spinalonga, Greece – The Leper Island [caption id="attachment_2924" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The Ruins of Spinalonga, Greece

Spinalonga is a small island off the coast of Crete that has a tragic past as a place of exile for lepers. From 1903 onwards, the island was used as Greece’s largest leper colony and was completely evacuated in 1957. Today, thanks to its historical ruins and eerie atmosphere, it is regarded as one of Europe’s most mysterious abandoned places.

While wandering around the island, you can see the stone houses and narrow streets that once served as the living quarters for the lepers. The people who lived here were forced to be isolated from society due to the fear and unknown nature of the disease. But Spinalonga was more than just a quarantine center—it was a community. The patients even set up small shops, built houses, and created a small town in which they tried to sustain their lives. Sadly, many of them were never able to leave, and the island became an eternal prison.

At night, the atmosphere of Spinalonga becomes even more terrifying. Many visitors report feeling as though unseen eyes are watching them as they wander the silent stone paths, and they hear whispering voices. Some even believe that the ghosts of some of the former inhabitants still linger. One of the most frightening moments for tourists is when they enter the old hospital building and experience strange cold waves and an overwhelming feeling of dread. Who knows, perhaps the spirits here are trying to tell the stories that were once ignored…

Today, while Spinalonga is a tourist destination, the island can only be reached by boat. Its impressive stone walls, the ruins rising against the backdrop of the sea, and the narrow streets that remind one of past sorrows both captivate and sadden visitors. If you want to visit one of Greece’s most intriguing abandoned places, Spinalonga should definitely be on your list. But a word of warning: staying here in the evening might just put you face-to-face with the ghosts of history!

The Journey into Dark History Has Ended—What About Your Courage?

These abandoned places scattered throughout Europe are more than just crumbling walls and silent corridors. They are real spaces that preserve the dark memories of the past, where whispers echo and the most eerie traces of history remain. Is the cursed past of Poveglia Island more terrifying, or are the unexplained sounds heard in the cold corridors of Beelitz Heilstätten even scarier? Perhaps feeling the gaze of a ghost at Edinburgh Castle is the most spine-chilling of all.

But every fear has its own story, and every abandoned structure has a past to tell. If you believe in paranormal phenomena, it might be tempting to visit one of these places and experience it for yourself. However, if you’re only interested in history, maybe observing from a distance will suffice. Remember, some secrets are meant to remain hidden in the darkness, and not every visitor may dare to listen to these stories.

So, which one will you choose? Will you muster the courage to explore these places in the dead of night, or will you settle for watching the world of ghosts from a safe distance? The choice is yours! But remember—every step should be taken with caution, for some doors, once opened, may never lead you back…

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Publish Date: 20 Feb 2025

| Author: Europa Tips

| Category: Historical Europe