Mysterious Travel Destinations That Will Haunt Your Memories
When exploring the world, there are endless, captivating destinations steeped in folklore that travelers seem to be drawn to. Personal beliefs regarding the supernatural aside, these remarkable locations hold tales that go beyond what can be observed. With no intent to reinforce your position on the subject, here are some famous locations you could travel to that allege to offer more than what meets the eye. That shiver you feel when exploring this list may be nothing more than excitement – but who’s to say for certain?
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Bran Castle, Bran, Romania
Bran Castle, also known as “Dracula’s Castle,” has a rich history dating back to the 14th century. It was originally constructed as a military fortress by the Teutonic Knights to ward off invasion from the Ottoman Empire. But its popularly is most associated with Vlad the Impaler, who was known for his brutal reign in the Transylvania region. This connection was heightened when the publishing of Bram Stoker’s novel “Dracula” injected the castle, Dracula and vampires into popular culture worldwide.
Today, Bran Castle is notorious for its eerie ambiance and association with vampires. The castle’s medieval architecture and secluded location in the Carpathian Mountains contribute to its haunting atmosphere. Ghost hunters and thrill-seekers flock to the tourist destination, especially around Halloween, when special events are held that enhance its spooky allure with decorations and themed parties. The legends of strigoi, or Romanian vampires, add to the castle’s mystique, making it popular for those intrigued by the supernatural.
The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado 🇺🇸
The Stanley Hotel had an ominous start when it was completed in 1903. It’s then 54-year old founder who made his fortune inventing the Stanley Steam Engine motor vehicle was near his death of tuberculosis. His diagnosis led him and his wife to Estes Park, Colorado where they built their 100-room dream home. This eventually led to the infamous Stanley Hotel that served as the inspiration for the hotel in the Stephen King horror novel that shared a name with its movie adaptation starring Jack Nicholson – The Shining.
This year, The Stanley Hotel is “celebrating 50-years since the visit that inspired” the book with a formal event the weekend before Halloween known as The Shining Ball. This is in addition to the more traditional otherworldly encounters the hotel hosts from an underground magic theater and a Night Tour that promises to “uncover the spirited nature of our hotel”
Estes Park is one of the most scenic locations just East of the Rocky Mountain National Park and a great and very paranormal location to stay whether you want to take day trips to the park, or stay on the hotel grounds and have your senses provoked.
Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan, India 🇮🇳
Situated near Jaipur and constructed in the 16th century, Bhangarh Fort stands with many of its impressive structures still intact. Within its sturdy stone walls, this expansive complex boasts palaces, temples and even tombs.
A possible source of the eerie reputation for Bhangarh is any number of alleged curses cast centuries ago. The justifications for the curses placed on the fort range from unrequited love and accidental death (Curse of a Tantrik) to architecture that simply disregarded traditional layout.
Bhangarh Fort attracts a steady stream of adventurers throughout the week, and many have reported encountering paranormal phenomena during their visits. Unexplainable sounds, elusive shadows, physical discomfort, and peculiar odors have left an indelible impression on these patrons. The consistency and conviction the stories these travelers depart with make one wonder – is some kind of residual energy lingering on these sacred grounds.
Today, Bhangarh Fort is consistently ranked as one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of India. Despite its popularity, the fort’s paranormal reputation is so renowned, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has imposed restrictions on accessing the fort after sunset. This begs the question: Who or what is this regulation intended to safeguard?
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland 🏴
Situated atop Castle Rock in the heart of the city, Edinburgh Castle is blessed with breathtaking views of the Scottish capital below. Considered a national treasure, the 12th-century fortification is a symbol of Scottish heritage and home to the Honours of Scotland (aka the Scottish Crown Jewels). Open to the public, the former residence of Scottish monarchies is renowned not only for its daily tradition of the One O’Clock Gun firing, but also for its enigmatic character.
Given the castle’s military history, it’s not surprising some of the ghostly tales involve military fables. If you listen closely, legend has it you are likely to hear the haunting strains of bagpipes played by The Ghost Piper who mysteriously disappeared in the subterranean tunnels; or drumming sounds made by an ephemeral drummer of the headless variety. Beware the faint sounds of paws upon the ancient stones, for they may be the spirits of former castle guard dogs, their loyal vigilance palpable.
Among the castle’s most renowned specters, the Grey Lady, also known as Lady Glamis, is one of the most sought-after experiences. A former resident of the castle, she was wrongly accused of witchcraft and, today, appears to the lucky few as a misty figure or as a full-bodied apparition throughout the drafty hallways.
If you visit, bring a warm coat. Not just because you’re in Scotland, but because there are countless tales of cold spots and sudden temperature drops that defy “worldly” explanations.
Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦
The Castle of Good Hope is a historic fortress located in Cape Town, South Africa that harkens back to the country’s colonial past. Built in the 1600s, it is the oldest existing colonial building in Cape Town and embraced as a grand reminder of the country’s complex history. A popular tourist attraction, visitors follow tour guides on a journey through time.
Throughout its storied past, the Castle of Good Hope has at times been used as a military stronghold, courthouse, and even a place of confinement. So it should be no surprise that tales of the paranormal hover within its walls. A soldier once hung himself by the bell rope in the bell tower. Hearing the bell mysteriously chiming today is made more peculiar by the fact the bell tower was sealed off from all access centuries ago. Shadow figures leap to their apparent death from the high walls surrounding the fort, only to dissipate before impacting the ground below.
Lady Anne Barnard lived in the castle as the colony’s First Lady in the eighteenth century. It is believed she continues her hosting duties to this day as her apparition is a consistent source of sightings in the main halls.
With its iconic yellow hue and rich historical tapestry, the Castle of Good Hope offers a captivating opportunity to explore the rich backdrop of modern-day South Africa. When you visit today, don’t be surprised if the past is still there and looking over your shoulder.
Forbidden City, Beijing, China 🇨🇳
The Forbidden City, located in the heart of Beijing, China, is a 180-acre complex containing majestic palaces, ballrooms, extravagant gardens and an opera house within walls over five meters thick. Constructed in the early 15th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site was the imperial residence for Chinese emperors for over five centuries. While the name “Forbidden City” reflects the restriction on ordinary citizens entering without permission, there are certain inhabitants of the palace who require no invitation and have remained for centuries.
Like many structures that have stood the test of time, this singular fortress has seen its share of drama, intrigue and bloodshed. As you would expect, this has led to sightings of orbs, phantoms, ghost dogs and crying stone lion statues guarding the gates.
Unsurprisingly, these events have given rise to numerous accounts of paranormal activity within the Forbidden City. Visitors have reported hearing the anguished cries and dying gasps of the massacre victims echoing through the halls where the tragedy unfolded. Others have seen piles of phantom bodies on floors flowing with ghostly blood. There have also been sightings of pieces of white silk like those used for nooses seen wafting through the air.
Curiously, much like the aforementioned Bhangarh Fort, the Forbidden City is also closed to visitors at night. Perhaps it is because Confucius warned, “Respect the ghosts and gods, but keep away from them.”
Hotel Kurrajong – Canberra, Australia 🇦🇺
Even those living in Canberra, Australia were surprised to see their city listed by National Geographic as one of the 10 Most Haunted Cities in the world. Upon reflection, residents and tourists to the Australian Capital Territory weren’t shocked. After all, the city is populated with a cornucopia of haunted relics and buildings
Located near the Parliament House, the highly rated Hotel Kurrajong is one of the oldest hotels in the city. As with most older structures built a hundred years ago, you will have stories associated with things that go bump in the night. But this hotel, not only has a well-known long-time resident – he just happens to be a former Australian Prime Minister.
Ben Chifley who served in the role from 1945 to 1949, was Australia’s 16th prime minister. After leaving office, it was during one of his stays at Hotel Kurrajong that Chifley died of a heart attack. According to legend, it isn’t that difficult to find his lingering presence still in room 214 – the scene of his death. In general, he is the origin story of multiple sightings of a gray suited figure walking about the hotel, on balconies or near windows – he is often seen pointing towards the nearby Parliament House.
Tower of London, London, England, UK 🇬🇧
The Tower of London, founded in 1066 by William the Conqueror, has served as a royal residence, fortress, prison, and place of execution throughout its nearly 1,000-year history. Initially built to assert Norman dominance over the conquered English, the Tower gradually expanded into a complex of multiple buildings surrounded by defensive walls. It has played a crucial role in English history, housing the Crown Jewels, the Royal Mint, and even a menagerie of exotic animals at various points in time.
The Tower’s dark history has given rise to numerous ghost stories, making it one of the most haunted places in the UK. One of the most famous spectral residents is Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, who was beheaded at the Tower in 1536. Visitors and guards have reported seeing her apparition leading a ghostly procession through the chapel or wandering the corridors with her severed head tucked under her arm.
Other notable ghosts include the two young princes, Edward V and his brother Richard, who mysteriously disappeared in the Tower in 1483. Their spirits are often seen in nightgowns, clutching each other in terror in various rooms of the castle. Additionally, the ghost of Lady Jane Grey, who was executed at the age of 17, is said to haunt the Tower, along with the spirits of Guy Fawkes, Sir Walter Raleigh, and even a spectral bear. The sheer number of reported paranormal encounters has solidified the Tower of London’s reputation as a hotbed of supernatural activity.
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In your travels have you ever had an experience that defied logical explanation? Leave a comment and let us know if you have. Who knows, we may reach out to you if we have a follow-up article on this topic.