Scary Stories Around the World
We’ve taken you on a tour of some of the spookiest places in America. Now, we’re investigating the eerie myths, legends, and hauntings around the world that are sure to inspire your next adventure…or keep you up at night.
Tower of London—London, England
One of London’s most popular tourist attractions is also notoriously haunted. And with centuries of bloody beheadings and torture, how could it not be? In 1066, William the Conqueror commissioned the construction of the Tower of London, one of the last medieval castles in the world and the site of many murders, executions, conspiracies, and betrayals. Tours today lean lighthearted and fun—be sure to catch one of the free tours led by the Tower’s Beefeaters, who are sensational storytellers with vivid tales of the Tower’s bloody history. But don’t wander off from the group, or you may encounter the ghosts of Guy Fawkes, the two young princes, or even a headless Anne Boleyn.
Explore London after dark…if you dare
Catacombe dei Cappucini—Palermo, Italy
The remarkably creepy Capuchin Catacombs display thousands of mummified remains from the 17th–19th centuries. Although originally intended for monks, wealthy citizens and celebrities were willing to pay to be buried here, and mummification soon became a status symbol. Perhaps the most famous resident of the catacombs is Rosalia Lombardo, a two-year-old child who is often referred to as the “Sleeping Beauty of Palermo.” This haunting museum of the dead is certainly not for the faint of heart: The walls are covered with skeletons, some of which are extremely well-preserved, mummified fully dressed and even retaining some of their hair.
Dare to visit?
Napier Prison—Napier, New Zealand
Napier Prison, New Zealand’s oldest jail, affords a grim but fascinating glance into the lives, and executions, of Victorian inmates—and some of the wings are said to be haunted. While currently not open to the public due to earthquake safety concerns, the spooky prison grounds remain—a hanging yard, where capital punishment was often conducted at the hands of a fellow inmate; a psychiatric unit; and a graveyard—and are arguably spookier now that they’re abandoned.
Aotearoa awaits
From snowy mountains to golden beaches, beauty awaits around every bend on these dramatic islands. Find your adventure with Moon New Zealand.
Aqueduto das Águas Livres—Lisbon, Portugal
If you’re in the mood to explore a more macabre side of Lisbon, head to Aqueduto das Águas Livres – the 65 meter high aqueduct that was once used to supply water to the town of Sintra.
In the 19th century, a Spanish man named Diogo Alves managed to hide inside Aqueduto das Águas Livres. He mugged unsuspecting passers and then threw them over the ledge. Considered one of Portugal’s first serial killers, it’s estimated that Alves killed at least 80 people in the summer of 1837 alone. Despite its grisly history, Aqueduto das Águas Livres is considered a remarkable example of 18th-century engineering, snaking over 58 km (36 mi) along the trajectory of an old Roman aqueduct. If you’re thinking of taking in the view, be sure to book in advance.
Experience the best of Lisbon
Fôret de Basajaun—Spain
Wander through the woods near Roncesvalles and you might not be alone…In ancient Basque culture, Basajaun is a mythic wild man who protects the forests and woodland animals. He is said to be a huge, hairy, human-like creature and is known to dwell in forest caves or up in the hills. Despite his frightening appearance, Basajaun is a gentle giant. In Basque mythology, he taught humans agricultural and ironworking skills, and he watches over flocks and herds. Today, the beech and oak Fôret de Basajaun (Basajaun’s Forest) is considered a mystical place where ancient folkloric characters still dwell.
Heading into the woods?
The Legend of the Gjenganger—Scandinavia
Believed to be the vengeful spirits of people who died before their time, Gjengangers return from the dead to haunt the living and fatally pinch their victims in their sleep. It’s likely the myth developed as an explanation for the plague or other infectious diseases, but the legend is creepy enough that it still survives today.
Immerse yourself in more Scandinavian folklore
National Noh Theatre—Tokyo, Japan
Noh is a form of theater involving music, dance and drama, originating in the 14th century. Traditionally performed at temples and shrines, Noh is a singular, almost spiritual experience that explores the intricacies of Japanese folklore. The themes delve into the world of the supernatural, ghosts, and dreams. At the National Noh Theatre, Noh performances are acted out on a beautiful stage crafted from cypress wood. Performances are marked with an air of mystery and often feel out-of-this-world, with performers wearing distinct masks representing old women, spirits, and vengeful demons.
Find your seat at the National Noh Theatre
Edinburgh Castle—Edinburgh, Scotland
With 900 years of history that include executions and surprise attacks, it’s no shock that Edinburgh Castle is purportedly haunted. From a phantom piper and headless drummer who are still making noise today to the ghosts of French prisoners in the dungeon, you’re sure to encounter something supernatural here.
Learn more about Scotland’s fascinating (and sometimes dark) history:
The Headless Gringa—Galápagos Islands
The American Air Force base on Baltra Island in the Galápagos is said to be haunted by “La Gringa sin Cabeza,” a woman who was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend on the base during World War II. Her ghost is known to lure men into secluded places and to attempt to suffocate them in their sleep.
Want to take a walk on the wild side?
Isla de las Muñecas—Mexico City, Mexico
Just south of Mexico City, the Isla de las Muñecas (or Island of the Dolls) allegedly came to be when the sole resident found a lifeless girl and her doll floating in the lake and decided to honor her memory by hanging the doll in a tree. To carry on the tradition, today hundreds of undeniably creepy dolls hang from the trees, fences, and clotheslines throughout the area, with many people claiming that the dolls are possessed. Nightmare fuel.
Want to see it for yourself?
Fairmont Banff Springs—Banff, Canada
This 131-year-old majestic hotel is one of the crown jewels of Alberta, and has played host to dignitaries and celebrities from around the world. Word on the street, however, maintains that there are guests who checked in, but never checked out…including a young family killed in a tragic murder-suicide in Room 837. There was so much paranormal activity reported from guests of the room (including pillows yanked out from underneath them and disembodied screams in the middle of the night), that the hotel eventually decided to seal the room shut forever by covering it with a brick wall.
Think you’re brave enough to stay the night?
The Mummification Museum—Luxor, Egypt
The Mummification Museum in Central Luxor is home to a spine-chilling display that harkens back to the Egyptian traditions of old. Located just north of Luxor Temple, this small, underground museum is dedicated to all things mummified—from human specimens, to monkeys, cats, and even crocodiles! Look out for the intact mummy of Maseharti, a 21st Dynasty high priest. You’ll be educated on the gruesome details behind the mummification process—an inside look into what is meant to be preserved for the ages.
Wander through the ancient relics
The Legend of Krampus—Austria
Half goat, half demon, and 100% terrifying, this German and Austrian legend shows up on “Krampusnacht” to kidnap children who have been naughty and haul them off to hell. Definitely more sinister than a lump of coal in your stocking…
Celebrate Krampusnacht (or Christmas, if that’s more your thing) in Austria:
Poveglia, Italy
This secluded island floating between Venice and Lido is basically Shutter Island in real life—with the addition of hundreds of thousands of resident ghosts. For centuries, people were sent to Poveglia to die, beginning with the bubonic plague and ending with a straight-out-of-a-horror-movie mental hospital that conducted horrific experiments on patients in the 1920s.
Scared yet?
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