Europe is steeped in history, mystery, and ghostly tales, making it a treasure trove for paranormal enthusiasts. From haunted castles to eerie catacombs, here are five spine-tingling destinations in the European Union that will satisfy your thirst for the supernatural. Each location also offers chilling local activities to keep you fully immersed in the spooky theme.

1. Spooky Destinations in the EU

Château de Brissac – France

Late one night, a visitor staying at Château de Brissac claimed to see a beautiful woman in green roaming the halls. When he followed her into a room, she turned to face him—and her face transformed into a hollow-eyed, decaying skull. He fled, but the sound of her weeping haunted him until dawn.

The towering Château de Brissac, located in the Loire Valley, is not only the tallest castle in France but also one of the most haunted. The castle is said to be haunted by the "Green Lady" (La Dame Verte), the spirit of Charlotte de Brézé, who was murdered by her husband after he discovered her affair. The spirit, dressed in green, is often seen wandering the chapel and the towers, her moans echoing through the castle halls.

The castle offers ghost tours after dark, where visitors can explore the eerie towers, wine cellars, and gardens while hearing the tragic story of Charlotte.

2. The Catacombs of Paris – France

In 1793, Philibert Aspairt, a doorkeeper at the Val-de-Grâce hospital, wandered into the catacombs in search of a secret stash of wine. He was found 11 years later, his body decomposed and clutching a wine bottle. To this day, his ghost is said to haunt the dark tunnels, and some claim to hear faint whispers of his name echoing through the corridors.

Beneath the streets of Paris lie the famous catacombs, a labyrinth of tunnels housing the bones of over six million people. Created in the 18th century to combat overcrowded cemeteries, the catacombs have long been the subject of ghost stories. The air is thick with a sense of unease, and many visitors claim to have felt disoriented, as if unseen forces are leading them deeper into the tunnels.

Join a nighttime tour of the catacombs, where guides share terrifying tales of those who have lost their way or claimed to have seen shadowy figures moving among the bones.

3. Bran Castle – Romania

One tourist reported hearing soft footsteps behind her as she wandered the dark corridors of Bran Castle late at night. She turned, but no one was there. Moments later, she felt a cold breath on her neck, as if something—or someone—was standing right behind her. She ran, and to this day, she swears she narrowly escaped Dracula’s clutches.

Though Romania isn't part of the EU, its folklore plays an essential part in Europe’s spooky tapestry. Often referred to as "Dracula’s Castle," Bran Castle is perched high in the Carpathian Mountains. While it has tenuous links to Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure who inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the castle’s gothic turrets, narrow corridors, and eerie atmosphere fuel legends of blood-thirsty vampires and restless spirits.

For true vampire enthusiasts, Bran Castle offers night tours and vampire-themed events during Halloween, complete with reenactments of Dracula’s most chilling moments.

4. Leap Castle – Ireland

A visitor on a ghost tour of Leap Castle captured a photo of a dark figure standing in the Bloody Chapel. She was alone at the time, but the image showed a shadowy, hooded figure standing behind her. When she returned to the chapel, she felt a sudden wave of nausea, and the smell of sulfur filled the air—The Elemental had returned.

Leap Castle, located in County Offaly, is considered one of the most haunted castles in Europe. It’s known for its violent history, particularly the Bloody Chapel, where a brother murdered his priest sibling during mass. Many visitors have reported seeing the ghost of the priest wandering the chapel. The castle is also home to a mysterious, foul-smelling entity known as "The Elemental," believed to be an ancient spirit tied to the land.

Tours allow visitors to explore the castle after dark, equipped with ghost-hunting equipment to track the spirits said to haunt the grounds.

5. Poveglia Island – Italy

A fisherman claimed he once docked his boat on Poveglia Island during a storm. As he walked through the abandoned buildings, he heard what sounded like screams and saw faint lights flickering in the distance. Frightened, he ran back to his boat. Locals later told him that many who have heard the island’s screams never made it off alive.

Located in the Venetian Lagoon, Poveglia Island is one of the most infamous haunted sites in Europe. The island served as a quarantine station during the Black Plague and later became an asylum for the mentally ill. Rumors say that thousands of plague victims were burned alive on the island, and it’s been abandoned ever since. Locals refuse to set foot on Poveglia, convinced that it is cursed and inhabited by the restless spirits of the dead.

While access to Poveglia is restricted, boat tours circle the island, offering views of its crumbling buildings and eerie silence. Some tours offer paranormal discussions about the hauntings and tragic history of the island.

Whether you’re exploring haunted castles, walking among the bones of the dead, or venturing into the unknown on a ghost-hunting expedition, these spooky destinations in the EU are sure to provide thrills, chills, and unforgettable stories.

Enjoy!