The Most Fascinating Haunted Castles in Europe: Where to Visit on Halloween

As the night of October 31 approaches, Halloween is celebrated in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and many European countries. If you're looking for an exciting way to celebrate this holiday, Timeout recommends visiting one of Europe's "haunted castles" and provides a list of the most interesting ones.

The Tower of London, England

The Tower of London is a fortress located on the north bank of the River Thames and is one of the oldest historical structures in the United Kingdom. Its foundation is attributed to the Roman emperor Claudius when it was a wooden fort constructed at the southeast corner of the old Roman wall. Legend has it that this central London castle has more ghosts than anywhere else in England. Over the years, it has served as a prison, a royal residence, an arsenal, and the royal treasury. Among its many spirits, the most famous is the ghost of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, who was beheaded here in 1536. Rumor has it her apparition still roams the Tower.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle is an ancient fortress perched on a rocky hill in the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh. It has been used by various military forces from the 12th century to the early 20th century. The most famous ghost residing in this castle is the lone bagpiper, an iconic figure in Edinburgh's history. According to legend, he was tasked with exploring the castle's secret passages and playing the bagpipes to help the guards map them. However, at one point, his bagpipes fell silent, and he was never seen again. Some claim his spirit still lingers in the castle, while others say they hear eerie bagpipe sounds.

Bran Castle, Romania

More famously known as Dracula's Castle, Bran Castle bears a striking resemblance to the one described in Bram Stoker's novel. It was built in 1212 as a fortress on the Rucăr-Bran Pass through the Carpathian Mountains. While this eerie castle was never the actual residence of Vlad the Impaler, who inspired the infamous vampire, it remains a magnet for fans of the novel. The fourth floor of the structure is only for the bravest adventurers, as it is rumored to be inhabited by vampires and ghosts.

Palace of Versailles, France

Apart from being one of the most beautiful palaces in the world, Versailles is known for its ghostly inhabitants. The most famous ghost of this palace is Marie Antoinette. After her execution in the Place de la Concorde in Paris, there have been rumors that her ghost still frequents the Petit Trianon, a smaller estate within the palace grounds where she lived during her reign. Some claim to hear her mournful cries and see flickering lights in the building. Unfortunately, in recent times, Versailles has become a target for phone terrorists who regularly report fake bomb threats, disrupting the palace's tranquility.

Predjama Castle, Slovenia

First mentioned in 1274 under the German name Luegg, Predjama Castle was built in the Gothic architectural style. It is perched beneath a natural rocky arch high in a stone wall, making access to it quite challenging. Today, it's not only the world's largest cave castle but is also believed to be the home of Erasmus of Predjama, a knight who supposedly resisted a siege by the Austrian Empire for over a year. According to legend, he was betrayed by one of his servants, and his ghost still wanders the castle, awaiting revenge.

Muiderslot Castle, Netherlands

One of the best-preserved and restored medieval castles in modern-day Netherlands, Muiderslot Castle was built around 1285. It boasts a dark and mysterious history. Legend has it that the ghost of Count Floris V, who ordered the castle's construction, continues to haunt the place after supposedly being captured, imprisoned, and killed by his friends on the castle's grounds.