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7 Haunted castles in Europe that look straight out of horror movies — and some really are

Some European castles don’t just look haunted—they really are. From Bran Castle’s Dracula legends to Leap Castle’s murderous past, these 7 haunted castles in Europe are packed with ghost stories, chilling history, and cinematic vibes.

Europe is home to some of the oldest and creepiest castles, but some don’t just look haunted… they really are.

And a few haunted castles in Europe have even starred in real horror movies!

From fairytale-gone-wrong castles in Germany to crumbling fortresses perched on misty cliffs in Scotland, these castles are straight out of a Gothic film set.

Whether ghost-hunting gives you the thrills or you’re just curious about real-life paranormal stories, these seven haunted castles in Europe will leave your spine tingling with fear!

In this article

Bran Castle, Romania: The Dracula inspiration that won’t die

Source: Nano Banana

Hidden among a towering tree canopy in Bran, Romania, is Bran Castle. Commonly known as “Dracula’s Castle,” it’s famously linked to Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire stories.

Beyond Dracula, Bran Castle is home to many ghostly legends, including the ‘White Lady,’ a noblewoman who tragically died in the castle.

The ancient castle has also been the filming location for several movies, including Werner Herzog’s 1979 film Nosferatu the Vampyre.

Today, Bran Castle serves an eerie purpose – as a museum housing over 50 medieval torture instruments! Many of these are replicas of real instruments invented in the Middle Ages.

How to visit: Various guided tours (group or private) of Bran Castle depart from major Romanian cities, including Brașov and Bucharest. Night tours are also available for an even spookier, lantern-lit experience!

Stay connected while exploring Bran Castle’s eerie halls with Holafly’s eSIM for Romania.

Leap Castle, Ireland: Where the walls whisper of ghosts

Source: Nano Banana

Leap Castle, in the rugged Irish countryside, is infamous as one of the most haunted castles in Europe. Its walls have witnessed centuries of bloody history, including clan feuds, murders, and betrayals.

Many visitors have reported chilling encounters with the castle’s ghosts, Elemental and Red Lady, who haunt its halls, the latter of which is said to walk holding a dagger.

What makes Leap Castle even more chilling is the 1922 discovery of a dungeon containing around 150 skeletons, some of which were transfixed to wooden spikes!

Leap Castle looks and feels like a scene straight out of The Conjuring or The Others, and you’ll be convinced you heard a scream at least once during your visit!

How to visit: Leap Castle is open to visitors six days a week (Monday to Saturday).

Share your spine-chilling Leap Castle adventures with Holafly’s eSIM for Ireland.

Houska Castle, Czech Republic: Built to seal a gateway to hell

Source: Shutterstock

Houska Castle in the Czech Republic is a fortress of mystery as much as it is of stone. Unlike traditional castles, it occupies no strategic defensive position, fueling centuries of speculation.

The castle was constructed over a large hole in the ground and said to cover a “hell hole,” a dark chasm that connects to the underworld. The castle is also said to be haunted by various demonic beasts, including a headless horse.

Over the years, Houska has featured in numerous paranormal documentaries, including Ghost Hunters International and Most Haunted Live.

Today, it continues to attract ghost hunters and thrill-seekers eager to explore its eerie dungeons, hidden chambers, and strange architectural anomalies.

How to visit: Guided tours are available on the weekends.

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Château de Brissac, France: The lady in green still roams

Source: Nano Banana

Standing majestically over the Loire Valley, Château de Brissac is France’s tallest castle, and its grandeur is matched only by its ghostly legend. Charlotte de Brézé, the “Green Lady,” is said to wander its opulent halls after being tragically murdered by her husband.

Château de Brissac is an idyllic setting for a period horror film. The flicker of candlelight across the baroque walls gives the perfect cinematic ambiance, inspiring many French horror shorts and ghostly tales.

How to visit: Guided tours are available seasonally (from early April to early November). The castle’s current owners have turned some rooms into B&Bs, so you can stay the night and check out its spooky vibe for yourself.

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Eltz Castle, Germany: A fairytale with a dark twist

Source: Nano Banana

Nestled in a lush forest, Eltz Castle appears to have been plucked straight from a fairy tale, with eight spiral towers and a cobblestone path leading to its entrance. Yet its centuries-old halls harbor dark whispers.

The castle is shrouded in legends of family feuds, mysterious disappearances, and restless spirits that roam the corridors. The most haunted room is the Countess Room, where the castle’s ghost Agnes was tragically killed in battle.

Its storybook architecture, combined with shadowy interiors, makes Eltz Castle a perfect cinematic backdrop for suspenseful thrillers. It was used as a film location in the 1979 film The Ninth Configuration, representing a military lunatic asylum.

How to visit: Guided tours are available seasonally (from early April to early November).

Stay connected as you experience Eltz Castle’s fairytale spooks with Holafly’s eSIM for Germany.

Dunnottar Castle, Scotland: A fortress of film legends

Source: Nano Banana

Perched dramatically on a cliff above the North Sea, Dunnottar Castle looks and feels both majestic and menacing. The wind howls through its crumbling stone walls, waves crash against the rocks below, and mist shrouds the ruins, creating an eerie, cinematic haze.

This haunting fortress has appeared in various movies, including Victor Frankenstein and Hamlet.

The castle dates back to the 7th Century, and it has a long, blood-soaked past. Various Viking and Scottish conflicts took place here, and Scottish knight William Wallace reportedly trapped and burned English soldiers in the chapel in 1296.

Because of this, it’s said to be home to several ghosts, and there have been reported sightings of ghostly soldiers, prisoners, and even a “Green Lady” who still searches for her lost child in the ruins.

How to visit: Various day tours of Dunnottar Castle depart from cities such as Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

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Moosham Castle, Austria: Where witches met their fate

Source: Nano Banana

Moosham Castle in Salzburg, Austria, is another of the most haunted castles in Europe with a dark history.

At least 45 bloody battles have taken place at this 13th-century castle. But perhaps even more terrifying is that it was the grim setting for the 17th-century witch trials, where over 100 accused witches and werewolves, including 39 children, met horrific fates.

With a history like that, many superstitious locals believe Moosham Castle is cursed. Filmmakers are drawn to its eerie atmosphere and gothic turrets, which require no set dressing to create an indie horror film.

How to visit: Moosham castle is open to the public for guided tours, conducted by the owner.

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Stay connected as you hunt ghosts in Europe’s haunted castles with Holafly

From misty Scottish cliffs to remote Czech forests, exploring the most haunted castles in Europe means wandering off the beaten path. But ghost hunts and paranormal adventures are a lot less spooky when you’ve got reliable data wherever you roam.

With a Holafly eSIM, you can hunt ghosts rather than SIM cards, and worry about strange goings on rather than poor signal… unless, of course, a restless spirit decides to toy with your connection!

Grab a Holafly eSIM for Europe for your next eerie escape.

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