5 Eerie places in Europe that will Terrify You

As October comes to a close and Halloween draws near, it only fits that we share with you some of the spookiest places in Europe. If you’re a fan of haunted houses, mysterious islands, abandoned buildings and more, check out our list of the five eerie places that will terrify you.

Catacombs of Paris

One of the most haunted places in Europe and the first location on our list is the Catacombs of Paris. Due to overcrowded cemeteries in the 18th century, the French decided to store the bones and skulls of more than 6 million bodies in the 180-mile limestone quarries below Paris. Today, it’s possible to view these catacombs. Stretching for 1.7 kilometres, visitors can walk past scattered skulls and bones, and learn the history of the site. Go on a virtual tour of the Catacombs.

Pripyat, Ukraine

One of the most famous ghost towns in Europe is Pripyat in Ukraine. This city, once inhabited by 55,000 people, had to be entirely evacuated by the disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986. However, Pripyat was not wholly damaged by the nuclear disaster, so it’s possible to visit the city with a special guide and protective clothing. On your visit, see how nature has taken over the ghost town over the last 34 years as you stroll past the empty town swimming pool, the funfair and the static Soviets flats. The radioactive radiation released during the disaster has decreased in Pripyat over the years, but it is still too dangerous.

Poveglia, Italy

The Italian island of Poveglia, which lies between Venice and the Lido sandbar, is a ghostly island. The land came into use around 421 AD but is best known from the 18th century when it was inhabited by people suffering from the plague. Rumour has it that 160,000 people died on the island during that period. Unfortunately, the nasty history of Poveglia doesn’t end there, because from 1922 to 1968, the island was used as a psychiatric hospital where gruesome medical procedures were carried out. During your travels, ask the locals for tales about Poveglia to learn more about this haunted island.

Hoia Baciu Forest, Romania

The Hoia Baciu Forest located near Cluj-Napoca in northern Romania is renowned for its eerie atmosphere and terrifying stories, from people who have walked through it and felt watched, to hearing women giggling. Locals no longer dare to go to the forest due to the various legends about young girls going missing. There is a large clearing in the middle of the forest, known as the Dead Zone, where no trees or plants grow.

Hill of Crosses, Lithuania

The Hill of Crosses in Lithuania is a ghostly hill where more than 50,000 crosses are placed. An international pilgrimage site, the hill has a unique and perplexing history. Although no one knows the exact story, legend has it that the hill has been destroyed multiple times throughout history, but has somehow risen again and again from its ashes. The eerie hill is now on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and thus a huge tourist attraction.

Do you dare to visit any of these spooky destinations? Then check our last-minute flight deals on BudgetAir.co.uk. Before your travel, take a glance at the step-by-step trip planning guide not to miss the essential preparation points.

Please note: We are in complicated times and travel has been heavily influenced by COVID-19. Please check our worldwide travel advice and the local regulations of your travel destination before planning any trip.