Welcome back to Wanderfully Lost, your favorite travel blog for parents by parents. In today’s blog, we are welcoming Halloween with a spooky ride around the world.
That’s right – these are some of the scariest places on Earth. From Iceland all the way to China, we have it all.
Before you get lost in our blog, be sure to browse our Wanderful Storefront for all our favorite travel products, gear and must haves!
This post includes affiliate links. It’s super important for us to be transparent with our Wanderers! If you click on one, we may receive a small, but wanderful commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for WANDERING with us!
11. Castle of Good Hope, South Africa
Alright, brace yourselves for a spooktacular South African adventure! Here, you’ll encounter the Castle of Good Hope. This 17th-century fort is one of the oldest colonial buildings in South Africa. As one might expect from such an ancient piece of architecture, it comes as no surprise that it’s also home to many ghostly legends and eerie tales.
Among these tales, there’s one that tells of a spectral black dog that’s said to haunt the premises. This creepy creature, often glimpsed on moonlit nights, has a long history associated with the castle. According to local lore, the appearance of a black dog is often linked to ominous events or supernatural occurrences.
10. Höfði House, Reykjavik, Iceland
The next spooky spot on our journey takes us to the scenic capital of Iceland, Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Iceland to explore its stunning natural landscapes, like the Golden Circle tour or the relaxing Blue Lagoon. But the city itself holds its own share of intriguing stories, and Höfði House is a prime example.
This elegant house is renowned for its role in the 1986 Reykjavik Summit, a historic meeting between President Ronald Reagan of the United States and General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev of the Soviet Union. The summit played a pivotal role in the thawing of Cold War tensions.
What’s less known to many is that Höfði House once served as a British Embassy. During this time, a British consulate stationed there became convinced that the house was haunted by the spirit of a young woman who had met a tragic end by drowning.
The consulate was so deeply unsettled that when the decision was made to relocate, official clearance from the British Foreign Office was required.
So while Iceland’s landscapes often steal the spotlight, its capital city harbors its own secrets and unexplained mysteries.
9. The Forbidden City, Beijing, China
The Forbidden City is a grand palace in China that represents its old kings and queens. It was where emperors and their people lived for about 500 years.
But behind the grandeur and historical significance, there are stories that tell of eerie occurrences within the Forbidden City. Many visitors claim to have witnessed unexplainable events, leaving them with questions about what they’ve even seen.
One of the most intriguing tales speaks of a weeping woman dressed in white who roams the palace grounds late at night. Her loud, disturbing cries are said to echo through the hallowed halls. The identity of this mysterious woman remains unknown, lost to the annals of time.
Planning a trip with the family? Check out our family travel guide, so you can enjoy the scares without any hassle.
8. La Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires, Argentina
In the midst of our Brazil & Argentina holiday, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the vibrant capital city of Buenos Aires. Among its many attractions, one site that stands out is the eerie La Recoleta Cemetery.
This cemetery is unlike any other you’ve likely encountered. As you wander among the mausoleums and tombstones, you’ll come across the final resting places of some of Argentina’s most prominent figures, including Eva Perón, whose life and legacy continue to captivate hearts worldwide.
The architecture and design of the mausoleums are awe-inspiring, but they also cast uncanny shadows, especially when visited at twilight or after dark.
Some visitors have reported strange sensations and unusual phenomena within the cemetery’s confines. While these accounts often lack concrete evidence, they add to the sense that La Recoleta Cemetery is more than just a burial ground.
7. Poveglia Island, Italy
A small isle in the Venetian Lagoon, Poveglia Island is as sad as it is scary. This island holds a dark and disturbing past, having served as a quarantine station for plague victims and later as a mental hospital. The very earth seems to echo with the memories of the 160,000 souls who met their end here.
Today, the island is shrouded in overgrown vegetation and the decaying remnants of its troubled history. Many who visit report experiencing strange and unexplained phenomena.
6. Akershus Fortress, Norway
Akershus Fortress by Oslo Fjord shows us Norway’s incredible history and enduring strength over many, many years.
People say that the fortress has some spooky vibes from its old days, with the ghosts of former prisoners possibly hanging around in the ancient halls. As you wander through the twisty passageways and look out at the fjord, you might feel like you’re tuning into the past.
Folks who visit Akershus often mention feeling a bit of a chill, even when the weather’s nice. Some even say they’ve seen shadowy figures or heard faint whispers in the wind.
5. Island of the Dolls, Mexico
Found amidst the tranquil waters of Xochimilco, the Island of the Dolls is a place that defies easy explanation. Here, the branches and buildings are adorned with a macabre collection of mutilated dolls, each one a testament to a haunting past.
Legend has it that the island’s caretaker, Don Julian Santana, was tormented by the spirit of a young girl who met a watery end nearby. In an attempt to soothe her restless soul, he began hanging dolls in the trees and structures, creating an atmosphere that is both chilling and heartrending.
As you step onto the island, you’ll be met with the uncanny gaze of countless doll’s eyes, their faces weathered and worn by time. It’s a place where the boundary between the living and the otherworldly blurs.
4. Winchester Mystery House, USA
Right in the middle of San Jose, California, there’s a strange place called the Winchester Mystery House. This big house has lots of confusing hallways and stairs that don’t go anywhere. It was owned by a lady named Sarah Winchester who was a bit peculiar. People say she thought the house was haunted by the ghosts of folks who were shot by Winchester rifles.
To make these restless spirits feel better, she kept building on the house for many, many years. This turned the house into a real puzzle, with weird parts and secret passages. When you walk around the Winchester Mystery House, you might find stairs that lead to the ceiling, doors that open into walls, and rooms that don’t seem to have a reason.
Many visitors report sensing a presence or hearing unexplained sounds, adding to the mystique that shrouds this peculiar mansion.
3. Borgvattnet Vicarage, Sweden
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Sweden, the Borgvattnet Vicarage exudes an air of old-world charm.
This cute vicarage has a spooky reputation as one of Sweden’s most haunted houses. Lots of strange things have been seen and felt here over the years.
People who visit or live here say they’ve seen things move on their own, and even ghosts showing up in mirrors. There’s a friendly ghost called the “White Lady” that’s famous around here.
When you walk into the Borgvattnet Vicarage, you might notice a strange feeling in the air, like something mysterious is around. The old floors might creak, and the candles might flicker, making it seem like there’s something just out of sight. It’s a place that makes you think about the mysteries of ghosts and the marks they leave behind.
If you like this, check out our Youtube channel for more spooky guides.
2. Leap Castle, Ireland
In County Offaly, Ireland, there’s a really old castle called Leap Castle. It’s surrounded by hills and it’s been around for a super long time. The castle looks kind of rough with its tough stone walls and old battlements, giving it a really ancient feel.
People say that Leap Castle has some creepy guests, like the “Elemental,” a mean ghost that hides in the darkest spots of the castle. Some folks have felt really cold, heard strange whispers, and even thought they saw ghostly shapes.
When you walk through the halls of Leap Castle, it’s like going back in time. You can almost hear the people from way back when. The way the light and shadows play tricks on you makes it seem like there might be hidden spirits.
1. Pine Barrens, USA
More than just a huge wild area in New Jersey, the Pine Barrens sends both confusing and scary. It’s full of thick forests and twisting rivers. People have lots of stories about this place, especially one about a creature called the Jersey Devil that’s supposed to live there.
The Pine Barrens feel like a place that hasn’t been changed much by people. When you’re there, the sound of leaves and birds makes it seem like there might be hidden secrets. If you go deeper, you might notice the environment changing, like the land has something to reveal.
And there you have it! If these places give you the creeps, we dare you to make a little family trip to one of your personal favorites from the list. Who knows, maybe a little house in San Jose can bring your family lasting memories.