Top 10 Most Haunted Castles Around the World

Charleville Castle came under the ownership of Count Charles William Bury in 1798, and it is one of the most famous haunted castles in the world. A tragic event involving an 8-year-old girl named Harriet, the Count's daughter, is linked to the haunting here. In 1861, Harriet tragically fell to her death inside the castle. Visitors have claimed to hear her singing, laughing, or even screaming in the silence of the night. Some say they can actually feel her presence, as if she’s nearby. Ghosts of children are known to linger, trapped by the places where they died, and Harriet’s spirit seems to do just that. Many visitors have reported hearing her voice or seeing an apparition of the young girl in the castle at night.

Keep Castle in England was constructed in 1080 and is infamous for its dreadful prison conditions, located near the Black Gate execution site. As the oldest castle in Newcastle, it was used to imprison prisoners, with each room holding its own dark story. Visitors often report terrifying experiences, such as seeing shadows moving across the halls or eerie orbs floating through the air. Some have even been shoved or scratched by unseen forces, while hearing the faint sounds of soldiers, women, and children echoing in the empty rooms.

Situated near the notorious Black Gate, this castle became notorious in the 17th century for its brutal prison conditions and for being the site of many executions. The sinister energy surrounding it has led to countless ghost stories. Tourists have claimed to see dark figures roaming the hallways, mysterious floating orbs, and even hearing disembodied voices of women, children, and soldiers. Some have even been physically attacked, pushed or scratched by unseen spirits while exploring the castle's haunted chambers.

Houska Castle, built in the early 13th century, is often referred to as a gateway to hell—a place where the living can step into the realm of demons. Imagine yourself as a tourist in this castle, unaware that a monk with a large axe is silently watching your every move? This eerie scenario has been described by numerous visitors who claim to have seen ghostly spirits chained together above them. Located 47 kilometers north of Prague, Houska Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval castles. It was commissioned by Ottokar II during the first half of the 13th century, with the chapel positioned at its center.

Houska Castle is surrounded by chilling stories and dark legends, many of which link it to the supernatural. The castle is believed to have been built directly above a 'hellhole,' a bottomless pit that supposedly connects to the world of the dead. According to legend, Ottokar II heard about this eerie pit and sent prisoners to descend into it, ordering them to report what they saw. Remarkably, they began screaming in terror shortly after entering, and when pulled back up, they appeared aged, with gray hair, wrinkled skin, and incoherent tales of a monstrous half-human, half-demon creature. Following this, Ottokar II ordered the construction of Houska Castle over the pit, but curiously, the building was designed without any water supply, kitchen, or basic amenities.

Burg Eltz Castle, built in 1157, is one of the oldest castles with a rich history. Not only is it renowned for its collection of medieval armor, weaponry, and artifacts, but it also carries a chilling tale of a ghostly countess who still haunts the castle to this day. The countess died while defending the castle, but her spirit never found peace. Visitors of all ages are welcomed to explore Eltz Castle, also known as Burg Eltz, and the surrounding Eltz Forest. Having stood for over 850 years, the castle is still lovingly preserved by those dedicated to its upkeep. Tourists can experience both the natural beauty and the medieval ambiance of the castle in its purest form. The locals and families take great pride in their fairy-tale history, shared proudly with all who visit.

What sets Burg Eltz apart from other castles is its remarkable survival through history. Unlike many castles, it was untouched by the ravages of war. Owned and maintained by the same family since its construction, the architecture is unparalleled, and many original furnishings from over eight centuries ago remain intact. The castle’s weapon and treasure rooms are home to world-class silver and gold works of art. The structure stands majestically on a large rock, nestled within a peaceful valley. Surrounding the castle, the Eltz Forest is a natural sanctuary, rich with rare flora and fauna, adding to the castle's timeless charm.

If you're intrigued by terrifying spirits that are neither human nor animal, Leap Castle in North Roscrea is a destination that promises an unforgettable experience. The castle is home to numerous restless spirits, one of the most notorious being "It"—a creature resembling a decayed sheep with a grotesque face and a suffocating sulfuric stench. If you hear the sound of gates creaking open and shut with no one around, don’t be alarmed—it’s just a ghostly figure who enjoys moving the gates. Another spectral resident is the Woman in Red, who roams the castle with a sword in hand, ready to strike anyone who crosses her path. So, if you decide to visit, be cautious.

The Four Masters Chronicles recount the story of the Kildare family’s attempts to seize the castle in 1513. Three years later, they launched another attack, partially destroying the castle. However, the O'Carroll family reclaimed it in 1557. After the death of Mulrooney O'Carroll in 1532, internal family disputes broke out, resulting in a bitter power struggle. One of the O'Carroll brothers, a priest, was hosting a family mass in what is now known as the "Bloody Chapel" when his rival brother burst in, stabbed him, and left him dying on the altar, his blood spilling across the sacred space.

Built in 1602, the two ghosts haunting Culzean Castle in Carrick, Scotland, remain a mystery. Their identities and reasons for appearing in the castle are unknown. One ghost is that of a piper, whose haunting melody can only be heard during thunderstorms, while at other times, the castle is silent. The second apparition is that of a young woman, always seen wearing a ball gown as she roams the halls. These two spirits continue to puzzle those who visit. The castle itself is a Grade B listed building, featuring a five-story tower and a 15th-century barmkin (fortified courtyard), once held by the Cathcarts of Killochan, overlooking the village and the steep cliffs of Games Loup.

The castle's tower ruins, abandoned for many years, have been partially restored, except for the balustrade and some collapsed walls. The tower, which once served as a residence or workshop, includes remnants of a pigsty at the back, dating to the 19th century. The small tower only had one apartment, accessed by a staircase from the main hall. Originally, entry was through a wooden ladder or staircase on the first floor. A thick 1.8-meter wall at the entrance may have once contained a staircase leading down to the cellars, hall, and possibly a kitchen. At the southeast corner, a winding stair links the hall with the cellars, and on the opposite side, you can find the Garderobe, a historic feature of the castle.

Known as one of the most haunted locations in England, Chillingham Castle was built in the 14th century. Visitors often report hearing the cries of a young boy, and some claim to have seen the boy dressed in a blue outfit. Another famous apparition is that of Lady Mary Berkeley, a tragic woman who was abandoned by her husband and left to raise their daughter alone. After her death, she reportedly returned to the castle, endlessly searching for her unfaithful husband. Chillingham Castle, located in Northumberland, is renowned for its eerie hauntings and has become one of the most famous haunted castles in the world.

The castle is filled with various ghostly legends, but the most famous is that of the “Blue Boy” ghost. It's said that around midnight, the sound of his cries can be heard echoing through the castle's corridors, followed by the appearance of a spectral figure dressed entirely in blue. Along with the story of the “Blue Boy,” the castle is also associated with the ghost of Lady Mary Berkeley, the wife of Lord Grey of Wark. Legend has it that her spirit still wanders the halls of the castle at night, seeking her wayward husband who abandoned her for another woman.

When in Europe, one cannot miss the infamous Dragsholm Castle in Denmark, a hauntingly historic site built in the 12th century. Initially used as a prison, it has since been transformed into a hotel featuring conference rooms, a restaurant, and, most notably, hundreds of restless spirits. As night falls, eerie sounds can be heard—moans and cries of agony from long-dead prisoners shackled in torment, and ghostly figures drifting aimlessly throughout the castle. One of the most chilling legends involves the sound of prayers echoing through the halls, thought to be from a bishop who was once imprisoned and died here. Another ghostly figure, the White Lady, is said to wander the castle, mourning her tragic fate as a pregnant woman locked away by her father.

Today, despite being a popular hotel for visitors, Dragsholm Castle remains steeped in dark tales of spirits like the White Lady, Celina Bovles, the 'mad landlord' Brockenhuus, and Bishop Ronnow—who perished here after his imprisonment. Many claim to have heard the faint sound of prayers, the clip-clop of hooves in the courtyard, or even seen apparitions roaming the castle’s halls. Though these stories stem from the castle's history, they continue to evoke a sense of dread in visitors, making it a top destination for those brave enough to spend the night. Will you have the courage to sleep in this haunted hotel for a night?

The Château de Châteaubriant in France, built in the 11th century, became infamous for the haunting of Françoise de Foix, the wife of Jean de Laval, which began in the 16th century after her tragic death. Françoise's affair with King Francis I led to her being poisoned by her jealous husband, Jean de Laval. Her spirit is said to have wandered the long corridors of the castle, lost and sorrowful, for centuries. The ghost of Françoise de Foix continues to be a central figure in the castle's haunted reputation.

According to historical accounts, Jean de Laval was summoned to meet King Francis I, taking his wife Françoise along. Once at court, Françoise became not only a close confidante of the queen but also the king's lover. Upon learning of her infidelity, Jean de Laval secretly poisoned her, resulting in her mysterious death. It is said that every year, on the anniversary of her death, her spirit reappears, aimlessly wandering the castle's desolate halls.

Meggernie Castle in Scotland has long been rumored to be haunted by the ghost of the wife of a former chef who worked there. However, this particular ghost is said to be harmless, as the spirit is known to only appear before male guests, playfully kissing them while they sleep. Legend has it that the ghost was once the wife of a chef who, unable to tolerate her promiscuity, took drastic measures and murdered her. It is said that her spirit now lingers in the castle, especially on the upper floors where male visitors typically rest. A word of advice to male travelers: be cautious, as this playful ghost might pay you a visit at any time.

What would you do if you suddenly awoke in the middle of the night and saw only the upper half of a ghostly figure leaning over to kiss you? The mystery of the missing lower half of the ghost is explained by a chilling legend: the chef's wife was murdered and dismembered, with her upper half wandering the halls while the lower half roams the castle's lower floors and grounds. While this ghostly visit may seem like harmless fun, it’s an unsettling prank that many male visitors would rather avoid.