Haunted Castles We Dare You to Visit

---

When darkness falls, spirits are rumored to stir at haunted castles all across the world. Moss clings the ancient walls that hold secrets darker than night itself. What terrifying things went on inside these walls is anyone’s guess. The truth is forever lost in time. Lost are also souls that will forever haunt these historic fortresses.

The possibility of moonlighting with ghosts and other paranormal activity has haunted castles at the top of the list of must-see attractions for many travelers. If you are brave enough, you can book a paranormal experience that includes a history lesson and a spooky tour that may scare the pants off of you. Okay, maybe not. But these castles also have a wealth of history embedded in the crumbing walls.

Below is a list of some of the world’s scariest haunted castles that we dare you to visit.

Brissac Castle

France

(photo credit: Wikipedia)

Built in the 11th century under the reign of King Phillip II of France, Brissac Castle looks like something straight out of a fairytale. Located in France, the stylish chateau is over seven-stories tall and has more than 200 rooms. But there is a reason why this fortress made this list. There is a dark story here that involves love, betrayal and likely murder.

The story begins when husband and wife named Jacques and Charlotte purchased the Brissac Castle. Legend has it that Charlotte, unhappy with her marriage to Jacques, had relationships with other men. In fact, her husband found her in the arms of one of her huntsman. What happened to Charlotte and her lover afterwards remains a mystery to this very day. The two vanished without a trace. Some claim that Jacques killed both of them with his sword. Though centuries have since past, many claim to have seen an apparition of a woman wandering through the halls.

Today, Brissac Castle hosts several events every year. You can even take a tour of the castle.  To view International Vacation Home Exchange properties in France, click here.

Moosham Castle

Salzburg, Austria

(Photo Credit: Wikipedia)

Moosham Castle is a medieval castle in the Lungau region of Salzburg, Austria. Prince Bishops of Salzburg built the castle back in the 13^th century. Moosham Castle has a dark and sinister past. The castle was center stage during the Salzburg Witch Trails. In a span of more than a decade, thousands were tried and found guilty of witchcraft. Many of those convicted were beheaded within the walls of this Austrian fortress. Others were imprisoned and tortured in the castle’s dungeon. Legend has it that many of those killed still haunt the castle to this very day. In fact, Moosham Castle is now better known as Witches Castle.

Aside from ghosts, other paranormal activity at Moosham Castle includes werewolves. Today, the castle operates as a museum.  To see vacation home exchange properties in Austria, click here for more information.

Houska Castle

Czech Republic

(Photo Credit: tumblr)

Built in the 13^th Century, Houska Castle is located in the forests north of Prague. Many believe the castle was built over a large hole that is allegedly the “Gateway to Hell.” In fact, the hole is rumored to be so deep that no one could see the bottom of it. The castle itself was supposedly built to keep demons from leaving purgatory. Paranormal activity includes demons, a headless black horse, and a woman who is frequently seen peaking out of the top floor windows. Houska Castle is a ghost hunter’s dream, as so many questions about its past still remain unanswered to this very day.

Houska Castle is about an hour drive from the city of Prague.  A great place vacation home exchange near Prague is here.  

Dragsholm Castle

Denmark

(Photo Credit: Visit Denmark)

The ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future likely all call Dragsholm Castle home. The castle, built in 1215, is located on an islet in Denmark and is allegedly home to more than 100 ghosts. The White Lady may be the most famous ghostly resident of this massive fortress. According to legend, the mortal white lady was a young girl who was in love with one of the castle laborers. Her father was so upset over the ongoing affair, that he imprisoned his daughter in the walls of the castle, never to be seen or heard from again.

In the 20^th century, a skeleton was found in the walls of the castle. The skeleton was wearing a white gown. Many tourists have reported seeing her spirit wandering the castle, looking for her lost love.

If you are brave enough, you can stay the night in Dragsholm Castle. If not, be sure to check out this International Vacation Home Exchange property in Denmark. 

If you would like more information about International Vacation home exchange, please be sure to visit our website, http://www.ivhe.com and save thousands on vacations (ghosts may or may not be included).

Thank you to our guest blogger Carla Roberts Pruitt @crobscarla arla.