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
• Poveglia, Italy
• Hoia Baciu Forest, Romania
• Hill of Crosses, Lithuania

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.

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.

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