There’s something about old castles that stirs the imagination. Their towering walls hold centuries of secrets—some beautiful, others unsettling. Step inside one and you might feel the chill of history pressing close, as though the past refuses to let go. Ready to wander through stone corridors where legends and ghost stories are still alive?
Chillingham Castle
Once a residence for British royalty, this place holds a darker past with its medieval torture chamber. Today, it is famed as Britain’s most haunted castle. Guests report eerie sights like blue flashes in the Pink Room and the glowing halo of the Blue Boy haunting its ancient halls.
Moosham Castle
The gloomy legacy of the 1675–1690 Salzburg Witch Trials is still evident in Moosham, outside of Salzburg, Austria. Within its walls, numerous women were executed after being charged with witchcraft. According to legend, their restless spirits continue to haunt the fortress’s medieval halls.
Leap Castle
The O’Bannon family constructed Leap in the late 15th century in Ireland, though it later became the O’Carroll Clan’s seat. Located in Coolderry, County Offaly, this fortress earned its reputation as Ireland’s most haunted fort. The infamous chapel reportedly houses a murdered priest’s restless spirit.
Houska Castle
In the Czech Republic, Houska is steeped in eerie legend. Built over a gaping pit locals feared as a “gateway to hell,” its chapel was placed directly above the opening to seal it. Unlike typical fortresses, its design focused inward, as if meant to imprison something within rather than defend against enemies.
Castle Fraser
Looking for a castle with both beauty and a touch of mystery? Fraser in Aberdeenshire fits the bill. Built from 1575 to 1636, its towers show off classic Scottish baronial design. But the real story lies within—locals believe Lady Blanche Drummond still walks the halls after her tragic end.
Poenari Castle
High on a cliff in Romania, Poenari looms after a punishing ascent of 1,400 steps. Vlad the Impaler once sought refuge here, but whispers of his cruelty linger in the crumbling walls. The fortress radiates both menace and myth as it is forever bound to Dracula’s legend.
Marksburg Castle
Located in Braubach, Germany, Marksburg is a rare medieval fortress that has survived intact along the Middle Rhine. Known for its well-preserved condition, the fort contains historic features such as a prison and torture chamber, which reflect the harsher aspects of its long history.
Burg Wolfsegg
The “White Woman” has frightened visitors for generations in Bavaria, Germany. This 13th-century stronghold, wrapped in tales of hidden passageways, continues to spark curiosity. Meanwhile, reports of ghostly apparitions persist, making it one of Germany’s most mysterious places.
Castle Of The Moors
The Castle of the Moors is situated amid jagged cliffs and dense woods. Its ancient stones, laid in the 8th and 9th centuries, whisper of battles long past. Today, its ramparts command not only Sintra below, but also the restless expanse of the Atlantic, echoing with centuries of silence.
Peveril Castle
Sir Walter Scott’s “Peveril of the Peak” brought literary recognition to this medieval stronghold in Derbyshire, England. The castle’s ruins still command attention above Castleton village, all the while preserving the legacy of William Peveril, who managed it from 1086 under William the Conqueror.
