Moosham Castle

Moosham Castle was built at the end of the 12th century and is better known as the Witches Castle. It’s located near Unternberg in the Lungau region of Salzburg, Austria. Over the years, like most abandoned castles, this site saw lots of bloodshed and turmoil. But its role during the Witch Trials is what makes it really stand out. The castle served as an administration center during the Zaubererjackl witch trials between 1675–1690. And this history is what gives it a creepy vibe that’s greater than most other abandoned castles.

Around 139 people were executed during the trials, 39 of them children between the ages of 10 and 14. Many of them were tortured, burned and mutilated before they were hanged, burned alive, or decapitated. But the stories didn’t stop there. In the 19th century, numerous dead animals were found near the castle. This gave rise to stories of werewolves using the castle as a refuge.

The castle is now privately owned and contains an art collection that is accessible to the public.