Zvikov Castle

The Zvikov Castle is said to be the home of the Rarasek. This is a supernatural creature of Bohemian folklore, which is described as either the spirit of a cyclone, or a domestic spirit. This creature wreaks havoc on the castle and anyone who goes inside. It causes technical problems, electromagnetic anomalies, weird animal behaviour, and dampens any fires that spring up. This creature is said to live in the ancient tower, Markomanka, which was built during the Marcomanni rule over Bohemia, in the 1st century BC and 2nd century AD. This ancient tower was integrated into the castle when it was built later and contains stones that are engraved with unknown symbols.

As if this doesn’t already make this one of the creepiest abandoned castles on this list, there’s also a legend attached to the ancient tower. Apparently, anyone who sleeps there dies within a year. So, whatever you do, don’t get sleepy when you’re exploring this site.

The exact date of the castle’s construction isn’t known, though mentions of it are found in writings dating back to 1234. It’s located at a junction between the Vltava and Otava rivers, around 15 kilometres or nine miles north of Písek. Today, this is one of the most difficult to access abandoned castles, as it stands on a steep promontory above the rivers. The castle has been partially destroyed, added to, and used for a variety of reasons over the years. It has also inspired painter and writers with its chilling atmosphere and supernatural stories.

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Heidelberg Castle

In Southern Germany, the Heidelberg Castle majestically overlooks the Neckar River. It was first built between 1398 and 1410 by Prince Elector Ruprecht III as a regal residence and was added to later. The castle was destroyed during the 30 Years’ War between 1619 and 1649, and then rebuilt. It was destroyed against in the late 1600s by French troops. But this wasn’t the end of the castle’s misfortunes. It was struck by lightning in the mid-1700s and then pillaged by local villagers for building materials. It wasn’t until the 1800s that the castle could be brought back to its original glory.

Lots of abandoned castles have tumultuous histories. But the trials of this castle go further than most. Some say it’s because of the land. The castle was built close to an area of religious importance that dates back to the Celtic era. And people claim that angry spirits have been causing all of the problems. In fact, witnesses have reported hearing wailing from the castle, as well as hooded figures walking between the castle and the sacred site.

Whatever the truth may be, if you’re looking for abandoned castles with really bad luck, this is a prime example.

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Dunstanburgh Castle

The Dunstanburgh Castle was built in 1313 when the conflict between Earl Thomas of Lancaster and King Edward II was hotting up. The castle is located on a remote headland in Northumberland and was built on a truly magnificent scale, perhaps as an insult to the King. The Earl was executed in 1322 after his rebellion against the King failed and the castle was passed to John of Gaunt. Over the years, it saw the Wars of the Roses and other conflicts before falling into decay. And over the years it became one of the most stunning abandoned castles around.

Dunstanburgh Castle is mostly in ruins now but was once absolutely stunning. John of Gaunt converted the twin-towered gatehouse into a Keep to strengthen it against the Scottish invasions. These additions add to its foreboding atmosphere and are an architectural marvel on their own. And the setting, poised high along the coast, is fitting for every spooky, Gothic tale ever told. As you might expect, there are lots of spooky legends attached to this castle.

Thomas of Lancaster, the original owner, suffered a brutal death. It took the executioner 11 strokes to decapitate him and his ghost is said to haunt the castle, carrying his mangled head. The ghost of Margaret of Anjou, the wife of Henry VI has also been seen wandering the grounds. The dramatic ruins have also given rise to the legend of Sir Guy the Seeker. According to this creepy story, Sir Guy took shelter from a storm in caves under the castle. He was approached by a warlock and followed him after being promised a great beauty. Once in the castle, he made the wrong choice to save the woman and was trapped there, haunting the corridors, looking for the beauty he’d lost.

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Casa Loma

Casa Loma is located in Toronto, Canada and is now a historic house museum and landmark. It was built in a Gothic Revival style between 1911 and 1914 for financier Henry Pellatt. And according to visitors, it’s one of the most haunted abandoned castles on this list. The owner suffered a number of setbacks, resulting in the abandonment of the castle. But according to the stories, not everyone went away.

Visitors to the site have reported grabbing hands, spooky voices, and a mysterious lady who wanders the halls. A grumpy spectral man is said to live in the stables and some people have even seen the original owner, angrily glaring at guests from windows. The stories about the castle make it a popular place for ghost tours and Halloween parties. So, if you enjoy a scare, then this should be one of the abandoned castles on your bucket list.

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