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.

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Bran Castle

Vlad the Impaler is one of the world’s best known and brutal historical figures. According to the stories, he took death and torture to a new level. He was particularly known for impaling his victims alive on stakes and displaying them outside of his castle. In fact, he was so brutal that he became one of the biggest inspirations for Bram Stoker’s Dracula novel. So, there’s really no wonder that his once home is now one of the creepiest abandoned castles in the world.

Bran Castle in Romania is on the border of Wallachia and Transylvania. It was built in 1378 to defend against Turkish invaders. It is thought to have once been the seat of Vlad Dracula, or Vlad the Impaler as he has come to be known. And as if that wasn’t enough to give you goosebumps, there’s a chapel on the grounds that holds the heart of Queen Marie in a golden casket. This is definitely one of those abandoned castles that you wouldn’t want to be near at night.

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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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