Gunnuhver, Iceland

Gunnuhver, the largest geothermal mud pool in the country. But be warned: this place is not only hot and steamy, but also haunted by the angry ghost of a witch!

Gunnuhver is located in the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, a stunning area of volcanic landscapes, craters, lava fields, and hot springs. The mud pool itself is a sight to behold, measuring 20 meters across and constantly spewing dense clouds of steam at a scorching 570°F. The surrounding rocks are also colorful and beautiful, painted with shades of orange and blue by the minerals in the water.

But Gunnuhver is more than just a natural wonder. It is also the site of a legend that dates back to the 18th century. According to the story, there was an old woman named Gudrun, or Gunna for short, who lived in a small community on the peninsula. She was disliked by most people, who suspected her of being a witch because she always had something brewing in her pot.

One day, a judge named Vilhjalmur Jonsson visited Gunna and got into an argument with her over some land rights. He left without paying her what he owed her, and she cursed him for his injustice. The next day, the judge was found dead, with bruises and wounds all over his body. The villagers blamed Gunna's ghost for his death, and she didn't stop there. She continued to haunt and terrorize the peninsula, causing accidents and misfortunes.

The locals tried to get rid of Gunna's ghost, but nothing worked. They even asked a priest for help, but he refused to deal with such a dangerous spirit. It was only after they got him drunk that he agreed to give them some advice. He told them to leave a ball of twine with a loose end near Gunnuhver, hoping that Gunna's ghost would grab it and follow it into the mud pool.

The plan worked. Gunna's ghost fell for the trap and was dragged into the boiling pit by the twine. She was trapped there forever, and the mud pool was named after her: Gunnuhver, or Gunna's hot spring. Some say that she is still there, clinging to the edge of the pool and trying to escape. The steam that rises from Gunnuhver is said to be her breath, and the rumbling noises are her screams.

If you dare to visit Gunnuhver, you can see it from several wooden platforms that offer a safe view of the geothermal area. But be careful: sometimes the steam can engulf you and make you lose your way. And don't forget: Gunna's ghost might still be lurking around, waiting for her revenge.

Gunnuhver is a fascinating place that combines natural beauty and supernatural mystery. It is one of the most haunted places in Iceland, and one that you should never visit alone!

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Al Madam, United Arab Emirates

Al Madam, a ghost town that was abandoned by its inhabitants decades ago. Al Madam, also known as the Buried Village, is located in the desert of Sharjah, about 60 kilometers from Dubai. It consists of two rows of colorful houses and a mosque, all covered by sand dunes that have slowly engulfed them over time.

The origin and history of Al Madam are not very clear, but some sources suggest that it was built in the 1970s or 1980s as part of a public housing program for the local Al Kutbi tribe. However, for some unknown reason, the residents left their homes not long after they moved in, leaving behind their belongings and furniture. Some locals believe that the village was haunted by jinns, supernatural creatures in Islamic and Arab folklore, who drove the people away. Others speculate that the village was abandoned due to environmental factors, such as sandstorms, lack of water and electricity, or urban development.

Whatever the reason, Al Madam has become a fascinating attraction for tourists, explorers, photographers, and bloggers who want to witness the eerie sight of a deserted settlement reclaimed by nature. The village has a surreal atmosphere, with rusty gates, broken windows, and sand-filled rooms. Some of the houses still have blue and green walls decorated with tiles and wallpapers, while others are completely buried under the sand. The mosque at one end of the street is one of the best-preserved buildings, with a courtyard and a minaret.

Visiting Al Madam is not difficult, as it can be found on Google Maps by the name "The old area of Madame". It is accessible by car or taxi from Dubai or Sharjah, but be careful when driving on the sandy road near the village. There is no entrance fee or security guard, so you can explore the village at your own pace and risk. However, you should respect the place and its history, and avoid damaging or taking anything from it. You should also be aware of potential dangers such as scorpions, snakes, or collapsing structures.

Al Madam is a hidden gem in the UAE that offers a glimpse into a forgotten past and a contrast to the modern cities nearby. It is a place that sparks curiosity and imagination, as well as questions about why and how it was abandoned. If you are looking for an adventure off the beaten path, Al Madam might be the perfect destination for you.

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Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia

Eastern State Penitentiary is a former prison in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that operated from 1829 to 1971. It was one of the most expensive and innovative prisons of its time, designed to reform criminals through solitary confinement and strict discipline. However, the harsh conditions and brutal punishments inflicted on the inmates also made it one of the most notorious and haunted prisons in the world.

Eastern State Penitentiary was built as a radial structure, with seven cellblocks radiating from a central hub. Each cell had a small window, a toilet, and a skylight. The inmates were not allowed to communicate with each other or see anyone else's face. They wore hoods when they were taken out of their cells for exercise or work. The prison's founders believed that this system would induce penitence and remorse in the criminals, hence the name penitentiary.

However, the isolation and deprivation also drove many inmates to madness, suicide, or violence. Some of the punishments used on the prisoners were horrific, such as the water bath, where inmates were dunked in cold water and hung on a wall to freeze; the mad chair, where inmates were strapped so tightly that they lost circulation and sometimes limbs; and the iron gag, where a metal device was clamped on the tongue and wrists, causing bleeding and choking.

The prison also housed some of the most infamous criminals in American history, such as Al Capone, Willie Sutton, and Pep the dog (yes, a dog). Al Capone reportedly had a luxurious cell with paintings and furniture, but he also claimed to be haunted by the ghost of James Clark, one of his victims in the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Willie Sutton was part of a group of 12 inmates who attempted to escape through a tunnel in 1945, but they were caught by guards. Pep the dog was allegedly sentenced to life for killing the governor's cat, but this story is probably a hoax.

The prison was closed in 1971 due to overcrowding and decay. It was abandoned for years until it opened for public tours in 1994. Today, it is a museum and a National Historic Landmark. It also hosts a Halloween haunted house attraction called Terror Behind the Walls.

Many visitors and staff have reported paranormal experiences at Eastern State Penitentiary, such as seeing apparitions, hearing voices, feeling cold spots, and witnessing objects move by themselves. Some of the most haunted areas are Cellblock 12, where laughter and whispers are heard; Cellblock 6, where shadow figures are seen; Cellblock 4, where faces appear in cell doors; and Death Row, where eerie noises are heard.

Eastern State Penitentiary is a place where history and horror collide. It is a testament to the dark side of human nature and the suffering of thousands of souls. It is also a fascinating destination for anyone interested in exploring one of the most haunted places in America.

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Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest and most historic castles in Europe, dating back to the 12th century. It has witnessed many wars, sieges, executions, and royal dramas over the centuries, and it is said to be the most haunted place in Scotland.

Edinburgh Castle is home to many ghosts and paranormal phenomena, according to countless reports from visitors and staff members. Some of the most famous ghosts of Edinburgh Castle are:

- The Little Drummer Boy: A headless apparition of a young drummer boy who was killed during a siege in 1650. He is said to appear on the battlements playing an old Scottish war tune when the castle is under threat.

- The Piper Ghost: A young bagpiper who was sent to explore a secret network of tunnels underneath the Royal Mile that connected the castle to Holyrood Palace. He never returned from his mission, and his bagpipes can still be heard from below.

- The Grey Lady: Janet Douglas, Lady of Glamis, who was accused of witchcraft and trying to poison King James V of Scotland. She was tortured and burned at the stake in 1537, and her ghost wanders the castle grounds, especially near her former prison cell.

- The Ghost Dogs: A pack of spectral dogs that haunt the castle's dog cemetery, where the pets of soldiers and officers were buried. The most famous ghost dog is Greyfriars Bobby, a loyal terrier who stayed by his master's grave for 14 years until his own death.

These are just some of the many spirits that lurk in Edinburgh Castle, making it a fascinating and frightening place to visit. If you are brave enough, you can join one of the many ghost tours that take you around the castle and its dungeons, vaults, and chambers. You might even encounter some of the castle's paranormal residents yourself.

Edinburgh Castle is not only a haunted place, but also a historical and cultural treasure. It offers stunning views of the city, impressive architecture, and rich collections of artifacts, weapons, and crown jewels. It is also the venue for many events and ceremonies throughout the year, such as the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Edinburgh International Festival.

Whether you are interested in history, culture, or horror, Edinburgh Castle has something for everyone. It is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Scotland, especially during Halloween season. Just be prepared to meet some of its ghostly inhabitants along the way.

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