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13 Creepy Destinations Around The World That Are Pure Nightmare Fuel

By Jenny Sullivan

Exploring the creepiest places on the planet is like adding hot sauce to your morning coffee: surprising, a bit bewildering, and probably not for everyone. But hey, for the brave souls out there who thrive on the eerie and the unexplained, we’ve compiled a list that’s sure to satisfy your thirst for the macabre.

From abandoned hospitals that seem to breathe their dark secrets to ancient forests where the ghosts walk among the trees, these destinations promise to test your courage and possibly send shivers down your spine.

With a mix of history, legend, and just a dash of “I may regret this,” these locations are the perfect backdrop for your next adventure (or a really good horror movie plot). Are you ready to dive into the world’s most spine-chilling spots?

Eastern State Penitentiary, Pennsylvania

An eerie, dimly lit prison corridor with peeling paint and decaying walls. The dark atmosphere highlights the abandoned and deteriorating state of the facility.
© Canva Pro

Once a five-star resort for notorious criminals, Eastern State Penitentiary, located in Pennsylvania, now stands as a haunted prison that’s practically begging for visitors. Wander its crumbling halls and let the chilling vibes remind you that not all ghosts are friendly (some are just as cranky as they were in life).

Perfect for a spooky selfie or a heart-racing game of hide-and-seek with a ghost.

Pripyat, Ukraine 

Two old, dusty gas masks with curly hair attached, resting on a windowsill in an abandoned building. The scene is filled with a sense of desolation and remnants of a bygone era.
© Canva Pro

Chernobyl: a delightful slice of desolation that’s like nature giving humanity the side-eye. Pripyat, the ghost town post-Chernobyl disaster, is a haunting look at what happens when you forget to pay your electric bill… forever.

With peeling paint and rusting amusement park rides, it’s like visiting your great aunt’s house after she’s been gone for decades. Creepy? You bet. Worth it? Absolutely!

Sedlec Ossuary, Czech Republic 

A close-up shot of a human skull mounted on an ornate structure, part of the famous bone chandelier in the Sedlec Ossuary. The polished bones are intricately arranged, evoking a haunting, yet artistic, ambiance.
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Here’s a church where the decor is decidedly more, shall we say, unusual. The Sedlec Ossuary, or Church of Bones, takes “dining with the skeletons” to a whole new level, featuring elaborate chandeliers and bone art crafted from the remains of over 40,000 people.

Because who needs regular wallpaper when you can have femurs and skulls? It definitely has more spooky ambiance than the IKEA showroom, if you ask me.

Island Of The Dolls, Mexico 

A dirty, weathered doll hanging from a string, its face cracked and body covered in grime, surrounded by trees. This unsettling image is part of the eerie collection found on the Island of the Dolls.
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Talk about a whimsical getaway, right? The Island of the Dolls is a charming little hideaway where you can mingle with hundreds of decaying dolls swinging from trees like they’re auditioning for a psychodrama.

Legend has it that this place is haunted by the spirit of a girl who met an unfortunate end. Nothing says “family vacation” quite like a haunted doll collection staring you down.

Poveglia Island, Italy 

Aerial view of a seemingly peaceful but overgrown and abandoned island, Poveglia, with old, dilapidated buildings and lush greenery set against a bright blue sea.
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Ready for a trip that’s truly off the beaten path? Poveglia Island was once a quarantine station for plague victims and later an insane asylum. And it’s reputedly haunted by tortured souls who probably didn’t get the memo about checking out.

Why settle for just one haunted house when you can have an entire island?

Hoia Baciu Forest, Romania 

A close-up of a moss-covered tree stump in the haunted Hoia Baciu Forest, known for its eerie legends. The tree roots and forest floor are covered in webs, giving a sense of abandonment and mystery.
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Hoia Baciu Forest, a.k.a. the Bermuda Triangle of Transylvania, boasts a reputation that screams “skip the brochure.” With tales of folks wandering in and just not coming out again, this place serves up a side of UFO sightings that might make your average tourist a tad squeamish.

So, if you fancy a stroll through a forest that’s more thriller than nature documentary, bring your courage… and a change of pants.

Catacombs Of Paris, France 

A narrow underground tunnel lined with thousands of human skulls and bones, stacked neatly along the walls of the Paris Catacombs, creating a haunting, yet organized, labyrinth of the dead.
© Depositphotos

Ever thought your local subway system was a bit cramped? Meet the Paris catacombs, where a maze of tunnels filled with the skeletal remains of over six million people tells a haunting tale of life and death.

It’s like a bone-infested game of hide-and-seek, but instead of winning a prize, you might just lose your lunch. Bon appétit!

Hanging Coffins, Philippines 

Several wooden coffins suspended on a cliffside, a tradition of the indigenous people. The coffins are weathered and precariously placed, creating a dramatic and eerie visual against the rock face.
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Perched on the cliffs like tiny mountain condos for the dearly departed, the hanging coffins of the Philippines offer a burial practice that’s just as creepy as it is fascinating.

These ancient coffins often invite a head tilt and a puzzled brow. Because who thought to themselves, “You know what would be a great spot to rest in peace? Up there, all precarious like.” It’s a perfect addition for your next adventure in the realms of the bizarre.

Beelitz-Heilstatten Hospital, Germany 

An abandoned hallway with peeling paint, crumbling walls, and broken doors in the Beelitz-Heilstätten hospital. The shafts of light filtering through the windows cast a haunting glow on the deteriorating structure.
© Canva Pro

Looking for a creepy hotspot? Beelitz-Heilstatten hospital might just be your cup of ghostly tea. Once a luxurious retreat for soldiers, including a certain Mr. Hitler, this place now oozes an unsettling vibe.

With its decaying walls and haunted reputation, visitors report more ghost sightings than a Halloween party. Please, don’t forget your flashlight (and perhaps a therapist).

Hill Of Crosses, Lithuania 

A densely packed field of wooden crosses of various shapes and sizes, with rosary beads draped over some. The crosses stand on grassy terrain, creating a solemn and historical atmosphere.
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A little trip to Lithuania’s Hill of Crosses might just leave you questioning your life choices. Over 100,000 crosses have piled up (it’s like a Pinterest board for the afterlife). Seriously, though, it’s eerily beautiful and overwhelmingly poignant, showcasing a blend of devotion and rebellion.

Just be prepared for that nagging sensation that the crosses are judging your taste in travel destinations.

Aokigahara Forest, Japan 

A narrow path winds through a dense forest, with barren branches arching overhead. The forest floor is covered with dry leaves, adding a mysterious and eerie vibe.
© Depositphotos

Aokigahara Forest, also dubbed the “Suicide Forest,” offers a serene escape that’s less about peace and more about foreboding. With trees standing like solemn sentinels, it’s the ideal backdrop for a horror flick… minus the popcorn.

If you’re seeking tranquility, this might not be it; the forest is heavy with whispers of its dark history, and trust me, it’s not just the wind talking.

Bhangarh Fort, India

A large, historic stone fort with thick, high walls and an arched entrance. The fort is nestled against a green, hilly background, blending its ancient architecture with nature.
© Canva Pro

Bhangarh Fort, the bragging champion of curses, sits nestled in Rajasthan, flaunting its spooky reputation. Rumor has it that spending a night there will have you automatically joining the ranks of those who’ve vanished without a trace. Talk about a real “no vacancy” situation.

So, if you’re seeking a thrill, the fort awaits, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. You best be saying your goodbyes before you go.

Winchester Mystery House, California 

An old, yellow-painted hallway with tall, paneled doors and a vintage feel. The hallway has wooden countertops and light streaming in from the open door, creating a sense of isolation and mystery.
© Canva Pro

You want to explore the Winchester Mystery House, huh? This architectural puzzle in San Jose, California, is like someone tried to design an escape room but forgot the exit entirely.

With staircases that just lead to the ceiling and doors that open to walls, it’s the ultimate haunt for confused spirits (and visitors whose brains might just implode trying to navigate the madness). Good luck finding the bathroom on your way out.

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Jenny Sullivan, owner of Discover Parks & Wildlife, is a national park travel expert who has been traveling around North America for more than 30 years and exploring abroad since the age of 13. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of traveling to national parks worldwide as well as providing tips about spotting and photographing wildlife while out in nature.
Her latest adventure has been an extended RV trip throughout the U.S. and Canada, exploring famous national parks and some hidden gems that will surely end up on your bucket list.

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