Daniel is a copywriter who has well and truly been bitten alive by the 'travel bug'. After ticking off several North American National Parks and exploring Europe by train, his sights are now set on South East Asia. Usually with at least one camera locked and loaded, you'll find Daniel wherever there are mountains, lakes or beaches.
Step into the realm of the unsettling as we unveil a collection of the eeriest and creepiest destinations across the world.
From mysterious catacombs lined with the bones of the past to the haunted Bell Witch Cave in Tennessee and the haunting Poveglia Island in Venice, each destination offers a unique and spine-tingling experience.
Grab your flashlights, and let’s go ghost hunting!
Catacombs – Paris, France
Explore the depths beneath Paris as you navigate through the eerie catacombs—an ancient network of caves and tunnels lined with human bones. As Paris’ most haunted attraction, the remains of around six million people lay deep under the city. The reason for such an odd burial ground? Back in the 18th century, catacombs were introduced to deal with overcrowded cemeteries.
Bell Witch Cave – Tennessee, United States
Fancy searching for an evil witch that supposedly plagued a family back in the 1800s? Well, the Bell Witch Cave is the place for you! A malevolent spirit decided to target the Bell family, allegedly poisoning and killing the father before wreaking havoc on his daughter, Betsy. Legend says the witch was a neighbor and that even President Andrew Jackson was scared off after visiting the cave!
Poveglia Island – Venice, Italy
Once used as a quarantine zone for those infected by the plague in the late 18th century before being converted to an asylum for the mentally unwell in the 1920s, Poveglia Island is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who passed away on the small island. Despite almost becoming a luxury hotel in 2014, the area remains abandoned and isn’t open to tourists.
The Door to Hell – Derweze, Turkmenistan
Located within the heart of the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan lies the “Door to Hell,” a sprawling 230-foot-wide crater perpetually engulfed in flames. The fiery hole was actually created by the Soviets, who inadvertently drilled into a vast methane reservoir, causing a huge crater and the release of dangerous gas. To get rid of the methane, the scientists decided to light the crater on fire, and to this day, it still rages on.
Centralia – Pennsylvania, United States
Considered a modern-day ghost town, Centralia and its residents had their worlds turned upside down in 1962 when a fire took over the underground coal mine. Today, Centralia looks more like a post-apocalyptic movie set. The fire is still burning to this day, and at its current rate, it’s due to stay burning for another 250 years!
The Hill of Crosses – Šiaulia, Lithuania
For some, a cross can be a sign of faith and comfort, but when there are hundreds of them, it soon gets creepy. Following an uprising in 1831, crosses began appearing on top of a hill around 7 miles north of the Lithuanian city Šiaulia. There are now believed to be 100,000 crosses, crucifixes, and carvings dotting the hill, despite the Soviet Union trying to remove them while in power.
Hanging Coffins – Sagada, Philippines
Originating in the Philippines, these tombs follow an age-old funerary tradition, where coffins are affixed to rock faces or nestled within cliffside caves. Accounts from the Tang Dynasty era reveal that the positioning of these coffins was possibly a sign of social status. Some believe the placements served the purpose of shielding the deceased from animals and conserving valuable agricultural land that would otherwise be used for traditional burials. Today, the coffins act as a top destination for dark tourists.
Sedlec Ossuary – Kutná Hora, Czech Republic
What’s studier than brick? Well, it turns out those looking after the Sedlec Ossuary in the Czech Republic think bones do the trick just as well! It’s estimated that 40,000 skeletons have been arranged across the chapel, including a chandelier of bones, which contains at least one of every bone in the human body.
Stanley Hotel – Colorado, United States
Ever wanted to step foot into the world of Stephen King’s The Shining? The Stanley Hotel in Colorado is said to be the inspiration behind the novel. A bizarre tour of the 142-room hotel is available, where ghosts have supposedly been spotted roaming the halls.
Island of the Dolls – Mexico City, Mexico
Despite being hidden in the Xochimilco canals south of Mexico City, the Isla de las Muñecas, aka Island of Dolls, continues to be a huge tourist attraction. According to local legend, the island’s sole resident, Don Julián Santana Barrera, found a drowned girl in a canal before seeing a doll float down. He collected the doll and hung it from a tree to ward off any spirits. Today, thousands of dolls can be found, making the island a super creepy destination.
Why Was The Yellowstone Bison Calf Rejected and Euthanized?
Discover the story behind the controversial euthanization of a bison calf in Yellowstone National Park and the consequences of human intervention in wildlife conservation efforts. Learn about the incident that occurred when a Hawaii man tried to help a newborn bison calf but ended up causing its herd to reject it, resulting in the calf’s euthanization. Learn about the park’s regulations and guidelines and the importance of respecting wildlife and their natural behaviors in protected areas.
When Bison Selfies Go Wrong: Highlighting The Internet’s Funniest Reactions
Get ready for a good laugh and a friendly reminder to keep your distance from bison with this hilarious article about a viral bison selfie gone wrong. From National Park Service selfie stats to witty Twitter reactions, this article has got it all. Learn from this woman’s mistake and avoid winning a Darwin Award by keeping your distance from these majestic creatures.
How To React If You Encounter A Bear: A Safety Guide
A bear sighting while hiking can be exciting but also frightening! Discover the dos and don’ts of bear encounters, including how to make noise to avoid encounters, how to react if you see a bear, what to do if a bear attacks, and wildlife viewing etiquette. Gain valuable insights into how to stay safe in bear country and respect wildlife and their natural behaviors in protected areas.
Interacting With Wildlife In National Parks: Wildlife Safety
Wildlife sightings are one of the most exciting parts of visiting a national park! Keep yourself and the animals both safe with these dos and don’ts of wildlife encounters, including how to stay at a safe distance, never feed or touch the animals, and specific guidelines for interacting with bears, moose, bison, and elk. Gain valuable insights into how to respect wildlife and their natural behaviors in protected areas, and enjoy a safe and enjoyable wildlife viewing experience.