Discover the best European Halloween destinations
There’s nothing quite like the Halloween thrills, whether you like to take part in the action or not. Europe is home to spooky centuries-old castles, chapels and cemeteries, making it a popular destination among fans of the supernatural. So, if you’re planning your next holiday and want to inject some horror into it (not for the fainthearted!), you’re in the right place.
Discover Europe’s most haunted destinations, from Paris’ Catacombs to Germany’s Wolfsegg Castle, to get the chills going this Halloween.
How to get to mainland Europe with DFDS
Travelling to Europe by ferry? Look no further than DFDS. Our ferries to Europe offer maximum comfort, family-friendly entertainment and Duty Free shopping. You can bring your vehicle, pet and as much luggage as you need for extra flexibility. We also have overnight sailings, so you’re sure to find a time that suits you.
Our ferries to France include Dover to Calais, Dover to Dunkirk and Newhaven to Dieppe. All our ports provide direct access to popular destinations, so you can make the most of your time in Europe.
If you’re travelling to Holland or Belgium, our Newcastle to Amsterdam route is ideal for exploring northern Europe.
Visit our FAQ page to learn more about travelling with DFDS, or contact us today.
1. Château de Brissac, France
Listed as a monument historique (historical monument) by the French Ministry of Culture, the Château de Brissac is an architectural masterpiece. Located in the Loire Valley, it was built as a fortified castle by the Counts of Anjou in the 11th century. It’s France’s tallest château and boasts a stunning Baroque façade, 15th-century décor and grand rooms.
The château is reportedly haunted by the ghost of its former owner’s wife. Jacques de Brézé murdered his wife, Charlotte, for being too flirtatious with a friend, and her soul is said to wander the building.
2. Dragsholm Castle, Denmark
Haunted by over 100 ghosts, Dragsholm Castle deserves a spot in your itinerary. Built in 1215 by the Bishop of Roskilde, it was fortified during the Middle Ages and became the official castle of the Danish Crown in 1536.
Between 1536 and 1664, the castle was used as a prison for noble and ecclesiastical prisoners. The last Bishop of Roskilde supposedly haunts the tower where he was imprisoned, with guests reporting wailing sounds from the hallways. Ejler Brockenhuus’ ghost is also present. He was the King’s confidant, but when they fell out, he was imprisoned. You can hear him rumbling down the corridors near his old cell.
3. Wolfsegg Castle, Germany
A fan favourite among Halloween enthusiasts, Wolfsegg Castle regularly ranks among Europe’s most haunted destinations. Built in the 16th century, this Renaissance castle sits next door to the German village of Wolfegg in Baden-Württemberg. It was never fortified but served as a shelter for travelling troops.
Reports of ghosts date back to the 1500s when the owner allegedly murdered his wife after discovering she was having an affair. Visitors claim to have seen her ghost roaming the castle’s halls, especially around her room.
Learn more about Europe’s most haunted castles for a memorable Halloween trip.
4. The Catacombs of Paris, France
It’s hard to imagine thousands of ossuaries lying underneath Paris’ grand avenues. But that’s why the Catacombs are one of the world’s most extraordinarily shocking sites. These underground tunnels are filled with the skeletal remains of over six million people, spanning over 200 miles.
Work on the site began in 1786 when Paris’ cemeteries could no longer accommodate the deceased. Visitors often report seeing figures vanishing into thin air and whispers echoing through the tunnels.
5. Bock Casemates, Luxembourg
Known as the ‘Gibraltar of the North’, the Bock Casemates are an underground defence system carved into the rock. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Luxembourg dates back to 1644 and was used as bunkers for military personnel and civilians. It consisted of 23 km of tunnels running as deep as 40 metres below the fortress, which included 25 artillery slots, workshops, bakeries and kitchens.
It’s believed that Melusina’s ghost still lives within the caves. When Count Siegfried I married Melusina in 963, he promised he would never watch her transform into a mermaid. When he broke his promise, she disappeared, and rumour has it she now lives in the Alzette River and appears every seven years.
6. Palavas-les-Flots, France
A short drive from Montpellier at the mouth of the Lez, Palavas-les-Flots is a charming beach resort. It owes its name to the French term palus-avis, which means the marsh of the birds. It boasts excellent amenities for all visitors, from shops and casinos to boat hires and restaurants.
Palavas-les-Flots is famous for being the setting of one of the scariest ghost stories in French folklore. People report having seen the Dames Blanches (White Ladies) hide near the roadside until they see a car approaching. In 1981, a group of men picked up a female hitchhiker in a white raincoat. She sat in the back of the car and began screaming, ‘Mind the turn, mind the turn’. As the driver slowed down and passed the curb, she disappeared into thin air.
7. Klosterstraβe Monastery, Germany
Found within Berlin Mitte, the ruins of the Franciscan Monastery on Klosterstraße hide one of Germany’s most chilling ghost stories. The site is supposedly haunted by Friar Roderich, a 17th-century monk. He engaged in an affair with a beautiful damsel and was chased away once this was discovered. He suffered a broken leg and other permanent injuries when he entered the monastery.
As time went on, he became bitter and fought with his fellow monks. He locked one in a cellar and later found out that it was his son. When he tried to free him, he found him dead. His soul still haunts the monastery, searching for redemption for his sins.
