Next time you’re vacationing in Europe and would like to see some spine-tingling locations who are known for having spooks as their inhabitants, check out these terrifying castles. Who knows? That mysterious knock and the chill in the air may just herald the arrival of a long-departed resident. Come back now for a visit!

1. Leap Castle, Ireland

Leap Castle
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Known as the most haunted castle in Ireland, Leap Castle has a rather bloody history. Legend has it that brother turned against brother as a warrior killed his priestly sibling. The chapel’s name reflects this gruesome tale; it’s been known as “the Bloody Chapel” ever since. Rounding out the creepy vibe is an oubliette where prisoners were pushed onto the spikes down below. Enter this castle, if you dare!

2. Moosham Castle, Austria

Moosham castle, Austria
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This creepy castle is also known as the Witches’ Castle because that’s where Austria’s priests held the bloodiest witch trials that rivaled even the hysteria that would later take place in Salem, Massachusetts. Countless numbers of women were tortured into confessing that they were Witches and signed pacts with the devil before being killed in the dungeons and torture chambers themselves. Do their restless spirits still walk the halls? More importantly, would you even want to get close enough to find out?

3. Dragsholm Castle, Denmark

Dragsholm Castle, Denmark
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Much like Hamlet’s castle, spooks still roam the walls of this castle turned hotel. (Its most notable ghosts include the Earl of Bothwell, lover to the tragic Mary, Queen of Scots, and a White Lady and a Grey Lady.) Legend has it that the White Lady was once a young girl who fell in love with a common man working there, and when her father found out, he had her imprisoned in her room. She was never seen again, but supposedly workers found a skeleton wearing a white dress in one of the walls during renovations that occurred in the 20th Century. Would you be brave enough to come face to face with this heartbroken spirit?

4. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
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Known as one of the most haunted places in Scotland, this 800-year-old castle has been a part of countless historical conflicts. Some of the most well-known ghostly legends surrounding this place say that piper had been sent down to investigate the tunnels but disappeared. However, if you listen closely, you’ll hear him tirelessly play as he roams the tunnels. There’s also an anonymous drummer boy who appears before a battle sans a head, and the dungeons are full of restless spirits as well. If you visit, be aware of who might be standing next to you in spirit!

5. Windsor Castle, England

The Windsor Castle, England
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This proud castle, one of the many homes to the current Queen of England, is also known for its ghostly inhabitants and creepy legends. One such tale says that a royal keeper named Herne saved King Richard II by throwing himself between an angry stag and perished in the process. His spirit is often seen with a pack of hounds roaming the grounds. There’s also a slew of royal ghosts too: Henry VIII is often heard moaning, and his daughter Elizabeth I likes to walk around dressed in black. King Charles makes an appearance, as well as King George III, who likes to peer out of windows. If you see one of these royal spooks, give them a wave or tip your hat as they pass!

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