Whether you prefer to explore the mysteries and secrets of abandoned islands and haunted castles, or simply enjoy visiting abandoned ghost towns in all their creepy glory, there are still some of these scary but tourist-friendly locations that you can visit.
9 Eerie Destinations Around The World That Are Open To Visitors
Not all travel destinations have anything to do with beautiful beaches and bustling cities. Sometimes, people choose unusual travel spots based on their creepy pasts, abandoned landscapes, or centuries-old legends. No matter if they are thought to be haunted, associated with some tragedy or just abandoned to fate, such destinations keep attracting visitors from all over the world. If you want a travel experience you will remember for the rest of your life, check out the following weird travel destinations.
Hashima Island (Gunkanjima), Japan
Hashima Island, once a bustling place of coal mining activities, is currently considered to be among the most hauntingly abandoned sites in all of Japan. The area was left to decay shortly after the closure of the mine in 1974, thus, it features deteriorated apartments, schools, and streets. Also known as “Battleship Island” because of the peculiar shape, the island can be visited via guided tours.
Pripyat, Ukraine
After the nuclear accident that occurred in Chernobyl in 1986, Pripyat became evacuated. Now, this entire city serves as a reminder of the terrible events with its empty buildings, classrooms, and even a Ferris wheel. Although the war in Ukraine makes any visit to this area impossible, the city had previously been available for tours upon permission.
Aokigahara Forest, Japan
Found at the bottom of Mount Fuji, Aokigahara is popular for its thick vegetation, eerie silence, and various legends. Due to its tragic past, the forest has acquired a melancholic aura; however, it is also a picturesque place with lava caves and hiking routes. Tourists can freely walk along the designated tracks taking into account safety precautions as well as the historical background of the site.
Poveglia Island, Italy
Reputed as one of the most haunted locations around the world, Poveglia was used as a quarantine station during plague and later became the territory of a mental asylum. The island has always attracted numerous rumors about the presence of paranormal activities; however, some of them still lack verifiability. Despite the limited public access to the island, there were authorized visits conducted on occasion.
Eastern State Penitentiary, USA
This former penitentiary in Philadelphia has earned its name through its spectacular Gothic architecture and its pioneering solitary imprisonment method. This closed down prison has been maintained and kept intact as a historic monument instead of being torn down since 1971. The visitors can explore this abandoned penitentiary, check out various exhibits on the history of prison life, and even enjoy some haunts during special seasons of the year.
Bran Castle, Romania
The legendary castle from the Dracula tale, Bran Castle draws tourists who are fascinated by vampire legends and history. Although this connection between this castle and the infamous Count Dracula is mostly fictional, the mysterious towers, underground tunnels, and foggy environment of the mountains make for an intriguing visit.
Craco, Italy
Craco is an abandoned medieval village situated on top of a hill in southern Italy. This village was deserted because of landslides and earthquakes that made it unsafe for residents. Currently, this ghost town features many abandoned buildings including churches and stone houses. It is a preferred shooting location for historical movies. It is safe for visitors to visit the deserted town using guided tours.
Hoia Baciu Forest, Romania
Hoia Baciu Forest is located in Romania. Also referred to as the “Bermuda Triangle” of Romania, this place is associated with many mysteries and tales including sightings of unexplainable lights and weird sounds. However, no scientific evidence supports these stories, and yet this place remains a popular spot for adventurers who wish to explore this amazing mysterious forest.
Bodie State Historic Park, United States
Bodie was initially an active gold mining town before economic problems made it deserted. Unlike other ghost towns, this town was not restored. Instead, officials left it in a state of “arrested decay.” The houses, buildings, and even personal possessions have been preserved in their initial condition.