The world is full of awe-inspiring places that seem too surreal to be true, or are shrouded in stories that simply cannot be explained. While many of these spooky goings-on have logical explanations, others remain an enigma. From rock formations said to be crafted by the Devil himself to haunted castles that will send chills down your spine, join us as we explore Europe's most mysterious (and magical) places...
Could this seemingly ordinary, if not beautiful, castle actually be the gateway to Hell? Yes, according to local legend. Houska Castle can be found in Blatce, Czech Republic, and dates back to the 13th century. Today it's considered to be one of the most haunted places in the world. According to folklore, Houska Castle was constructed over a hole so deep that no one could see the bottom. At night, dark creatures crawl from the pit, dragging unfortunate travellers down to its depths...
Stonehenge is undoubtedly one of Europe's most mysterious places. The prehistoric monument can be found on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire and dates back to around 2500 BC. Yet how the site came to be has baffled historians, since the larger sarsen stones were sourced 20 miles (32km) away and weigh, on average, 25 tonnes apiece, and the smaller bluestones all came from the Preseli Hills in Wales. Many believe they were transported using the UK's canal system. In 2019, university students discovered that humans may have used sledges lubricated with pig fat to hoist them into position.
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The aptly named Crooked Forest can be found just south of the Polish city of Szczecin. Here, you’ll find over 400 pine trees that are unlike any you might find anywhere else on earth. Every single tree boasts a sweeping bent trunk. Arboriculturists have debated the causes of this otherworldly landscape, but so far no one has been able to explain it. While some suggest the crooked trunks were caused by torrential snowstorms, others believe local lumberjacks created their own unique growing technique.
Just off the Italian island of Capri, you’ll find an enchanting sea cave that's in a league of its own. The magical grotto, which is almost too narrow to access, boasts a dazzling blue glow that many locals blame on monsters or evil spirits. In fact, the grotto used to terrify locals to the point that it was actively avoided. Today, the cave’s startling colour can be explained by science. Beneath the water lies a small opening, which sunshine filters through, giving the interior a natural blue glow. How's that for magical?
For centuries, Fairy Glen on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, has been linked to magical creatures – it was even the filming location for the fantasy adventure movie, Stardust. Despite the fact that no real legends involving fairies seem to actually exist, many think the area was created by otherworldly forces. Some have claimed to feel watched by unseen creatures during their travels to the area, but its topography can be explained away quite easily. The castle-like rock spires were actually caused by an ancient landslide. In recent years, visitors have moved rocks to create spirals in the glen.
Bran Castle’s connection to the classic horror novel, Dracula, is just one of the reasons why it is shrouded in mystique. Often enclosed by an eerie dawn mist, legend states that bloodthirsty ruler, Vlad the Impaler, was imprisoned within the castle’s medieval walls during the 15th century. Local folklore also tells of strigoi (troubled spirits) that rise from the dead to feed on human blood each night. Even if these terrifying tales aren't true, Bran Castle’s gothic appeal is undeniable.
You might be wondering why such an idyllic spot might have been given the name ‘Devil’s Bridge’. Well, this German landmark, located in Kromlauer Park, Saxony, is said to have been built by Satan himself. Local legend states that the bridge’s perfect semi-circle could only be the work of greater forces. The tale goes that upon its completion, Satan claimed the soul of the first mortal that crossed the bridge – a little reward for his hard work. Sadly, visitors can't walk on the bridge, but can admire it from afar.
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Over on the coast of County Antrim, you'll find one of Northern Ireland's most iconic natural treasures, the Giant's Causeway. The 173-acre site is thought to be home to around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that seem to tumble gradually into the sea. Follow these striking formations across the water and you'll soon reach Scotland’s Isle of Staffa. There, you'll find a very similar landscape of towering columns, as if the two places were once joined together...
According to age-old legend, these two remarkable places are the result of a furious fight between two giants, Finn McCool and Benandonner. The rivals built a road connecting Northern Ireland with Scotland, in order to meet for their brawl. But Finn played dirty and disguised himself as a baby. When Benandonner saw the size of his baby, he assumed Finn himself must be far too big to fight. He ran back to Scotland, tearing up the road that linked the two places. In reality, the columns in County Antrim and Fingal's Cave on the Isle of Staffa were formed by an ancient volcanic eruption.
Spectacular and surreal for all the right reasons, Pindus Mountain in northern Greece is one of the country's most mesmerising landscapes. Here, you'll find Vikos Gorge, named the deepest in the world by Guinness World Records, and Dragon Lake with its crystalline waters and mystical past. According to folklore, two huge dragons once lived in the mountains and during a fight, threw enormous rocks down to the valley, creating the lakes below.
Filled with ancient oak trees and moss-covered rock formations, Wistman's Wood is one of the UK's most ethereal places. Like a scene from a Tolkien novel, the high-altitude woodland is thought to have grown around 12,000 years ago, following the last Ice Age. Yet the wood has a reputation for mystical happenings, too. As well as apparently being the site for sacred Druid rituals, it is also thought to be the home of demon dogs, who prey on lonely travellers. It's set along the Lych Way, or Way of the Dead, an ancient path that was also once used to transport coffins to the nearby churchyard.
Upon first glance, Lyngen Fjord near Tromsø in northern Norway, appears to be a tranquil and spectacular landscape, but in 2015 the fjord became coated in a strange purple slime that no one could quite explain. The colourful mucus caused havoc for local fishermen, whose sonar equipment and catch were covered with the unidentifiable matter. While scientists still can't explain the phenomena, some believe the slime may have been caused by a haul of dead jellyfish.
The word 'beautiful' isn't often used to describe a cemetery, but when it comes to Highgate's there is no other word for it. Home to around 53,000 graves, including those of Karl Marx and George Eliot, Highgate Cemetery has long been a tourist spot for those looking to venture off London's beaten path. Yet the site also harbours dark secrets. During the Second World War it is said to have been used for cult ceremonies, while others claim vampires live among the towering tombstones. From red glowing eyes to a supernatural cyclist, there have been countless reports of ghostly sightings at this world-famous necropolis.
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Spectacular? Yes. Spooky? Almost definitely. Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, Château de Brissac is thought to be the tallest castle in France. Dating back to the 15th century, it is also considered to be one of the most mysterious buildings in the world. According to legend, the Green Lady, or 'La Dame Verte', was murdered in the castle many centuries ago. Unable to let go, she still roams its grounds and towers. Many also claim to have heard her moans echoing through the castle in the early hours of the morning.
Is there anything more unsettling than an abandoned village or town? We certainly don't think so and Ochate on the outskirts of Burgos, Spain, is one place we definitely wouldn't want to venture at night. Why this village was abandoned at the end of the 19th century remains a mystery, but the Spanish Flu, bad weather and a murder may all have played a role. The deserted village is now said to be haunted by a murdered shepherd, while UFOs were sighted in the area during the 1980s.
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While the Czechs believe Houska Castle is the gateway to Hell, Austrians claim Eisriesenwelt to be. A truly spectacular natural landscape, this otherworldly ice cave is the biggest in the world. Extending more than 26 miles (42 km) into the mountain, the tunnel network is home to crystalline structures and winding passageways that lead to colossal auditoriums. Historically, locals refused to explore the caves, believing they were linked to hell. They were actually formed during the shifting of tectonic plates.
As well as being one of the most iconic mountains in Wales, Cadair Idris is also shrouded in mystery. The almost 3,000-foot (914m) peak is said to be the seat of the giant, Idris. Travellers are warned from camping in the area overnight, since anyone caught sleeping on Idris’ chair will be woken by either a poet, or a madman. The peak’s glacial lake, Llyn Mwyngil, is also said to be bottomless, but despite that it's still a popular spot for wild swimming.
Fascinating and just a little bit freaky, Mother Shipton’s Cave and the aptly named Petrifying Well, can be found in the spa town of Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. The site is said to be the birthplace of the prophetess, Mother Shipton, whose well could turn any object to stone. Considered to be England’s oldest visitor attraction, this unusual place may not be as mysterious as it seems. In fact, the water's magical powers are actually the result of its high mineral content.
With a name like The Dark Hedges, it's unsurprising that this Northern Irish landmark is shrouded by plenty of mystery. Made famous as the Kingsroad in the iconic TV show, Game of Thrones, this spectacular tree-lined lane is said to be haunted by the Grey Lady, who floats between the sweeping branches come nightfall. Locals believe she’s the ghost of a maid from a nearby house, who died under mysterious circumstances many years ago...
Another place made famous by Game of Thrones, the beach known as Reynisfjara is one of Iceland’s most enchanting places. Located on the south coast, the black sand beach is home to basalt cliffs and towering sea stacks that protrude from the water. According to folklore, the rocky columns, known as Reynisdrangar were once trolls, who headed into the sea to lure ships to shore. Yet caught in the dawn sunlight, they were instantly turned to stone. If you want a scientific explanation though, the stacks were once part of the mainland and became detached due to erosion.
The Peak District National Park is one of Britain’s most spectacular landscapes. Home to dramatic ridges and deep plateaus, the park is also said to harbour two mermaids, one of which lives in the waters of Mermaid’s Pool. According to legend, any lucky visitor that spots her will be granted immortality – but she only appears at midnight every Easter. In nearby Blackmere Pond, a beautiful young woman, hanged as a witch, haunts the waters. You can even spot her claw marks around the pool’s edge.
Blå Jungfrun, or The Blue Maiden, is a small island in the heart of the Baltic Sea. The island's blue granite dome is thought to be around 570 million years old and has gained quite a reputation with locals. Often associated with witches, cult rituals and black magic, the island is also home to the Trojeborg Labyrinth. Formed from small stones, no one knows who built it, or why. Thought to be cursed, many believe that if a pebble is taken from the site, the thief will be punished with eternal bad luck.
Around 7,500 years ago, giant meteorites soared down to Earth and landed in a field in Saaremaa, Estonia. The impact resulted in nine large holes now known as the Kaali Meteorite Crater Field. Yet the unique landscape of Kaali isn't what makes this spot mysterious. Due to its cosmic origin, many believe the area to be sacred and a discovery of animal bones revealed the site had been used for sacrifices. Was this unique place home to an ancient cult, or is there another explanation we're yet to discover?
Shrouded in legend, Scotland’s Loch Ness has gained an international reputation, and not because of its natural beauty. The freshwater lake is said to harbour an unknown beast, known fondly as Nessie. The creature was first “sighted” in 1933, but a local newspaper dismissed the disturbance as a mere duck fight. A year later, an infamous photo of the long-necked Nessie emerged, but was later revealed to be a hoax. The latest theory is that Nessie could be nothing more than an oversized eel.
The pretty but fairly unremarkable Sussex hilltop of Chanctonbury has a unique story to tell. A ridgeway, carved into the grass, runs along the hill, and according to local folklore, it was created by the Devil himself when the residents of West Sussex turned their backs on paganism. It's said that if, at midnight, you run anti-clockwise around the trees seven times, the Devil will be summoned. Local UFOlogists are also convinced that the hill is a hot spot of extra-terrestrials. In reality, the track is the remains of a prehistoric hill fort.
Germany's Harz National Park is renowned for its natural beauty and enchanting hillside castles, yet this sublime setting is also known for its mystic tales. According to whispered stories, one night, on the top of Brocken Mountain, a group of witches met with the Devil. For centuries, tales of pagan ritual activities, mountain men and dark tunnels have surrounded this landscape, but no matter how spooky the story, nothing could take away from Harz's splendour.
Located on the edge of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, UK, Wookey Hole Caves are a series of limestone caverns with a 50,000-year history. Of course, such a spectacular underground world could never be without a fairytale or two. Many believe that Wookey Hole was once used by a witch, who cast spells and caused misfortune. Her frozen figure (or is it a stalagmite?) can now be seen inside The Witch’s Kitchen, a large chamber decorated with a murky pool.
The ruins of Tintagel Castle can be found perched on a rugged peninsula, on the extreme western coastline of England. As if plucked from a medieval saga, the castle boasts its own tantalising tale. According to folklore, King Arthur was conceived and born here. It's said that the powerful wizard, Merlin, assisted Arthur's father Uther Pendragon in his seduction of his beloved Igraine, who was married to another man. Even without these magical connections, a visit to Tintagel Castle could never be a bad idea.
Under the right circumstances, any forest could send chills down your spine, but Hoia-Baciu in Transylvania definitely dials things up a notch or two. This 729-acre woodland is home to eerie trees and a unique mist that blankets its floor. Mysteries surround it too from tales of alien encounters to mysterious disappearances, which has led to Hoia-Baciu being dubbed “the Bermuda Triangle of Romania”. The biggest mystery of all is The Clearing, a central section of the forest where nothing grows – and no one knows why...
Some 400 million years ago, a large mountain once stood near Nidderdale in North Yorkshire, UK. Over the centuries, erosive forces tore through the peak, creating a river delta that slowly formed the unusual rock formations of Brimham. Despite having a scientific explanation, this weird and wonderful landscape is shrouded in legends. While some link their spectacular shapes with ancient druids, others believe the Devil himself dropped the stones into place. Either way, the magic of Brimham Rocks is undeniable.
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