Here’s something that might surprise you, the idea of dress up and uniting the living with the dead on 31 October emerged from Ireland’s ancient Celt culture who wore special costumes for an annual feast commemorating their deceased relatives.
Similar to Mexico’s Day of the Dead. But fast forward to the 21st century and Halloween is pretty much known as a day of costumes (horror and sexy), haunted parties and chocolate treats.
Don’t get us wrong, we’re all for some free sugar but it’s interesting to know that the Old Continent is responsible for delivering the hair-raising day to the world, especially considering it’s home to some of the spookiest destinations and scariest legends.
Here are just a few of Europe’s creepiest spots that’ll keep you up this All Hallow’s Eve:
Visit Count Dracula in Romania
Legend has it that Busabout is throwing a killer Halloween party, and you’re invited. The Transylvanian Halloween Trek through Hungary and Romania combines the best Halloween sites and frights with the hidden wonders of Eastern Europe, topping it all off with access to an exclusive Halloween party nestled in a hidden valley.
On this terrifying trek, you’ll enter the eerie home of Vlad the Impaler, also known as Count Dracula who had a thirst for blood, punishing his enemies in Bran Castle, the very place that inspired so many dark vampire tales…
Walk among the dead in Les Catacombs
Explore the dark underworld that lies beneath a city oblivious to its hidden past – Les Catacombs. The Parisian Catacombs, overflowing with corpses holds the remains of over six million people. The winding tunnels that span over 300 kilometers are lined with the remains of the cities previous inhabitants.
This is not for the faint hearted, it will send chills right through your bones. If it’s too much for you, it’s time to jump back onto the Hop-on Hop-off network and go elsewhere.
Hear the torture in Edinburgh
If you’re brave enough, you’ll enter the deep, damp ancient dungeons of the scariest castle in Europe. Embrace the history of torture and bloodshed that comes with Edinburgh Castle a fortress that housed hundreds of deaths. You might even feel the spirits of unrest or even see the headless drummer!
It’s been reported that many who step foot in the dungeon feel a sudden cool change in temperature, tugs at clothing and become unsettled by a ghostly presence.
Cross paths with the paranormal in Prague
Considered to be the most haunted city in Europe, Prague is crawling with paranormal sightings. Don’t be fooled by the Old Town charm and cute cobbled streets, rumor has it that a headless knight loves to pay a visit to newcomers.
Journey beyond the dead to discover The Church of Bones outside of Prague in a suburb called Kutná Hora. The church is structured with the bones of 40 thousand people, including many that died from the Black Death, otherwise known as the Bubonic plague that almost wiped out the continent. If a chandelier made of human hair and preserved bones tickles your fancy then this is the place for you… we won’t judge.
Swim with a mythical creature in Scotland
It wouldn’t be Halloween without a mythical creature involved. Hunt down the infamous Loch Ness Monster , and solve a legend that has carried for centuries. Nessie was first sighted in 565 AD when she viscously captured a farmer and took him to the bottom of the lake… don’t get too close to the edge!
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