Top 10 Haunted Places in Austria
Horror Locations in Austria
Austria is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. But behind its scenic landscapes and majestic architecture, there are also some dark and spooky stories that will send shivers down your spine. If you are looking for some thrill and adventure this Halloween, here are some of the most haunted places in Austria to explore.
1. Hofburg Palace, Vienna – Haunted Places in Austria
The Hofburg Palace is the former imperial residence of the Habsburg dynasty and one of the most impressive landmarks in Vienna. But it is also said to be haunted by several ghosts, including the famous Empress Elisabeth, or Sisi, who was assassinated in 1898. Sisi was fascinated by the supernatural and some people believe that her spirit still wanders the hallways of the palace at night. Another ghost is that of a guard who was falsely accused of rape and executed. He is still trying to prove his innocence by knocking on doors and making noises.
2. Ungarisches Haus, Vienna – Haunted Places in Austria
The Ungarisches Haus, or Hungarian House, is a typical city building that does not attract much attention. But it has a sinister past, as it was once occupied by the infamous Blood Countess, Elizabeth Bathory. She was a Hungarian noblewoman who tortured and killed hundreds of young girls in the 16th and 17th centuries. She allegedly bathed in their blood to preserve her beauty. Some of the atrocities took place in this house, where she also died in 1614. It is said that her ghost still haunts the place, along with the screams and moans of her victims
3. Blutgasse, Vienna – Haunted Places in Austria
Blutgasse, or Blood Street, is a narrow pedestrian alley in the heart of Vienna. Its name comes from the blood that once flowed through the cobblestones during a massacre in 1312. The Knights Templar, a powerful religious order, were persecuted and killed by King Philip IV of France and Pope Clement V. Many of them sought refuge in Vienna, but they were betrayed and slaughtered by the locals. Their blood stained the street for days and their ghosts are said to still haunt the place.
4. Schubert’s Birth House, Vienna – Haunted Places in Austria
Franz Schubert was one of the most famous composers of the Romantic era. He was born in this house at Nußdorferstraße 45 in 1797 and lived there until he was four years old. The house is now a museum dedicated to his life and work. But some visitors claim to have experienced strange phenomena there, such as knocking noises, footsteps, and even Schubert’s presence. Some say that he is still trying to compose new music from beyond the grave.
5. Katzensteighaus, Vienna – Haunted Places in Austria
The Katzensteighaus, or Cat Stair House, is a mysterious building at Seitenstettengasse 6. It is said to be haunted by a white cat that brings bad luck to anyone who sees it. The cat belongs to a woman who tried to poison her husband but died herself instead. The basement of the house is sealed off and no tenant stays there for long. There is also an old wooden chair that emits electromagnetic waves without any electricity source nearby.
6. Kaiserwalzer Restaurant, Vienna – Haunted Places in Austria
The Kaiserwalzer Restaurant at Esterházygasse 9 is a popular place for dining and dancing. But it is also known for its paranormal activity, such as glasses falling off tables, plates dropping out of cupboards, and furniture being moved around. The culprit is believed to be a former waiter who died in a fire in the 1950s. He is still loyal to his job and tries to serve the guests, even if they don’t notice him.
7. Moosham Castle, Salzburg – Haunted Places in Austria
Moosham Castle is a medieval fortress that dates back to the 12th century. It was the scene of one of the largest witch trials in Europe in the 17th century. More than 100 people were accused of witchcraft and executed here, mostly women and children. Their tortured souls are said to still haunt the castle, along with other ghosts such as a werewolf, a headless horseman, and a white lady.
8. Burg Rappottenstein, Lower Austria – Haunted Places in Austria
Burg Rappottenstein is another medieval castle that has a history of witchcraft and horror. It was built in the 12th century and served as a prison for witches during the 16th century. Many of them were burned at the stake or thrown into a well on the castle grounds. Their spirits are said to still linger in the castle, especially in the torture chamber and the well. Some visitors have reported seeing apparitions, hearing screams, and feeling cold spots.
9. Cemetery of the Nameless, Vienna – Haunted Places in Austria
The Cemetery of the Nameless, or Friedhof der Namenlosen, is a small and forgotten graveyard just outside of Vienna. It contains the remains of unknown people who drowned in the Danube River in the 19th and 20th centuries. Most of them were suicide victims or poor migrants who had no identification. They were buried here with simple wooden crosses and no names. The cemetery is said to be haunted by their restless souls, who are looking for peace and recognition.
10. Krampuslauf, Salzburg – Haunted Places in Austria
Krampuslauf is not a place, but an event that takes place every year on December 5th in Salzburg and other parts of Austria. It is a tradition that involves people dressing up as Krampus, a demonic creature that punishes naughty children during Christmas. Krampus is the opposite of Saint Nicholas, who rewards good children with gifts. The Krampuslauf is a parade of people wearing scary costumes, masks, horns, and bells. They run through the streets, whipping and scaring anyone they encounter. Some say that Krampus is not just a legend, but a real entity that manifests during this night.
These are some of the most haunted places in Austria that you can visit if you dare. But be careful, you might encounter something that you wish you hadn’t.
