Their histories, spanning hundreds of years, have given rise to countless tales of hauntings and strange goings on, so it’s little wonder that castles hold a fascinating Gothic allure. Europe is host to the world’s scariest fortresses, with an unhealthy sprinkling of vampires and ghosts as an added extra. And if you fancy a truly terrifying Hallowen holiday, you can use the Loco2 Journey Search to book your very own ghoulish holiday to visit these amazing buildings by train.

Château de Brissac

Brissac castle in the Loire region of France is said to be haunted by former owner and nobleman, Jacques Brissac, and his unfaithful wife Charlotte. It’s claimed the jilted husband murdered her and her lover in a fit of rage, only to be driven mad by their ghosts.

Nearest station: Angers | Search for trains to Angers

Ohhh! by el gran flaco, reproduced with thanks under a CC Attribution license 2.0

Burg Eltz

Surrounded on three sides by the Elsbach river, and nestled in the Mosel foothills in Germany, Eltz castle looks exactly as you’d imagine a 12th century castle. It’s impeccably preserved and 33 generations later is still owned by the same family; who must have a strong disposition as it’s said to be roamed by the ghost of Agnes, a previous occupant who died defending her honour from a rather unsuitable suitor.

Nearest station: Müden (a local service from Cochem) | Search for trains to Cochem 

Burg Eltz by ben.ramirez, reproduced with thanks under a CC Attribution license 2.0

Bran Castle

Many Romanian castles purport to be the home of Dracula – inspired by Vlad the Impaler, but none more than Bran Castle hidden deep in the Carpathian Mountains. There is no proof the tyrannical ruler lived here, but the castle is still a gruesome relic to his cruel reign, during which he tortured and killed hundreds of thousands by his preferred methods of boiling alive, strangulation and, of course, impalement.

Nearest station: Brasov | Search for trains to Brasov

Transylvania Bran by Kyle Taylor, reproduced with thanks under a CC Attribution license 2.0

Dragsholm Slot

Dragsholm Slot is a converted 12th century castle now being used as a hotel, but it harbours a dark history alongside the miniature shampoos and sewing kits. A trio of ghosts (that’s right, not just one but three!) are said to roam its corridors – the Earl of Bothewell, and the Gray and White ladies. The White lady – who legend has it was the daughter of one of the owners – was imprisoned by her father after she fell in love with a ‘commoner’. She was never seen again, but when the castle underwent renovation, workers were shocked to find a girl’s skeleton in a white dress hidden in a recess in the wall. Further investigations by parapsychologists also detected high levels of radio activity.

Nearest station: Hørve

Court yard at Dragsholm Castle by Niels Elgaard Larsen, reproduced with thanks under a CC Attribution license 2.0

Moosham Castle

Moosham castle in Austria is better known locally as Witches castle, as it is home to a bloody history. It was here that a summary trials of witches, beggars and other outcasts took place. Hundreds were killed and untold numbers more imprisoned and tortured in the dungeons that lurk below…

Nearest station: Saltzburg – local bus stops at castle | Search for trains to Saltzburg

Predjama Castle

Predjama castle was built into the mouth of a cave in Slovenia. It was seized by Knight Erazem Lueger, a sort of 15th century robber- baron (a bit like Robin Hood then) who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. The castle was under siege for over a year but the cunning knight was able to come and go via a secret passage below, much to the dismay of his enemies. You can still see some of the underground caves in and around Predjama, and if you’re lucky, hear the footsteps and voices of ghosts from years gone by.

Nearest station: Postojna |  Search for trains to Postojna

Predjama Castle by Shadowgate, reproduced with thanks under a CC Attribution license 2.0