Ever wondered if the supernatural is real, even if just a little? Many of us love watching horror movies and listening to ghost stories. Given how long the earth has been around, there are bound to be some creepy places with spooky tales. So, do you have the courage to explore the world’s scariest ghost towns? Prepare yourself for some serious chills.
Ready to explore the most haunted places on earth?
### Hashima Island, Japan
Once a bustling coal mining site, Hashima Island in Japan is now an abandoned ghost town. Often called “Battleship Island” because it looks like a huge battleship, it’s hard to imagine that it was once one of the most densely populated places, even more crowded than Tokyo! The island was primarily inhabited by coal miners and their families, but as the coal ran out, jobs disappeared, and people moved away in search of better opportunities. Today, you can only visit the island with a special guide who will share its rich history. Exploring on your own is not allowed.
### St. Elmo, Colorado, USA
Like many ghost towns, St. Elmo was a bustling mining hub. In 1930, it had a population of about 2,000 people, which dwindled to just seven. Among the remaining were members of a family running the general store and the hotel, both said to be haunted. Visitors to St. Elmo often report paranormal activities, making it Colorado’s most haunted spot. You might even encounter Annabelle, a local ghost known to walk the streets with a rifle to protect her property. She was institutionalized but returned and passed away two years later. Her spirit is said to still protect her property, keeping trespassers at bay.
### Bhangarh Fort, India
Located a few kilometers southwest of Delhi in India, Bhangarh Fort stands amidst a lush forest. Despite its beauty, it is believed to be cursed by a rejected sorcerer, rendering it abandoned. The tale of love and revenge adds to the fort’s eerie reputation. For an unforgettable experience, you can visit the fort and even practice yoga during sunset, if you’re brave enough.
### Jazirat Al Hamra, United Arab Emirates
Just a short drive southwest of Ras Al Khaimah lies the ghost town of Jazirat al Hamra. Once a flourishing pearl fishing village, it was abandoned in 1968. Now, mud houses, dirt roads, and old mosques are all that remain. Visitors often experience chills and strange noises, believed to be the spirits of former residents.
### Xunantunich, Belize
Hidden in the jungles of Belize, Xunantunich is an ancient Mayan ruin that was abandoned after an earthquake. Rediscovered in the 1890s, the ruins are surrounded by a breathtaking view of lush green trees. However, the site has a dark history of death rituals performed on the El Castillo pyramid. Visitors often report seeing a black-haired lady with red eyes haunting the place, rumored to be one of the many human sacrifices.
### Pripyat, Ukraine
Pripyat might not be the most beautiful sight, but it’s certainly haunting. This village was evacuated the day after the Chernobyl explosion, and no one ever returned. Everything in Pripyat remains as it was left. It’s been reported that a nuclear physicist heard someone screaming to be rescued from inside a power station, and sometimes, random items or lights turn on and off mysteriously.
### Machu Picchu, Peru
You’ve probably heard of Machu Picchu in Peru, but do you know its spooky side? Thousands of travelers visit daily to admire its beauty, but many tour guides report feeling like they’re being pulled out of their tents by spirits. To ward off these spirits, travelers often sleep with shiny metal objects like mirrors. So, pack wisely for your visit to this lost city.
These ghost towns really give you the chills, don’t they? If you and your travel buddies are up for an adventure, these haunted spots are waiting for you to explore.