World Of Wanderlust

Is anyone here just a little bit curious about whether the supernatural is real? Many people love horror movies and ghost stories, and with Earth being around for countless years, it’s no wonder there are some really creepy places with spooky stories. So, are you brave enough to explore the world’s scariest ghost towns? Get ready for some serious goosebumps.

Ready to dive into the world’s most haunted places?

Hashima Island, Japan

Once a booming coal mine, Hashima Island in Japan is now abandoned and known as a ghost town. It’s also called “Battleship Island” because it looks like a giant battleship—a fitting description. It’s hard to believe, but this place used to be one of the most densely populated spots on the planet, even more so than Tokyo! The island was mainly home to coal miners and their families. However, as soon as the coal began to deplete, so did the job opportunities. People naturally moved away in search of work elsewhere. You can visit the island, but only with a special guide who will show you around and share its fascinating history. Wandering the island alone isn’t allowed.

St. Elmo, Colorado, USA

Like many other ghost towns, St. Elmo was once a bustling mining hub. By 1930, its population had dwindled from 2,000 to just seven people, including the family that ran the local general store and hotel—now said to be haunted. If you visit St. Elmo, you might experience some paranormal activity, or at least that’s what people claim. It’s supposedly the most haunted place in Colorado and one of the world’s scariest ghost towns. For the brave souls, there’s a ghost named Annabelle, a former local known for walking the streets with a rifle to protect her property. She was later admitted to a mental institution and, after her release, died two years later. Legend has it that Annabelle’s ghost still roams St. Elmo, guarding her old home from intruders.

Bhangarh Fort, India

Located a few kilometers southwest of Delhi, India, Bhangarh Fort sits abandoned in the heart of a lush green forest. Despite its beauty, the fort is said to be cursed by a sorcerer after the local princess spurned his advances, leading to its desertion. There’s nothing quite like a dramatic revenge tale. For a truly unique experience, you might try doing yoga at sunset in this eerie, yet stunning location.

Jazirat Al Hamra, United Arab Emirates

Just a short drive southwest of Ras Al Khaimah, you’ll find the ghost town of Jazirat Al Hamra. Once a thriving pearl fishing village, it was abandoned in 1968. Now, it’s a landscape of mud houses, dirt roads, and mosques. Visitors have claimed to feel chills and hear strange noises, suggesting that the spirits of former residents might still wander around.

Xunantunich, Belize

Hidden in the jungles of Belize, Xunantunich is an ancient Mayan ruin that was abandoned after an earthquake. Rediscovered in the 1890s, it offers breathtaking views surrounded by lush green trees deep in the jungle. However, the site also has a dark history involving death rituals performed on the top of the El Castillo pyramid. Visitors have reported seeing a black-haired lady with red eyes haunting the place, said to be one of the many human sacrifices.

Pripyat, Ukraine

Pripyat might not be the most picturesque place at first glance. This village was evacuated the day after the Chernobyl disaster, and it has remained unaltered ever since, with everything left exactly where it was. Reports from a nuclear physicist claimed to have heard screams for help from inside the power station, and there have been accounts of random things turning on and off—certainly enough to give anyone chills.

Machu Picchu, Peru

You’ve probably heard of Machu Picchu in Peru, but did you know it has a creepy side? Thousands of tourists visit daily to admire this stunning site, yet some tour guides have reported feeling like they were being pulled out of their tents by the ghosts of Machu Picchu. As a result, many now sleep with shiny metal objects, like mirrors, to keep spirits at bay. So, next time you visit, you’ll know exactly what travel essentials to pack to avoid any ghostly encounters.

These ghost towns definitely have some spine-chilling stories, but hopefully, they’re not too scary for you and your travel buddies! If you’re ready for an adventure with like-minded travelers, check out JoinMyTrip to find the best trips!