Romania is a gorgeous European country that is popularly known for the forested region of Transylvania and the Wallachian ruler, Vlad the Impaler who was also known as Vlad III Dracula. This country is home to some of the most beautiful churches and castles that you’ll ever come across but, it is also known for its creepy stories and old myths related to Dracula and vampires. On that note, here are 10 haunted places in Romania that you can explore if you have to guts or you could stay away from if you ever visit this awe-inspiring country. 

This castle, perched on a cliff is popularly known for vampire myths and Draculas. It is believed that this place is haunted by the spirits of those criminals who were ruthlessly killed by the Wallachian ruler, Vlad the Impaler who enjoyed killing criminals during his rule. This castle is quite similar to the Dracula’s castle described in Stoker’s novel. 

This fortress was used by Vlad the Impaler on many occasions for his campaigns but, it is not his spirit that is haunting this site; it is that of his wife. It is believed that his wife had to choose between suicide or being captured by the Turks so, she decided on committing suicide by jumping from a high cliff. People have complained about seeing orbs of lights at night where she supposedly took her life. 

If rumours are to be believed, the village of Cosminele, also known as the Devil’s Precipice, has a hidden fortune that no one has been able to get their hands on yet. It is believed that this place is haunted by the spirits of the dead who are trying to protect a buried treasure hence, the name Devil’s Precipice. Those who have tried to look for the treasure have found themselves dozens of kilometers away from the area where the treasure is supposed to be present. Eye witnesses still have no idea as to how they moved or who moved them. Visitors have also complained about hearing weird noises and inexplicable sounds. 

This 17th century monastery was abandoned after an attack by the Turks but, now it is known to be a hot spot for paranormal activity. After its fall, the locals removed the bell from the church and threw it into the river. Soon, this monastery was home to those who were suffering from the plague. Locals say that the bell’s sound can still be heard during full moon nights. It is believed that the bell rings in memory of all those who died in the monastery. 

After being built during the interwar period, this hotel fell to ruins in 1970. In 1990, it was converted into a residence for students by the Theatre Academy. It is said that one weekend, when almost everyone had gone home, and a young girl fell down an elevator shaft. She screamed for help but no one heard her cries which, ultimately led to her untimely demise. Since then, this hotel is said to be haunted by the spirit of the young girl. People claim to hear scream in the rooms and corridors of the hotel and this incident has been reported by many. 

It is said that the magic rituals that are performed in the Boldu-Creteasca Forest near Bucharest, keeps the mysterious Witches’ Pond alive. This place is also said to be the place where Vlad the Impaler was decapitated. It is believed that witches come here to perform rituals every year during the Saznienele celebration in June. There is something very strange about this pond. Locals say, the pond never dries and it never expands, nor does rain or drought affect its shape in any way. Even animals stay away from this pond. 

According to sources, this castle was built by Bogdan Hasdeu in memory of his daughter who died when she was 19 years old. Bogdan built this building according to his daughter’s wishes that he received during spiritism sessions. Now, this castle is said to be haunted by the spirit of Bogdan Hasdeu and his daughter. Visitors have often complained about hearing a piano playing and they also claim to hear the father’s applause. 

Hoia Baciu Forest is considered to be the world’s most haunted forest. Visitors have reported unusual sightings, odd voices, strange shadows and unexpected lights. Locals believe that this forest provides access to parallel universes. People who have visited the forest have witnessed skin burns, anxiety and headaches. Some believe that the tormented spirits are haunting the forest and there is a dead vegetation zone in the forest which is a circle of land where no vegetation grows. 

This castle has some spooky stories attached to it. It is believed that Vlad the Impaler was imprisoned in the castle’s dungeon for years. After staying in the filthy dungeon for years, Vlad the Impaler, started losing his mind. It is said that his thoughts became darker and his lust for blood increased. However, he was not the only one who was held captive in the dungeons. According to legend, three Turkish men were captured and were asked to dig a well. They were told that once they find water, they would be set free but, all three men found their end as captives. Apparently they wrote, ‘You now have water, but you don’t have a heart’ on the well’s wall before dying. 

This castle in Transylvania is home to some creepy paranormal stories. It is said that during World War II, the castle suffered a fire at the hands of Nazi soldiers which ultimately destroyed the castle’s rich interiors. It is believed that this castle is haunted by the spirits of those soldiers who lost their lives in the fire breakout. This castle was investigated by the team of Ghost Hunters International and they confirmed the presence of the supernatural. Now, Banffy is undergoing renovation so, it will be interesting to see if the ghosts remain after the reconstruction.