Switzerland may be best known for its scenic Alpine beauty, yet it also harbors a dark past filled with legends and scary encounters that have left an indelible mark on its history.
Read on to uncover five chilling places in Switzerland that will send chills down your spine – perhaps these stories can serve as inspiration for creative writing exercises!
Lenzburg Castle
A castle towering high above Lenzburg’s old town in Aargau’s Canton of Aargau stands as one of Switzerland’s oldest and most significant landmarks, boasting impressive architecture, an historic museum, as well as Neolithic burial grounds for which its castle hill serves as home. These important cultural heritage sites represent national importance.
Lenzburg Castle stands out among medieval castles for being situated atop a mountain rather than near lakeshores or valleys, making the hike up steep but rewarding once you reach its summit and are met by incredible panoramic views of its surroundings.
The history of Lenzburg Castle dates back to the 12th century. Initially owned by Counts of Lenzburg as their residence and seat of government, Lincoln Ellsworth, an American industrialist from Chicago purchased it in 1911 before leaving it to his son James Lincoln Ellsworth (polar explorer). Since then it has become open to visitors as a museum.
The Old Town of Bern
Bern’s Old Town is one of Switzerland’s best preserved UNESCO World Heritage sites, filled with beautiful stone buildings and fountains from medieval periods dating back to 450AD. A pedestrian-friendly city with an outdoors/indoors atmosphere thanks to ancient stone arcades providing shade from sun or rain on pedestrian-only streets.
No matter if you live or visit Bern, this otherworldly experience awaits. Legends that can be heard within its shadowy alleys and haunted corners include tales about headless saints, hanged maidens and poisoned mayors – just to name a few!
Junkerngasse is one of the city’s premier destinations, known for its impressive old architecture and numerous ghosts that inhabit this street. There is even an urban legend surrounding an unsettling headless ghost woman believed to be haunting Junkerngasse number 54!
Hotel Val Sinestra
Switzerland is home to numerous haunted castles and hotels. One such establishment, Val Sinestra hotel was constructed in 1912 for tuberculosis treatment purposes and now serves as a haunted hotel. Employees at Val Sinestra often report seeing Hermann wandering the corridors; sometimes even operating the lift and opening windows!
Hotel Alpenrose Ischgl offers an ideal retreat from Ischgl’s bustling center while still being close to bars, restaurants, and shops. Ski slopes can even lead directly back to it; Fimbabahn and Silvretta cable car stations are within a short walk as are cozy rooms equipped with balconies from which guests can admire winter scenery – not forgetting its popular restaurant!
Oberhofen Castle
Oberhofen Castle is one of Switzerland’s most stunning castles, situated on Lake Thun’s shoreline and dating back to 13th-century. Combining both grandeur and summer residence charm, its signature feature is its water tower which juts out into the lake for stunning views.
The castle serves as a living museum that showcases Bernese residential culture from 16th to 19th centuries, providing visitors of all ages an educational and fascinating experience.
The rooms of the castle have been organized to reflect the lives and work of their former inhabitants, offering visitors an insight into how everyday life was in its heyday. A particular highlight is Count Albert de Pourtales’ 1855 Turkish smoking lounge which shows clear influences from his time serving Cairo as ambassador; just this room alone makes visiting this castle worth your while!
