Exploring Zurich’s dark past or simply hearing frightening tales about ghosts, torture and murder are among the many options available to you – The Local contributor Morven McLean has highlighted some of the creepiest spots around Switzerland for your consideration.
As Halloween is not a Swiss tradition, there’s still plenty to fear on this holiday. From haunted houses to mysterious objects that look similar to mummified corpses, Swiss stories surrounding Halloween will undoubtedly leave you on edge.
Val Sinestra
Zurich may not come to mind when thinking of haunted locations, but thanks to Englishman Dan Dent and his grim history walk, its darker side has come into the light. This tour includes tales of headless saints and poisoned mayors.
Starting on the sunny banks of Lake Zurich, this trail heads north through Val Sinestra – a quiet side valley which marks Switzerland’s Eastern limit without crossing into Austria or Italy – before ascending. Ice axes or crampons may be needed on certain sections; check ahead with your travel company to be safe!
From here, the path leads across wide open slopes to Vna, arriving approximately one hour later. Here, the impressive Berghaus is also an ideal spot for enjoying a warming cup of coffee or meal before starting back downhill into Scuol Valley.
Spiesshof
Zurich may not come to mind as an ideal destination when thinking of haunted houses, but the city does provide an exciting ghost walk that winds its way down narrow alleyways and past medieval ruins. Visitors hear tales of headless saints, hanging maidens and poisoned mayors along their journey.
Spiesshof House in Basel is said to be haunted by the ghost of 16th-century Anabaptist leader David Joris, who found refuge there and established a prosperous colony before being discovered as belonging to an illegal sect after death and eventually beheaded for it – leaving behind his ghost haunting the Spiesshof today.
On Heuberg you will also find many outstanding Renaissance houses such as Zum Waldshut with its ogival portail and magnificent gothic hall featuring stone floors and painted ceilings, and Spiesshof which was originally five individual structures combined together over time – its facade is Renaissance while its interior incorporates elements of baroque.
Junkerngasse 54
Junkerngasse 54 was once home, but has been vacant for decades. Urban legends abound surrounding this property; such as tales about a headless ghost woman roaming through after midnight. These events may or may not have taken place; exact details remain uncertain.
For centuries, this narrow building served as a stable for the riding and carriage horses belonging to the mansion next door (No 59), although horses from other elegant residences may also have been stabled here. The late Gothic exterior facade dates from around 1700; on the inside is an arcade facade from around 1820.
Nowadays, this building serves as an archive and is an inspiration for supernatural tales. Additionally, it’s often used for filming productions; such as Franz Schnyder’s 1942 horror comedy Das Gespensterhaus which was based on a novel by Ulrich Wichelegger; parts of it were shot here at Junkerngasse 54 in Bern and Zurich.
Scuol
Scuol, Switzerland is an idyllic village known for its ski and spa resorts as well as historic architecture like Tarasp Castle from 11th century. Furthermore, hiking trails provide scenic mountain views.
Town is an ideal family destination and couples looking for relaxation at local spas or taking romantic walks along cobblestone streets will also find much to love here. Rich with history, many buildings in this area feature decorations with sgraffito (a technique which involves scratching designs into paint surface layers to form patterns) decorations which add visual intrigue.
Scuol may be expensive during peak season, but you can easily find deals on accommodation and activities if you plan ahead and avoid the crowds. Train service from Zurich and Geneva leaves regularly to Scuol-Tarasp; journey time typically two hours.
