Belgium has long been associated with horror stories and paranormal activity, from haunted castles to disused mental hospitals – this country contains plenty of terrifying spots.
This monastery may seem peaceful at first glance, but something terrible has occurred within. An angry monk had angrily murdered Hortence by stabbing her with his staff blade – now Hortence’s ghost can be found wandering aimlessly throughout its halls.
1. Den Noodt Gods
Within the beautiful city of Bruges is located Den Noodt Gods – or more commonly, known locally as Het Spookhuis (The Haunted House).
Back in the 15th century, this was both a nunnery and monastery located nearby. According to legend, one monk fell deeply in love with one of the young sisters at both places via a tunnel connecting them – but she rejected him, leading him to kill her instead. Her ghost still haunts this location on some nights in white dress attire while other times the monk can be seen looking saddenedly around for her.
This symbol of both love and hate can be understood in various ways; it stands as an indicator for the feelings Vondel’s poem awakens within us.
2. Goed ten Briele
On a sunny day, forests may look picturesque; however, in the dark hours they can turn terrifying as an ancient legend claims they’re haunted by eyes of children who were burned as sacrifices in an act of child sacrifice.
Goed ten Briele is truly impressive to look upon with its many wings and sprawling walls covered with ivy. Perfect for adventurous photographers and photo enthusiasts, but be wary when visiting alone as there may be security risks involved in visiting this space.
South Limburg stands out as an outlier among Dutch regions, featuring rolling hills and vineyards, while also providing the unique ability to cross between Netherlands, Belgium and Germany en masse at one time at its Three-Country Point near Vaals and Gemmenich.
3. Zierikzee Prison
European cities provide plenty of terrifying locations. From abandoned psychiatric hospitals covered with cobwebs to werewolf hunting grounds – you’ll discover numerous creepy places throughout Europe.
Limburg’s most haunted place is Zierikzee Prison, once home to political prisoners during Nazi rule. Not only can its decayed buildings make you uneasy; there’s also evidence of ghostly figures roaming its halls.
Zierikzee prison is said to be haunted by Sidney Ashcroft, a Channel Islander imprisoned here before being transported to concentration camps in Germany. There have also been reports of her ghost appearing when it’s her birthday or an anniversary passes – something which may account for screaming on that date.
4. Helena
Montana’s capital city, Helena, is surprisingly haunted. Take an unforgettable tour with Ellen Baumler aboard the Last Chance Tour Train for an engaging ghost story tour with roots in factual history.
Many of her tales relate to unsolved murders, strangely endearing madams, and haunted hospitals. You will also hear about a gnarled ponderosa pine where ten men were hanged, as well as an old psychiatric hospital that now looks more like an abandoned home than anywhere else in California.
Reeder’s Alley, a paved street named for an unlikely love story, stands out as the highlight of this tour. Dina was seduced by an eligible sailor named Helena who became jealous and forced her into their cellar, where she perished. Every hundred years on Dina’s death anniversary her cries can still be heard throughout Reeder’s Alley.
5. Grubbenvorst
In this quaint village you will discover an impressive monastery from 1893. This impressive structure boasts different wings and multiple levels for comforting prayerful meditation, while its exterior walls are draped with ivy to give the impression that nobody has been here in decades.
South Limburg is an ideal setting for hiking. From quiet country roads and gorgeous forests to cycle routes spanning three countries – Netherlands, Belgium and Germany – South Limburg offers everything you could possibly want when it comes to exploring nature on foot or two wheels.
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