15 Creepy Castles That Look Cheerful During the Day

Part of living in an Ancient Castle is the intrigue of being a part of centuries of history, however with centuries of history also come years of dark secrets, horrific events, and even treachery. These creepy castles hold sinister dark secrets that would send anyone packing, but these are concealed in the daylight when the rays of the sun chase away the shadows of the night and present these majestic structures in all their glory and grandeur.

Here are 15 Creepy Castles that do a great job of appearing anything but spooky during the day, but morph into a twisted maze of haunted halls, moving shadows, and the echoes of past lives.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle looks like it’s been plucked out of a fairytale and plopped down in the Bavarian Alps of Germany. It’s thought to have inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. During the daylight hours, the high white walls and monstrous turrets seem harmless and magical, but the mystery of Neuschwanstein only begins to resurface at night, with mist rolling over the mountains and on a castle whose stories include a king’s troubled mind and tragic end.

Château de Chambord

Built-in the 16th century, the Renaissance styled Château de Chambord features attraction and architectural wonder in France. The castle’s symmetry, and manicured gardens, make it look regal and almost friendly during the day. As the sun goes down, seventy-four years of dark history creep out of its shadowy halls and over 400 rooms. Chambord has a history of royal intrigue, so there are more than a few spooky stories to be found behind its grand facade.

Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle in Japan is a national treasure in daylight and an absolute beauty. Tourists come year-round to its pristine white exterior and sprawling grounds. It’s known locally as the “White Heron” for its graceful design and it’s rich in history going back to the 14th century. All the better until two hours past dusk, when it becomes a different story, full of the tales of the Okiku Well—a legend of a betrayed servant who will haunt your ears for all eternity.

Edinburgh Castle

When standing over the Scottish capital you are treated to a close view from Edinburgh Castle, looking out over the city. A historical gem when bathed in sunlight, it boasts artifacts, exhibitions, and lively tours. However, just beneath this cheerful scene lies the history of battles, executions, and even rumors of ghosts. Tales of headless drummers and ancient soldiers roaming its hallways after the sun sets make it one of Scotland’s most haunted spots.

Pena Palace

Portugal’s Pena Palace stands atop a hill, perched against the green lushness, like a rainbow fortress. Visitors from around the world come to see it because of its bright colors and its romantic architecture. By day it’s the very picture of whimsy and charm. However, once the night arrives, those beautiful walls fade into the shadows leaving only eerie silence and ghostly legends to glisten curiosity and make your hairs stand on end.

Leap Castle

Leap Castle is located in Ireland and has one of the darkest histories. The castle’s stony exterior and squinty appeal almost mask its diabolical past by day. It is reputed to be one of the most haunted places in the country where families would fight like savages and many eerie apparitions have been rumored to appear. Its dungeons are the stuff of nightmares; if you’re feeling brave you should explore them as evening falls.

Bran Castle

Bran Castle in Romania is also thought to be Dracula’s castle and is debatably the residence of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula. By daylight, this historic fortress has stunning views and loads to explore about its rich history. However, the looming towers and eerie, winding passageways inspired the known vampire legends, and it’s easy to see why as darkness sets in.

Château de Chillon

By daytime, the picture perfect Château de Chillon on Lake Geneva in Switzerland is visible; its sparkling reflection in the water. Beautiful stories of royalty, of romantic tales. Its serene surroundings, and its beautiful rooms. By day, these reflections are anything but ghostly, but by night they become so; the spirit of François Bonivard who once was imprisoned here is said to still wander the halls.

Castle Fraser

During the day, Castle Fraser in Scotland can do no wrong, surrounded by beautiful rolling green fields and a lush garden. The cheerful exterior of this castle will have you fooled, however, as this castle has a past of mystery and legends, visitors say they’ve seen a ghostly lady in grey and heard unexplained footsteps throughout the halls. By day it’s charming, by night it’s spine-tingling.

Predjama Castle

Predjama Castle in Slovenia is built into a cliffside and looks like it’s part of the landscape. With its own unique architecture, it is one of the best castles to visit in the day, but it’s said to be haunted by the ghost of a knight who met a grisly end. The castle’s eerie atmosphere after dusk and its secret tunnels, make it all a little bit spooky.

Castle Houska

Castle Houska in the Czech Republic is a bit of a mystery. The castle is built over a supposed ‘gateway to hell’. By day, it’s a fascinating architectural oddity. Stories of demonic creatures and ghostly apparitions, however, this castle is a truly hair-raising place to visit once the sun dips.

Château de Brissac

Château de Brissac is the tallest castle in France, with seven stories. By day its grandeur and elegance are in full display with tourists strolling its lavish rooms, but it’s rumored to be haunted by the ‘Green Lady’. Through the night, her ghost is said to walk the halls of the castle, sending shivers down the spines of unsuspecting visitors.

Dragsholm Castle

The historic Dragsholm Castle in Denmark from the 13th century is now a hotel where guests can experience its history. Its calm surroundings and beautiful interior make for a lovely stay during the day, but tales of multiple ghost sightings carry on, including one ‘Gray Lady,’ and one ‘White Lady,’ resulting in a completely different atmosphere come nightfall to this otherwise charming castle.

Château de Fougeret

An elegant little country house with pretty gardens, Château de Fougeret is tucked away in the French countryside. By day it’s a cheerful spot, good for history buffs and castle lovers alike. However, you shouldn’t be fooled by its beauty — nighttime here is full of ghostly activity with visitors reporting strange noises, mysterious lights, and sudden chills.

Glamis Castle

According to legend, Glamis Castle in Scotland inspired Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’. By day, it’s a stunning estate surrounded by lush grounds that attract visitors with its royal connections, but the castle has an eerie reputation that is alive at night. Glamis don’t have a happy past with tales of secret rooms and ghostly figures that can be hard to ignore.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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