Ash's Top 10 Scariest Locations on Earth
10. Fort Mifflin (Gettysburg)
I'm slightly honored that 2 of the most haunted places in the world are in my home state (PA). Look up any list you like and you are 9 out of 10 going to see this place pop up, likely in the top 5 or 10 slot. This was where the famous Gettysburg battle was conducted and there is no shortage of lives lost and souls gone to rest. There have been so many reports of ghost sightings that I feel like it would be hard not to have an encounter here. One of the most convincing ghost footages to date I have seen came from this burial ground and I nor anyone I know can really explain the clear activity happening in this infamous video.
9. Aokigahara Forest
I added this one to the list for many reasons but the most prominent one was the reputation of this eerie forest. Many people have come here to end it all and thus it was given the nickname 'Suicide Forest'. I saw this show up on a list for most haunted places on earth given the 100 suicides a year that happen here and I never forgot the place or the statistic. Nestled in the Japanese mountains, many come here for the hike and lush scenery but others come for the silence and the darkness.
8. St. Augustine Lighthouse
Don't let this lovely lighthouse fool you...every time I watch Travel Channels 'Most Haunted Places' this always pops up in the list. The most interesting story I've seen of this location is that of a little girl who haunts this lighthouse. So I have never been here but there was a tale of 3 children that died in this lighthouse as well as a lighthouse keeper who still roam the insides to this day.
7. The Queen Mary
If you've ever seen the movie 'Ghost Ship' this was the vessel the film was based off of (side-note the opening scene in that film was iconic for horror movie deaths). Many ghost tours are conducted here and you are even able to stay here as a guest now but be warned this one is also not for the faint of heart. I was about 20 mins away from this ship once and contemplated taking a tour but no one wanted to go with me because one of the locals said it's not worth the mental trauma you'll suffer from being aboard.
6. The Catacombs
The streets of Paris have always been known for the love, dessert and lovely little streets but don't let that mask the horrific truth that lurks below. Those who are claustrophobic need not apply because packed in the tight yet never ending maze are the remains of over 6 million people. I've been to Paris but have never dared stepped foot down there because that is one place I will admit, I'm afraid to explore.There have been plenty of movies and t.v. specials that gave me the warning of staying away from this particular burial ground.
5. The Stanley Hotel
This location I have never been to but anyone who has ever seen the iconic movie "The Shining" will recognize this hotel. In the hills of Colorado, this infamous hotel was Stanley Kubrick's inspiration for the movie and has no shortage of real life horror stories. My suggestion would be to watch any travel channel special or just research the hotel itself and you will see why it is one of the scariest places not only in America but on the map.
4. Winchester Mystery House
I wanted to visit this place for so long and I finally got the chance a few years back and it was everything I wanted it to be. I must admit I didn't experience anything to creepy myself but there is no shortage of people who will easily tell you this place is cursed. Nestled in San Jose, California this is the home of a woman gone mad. Buried with guilt of her husbands' company/bad deeds Sarah Winchester thought the best way to keep the spirits at bay from all those souls lost from her familys' gun company was to build an ever evolving home. Stairs that lead to nowhere, windows in the floors, doors that open to outside air...this place was fun and fascinating in my eyes but many will tell a different story.
3. Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh, Scotland was such a lovely and peaceful place for me when visiting. It's known for rainy, dreary weather but another claim to fame that this place holds is having one of the scariest/most haunted locations in the world. I luckily went during the day and enjoyed just seeing the castle and reading the excerpts but I do recall certain locations being closed off. Some areas have been so haunted that you aren't allowed to go in those parts of the castle and there is a "basement" location that had a warning before you enter about people getting sick and other bodily harm before entering.
2. The Penitentiary
Fun Fact: Not only is this location in my hometown of Philadelphia, PA but I also worked here years ago during the Halloween season. I can say without a doubt this was one of if not on par with Poland for some actual experienced paranormal activity. On the door to the entrance of the Infirmary (in wood) has the resemblance of the devil carved on it...that should have been a major red flag for me to leave. What makes that so creepy is that this prison has been around for decades and is always maintained so no one is going around randomly carving this (it is the actual lining of the wood). Women crying sounds coming from parts of the prison in broad daylight, it started messing with my mind so bad I left after about 2 weeks.
1. Auschwitz, Poland
Poland has not shown up on any official "Most Haunted Place on Earth" list that I've seen but some locations on this list I experienced for my own. As soon as I walked through the gates of Auschwitz I could feel the despair and horror that happened on those grounds instantly. Every step walked and abandon camp building I walked in and out of broke my heart. I didn't physically see anything paranormal here but I do believe some little one followed me back to my hotel after my time here and wanted to comfort me for more reasons then a stroll down memory lane.