Where to go for Halloween: top-10 mysterious and mystical locations in Ukraine
Ukraine is full of mystical places that are perfect for celebrating Halloween. If you want to feel the spirit of mystery and fear, we recommend checking out our selection of locations
Ukraine is rich in mystical places and ancient legends, which especially come to life on Halloween night. If you like to tickle your nerves and plunge into the atmosphere of mystery, then scroll through the list we've compiled for this date.
Palanok Castle, Zakarpattia region
The former residence of the Principality of Transylvania, Mukachevo Castle has a rich and eventful history. International treaties were concluded here, peace agreements were signed, and popular uprisings took place. Built back in the 14th century, the castle has become a symbol of history that has survived almost untouched to this day, despite many sieges and changes of ownership. One of the most famous legends of the castle is the story of Count Drugetti's daughter, who was walled up. Her father executed her because she fell in love with a Polish soldier and gave away the secret of how to conquer the castle.
Palanok Castle is also associated with the names of two famous women - Sofia Batory and Ilona Zrinyi. As mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, they managed the castle and were in constant conflict. Ilona Zrinyi went down in history as a brave defender of the fortress, while Sofia Batori was famous for her bloodthirstiness. It is said that she killed 13-year-old girls for their blood.
In 1789, Palanok Castle was turned into a prison for political prisoners, and its stone walls witnessed a lot of suffering, moaning and spilled blood.
Bald Mountain, Kyiv
The capital of Ukraine also hides mysterious places. One of them is Bald Mountain, which is hidden in the very centre of the city.
Bald Mountain is associated with many stories about witches and dark rituals that have been held here since ancient times. It is said that witches' covens are held here.
On Halloween, the mountain turns into an epicentre of mysterious events, and thrill-seekers gather there to feel the powerful energy of this place.
Pidhirtsi Castle, Lviv region
According to legend, the 400-year-old Pidhirtsi Castle is home to the ghost of the White Lady, a mysterious figure in white clothes with a black, eerie face.
Legend has it that many years ago, the old Polish count who owns the castle buried his wife Maria alive inside its walls. Since then, her spirit has been wandering the corridors, causing fear in those who dare to visit the castle at night.
Lychakiv Cemetery
One of the oldest and largest cemeteries in Ukraine, Lychakiv Cemetery impresses with its atmosphere and history. Many famous people are buried here, and it is rumoured that on Halloween you can see the ghosts of those who rest in this cemetery. This place is shrouded in mystery and gloom, and a tour of its alleys promises to be a real challenge for thrill-seekers.
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The city of Lviv
Every medieval city is filled with various legends and mystical stories. Lviv is no exception, as more than 760 years of history could not but leave mysterious legends.
Lviv legends can impress no less than Lviv architecture. Our tour bank has a great offer - an individual tour that will be full of incredible stories - unusual tales from the life of the Galician capital.
Kyiv catacombs
For as long as Kyiv has existed, there has been talk of tunnels and passages under the Dnipro River. However, few people know that the capital has a huge tunnel located above the waters of the mighty Borysfen. Going down into the dungeons of the Ukrainian capital on All Saints' Day is a real extreme experience that will be remembered for a long time.
Visit Ukraine offers a special opportunity - an Extreme tour in Kyiv.
Tarakaniv Fort, Rivne region
This abandoned fort is shrouded in many myths and rumours about mysterious events. Locals claim that here you can hear the echoes of long-ago battles and see the shadows of soldiers.
On Halloween night, the fort becomes a popular place for quests and excursions that take your breath away.
Khust Castle, Zakarpattia region
Built in the XI century to protect against the Polovtsians, Khust Castle was destroyed during the Tatar-Mongol invasion. The first ghosts that still wander the ruins of the castle and scare tourists and locals alike are associated with that time. According to legend, the local voivode, not recognising his son after the Tatar captivity, killed him. Realising what he had done, the ruler committed suicide. The sister of the murdered young man also committed suicide out of grief. Eyewitnesses say that it is the girl's ghost that can be seen in the castle today.
However, this is not the only mystical story associated with Khust Castle. It turns out that this castle was owned by the ancestor of Romanian Vlad Dracula, Count Drago.
Stone village, Zhytomyr region
The village of Rudnia-Zamyslovytska in the Zhytomyr region is home to one of the most mystical wonders of the world - the Stone Village. It is a composition of giant stones of unknown origin. The shape and arrangement of the stones resemble a real settlement - small houses with a church. Scientists believe that the huge stones could have been brought by a glacier.
However, the local population tells a legend: there used to be a real village on this site and once the Lord appeared here in the form of a poor man and asked for food. The villagers threw him only a crust of bread, and then the Lord got angry and turned everything and everyone around into stones.
Lake Viknyna or Lake of Ghosts, Khmelnytskyi region
A mystical place in the Khmelnytskyi region. According to beliefs, this lake is a window to another world. It never freezes, even in the most severe frosts. Also, fish grows here at a record pace, which never ends. In addition, it is said that ghosts often appear over the lake.
Find even more mystical places in Ukraine in our tour bank.
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We rememind you! Fairs are one of the best places to spend a family holiday in a special atmosphere. Read more about the best and most affordable Christmas markets in Europe, their dates in different cities and useful tips for planning an unforgettable Christmas trip here.
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