Spooky Czechia: ghosts and legends

The last day of October is traditionally about Halloween celebrations. Pumpkin carving, flickering candles and spooky costumes - you can experience all this all over Czechia. Join us for a magical atmosphere in a haunted forest, mysterious casemates or a house with hanged dolls. Did you know that there are also water spirits in Prague?

Mysterious Prague

Prague has several amazing haunted places that are shrouded in legend. Take a wander into the Haunted Alley on Hradčany, where legend has it that this dark and narrow little street is haunted by the ghost of a monk who was murdered while trying to protect a treasure. The House at the Golden Well in the Old Town is associated with the story of a mysteriously deceased alchemist. It’s alleged that the house is home to strange phenomena such as footsteps and moving objects.

The Vyšehrad Catacombs under the majestic Vyšehrad, whose silhouette of slender towers rises above the Vltava River, contain some mysterious underground spaces that formerly provided a refuge. The Headless Templar is said to be guarding a treasure at the Powder Tower in the centre of Prague and around Malá Strana, while Prague’s water spirits hold court at Kampa, around Čertovka and, of course, along the Vltava River. At least that’s what they say...

Haunted Underground

You won't see this anywhere else! At Špilberk Castle in Brno, you’ll find unique Baroque casemates and winding corridors with vaulted ceilings from the 18th century. Originally used by soldiers, they later became a notorious prison for the worst criminals of the Habsburg Monarchy. Nowadays, visitors can take a guided tour through these dark spaces where prisoners were kept in cramped dungeons. The whole of Brno’s underground is well worth a visit, especially the beautifully renovated giant underground reservoirs in Žlutý kopec. Špilberk Castle is one of the major landmarks of Czechia’s second largest city and is a popular tourist destination. Another darker place is the penitentiary in Cejl Ulice. You might hear some strange whispers on Halloween. When you need to calm down a bit, check out one of Brno's famous bars. One is called Bar, který neexistuje, or The Bar That Doesn’t Exist.

Church of the Spirits

In the Church of St. George in Luková, a village in western Bohemia near Plzeň, dozens of statues of white-clad figures sit silently, commemorating the faithful inhabitants of the village. The statues that earned this abandoned sanctuary the title of the most haunted church in Czechia have become famous well beyond Czechia. The place is considered magical. Halloween nights there can be very special. It’s open from May to the end of October from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., and you can enjoy a special ghostly event there on Saturday, 2 November, after sunset.

An overnight stay in a haunted castle

Svojanov Castle, a favourite haunt of mystery fans and hunters of supernatural forces, has been wreathed in myth and legend for centuries. It’s said that the castle is haunted by the restless souls of the tragically deceased. You can enjoy a unique sleepover right on the castle grounds. Located in the Empire-style entrance building, the guesthouse is furnished with period furniture, adding to the authentic experience. Advance booking is required.

Similar legends are associated with the imposing Loket Castle (open all year round), where strange forces are said to appear on the walls at night. A walk through the historical town, the castle and its rocky surroundings is the ideal treat for lovers of ghost stories, not only during Halloween. Loket Castle hosts a number of events every month: fairs, night tours, concerts and mediaeval festivals.

Scary dolls

If you're looking for something really unusual, visit Rváčov, home to the "house of hanged dolls". For lovers of the truly weird, this is the perfect place. The photos you take there will be a real hit on your FB and Instagram! You won't find this anywhere else!

Strange forest

The mysterious Bor Forest near České Budějovice, in the otherwise romantic and picturesque South Bohemia, is famous for its mysterious atmosphere that can leave you feeling uneasy. Local stories tell of strange phenomena, such as sudden changes in temperature, unexplained sounds and strange lights among the trees. Bor Forest attracts lovers of mystery and adventurers who want to experience this oppressive atmosphere for themselves.

Other Halloween events:

Spooky funfair in Prague’s Botanical Garden

Glowing pumpkins and spooky costumes flood Prague’s Botanical Garden. The Halloween celebration begins at 2 p.m. on Thursday, 31 October. In the evening you can look forward to a parade with lit pumpkins that light up the gardens.
Halloween at Zbiroh

Zbiroh Chateau will be hosting a lantern parade. All ghostly creatures should meet on 31 October at 6:00 p.m. in front of the chateau gate. Those who survive the mysterious trail can enjoy a spooky funfair.
Halloween at Zlín Zoo

Until 30 October 2024, you can enjoy a spooky walk through the grounds of one of the best zoos in Czechia. Lešná Zoo is just a short walk from Baťa’s city, Zlín, which is also worth a trip. Witches, ghosts and pumpkin lamps await you at Lešná Zoo. Children can take part in guided Halloween tours of the zoo.