Guide for the Brave: 7 haunted places in Sweden that chill your blood

Guide for the Brave: 7 haunted places in Sweden that chill your blood

June 11, 2025

Sweden, a country mostly associated with idyllic landscapes, IKEA design and a peaceful lifestyle, hides a dark side that few people know about. Amid picturesque lakes and dense forests are places where the line between the world of the living and the dead seems extremely thin. From medieval castles to modern tourist attractions, the ghosts of Sweden know no rest. For those who want to experience the thrill and look deep into the paranormal history of this Scandinavian country, we've put together a guide to seven of the most haunted places that are sure to make even the biggest skeptics' hair stand on end.

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Legendary haunted castles and parsonages

Sweden, with its rich history dating back to Viking times, abounds in places where the past literally refuses to let you forget. Three of the most frightening locations are historic buildings whose walls remember tragic events from centuries ago.

The first is Sweden's notorious Borgvattnets Vandrarhem, or the parsonage in Borgvattnet, considered the most haunted place in the entire country. This unassuming 1876 building, located in a small village in the Jämtland region, has been famous for intense paranormal activity since 1947. The first reports of ghosts came from Father Rudolf Tangden, who reported strange phenomena such as clothes falling off hangers and mysterious sounds coming from empty rooms. Subsequent residents of the rectory also experienced inexplicable phenomena, from the specter of a crying woman to mysterious shadows and invisible forces pushing furniture. Today the building functions as a guesthouse, where the brave can spend the night. The owners even offer a special certificate for those who survive the entire night in this haunted place. Interestingly, the rectory also houses a small museum dedicated to the paranormal phenomena that have occurred there over the years.

Another place that will give you the creeps is Torpa Stenhus, a Renaissance castle located on Lake Åsunden in southwestern Sweden. This impressive 16th century building has witnessed many tragic events that have left not only historical records, but also troubled souls. The castle's most famous ghost is the White Lady, who, according to legend, was the daughter of the castle's owner who was forced to marry against her will. The distraught girl committed suicide by jumping from one of the towers, and her spirit still wanders the corridors today, searching for her beloved. Visitors to Torpa Stenhus often report a feeling of being watched, sudden drops in temperature in some rooms and mysterious footsteps on the stairs. The castle has retained its original character, with many authentic furniture and decorations, adding to the feeling of time travel. Particularly creepy are the castle's dungeons, where the moans of former prisoners are said to be heard.

A third historical site that deserves the attention of ghost hunters is Bogesunds Castle located near Stockholm. This 17th century baroque castle, surrounded by dense forest, hides dark secrets. The most famous ghost is Thure Gabriel Bielke, the former owner of the castle, who, according to legend, was walled up alive in one of the walls by his enemies. His ghost mainly appears on nights with a full moon, accompanied by sounds of banging on the walls and desperate cries for help. Another ghost haunting the castle is a young maid who died under mysterious circumstances - she is said to be seen near the main staircase carrying a candle. The castle was abandoned for years, which only enhanced its sinister reputation. Today, it is partially restored and open to visitors, who can admire its architecture, but also experience the unsettling atmosphere that prevails in some of the rooms.

Each of these places is linked not only by a rich history, but also by numerous testimonies of people who have experienced unexplainable phenomena there. From sudden drops in temperature to mysterious sounds to full-blown ghostly manifestations, Swedish castles and parsonages offer a full spectrum of paranormal experiences. Interestingly, unlike many other haunted places in the world, Swedish sites do not try to hide their dark fame - on the contrary, they often use it as a tourist attraction, organizing special night tours or ghost-finding sessions.

Hunted Hotels and Tourist Attractions

Sweden offers not only historical haunted buildings, but also more contemporary places where paranormal phenomena have become part of everyday life. Among them are luxury hotels and specially designed tourist attractions that attract both ghost seekers and ordinary tourists eager for a thrilling experience.

Häringe Castle, located just 25 kilometers from Stockholm, is not only a luxury hotel, but also one of the most haunted places in Sweden. Surrounded by a picturesque park and lake, this 17th-century castle hides a tragic history that continues to haunt its inhabitants to this day. The most famous ghost is the White Lady, identified as Ebba Brahe, the former mistress of King Gustav II Adolf. According to reports from visitors and staff, her ghost appears mainly in the north wing of the castle, often sitting by the window and gazing into the distance, as if looking out for the return of her beloved. Another well-known ghost is Eldolf, the former owner of the castle in the 1930s, who was famous for his lavish parties and extravagant lifestyle. His ghost reportedly still walks through the main ballroom, and hotel guests report the sounds of music and laughter coming from empty rooms. Interestingly, the hotel not only does not hide its paranormal reputation, but actually celebrates it, offering special 'ghost packages' for guests who wish to experience a ghostly encounter. The castle's rooms are decorated in a style reminiscent of various historical eras, adding to the feeling of time travel.

The Gasten Ghost Hotel in the Liseberg amusement park in Gothenburg has a completely different feel. This modern tourist attraction was designed specifically to scare visitors, but according to numerous reports, not all the paranormal phenomena that occur there are planned by the creators. The attraction was built on the site of a former cemetery, which, according to local legends, contributed to the true haunting of the place. Park employees tell of strange occurrences that take place after the attraction closes - self-activating special effects, mysterious sounds of footsteps or the feeling of being watched. Particularly active is the ghost of a little girl, who is said to appear in various parts of the hotel, especially near the stairs. The Gasten Ghost Hotel combines elements of a classic haunted house with the authentic atmosphere of a haunted place, making it unique among similar attractions. The ticket price is relatively low compared to other haunted places in Sweden, making this attraction accessible to a wide range of visitors.

Malmö is home to the mysterious Haunted House, which, despite its name suggesting a typical tourist attraction, has a reputation for being a truly haunted place. This 19th-century building at Storgatan 1 originally served as the residence of a wealthy merchant family, later became a hospital during World War II, and now houses a haunted house. According to accounts from both visitors and employees, the building is home to the ghost of a nurse who is said to have committed suicide after many patients died during a flu epidemic. Her ghost appears mainly on the second floor, accompanied by sounds of crying and cries for help. Other common phenomena are mysterious cold spots in various parts of the building and the feeling of being touched by invisible hands. The Haunted House in Malmö offers guided tours, which talk about both the planned special effects and the authentic paranormal experiences that took place there.

Comparing the three places, there are significant differences in the nature of the haunting and the experiences offered. Häringe Castle, as a luxury hotel, offers a more sophisticated and subtle ghostly encounter, where the prices per night are by far the highest among the places described. Gasten Ghost Hotel is the most affordable, but offers a more intense and direct paranormal experience, often combined with elements of a typical haunted house. The Haunted House in Malmö ranks between these two extremes, combining an authentic haunting story with elements of an affordable tourist attraction.

It's also worth noting the differences in accessibility of these places - while Gasten Ghost Hotel is open mainly during the tourist season, Häringe Castle operates year-round, offering different packages depending on the season. Haunted House in Malmö has the most irregular opening hours, often holding special events during Halloween or the full moon.

Spirit Walks and Mysteries of Stockholm

Sweden's capital, Stockholm, despite its modern character, hides many dark secrets and haunted places. For those who want to explore the paranormal side of this city, the ideal option is to use the services of Stockholm Ghost Walk AB, a company specializing in organizing walks in the footsteps of ghosts and unexplained phenomena.

Stockholm Ghost Walk AB is a company founded by enthusiasts of history and paranormal phenomena, who decided to combine these two passions and create a unique experience for locals and tourists. Their walks usually begin at Järntorget, a historic square in the heart of Gamla Stan (Old Town), which itself has a reputation as a haunted place. According to local legends, public executions were carried out in this square in the Middle Ages, and the ghosts of the executed still wander the area, especially on cloudy autumn evenings.

During the two-hour walk, guides lead participants through the narrow, cobblestone streets of the Old City, recounting the tragic events that took place there over the centuries. One of the stops on the tour is the Riddarhuset (House of Nobility), where it is said that the ghost of Count Axel von Fersen, who was lynched by a mob in 1810, can be found. Witnesses say that on the anniversary of his death you can hear the sounds of the crowd and desperate cries for help.

Another fascinating stop is the Royal Castle, where, according to staff and guards, the ghost of the 'White Lady,' identified as Queen Kristina, who abdicated in 1654, appears. Her specter is said to walk the corridors of the castle, especially around her former apartments. Guides from Stockholm Ghost Walk AB have access to places normally inaccessible to ordinary tourists, making their walks particularly attractive.

What sets Stockholm Ghost Walk AB apart from similar attractions is the emphasis on historical accuracy and authenticity of the stories they tell. The guides are not only experts in the field of paranormal phenomena, but are also well versed in Stockholm's history, so they can skillfully combine historical facts with legends and ghost accounts. The walks are held in small groups, allowing for a more personal experience and the opportunity to ask questions. The price for participating in a walk is moderate, making this attraction accessible to a wide audience.

When comparing the Stockholm Ghost Walk AB with other haunted places in Sweden, one can see that it offers a completely different experience. While castles or haunted hotels allow you to stay in one haunted location for a longer period of time, the ghost walk gives you the opportunity to experience many different locations and stories in a relatively short period of time. This is an ideal option for people who want to explore the paranormal side of Stockholm, but aren't necessarily ready to spend an entire night in a haunted location.

It's also worth mentioning the season in which it's best to go on such a walk. Although Stockholm Ghost Walk AB operates year-round, the most atmospheric walks take place in autumn and winter, when Stockholm's early dusk and often foggy climate create the perfect setting for ghost stories. Particularly popular are special walks held on Halloween or during the winter solstice, when, according to Scandinavian beliefs, the line between the world of the living and the dead becomes extremely thin.

All in all, Sweden offers an extremely diverse experience for those interested in paranormal phenomena. From historic castles and parsonages, to luxury haunted hotels, to specially designed tourist attractions and ghost walks, there is something for everyone. What all these places have in common is a rich history, authentic accounts of unexplainable phenomena, and a respect for the traditions and legends that are an integral part of Swedish culture. Whether you're a skeptic or believe in life after death, visiting these seven haunted places in Sweden is sure to provide an unforgettable experience and give you a completely different perspective on this Scandinavian country.

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