The allure of the unknown is magnetic. It draws you in unquestionably, before you have time to develop a reason for being drawn to it. As an example, think about what allows a ghost town to be shrouded in silence, or a forest where children seemingly vanish with no explanation. Unknown places creating unknown experiences are so appealing to today’s travelers who want much more than just to take pretty pictures of the environment. Today’s tourists, especially with regards to ‘dark tourism’, are looking for more emotion and adrenaline than just pretty scenery!
Stranger Things reminded us how much of what we all see is only half of the true story. There is an “upside-down” world out there, both literally and metaphorically: abandoned labs that have been untouched for decades, haunted islands full of old memories, and towns that feel like they have stopped happening altogether (like Hawkins).
Standing somewhere eerily remote yet so familiar (like Hawkins), you would encounter the same sorts of phenomena as depicted in the show-thick, grey fog, buzzing lights, the sensation of feet following behind you, and absolutely no one around. These could very possibly be portals to an unknown realm.
This guide reveals 7 haunted locations across the world that feel straight out of Stranger Things – places with chilling legends, terrifying histories, and experiences powerful enough to bend reality. Get ready to step just a little closer to the dark side.
And if you’re planning a dark-themed adventure, smart tools like The Tarzan Way’s AI-powered travel planning can help curate safe routes, guided tours, and budget-friendly stay options designed for adventure lovers.
In Short
- 7 most haunted places around the world inspired by Stranger Things themes
- Perfect for paranormal lovers, thrill seekers & dark tourism explorers
- Includes haunted forests, ghost towns, cursed islands, abandoned hotels & asylums
1. Hoia Baciu Forest, Romania – “The Real-Life Upside Down”
Often called the most haunted forest in the world, Hoia Baciu in Transylvania has long been associated with paranormal sightings, mysterious disappearances, and unexplained electromagnetic disturbances. Travelers report sudden nausea, disorientation, malfunctioning compasses, and strange lights floating among the trees-eerily similar to the supernatural energy fields in Stranger Things.
Why it feels like Stranger Things
- A circular clearing where nothing grows – similar to dimensional rift portals
- Documented UFO sightings and ghost photographs
- Locals warn visitors from entering after dark
How to Visit
- Closest city: Cluj-Napoca (Romania)
- Best season: September–November for foggy ambience
- Recommended: guided night investigation tours
For more eerie natural locations and forest legends, explore Top 10 Haunted Forests in the World for Brave Adventurers – perfect read before planning your trip.
2. Pripyat & Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine – Frozen in Time
Once a thriving Soviet town, Pripyat was evacuated within hours after the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Today, a ghost city remains-abandoned schools, fairgrounds, hospitals, and apartments still filled with personal belongings. The silence feels unbearably heavy, like Hawkins after the Demogorgon strikes.
Stranger Things parallels
- Government experimentation and secrecy
- Toxic abandoned laboratories & restricted zones
- Nature reclaiming destroyed human spaces
Travel Information
- Access only via licensed tour agencies
- Full-day & 2-day guided photography tours available
Carry protective clothing & follow safety instructions
3. Aokigahara Forest, Japan – The Sea of Trees
Resting on the slopes of Mount Fuji, Aokigahara is infamous for being one of the world’s most tragic and spiritually heavy forests. Dense trees swallow sound, causing almost complete silence-creating a surreal, oppressive feeling.
Why it feels like Stranger Things
- Disorienting paths & magnetic soil that distorts phone signals
- Rumored spirit presence & abandoned belongings scattered across paths
- Locals say compasses spin wildly
Travel Tips
- Stick to marked trails only
- Visit early morning or during guided tours
4. Bhangarh Fort, India – “The Most Haunted Place in India”
Located in Rajasthan, Bhangarh Fort is infamous for its Archaeological Survey of India notice prohibiting entry after sunset-no one is allowed inside once darkness falls. Legends speak of a cursed town, mass disappearance, and a sorcerer whose broken spell still haunts the abandoned palace ruins.
Why it feels like Stranger Things
- A cursed town suddenly collapsed without explanation (like Hawkins after a major attack)
- Locals report screams, shadows, and footsteps after dark
- Energy shifts and oppressive silence in abandoned markets and temples
How to Visit
- Nearest airport: Jaipur (85 km)
- Visiting Hours: 6 AM–6 PM only
- Best time: October–February (winter for pleasant weather)
Travel Tip: Hire licensed guide-stories and locations become far more powerful with guided storytelling.
Interested in India’s ghost road legends?
Check out ? Spine-Chilling Road Trips: India’s Most Haunted Highways
5. Island of the Dolls, Mexico – A Silent Island of Staring Eyes
Deep inside Mexico City’s Xochimilco canals lies Isla de las Muñecas, where thousands of old broken dolls hang from trees-eyes, limbs, and heads arranged like a ritual offering. Created by a hermit who believed dolls could protect him from spirits, the island now feels like an abandoned experiment gone wrong.
Stranger Things Parallels
- Dolls turning heads & whispering sounds reported by visitors
- Unsettling silence except for cracking branches
- Feels like an abandoned laboratory world in the Upside Down
Travel Details
- Access via boat ride from Embarcadero Cuemanco
- Guided haunted canal tours available at night
Bring warm clothes & avoid carrying valuables
6. Centralia Ghost Town, USA – The Ever-Burning Hellfire Town
Once a thriving mining community, Centralia became uninhabitable after a coal mine fire ignited underground in 1962 and continues burning to this day. Smoke vents from cracks in the ground, paint melts off structures, and the deserted roads echo with emptiness.
Why it feels like Stranger Things
- Toxic environment similar to Vecna’s decaying dimension
- Empty buildings frozen in time
- Fog, smoke & unnatural silence
Visitor Guidance
- Official access is partially restricted
- Most travelers explore the outer remains & Graffiti Highway
- Do not step on steaming cracks-ground is unstable
7. Hashima Island, Japan – Ghost Industrial City
Known as Battleship Island, Hashima was once one of the world’s most densely populated places. After coal mining collapsed, residents abandoned everything overnight. Today, decaying apartments stand like skeletal structures rising from the sea.
Stranger Things Atmosphere
- Broken window towers & collapsing corridors resemble Hawkins Lab ruins
- Rumors of hidden tunnels and supernatural sightings
- Perfect setting for urban exploration photography
How to Reach
- Boat tours operate from Nagasaki
- Visitors must stick to designated safe routes
Planning a European or abandoned world journey?
Explore ? Haunted & Abandoned Places in Europe for more ruined cities and ghost settlements
Who Should Visit These Haunted & Mysterious Places
Not every destination in the world is about blue coastlines and sunny viewpoints. Some places are powerful because they make you feel something – curiosity, fear, adrenaline, or an unexplainable connection to history and tragedy. If that excites you, you belong to a growing travel tribe: dark tourism explorers.
These destinations are ideal for:
- Fans of Stranger Things & supernatural storytelling
- Paranormal researchers & ghost hunters
- Thrill-seekers looking beyond basic holidays
- Photographers and filmmakers chasing dramatic scenery
- Adventure travelers and urban explorers
Many travelers say these journeys change how they see the world – revealing how real stories can be scarier and more emotional than fiction.
Safety & Practical Travel Tips
Haunted travel is exciting, but also requires careful planning. These places often involve restricted entry, unstable structures, or emotional significance.
Essential Safety Tips
- Join certified local guides for ruins, forests & abandoned facilities
- Avoid entering sealed or restricted buildings
- Carry essentials: flashlight, water, power bank, ID, durable shoes
- Don’t travel alone at night
- Respect signs, memorials and religious boundaries
- Avoid provoking spirits or performing rituals
- Check weather and accessibility updates before travel
- Have emergency contact & offline maps handy
Want more extreme travel ideas?
Explore ? Top 10 Haunted Forests in the World for Brave Adventurers
Why Haunted & Dark Tourism Is Growing Worldwide
According to travel trend studies, dark tourism searches have increased by over 30% globally in the last two years, especially among Gen Z and solo travelers. People now want:
- Experiences over sightseeing
- Mystery instead of crowded attractions
- Real stories instead of commercial packages
- Emotional connection with history & lost worlds
Pop culture – from Stranger Things to The Haunting of Hill House – has inspired travelers to seek real places that feel cinematic and surreal. Many travelers describe these trips as transformative, not just adventurous.
Travel with Respect
Many haunted destinations are connected to war, tragedy, or historical trauma. Treat them with empathy:
- No loud music, vandalism, or graffiti
- Avoid selfies at memorials or gravesites
- Follow photography guidelines strictly
Some destinations also require permits for filming or DSLRs – particularly abandoned asylums and forest reserves.
Love road adventure thrills?
Check ? Spine-Chilling Road Trips: India’s Most Haunted Highways
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the most haunted place in the world?
Hoia Baciu Forest (Romania) is considered one of the most haunted due to documented UFO sightings, paranormal research, and unexplained disappearances.
2. Are these haunted places safe to travel?
Yes – as long as you travel with guides, follow local rules, and do not trespass restricted areas.
3. What is dark tourism?
Dark tourism refers to visiting places historically associated with death, tragedy, or paranormal events.
4. What is the best time to visit haunted destinations?
October to February – colder weather enhances the eerie atmosphere and many tours operate seasonally.
5. Can beginners or families visit haunted places?
Yes, but choose guided public tours or accessible locations like ghost towns & heritage sites instead of dangerous abandoned buildings.
6. Are haunted experiences real?
Experiences vary – some locations have scientific research supporting unusual activity, while others rely on legends & folklore.
7. How should I prepare for a haunted location trip?
Carry a flashlight, comfortable shoes, emergency contacts, backup battery, weatherproof clothing, and offline navigation.
8. Are haunted places expensive to visit?
Most ghost towns, forests, and ruins have low-cost entry; guided tours may vary from $10–$150 depending on location.
9. Can we stay overnight in haunted hotels or islands?
Yes – places like Stanley Hotel (USA) & haunted castles in Europe offer paranormal night stays.
10. Are photography and drones allowed?
Always check local laws; many historic sites restrict drones for safety and privacy reasons.
Conclusion
Haunted places aren’t just ghost stories – they’re time capsules of human emotion, fragments of history that were never written down, and sometimes, gateways to the unexplained. From Hashima Island standing like a skeleton city in the sea, to Centralia, a burning ghost town, to Bhangarh, where silence speaks louder than words – these places remind us that the line between worlds is thinner than we think.
Visiting them is like stepping into your own episode of Stranger Things: the thrill, the fear, the curiosity – all colliding in one unforgettable moment. If you’re dreaming about a journey that pushes the boundaries of ordinary travel, The Tarzan Way’s AI-powered travel planning can help you explore these eerie destinations safely and smartly.
Adventure exists at the edge of fear. Dare to explore?
