The Best witchy places in Europe, Witch-themed Travel destinations
Are you looking for places in Europe to feed your fascination with witches? You’re in luck because Europe has a rich history of folklore and witchcraft and is full of great witch locations!
I just love anything that has to do with witches, hags, sorcery, magic, spells, and enchantment! Whenever possible I like to add these dark folklore destinations to my travel itineraries and have made a whole list of the 29 best witch-themed witchy places in Europe just for you!
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Table of Contents
Where Can I find the best witchy places in Europe to visit?
You’ll find fun witch-themed travel destinations across Europe, and you’ll find them listed in this article by country. Grab that broomstick and let’s explore the witchy side of Europe!
Witch-Themed tours
I’ve included some tour options for you. Why do I like to book my tours on Get Your Guide? Book now, pay later and free cancellations! WIN, WIN!
Austria
(1) Hohenwerfen Castle, Witches and Wizards Exhibit
I can’t tell you how excited I was when I discovered that the current exhibit at Hohenwerfen castle is all about witches and wizards! I immediately wished that I had planned more time in our schedule because I had to breeze through faster than I would have liked!
You’ll want to carve out plenty of time for the i”The Legend Of Jackal” Witches and Wizards exhibit. It’s a tad creepy and there are some fun interactive displays that children of all ages will enjoy
(2) WITCH MUSEUM Riegersburg Castle, Styria Austria
The Witch Museum at Riegersburg Castle displays include video and audio and focuses on the time between the 17th century – until the middle of the 18th century when about 300 alleged witches and sorcerers were tried in this area of Austria.
Approximately 95 men and women were accused during the largest witch trial in Styria.
Witch Tours in Austria
- Salzburg Spooky Tour
- Vienna Spooky Ghost Tour (in German)
Belgium
(3) Les Macralles Festival, Vielsam Belgium
“Les Macralles de Vielsalm” is a traditional folklore festival starring the “Macralles,” or witches. The event, included on the list of best festivals in Europe, features a parade complete with “witches” wearing scary masks and draped in black hooded robes.
Expect storytellers, fire eaters, jugglers, magicians, a puppet theater, and medieval musicians. The performers schedule events through the year throughout Europe, with dates in Belgium, France, Germany, and beyond.
Also of interest for witch lovers: a statue of the witch Gustine Maka near the church, a statue of a broom stick by the lake and a folklore museum with an exhibition about the Macralles.
Czech Republic
(4) The burning of the Witch (pálení Čarodějnice)
Czechs believed that the power of witches would weaken as the weather got warmer, so they created witches with sticks, fabric, and other items and burned them.
As the witch burned the cold weather went with it. The tradition of “the burning of the winter witches” takes place around the country on April 30th every year and is still alive and well today.
Families gather around roaring fires and burning witchy effigies to roast sausages known as špekáček. Find locations around Czechia to witness the burning of the witches!
England
(5) Pendle Hill England
The infamous 1612 Pendle Witch Trials took place here in 1612. Explore the Pendle Witch Trail and visit Lancaster Castle, where the accused were imprisoned.
A 45-mile themed trail runs between Lancaster and Pendle and can be done by car or bike. The trail winds through untamed forests, and hamlets and farms which played a part in the true story of the Pendle Witches.
(6) Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, Boscastle Cornwall England
Cornwall England is home to the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, which houses one of the largest collections of occult artifacts in the world. The museum is home to the now empty coffin of Joan Wytte who was known for her association with witchcraft.
In addition to getting your witch “fix” this area is one of the prettiest of the entire country with its rugged coastlines, towering cliffs, wild moorland, and dozens of sandy beaches.
(7) Hocus Pocus Tiny Hotel, York England
This ultra rustic ridiculously fun witch-themed hotel is just 1,300 feet from the York Minster, and it has a customer rating of 9.0/10!
check Hocus Pocus House prices on Booking.com
(8) Stonehenge, England
The prehistoric sites of Avebury and Stonehenge have been sacred sites among pagans and pre Christians for thousands of years. Modern pagans, druids, and those who practice the modern art of Wicca flock to Stonehenge during the solstices.
If you are interested in getting to know some modern “witches” consider visiting Stonehenge during these gathering times. Avebury allows closer access to the stones than Stonehenge.
Witchy tours in England
You could do an entire themed trip in London!
- York Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour
- The Sinister Side of Shakespeare’s Stratford Walking Tour
- London Hogwarts Secrets and Spells Harry Potter Tour
- London Harry Potter and Medieval Magic Tour
- London Secret Societies Halloween Witchcraft Tour
- York Wizard Walking Tour
France
(9) Broceliande Forest, Brittany France
If ever there were a forest made for witches, it would be Broceliande! These woods are flush with crooked trees, as curled as the bony fingers on an aged old hag.
The forest was once home of the sorceress Morgan le Fay, half-sister of King Arthur. She and her fairy ladies lived here in a splendid castle where they lured and imprisoned many hundreds of young and handsome knights.
In addition to mythical witches, the waterfalls and moss-covered boulders of the forest are said to be home to fairies and the little people of the forest.
(10) The Witch’s House, Bergheim
The small Alsatian Village of Bergheim is home to The Witch’s House Museum. In the 16th and 17th century about forty women were burned here.
While the museum is small and I wouldn’t recommend trekking far to get there, if you happen to be visiting this too-adorable-for-words area of France, Bergheim is certainly worth a stop. I’m actually heading to this museum soon, so I’ll report back!
(11) Carcassonne, France
Carcassonne France looks like something straight out of a fairytale. The ancient walled city with its medieval fortress and fanciful turrets just doesn’t look quite real! However, the city was no fairytale for the townspeople who were accused of witchcraft during the Inquisition.
Here in the heart of the old city that’s surrounded by medieval walls you’ll find The Museum of the Inquisition or Museum of Torture. In 1234 Pope Gregory IX granted full powers to hunt, judge, imprison, torture, and execute heretics (witches.)
The museum houses a large collection of torture instruments from various countries of Europe.
Book Recommendation
If you’re looking for a great book that will inspire your witch-themed travels around France, pick up a copy of The Burning Times by Jeanne Kalogridis. This book is so good I’ve actually read it twice and will probably read it again! The story takes place in France in the year 1357 when the Inquisition was raging through medieval France. It follows the life of Mother Marie Francoise who’s gift for magic makes her a prime target for prosecution. I promise you won’t be able to put it down, and the ending, well you probably won’t see it coming!
Germany
(12) Harz Mountains, Germany
Atlas Obscura defines this area of Germany as having Witch Kitsch and Dark History, and that sounds like a ton of fun to me! The area has really adopted the witch theme and done it with flare.
In the UNESCO World Heritage town of Quedlinburg, a town with its own witch hunt history, symbols to ward off evil and witches carved into ancient wood are common sights around the town.
The Harz Mountains are a fun place to be during The witches’ sabbath, on Walpurgis Night (Walpurgisnacht) when people dress as witches and light bonfires.
Thale has a witch theme park, museums with torture devices, and no shortage of witch-themed souvenirs. Atlas Obscura has more details on the plethora of witch-themed travel destinations in Harz Mountains.
(13) Luther and the Witches Exhibit at the Medieval Crime Museum, Rothenburg Germany
The Medieval Crime Museum, one of my personal favorite museums, is dedicated to superstitions, medieval punishments, executioners, and instruments of torture…all dreaded by anyone accused of witchcraft!
Also inside the museum you’ll find the “(Martin) Luther and the Witches” exhibit, which is dedicated to witches and witch hunts, sorcery, and Luther’s involvement in the whole matter.
(14) Steckeschlääfer-Klamm
This ⅔ mile walking trail winds through a scenic gorge. Transverse Wooden walkways as you hunt for the 46 wooden tree carvings depicting fun forest inhabitants such as gnomes, imps, witches, and furry creatures.
(15) Zauberwald Fichtenau State Park, Fichtenau Germany
“Zauberwald” means “magic forest” in German, and the park is home to an impressive collection of magical creatures! Visitors to this enchanted forest should be on the lookout for fairies, trolls, dwarves, witches, and all manner of fanciful creatures!
There are over 80 wooden carvings along a network of hiking trails that wind their way through this forest. (I hit this one on my medieval Christmas Markets of Germany trip. I approve!)
(16) Satzvey Castle (Schloss Satzvey)
Straight out of the pages of a storybook, this 12th century medieval fairytale castle is complete with a moat and fanciful turrets! The castle hosts a variety of events throughou, t the year, including the Witch market…it’s frighteningly fantastic!
Stop in and get your witch’s broom driving license!
(17) Hexenhaus (Witch House), Thale Germany
If you can’t get enough of hex casting wart infested hags, then you’re going to love The Hexenhaus (Witch’s House) located near Thale Germany.
This wonderfully crooked shack is sure to “charm you” with its cobweb covered interior and fanciful carved wooden figures, it’s sure to put a “spell” on children and adults alike, pure enchantment!
Looking for more fairytale destinations in Germany? I’ve got a complete list!
(18) Löffingen Walpurgis Night, it’s when you least expect it!
For over 40 years, The Löffinger Hexenwitches with their grim faced wooden witch masks have been coming out to play on one special night every year. While the rest of Germany celebrates Walpurgis Night on the night of April 30th, the Löffinger Hexen come out to play on Shrove Monday (the Monday before Ash Wednesday, changes from year to year.) Come join the fun and witness the spectacle of these costumed witches take on the devil himself!
Witch Tours in Germany
- Heidelberg Hangman’s Daughter and Witch Burning Tales
- Bamberg Witch Trials Tour
- Munich Witches and Executioners Walking Tour
Iceland
(19) Museum of Icelandic Sorcery & Witchcraft, Hólmavík
This museum houses a collection of the history of Icelandic sorcery and witchcraft and offers insight into 17th century Iceland. You’ll find mystical displays on witchcraft including spell books & replica human remains, plus a cozy cafe.
The Museum has two exhibitions, the main one in Hólmavík and another one in nearby Bjarnarfjörður.. The museum is small, and I wouldn’t recommend traveling very far but if you happen to be in the area, or you are REALLY obsessed with witches it’s another option and the location is really cool!
See the museum website for further information about magical locations in the area and how to find them.
Ireland
(20) Kyteler’s Inn
The dark and cozy Kyteler’s Inn is one of the oldest inns in Ireland (1263.) The Inn was established in 1324 by Alice de Kyteler, the first convicted witch in Ireland. Alice was something of a “black widow” outliving 4 husbands (suspicious circumstances abound) and accumulating quite the fortune in the process.
It wasn’t long before the town accused her of witchcraft but before they could burn her at the stake she made her escape. Come for the live music (nightly during summer) and be sure to check out the 13th century pillars in the cellar in one of my favorite Kilkenny locations!
On my first trip to Kilkenny I knew I had to add this fun stop to my itinerary and it did not disappoint! Yes, the back story is intriguing but the Inn itself is just perfect if you like cozy Irish pubs, and boy do I! Stop in for food, drinks, or just to soak up the great atmosphere!
(21) Kilkenny Ghost Tours
Looking for unusual things to do in Kilkenny? How about a good ole ghost tour? This family friendly tour takes you through the haunted streets of the oldest medieval city in Ireland and introduces you to the resident spirits. You’ll get a cape and witch hat to wear on the 1-hour tour, starting at 8 pm nightly.
Italy
(22) Triora Museum of Ethnography and Witchcraft, Triora Italy
Triora Italy, often known as the “Salem of Italy” or “The Village of Witches” is the location of the country’s last witch trial. This wonderfully rustic Italian village is like a trip back in time.
The town is home to the Museum of Ethnography and Witchcraft which documents the tortures and interrogations that took place here in 1587.
The dark basement of this one-time prison was the holding place for those awaiting witch trials.
Explore the rooms with historic witch-themed artifacts. Visitors can shake off the heaviness of experiences by taking in the breathtaking mountain view at this location.
Witch Tours in Italy
- Milan Myths Legends and Witches Tour
- Rome Ghosts Legends Mysteries Tour (includes stories of witches, heretics, and inquisition)
- Modena Noir The Crime Chronicles of the Past Tour
Norway
(23) Steilneset Memorial, Vardø, Norway
The Steilneset Witch Trials Memorial honors the trial and execution in 1621 of 91 people for witchcraft. The town is located on the island of Vardøya in the Barents Sea.
You need to be motivated to reach this striking monument but if you are up for a trip to “middle of nowhere” and highly motivated to see every witch related site in Europe then more power to you!
Poland
(24) Białowieża Forest, Poland
If you’re on the hunt for a magical forest look no further than this rugged moss-covered primeval woodland. Not only has the forest been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was once home to the Białowieża Forest. To me, it looks like the enchanting home of Maleficent herself.
Simona Kossak was often called a witch because she chatted with animals and owned a thieving crow. This is a magical place and a fitting destination for anyone who revels in folklore, fantasy, and fairytales. Guided tours into the strictly protected areas of the park can be arranged on foot, bike, or by horse-drawn carriage.
Witch Tours in Poland
- Krakow Old Town Walk and Underground Tour (Delves into the mysterious world of alchemy, black magic, and witchcraft)
Scotland
(25) Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is a hotspot for all-things witchy. From tours to restaurants, and Harry Potter sites to monuments, you’ll get your witch fix here.
- The National Museum of Scotland has exhibits on witch-burning.
- The Witches’ Well is a small monument near Edinburgh Castle which commemorates the thousands of women accused of witchcraft in Scotland’s brutal trials.
- The Wyrd Shop is the oldest pagan shop in Scotland. This little store is filled with pagan jewelry, tarot decks, crystals, and fairy figurines.
The Witchery by the Castle Restaurant
This 5-star dining experience isn’t optional! Dark candle lit baroque decor, amazing atmosphere, amazing food. Make a reservation (well) in advance.
The Witchery Boutique Hotel
This absolute splurge offers the unique opportunity to surround yourself with unadulterated luxury!!! The Witchery by the Castle has several lavish and uniquely decorated suites. Opulent interiors are furnished in gothic old-world style.
If you don’t feel like a member of Europe’s most prominent royalty here in this fabulous hotel, well you better check your pulse! Guest rating: 9.2. Prices start at $1,123 per night.
Book the Witchery on Booking.com!
Witch Tours in Scotland
Edinburgh is another location where you could make a wonderfully witchy themed trip!
- Edinburgh Witches and History Walking Tour
- Edinburgh Witches and Trials Tour
- Edinburgh Dark Secrets of the Old Town
- Magical Edinburg Walking Tour
Slovakia
(26) Witch Statue, Bratislava Slovakia
The Witch Statue by Tibor Bártfay depicts the witch and her ravens and is dedicated to the memory of the women burned as witches in Bratislava.
Spain
(27) Zugarramurdi, Spain
Known as the “Village of Witches,” Zugarramurdi was ravaged by the Spanish Inquisition which was basically a church sanctioned witch hunt. The area is the location of the eerie Cave of Zugarramurdi where alleged witches were said to gather.
Today spectacular fires are lit in the caves near Zugarramurdi every year for the celebration of the ‘day of the witch’ on the summer solstice. The Witches Museum (Museo de las Brujas) explores the dark history of the Spanish Inquisition. (Witches Museum)
Witch Tours in Spain
- Seville City of Queens Nuns Prostitutes and Witches
- Barcelona Killers Witches and the Inquisition
- Zaragoza Excommunicated and Cursed Witches
Sweden
(28) Easter Witches
I’m always looking for something unique and interesting to add to my travels. Enter the unique Swedish and Finnish tradition of Easter witches (påskkärring)! It is said that witches flew out on booms to dance with the devil in the days preceding Easter.
On Easter in Sweden and Finland, young children dress as witches / hags, and warlocks and go door to door collecting treats in the neighborhoods.
Looking for more great places to celebrate Easter? The best places to celebrate Easter in Europe
(29) Witch museum in Prästmon
Nestled in the charming village of Prästmon, The Witch Museum in the village of Prästmon explores Sweden’s history of witchcraft, and honors 71 people who were convicted of witchcraft and beheaded and burned at Häxberget in Kramfors municipality between 1668 and 1676.
These people were accused of traveling to Blåkulla where they lived a sinful life together with the devil. The event marks Sweden’s largest documented mass peacetime executions.
Switzerland
(30) Witch Museum Switzerland (Hexenmuseum Schweiz) Gränichen
Do you want to know what lightning stones and dragon tongues are? why mistletoe helps against dizziness? why black cats are unlucky? Get answers at The Hexenmuseum Schweiz.
Learn about Swiss folklore, legends, superstition, the use of amulets to ward off evil, and witch trials. They also have exhibits on Tarot, astrology, and crystal ball and tea leaf reading.
Harry Potter Themed Witchy places in Europe
Let’s not forget everyone’s favorite adolescent witches and warlocks! Harry Potter fans will find sites all over Europe!
These are my favorite picks:
York England
The shambles is a crooked looking little medieval street in York with cutesy little shop fronts! The moment that I arrived at the Shambles I felt as if I had been dropped down right in the middle of a Dickens novel, or a Harry Potter film!
In fact, The Shambles were the inspiration for Diagon Alley and the shops that line the Shambles have embraced the Harry Potter theme. Consequently, you’ll find shops with names like “The Shop That Must Not Be Mentioned” (that carries wands, robes and brooms!) and “The Potions Cauldron.
Edinburgh Scotland
The historic buildings in the old town of Edinburgh are dark, Gothic and magnificent! You’ll feel as if you’ve been dropped down in the middle of a Harry Potter Film! In fact, JK Rowling spent time in Edinburgh while writing the series.
The city hosts a free Harry Potter guided walking tour…Look for tour guides with YELLOW umbrellas! Included on the tour is the Greyfriars Kirkyard (graveyard) which has graves marked with names that inspired JK’s characters like McGonagall, Moodie and Riddle.
de Vere House
The higgledy-piggledy 14th century home, de Vere House, where Harry Potter got his scar, is now a Bed and Breakfast, and it is simply magical! You’ll find it on AirBnB.
Lacock Abbey, Chippenham United Kingdom
In the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry was chosen for Gryfindor’s Quidditch team in the halls of the 13th-century Lacock Abbey, and attended Professor Snape’s class in one of the abbey’s peeling-plaster rooms.
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick UK
Is another filming location for scenes in the Harry Potter films. (Hogwarts School)
The Hogwarts Express Train
Want to see the famous Harry Potter train? This tour takes you north to the Glenfinnan Viaduct where you’ll ride the Jacobite Steam Train, sometimes referred to as the Hogwarts Express Train. Take a tour from Edinburgh! 2-Day Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express
Warner Bros. Studio, London UK
Tour actual film sets from the movies and see authentic props and original costumes. If you’ve ever wanted to step right into a Harry Potter film, now’s your chance!
A brief history of witches in European Countries
“One of the earliest records of a witch is in the Bible in the book of 1 Samuel (931 B.C. and 721 B.C.) when King Saul sought the Witch of Endor.” –History.com
Witchcraft in Europe can be traced back to the era of classical antiquity (8th–7th centuries BC to 476 AD.)
After a proclamation by the Pope against witches and the publication of a book named Malleus Maleficarum (The Hammer of Witches) in the mid-1400’s witch hysteria took hold in Europe.
Within a century, witch hunts were common and most of the accused were executed by burning at the stake or hanging. Between the years 1500 and 1660, up to 80,000 suspected witches were put to death in Europe.
In comparison, only around 20 people were executed for witchcraft during the famous Salem witch trials of 1692 in Salem town in the United States. In Europe, Germany had the highest witchcraft execution rate, while Ireland had the lowest.” (history.com)
Why the Fascination with witches?
Witches bring about feelings of the dark and dramatic nature. From the time we were children it seemed as if every fairytale had a gnarled old hag, the villainess hell bent on destroying the vulnerable.
Our little brains were ripe with the anticipation of our favorite character escaping the grip of the witch. These tales fed our natural desire for safety and security. When the witch was foiled the feel-good endorphins arrived along with the reassuring knowledge that someone would always be there to save the day.
The dark allure of witches is timeless, it’s mystic, magical, and it is captivating. It fosters our fantasies of having the ability to cast spells and manipulate things we have no power or control over, and that is powerful!
Conclusion
I hope this article has guided you to some of the best witch-themed travel destinations in Europe and been helpful in planning your wonderfully witchy themed trip to Europe! Need more help planning your trip to Europe? Check out these helpful European Trip planning articles:
