Orava Castle is one of the most haunted and beautiful castles. built high up on a rocky cliff over the winding Orava river, During the main Tourist season they do some great haunted night tours. Adding to the mystique, it has been said that the castle is haunted by the ghosts of former residents.
view from the parking area
The castle is built on a rock above the river Orava in Oravský Podzámok and is one of the largest castles in Slovakia. It is located in the northern Orava region. The castle area consists of a remarkable complex of the Lower, Middle, and Upper Castle with palaces, fortification systems, and towers. Besides being a landmark in Slovakia, it also gets the attention for being the most haunted castle in the country.
The 700-year-old fortress was the site of Count Orlok’s castle in “Nosferatu.”
Accessibility
There are three parking spaces available around the castle. We parked near the river, which we also recommend. It is paid for and costs 5 EUR, no matter how long your stay is.
On the way back you can buy souvenirs in one of the many stands located in the parking lot. Each has the usual – postcards, magnets, plush animals, and more.
After parking, you walk through a park to the ticket office in the Orava Castle Information Centre under the castle hill to get your tickets.
The Back History of the Fortress
Orava castle was built in the place of a former fortified fortress, right after the Tartar raids, in the mid 13th century.
The first known written record of Orava Castle comes from 1267.
Over the years the castle was seized and owned by many, including Stibor of Śćiborzyc (1420), John Zapolya (1505), or John of Dubovec (1534) who initiated extensive modernization works focusing primarily on the castle’s fortification system.
During the first anti-Habsburg insurrection (1605) led by Stephen Boscskai, forces attempted to seize Orava Castle but failed.
Later a few directors changed in the position of taking care of the castle.
In 1800 the massive fire broke out and destroyed almost the whole castle complex. After its two weeks’ course, Orava Castle was left useless and faced its ending.
The German Nazi army occupied Orava Castle in 1944.
1953 Orava Castle became the seat of Orava National History Museum. During the same year, the castle underwent a general restoration.
Notable Facts
- The highest part of Orava Castle rises 112 meters above the river Orava.
- The castle consists of 155 rooms, but not all are open to the public.
- When you climb up and down the whole castle, you will have 754 steps behind you.
- Additionally, the castle is famous for being used as a location for movie shootings – for instance, in 1922, the German film Nosferatu the Vampire was filmed here.
The Legend Behind Orava
One of the most well-known legends associated with Orava Castle involves a ghostly figure that is said to haunt the castle’s halls and corridors. This figure is said to be the ghost of a young girl who fell from the castle’s tower while trying to escape from an unwanted marriage. According to the legend, the girl’s ghost can still be seen wandering the castle’s corridors and staircases, looking for a way to escape.
Another ghostly legend associated with Orava Castle involves a young nobleman who was murdered by his own father. The nobleman’s ghost is said to wander the castle’s halls, seeking revenge against his father for his untimely death. Visitors to the castle have reported feeling a strong presence in certain areas of the castle, particularly near the spot where the young nobleman was killed.
In addition to these ghostly legends, there are also stories of other supernatural phenomena at Orava Castle. Visitors have reported strange noises, unexplained cold spots, and other eerie occurrences. Some have even claimed to have seen apparitions and other ghostly figures.
Despite the many stories of hauntings and supernatural activity, there are those who remain skeptical of the castle’s haunted reputation. Some believe that the stories are simply legends that have been passed down through the generations, while others argue that any paranormal activity at the castle can be explained by natural phenomena or the power of suggestion.
Despite the skepticism, however, the haunted nature of Orava Castle continues to draw visitors from around the world. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, there is no denying the castle’s rich history and fascinating architecture. And for those who are brave enough to explore its halls and corridors, there is always the chance that they may encounter something truly otherworldly.
Ghost Hunters – Orava
In 2008, six specialists conducted research at the Orava Castle to confirm paranormal phenomena. And it is also said the employees of the castle that have their own stories of paranormal activity.
There is a YouTube video of the whole Ghost Hunter International episode that you can watch.
