Hop on the road less travelled with us – let’s take a look at dark tourism destinations in the world.
Ever heard of dark tourism? It’s taking holidays to destinations that are all about suffering and the macabre. We don’t normally trade sunny beaches and luxe stays for anything, but this might change our minds. You can thank our morbid curiosity and love of the supernatural for that. It may sound odd at first but we think there’s more to it than meets the eye. It’s a way to memorialise events in history, presenting a unique learning opportunity of tragedies around the world. History buff or not, take a gander through our list of top spots for dark tourism that might pique your interest.
Top dark tourism spots around the world
1. Auschwitz
Everyone’s aware of the harrowing history of Auschwitz. Established by the Germans in 1940, the compound contained over 40 concentration and extermination camps. It’s a site of atrocities, with prisoners of war subjected to starvation, beatings, and medical experiments during World War II. Tours around Auschwitz are so popular that we recommend you book one a month in advance. Your guide-educator will take you through the buildings within the compound, including the prisoner barracks and the ruins of the gas chamber.
Auschwitz, Wiezniow Oswiecimia 20, 32-603 Oswiecim, Poland
2. Catacombs of Paris
The famed Catacombs of Paris hold the remains of over six million people. They were created after the collapse of a cemetery. The dead bodies were then moved into these renovated passageways. Walking through hallways with a ton of skulls staring at you? Creepy, but so cool at the same time. Tours are available, though some people recommend going on your own so you get ample space to yourself. Don’t worry about getting lost because it’ll be a straight path. For anyone with claustrophobia, we suggest you stay away from this place because the corridors can get a little tight.
Catacombs of Paris, 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France
3. Anne Frank House
From hiding from the Nazis to her death in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, you can find out anything and everything about Anne Frank in this museum. The Anne Frank House is a non-profit organisation that was established with Otto Frank, Anne Frank’s father. The organisation has taken over the original house where she went into hiding, which fully immerses you into what her life was like. You’ll find videos, photos, and even some original items belonging to Anne Frank. To us, the highlight is the diary room where her original diary is on display.
Anne Frank House, Westermarkt 20, 1016 DK Amsterdam, Netherlands
4. The Alnwick Poison Garden
How does walking hand in hand through a garden of poison with your beau sound? Despite its grim name, the Alnwick Poison Garden in the UK is both fascinating and beautiful. It’s home to several toxic and narcotic plants that are behind iron gates that only open during guided tours. Plants are kept within giant cages (but is it for the plant’s protection or yours?), and some are even locked away. Remember not to touch or sniff anything, or you’ll be one of the unfortunate souls who end up fainting during your visit.
The Alnwick Poison Garden, Denwick Lane, Alnwick NE66 1FJ, United Kingdom
5. Alcatraz Island
This former military fort and maximum security federal prison has seen the likes of Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly (the gangster, not the singer) enter its doors. Its name is synonymous with danger and inhumanity, imprisoning several notorious criminals. After its shutdown in 1963, it was transformed into a national park and historic site to preserve its historical significance. To explore the island and its key sites like the lighthouse and garden, you’ll need to take a ferry. If you’re easily spooked, opt for the day tour. We’d personally go for the night tour to fully embrace the eerie factor.
Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States of America
6. Pompeii Archaeological Park
Pompeii is arguably one of the oldest dark tourism sites in the world. After Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 AD, it left Pompeii covered by volcanic ash. While disastrous, the ash preserved the city, leaving it in almost pristine condition, relics and paintings included. Not to mention the remains of a little over 1,000 bodies too. Covered in calcified layers of ash, hollow forms of citizens’ bodies were found, showing what their last moments looked like. Using the spaces as moulds, plaster casts of the victims’ bodies have been created and displayed. Despite the dark nature, Pompeii’s history is incredibly enthralling and the site is more than worth a visit.
Pompeii Archaeological Park, Metropolitan City of Naples, 80045 Pompei, Italy
7. National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
This place needs no introduction. After the devastating September 11 events in New York City, a memorial and museum were created within the World Trade Center. It’s best experienced through a tour with an expert guide who will take you through both locations. You’ll learn about what happened in 2001, the rebuilding process, and the continued global effects of the attacks. You can also venture through the museum and memorial at your own pace. We hear the 9/11 Memorial Glade is quite an emotional experience.
National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, 180 Greenwich Street, New York 10007, United States of America
8. Okunoshima Poison Gas Museum
Okunoshima is popularly known as Rabbit Island thanks to a small enclave where hundreds of wild rabbits live. But did you know that Okunoshima is also known as “poison gas island”? It was once the site of poison gas manufacturing during Japan’s war against China in the 1930s. To preserve this aspect of Japan’s history, the museum was established through fundraising by peace advocates. The museum is small but full of fascinating artefacts. This includes pots used for chemical production, gas masks, and even the protective suits worn.
Okunoshima Poison Gas Museum, 5491 Tadanoumicho, Takehara, Hiroshima 729-2311, Japan
9. Cambodia Landmine Museum
After years of fighting, ex-child soldier Aki Ra returned to his home village and removed thousands of landmines that he had planted as a soldier. Once defused with homemade tools, the bombs went on display and he charged tourists a dollar to view them. That was just the beginning of this humble museum. If you’re curious to learn more, we highly suggest paying a visit! Profits from ticket sales go to its sister NGO, Cambodian Self-Help Demining, and projects like the Rural School Village Program and Relief Center.
Cambodia Landmine Museum, 67 Phumi Khna, Cambodia
Dark tourism is more than just about the shock factor. These experiences can also focus on education, giving us a place to immerse ourselves in history and learn about significant global events.
