Amsterdam's Haunted Secrets: Ghost Stories That Will Give You Goosebumps
Did you know Amsterdam isn’t just full of picturesque canals, cozy cafes, and small streets—it’s also home to a lot of ghosts? Yep, you read that right. Beneath the city’s charming facade lies a treasure trove of spooky legends, haunted houses, and mischievous spirits. From jealous sisters and cursed sailors to poop-throwing ghosts, Amsterdam has it all. Intrigued? Let’s dive into the city’s most hair-raising stories, with a few insider tips to make your ghostly journey unforgettable. Who knows—maybe tonight you’ll find yourself ghost-hunting in the streets of Amsterdam… if you dare. 👻
Dancing with the Dead: The Ghosts of Shelter
Beneath the iconic A’DAM Tower in Amsterdam North lies Shelter, one of the city’s coolest underground clubs. But centuries ago, this was the site of a galgenveld—a field where the bodies of executed criminals were discarded. Legend has it that the remains were tossed into a pit that now lies directly under the dancefloor. Partygoers have reported feeling sudden icy chills mid-beat or hearing faint whispers over the music. Coincidence? Or are the ghosts of the gallows still keeping the beat?
💡 Travelglaze Tip: Planning to visit Shelter? Combine your trip with a ride up to the A’DAM Lookout for one of the best views of Amsterdam. But here’s the twist: try their Over the Edge swing, where you’ll literally swing out over the city. After that adrenaline rush, head downstairs for some spine-tingling beats—and maybe a ghostly chill.
The House with the Bloody Walls
📍 Address: Amstel 216
Once home to Coenraad van Beuningen, a former mayor of Amsterdam, this stately house hides a gruesome tale. After a mental breakdown, van Beuningen wandered the streets, cutting his arms and smearing his own blood on the walls of his house. The bloodstains were said to be impossible to remove, and some claim they’re still there, haunting the walls and whispering his madness to this day.
💡 Travelglaze Moment: Strolling along the Amstel is already magical at night, but when you pass house number 216, look closely at the walls. Could the faint stains of van Beuningen’s torment still be there? Afterward, stop for a drink at Café de Jaren just down the road. The cozy, riverside vibe might help you shake off any ghostly chills.
The Tragic Tale of the Spooksteeg
📍 Address: Zeedijk (near Spooksteeg)
The Spooksteeg (“Ghost Alley”) got its name from one of Amsterdam’s most chilling stories. A leatherworker named Gerhards lived here with his two daughters, Helena and Dina. Helena was beautiful but cruel, while Dina was quiet and kind. When a handsome sailor named Wout fell in love with Dina, Helena was overcome with jealousy. She sabotaged their romance, lied, and ultimately murdered her sister in a fit of rage. Years later, Helena confessed to the crime on her deathbed, and her husband cursed her soul: “You’ll wander this house for eternity.” Soon after, residents began hearing wails and cries echoing through the alley at night.
💡 Travelglaze Tip: Walk through the Zeedijk and explore the area’s rich history (it’s Amsterdam’s Chinatown!). Keep your eyes peeled for the small alleys—especially Spooksteeg. If you’re in the mood for a post-spooky snack, grab some dumplings or bao buns from New King, one of the best restaurants on the street.
The Mischievous Ossenspook
📍 Address: Ossenspooksteeg
Not all ghosts in Amsterdam are scary—some are just here to cause trouble. Take the Ossenspook, a mischievous spirit who is said to appear every third Friday of the month in Ossenspooksteeg. This tall, white ghost with glowing red eyes had a strange habit: throwing cow poop at people passing by. Yep, cow poop!
But this ghost wasn’t just playing pranks. Some stories say the Ossenspook could get really angry, and there are even tales of it twisting children’s necks. Creepy, right?
💡 Travelglaze Tip: Ossenspooksteeg is in the center of Amsterdam, close to lots of shopping streets. It’s a fun little stop if you’re walking through the Jordaan or heading to the Anne Frank House. And don’t worry—you’re more likely to find street art than ghostly poop these days!
The Cursed Children of the Oude Kerk
📍 Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal
If you hear the sound of children’s laughter near the Oude Kerk in the Red Light District, you might want to think twice before smiling. According to legend, a woman named Jacoba Bam cursed the orphans living near the church, turning them into cat-like creatures. They would climb the walls, scratch at the stained glass, and even ring the church bells, their bloody hands leaving streaks on the windows.
💡 Travelglaze Moment: Visit the Oude Kerk, the oldest building in Amsterdam, and marvel at its Gothic beauty. While inside, keep an eye on the windows—those streaks might just be ghostly reminders of Jacoba’s curse. Afterward, head to De Wallen, red light district, for some people-watching and a drink at one of the many quirky bars.
Travelglaze Confession:
For me, ghost tours are one of the most fun and unique ways to explore a city. You always get to hear the most fascinating (and sometimes downright creepy) stories about its history. I’ll share 2 with you.
Edinburgh, Scotland
If there’s one city that feels like it was made for ghost stories, it’s Edinburgh. With its dark, narrow alleyways (called closes), towering medieval buildings, and a rich history of witch trials and hauntings, the whole place feels like stepping back in time to the Middle Ages.
On one ghost tour, I got to visit the Real Mary King’s Close, a series of underground streets where people lived—and died—centuries ago. The stories of plague victims and restless spirits gave me chills, especially since you’re walking through the actual streets they once lived on. And of course, no Edinburgh ghost tour is complete without tales of witchcraft and executions on the eerie Edinburgh Castle grounds.
Fun fact: Scotland burned more witches per capita than any other country in Europe during its witch trial era. Spooky, right?
Salem, Massachusetts (USA)
Salem is the place to visit if you love witch stories. This small town in America became infamous for the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, when 20 people were executed after being accused of witchcraft. Ghost tours in Salem bring these chilling stories to life, taking you to historic sites like the old cemeteries and haunted houses.
One of my favorite stops on the tour was the Old Burying Point Cemetery, where you can visit the graves of some of the people involved in the trials—both the accusers and the accused. There’s also the House of the Seven Gables, which inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s famous novel and is said to be haunted by a few lingering spirits. Salem’s mix of dark history and Halloween vibes makes it unforgettable.
The Heroine of the House with the Heads
📍 Address: Keizersgracht 123
The stunning Huis met de Hoofden (House with the Heads) has a history as dramatic as its name. The story goes that a maid named Elsje fought off six thieves who broke into the house, decapitating them one by one with a single axe. She then calmly went back to her knitting as if nothing had happened. Another version says she fell in love with a mysterious servant—only to discover he was secretly a thief himself. Either way, the house’s name lives up to its grisly reputation.
💡 Travelglaze Tip: The Huis met de Hoofden is now home to the Embassy of the Free Mind, a museum filled with books, art, and philosophy. Stop by for an inspiring visit, and don’t forget to admire the stunning 17th-century facade. Who knows—maybe you’ll feel the spirit of Elsje watching over you.
A City of Shadows and Secrets
Amsterdam is overflowing with ghost stories, from spooky monasteries on the Bloedstraat to cursed warehouses and haunted alleys. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, these tales bring a magical, mysterious layer to the city’s history.
💡 Final Travelglaze Tip: Ghost tours are a fantastic way to experience the eerie side of Amsterdam. Many tours take you through the city’s spookiest spots, complete with chilling stories and fun facts. If you’re feeling brave, take an evening walk through the Zeedijk, Spooksteeg, or the canals near the Amstel. Just make sure to bring a friend—you never know who (or what) might be lurking in the shadows.
