Do you like to be afraid? Here are the 7 scariest places in the Czech Republic

Here are seven locations where mysterious events are said to take place and where you should not go after dark. Whether you're a fan of ghosts or not, the strange and oppressive atmosphere of these places will touch even the biggest skeptic. Prepare to be chilled trip to the most terrifying locations in our country.

On the outskirts of the village of Rváčov in the Pardubice Region, there is a house with a very strange decoration. The walls, fence and surrounding trees are literally covered with dolls - and not just any dolls. They are old, dirty, some damaged, and many of them are hanging by their necks. The place looks more like a scene from a scary movie than a peaceful country estate.

Mr. Lubomir, the owner of the house, is an enthusiastic collector who says he displays the dolls outside so that they get a patina and don't lose their charm. He says that the dolls reflect his view of civilisation and that they carry the soul of a child who has played with them, so he must give them peace of mind by putting them in the attic when they are worn out. But many visitors find the place one of the most terrifying in the country, and some prefer to avoid it because they feel uncomfortable. According to one legend, this collection of dolls was originally meant to serve as protection against evil forces. Whatever the truth, a house with thousands of hanging dolls is sure to give you chills.

Not far from Prague, in the village of Noutonice, there is a cemetery near the church of St. John the Baptist, which is shrouded in many mysterious phenomena. Rumours of strange occurrences have been around since the Middle Ages, when sinners, unbaptised children and victims of plague epidemics were said to have ended up here in mass graves.

Visitors often report hearing mysterious noises, such as footsteps on dry leaves or crying, even though no one is around. Some accounts describe sudden cold gusts of wind, glowing mist or even shadows. One local legend speaks of the ghost of the hated Countess Barbara, known as Babette, who tragically died in a horse accident, and her death is said not to have been accidental. Her soul is said to have still not found peace and wanders around the cemetery. While some people believe that these are just optical and acoustic illusions caused by the specific airflow in the lowlands, which are often shrouded by fog, for others, Noutonice Cemetery is one of the most stunning and mysterious places in the area.

In the heart of Brno, under the Church of St. James, there is a fascinating, but at the same time terrifying place of remembrance: the second largest ossuary in Europe, after the catacombs in Paris. This cemetery has been in use since the 13th century, and because there was not enough space in medieval cities, after about 10 to 12 years the remains were removed and placed in the ossuary to make room for new burials (the so-called exchange burial system).

The ossuary has accumulated over 50,000 skeletal remains of people who died as a result of plague and cholera epidemics, war injuries and other tragedies. The ossuary was closed in the 18th century and remained forgotten until its accidental rediscovery in 2001. Although the site is not associated with tales of supernatural phenomena, walking among the carefully displayed skulls and piles of bones of many of the long-dead evokes a powerful and profound, almost oppressive feeling. The commemorative display serves as a reminder of the harsh reality of past centuries and the vast number of people who found their final resting place here.

The Branišov Forest, also known as Branišov Pine, located near České Budějovice, is considered one of the most haunted forests in the Czech Republic. Local mysterious legends have been passed down for centuries and continue to attract paranormal seekers. The site has been linked to tragic events, such as the mass suicide of soldiers after World War II or the sad fate of a married couple who hanged themselves on the so-called Hanged Man Tree.

The most famous tale, however, is the story of Guardians of the Forest: a tall dark figure dressed in a long cloak and hat. This guardian is said to travel at supernatural speeds, and some witnesses claim that he even floats. His presence is accompanied by a soft flute melody, a chilling wind and an ominous darkening of the sky. It is said to protect the forest from evil or, conversely, people from the dangers that lurk in the forest. Testimonies vary: some people see a white face without any features, others experience strange temporal anomalies. Although skeptics find no evidence of these phenomena, the Branish Forest still retains its reputation as a dark and magical place where you should not venture alone, especially after dark.

Next to the D1 motorway, near the village of Lesní Hluboké, there is a group of nine simple wooden crosses. These crosses commemorate a tragedy that took place here in 1539, known as the legend of "the dead man's wedding". The story tells of a rich peasant who took care of the injured Hungarian merchant Veleslav. The peasant's daughter Johanka took care of him, they fell in love, but Veleslav had to leave. After a few years, Joan married another man.

Disappointed, Veleslav learned of the wedding and in a fit of jealousy agreed with the local hunter to take revenge. They waited for the wedding procession returning from Velké Bíteš and shot everyone in the carriage - the bride, groom, parents and coachman. Then Veleslav turned the gun on his accomplice and finally on himself. Under the cross were buried nine wasted existences. To this day, flowers are laid at the middle cross, under which the bride is said to lie. Although archaeological research has not confirmed human remains, the power of this bloody legend still makes it a place of reverence and chilling.

Houska Castle is surrounded by mysterious legends, the most famous of which says that it stands on "Gateway to Hell". Built on a rock in a remote area with no strategic importance and no water source of its own, this castle still raises questions about its purpose. According to legend, there was a bottomless pit leading to hell, from which demonic creatures emerged and threatened the surrounding countryside.

The locals allegedly tried to fill the fissure and when they failed, they decided to "close" it by building a castle. The chapel was to be built directly over the breach to prevent evil from entering our world. Legend also speaks of a mysterious figure of a faceless monk wearing a black hood, which appears in and around the castle and protects the "gate". The castle, whose name Houska is said to be based on the Celtic term "gosca" (gate), has guarded an unspeakable secret for centuries and is still a place where many people feel uncomfortable.

Velhartice cemetery near the Church of St. Mary Magdalene is one of the places with a very strong and dark atmosphere. The fact that this place inspired Karel Jaromír Erben to write the ballad "Wedding shirts" from the collection Bouquetssuggesting his grim nature. According to legend, a black magic ceremony was held here in ancient times, during which the dead were revived. It is said that the reanimated corpse then kidnapped a girl from the village.

According to legend, this place is imbued with strong negative energy and evil. Mysterious events are also linked to the church itself - dark spots repeatedly appear on its white plaster, which are strikingly reminiscent of a girl's face. These spots are said to reappear after each new coat of paint on the gable, and some people believe that it is the face of a girl who has fallen victim to dark rituals or has been abducted by a reanimated corpse. The more sensitive visitors and locals often experience an unease and unease that lingers. Velhartitsa Cemetery thus remains a place best visited only on a clear day.