With its vast landscapes and a rich history filled with wars and revolutions, Russia is home to spine-chilling places that rival the scariest horror film scenes. From neglected Soviet-era buildings to ancient sites rich in legend, these creepy locations attract adventurers, bloggers, and ghost hunters in 2025, all intrigued by tales of restless spirits and unexplainable events. Here’s a look at some of the country’s most haunted places, where history and the supernatural often collide.
- Khovrinskaya Hospital, Moscow
Known as one of the most frightening places globally, the crumbling Khovrinskaya hospital in Moscow is frequently likened to Chernobyl due to its eerie ambiance. Construction began in 1981 for an extensive medical center but was halted when the structure started to sink due to poor planning. After being left unfinished, it became a hub for urban explorers and unsettlingly, Satanic cults during the 1980s and 1990s, fueled by rumors of blood rituals. It is said to be haunted by Alexey Krayushkin, who jumped from the roof in a tragic love story. Visitors report hearing whispers, footsteps, and odd noises in the tunnels, while the perilous layout with crumbling hallways and exposed rebar adds to the danger of this chilling journey. The hospital is a focal point for Russian paranormal enthusiasts, with social media posts describing it as a “real-life horror movie set.” - Maternity Hospital, Vladimir Region
Located 186 km far east of Moscow, this abandoned maternity hospital was established in 1812 for war veterans. It became a maternity ward in the mid-20th century but was closed in 2009 for renovations, leaving it deserted. The strangely functioning heating system and clean interiors stand in stark contrast to its horrifying corridors, fueling ghost stories about apparitions. Many bloggers are drawn to the site due to reports of ghostly figures and odd stories claiming that pregnant women wish to give birth there, adding to its allure. The building’s unique П-shaped design and high 5-meter ceilings heighten its unsettling atmosphere, making it a popular destination for dark tourism in 2025. - Mirny Diamond Mine, Yakutia
The Mirny Diamond Mine is an impressive and attractive open pit, 500 meters deep and 1,200 meters wide, in Siberia, with a mysterious status alongside its geological importance. Discovered in 1955, it yielded $17 billion in diamonds before being abandoned due to safety risks. Its chilling reputation is enhanced by unexplainable phenomena, like helicopters supposedly being sucked into the pit by inexplicable air currents. Often compared to the Bermuda Triangle, its forsaken surroundings and deserted mining community create a post-apocalyptic atmosphere that captivates explorers intrigued by the supernatural. - Ostashevo Mansion, Chukhloma
This dilapidated 19th-century estate, about 8 km from the nearest village in the Kostroma region, was built by a businessman from St. Petersburg for his wife. Once a vibrant example of pseudo-Russian architecture blending Slavic and Byzantine styles, it now stands as a menacing structure. The nearby village of Ostashevo vanished during Soviet urbanization, leaving the mansion in desolation. Eager bloggers work to fund its restoration, but its current state—with crumbling walls and overgrown ground attracts thrill-seekers who report feeling a heavy atmosphere and hearing unusual noises. - Griboyedov Canal, St. Petersburg
This picturesque canal in St. Petersburg hides a dark history linked to the assassination of Tsar Alexander II in 1881 by anarchists. Known for its paranormal activity, visitors claim to see a ghostly girl in a white dress drifting along the water at dusk, and many report feeling an unsettling chill. The canal’s closeness to historical landmarks like General Villebois’s mansion adds to its spooky charm. In 2025, it remains a favored spot for ghost tours, with posts on social media highlighting its “magical yet terrifying” atmosphere.
Cultural event Insights
Russian folklore featuring “unclean spirits” (нечистая сила) dwelling in ominous locations like bogs and abandoned structures adds to the intrigue surrounding these places. Unlike Western horror tropes, Russian spirits are often complex, not purely evil; they might even form bonds if treated kindly, according to various cultural interpretations. This perspective, rooted in classic psychological horror found in Russian literature, ensures these sites offer insights into the culture rather than simply being terrifying. Dark tourism thrives in 2025, with guided tours at places like Khovrinskaya and Griboyedov Canal attracting international visitors. However, locals on social media caution about the real hazards associated with derelict buildings and remote areas.