Historical guided tours are not generally known for being especially exciting or entertaining. However, in Nuremberg, Bamberg or Munich, things are different: Through the course of their long and rich history, a number of gruesome events have taken place in these old Bavarian towns and cities; events which are just waiting to be discovered on a guided tour. Medieval times were particularly grim. A tour guide dressed in historical clothing will take you down the passageways of the old town at night. This includes, for example, following the Nürnberger Geisterwege ghost trail in Nuremberg. You will learn about headless ghosts and why all the bells ring at nine in the city on this tour. Current tours, dates and prices can be found here.

In Bamberg there is a witch tour. Stories from the era of witch hunts are part of a shameful chapter of the town’s history; however, there are also more pleasant legends and customs which have been preserved until this day. You will learn about all of these on the tour which lasts approximately 1.5 hours. More details can be found here.

Munich also offers visitors as well as residents the chance to learn a great deal about the city’s spooky secrets. The tour takes you through the eeriest areas in Munich’s old town. Be it the fat ghost of the Maxtor gate, the story of the cold-hearted miser on Promenadenplatz square, or the role of the devil in the construction of the Frauenkirche church. You may have suspected it, but this just confirms: things weren’t always quite right in Munich. Details about the tour can be found here.

Warning: If you’re travelling with children, please check ahead to make sure this tour is not too scary. Even skittish adults might be frightened here and there.