dark tourism norway

Nordic Dark Tourism: Exploring Scandinavia’s Fascinatingly Haunting Sites

Are you a fan of all things weird and mysterious? Maybe you even have an itch for exploring the paranormal? If the answer is yes, you’re at the right place. Or at least you will be, after reading this article. Because today we decided to introduce you to a different side of Scandinavia, and give you a taste of Nordic Dark Tourism. Grab your flashlight, paranormal-gadgets, a cozy sweater — and let’s get started, shall we?

Ghosts in Stockholm’s Södermalm

Our journey begins in Stockholm , the capital of Sweden . Even though this city is known for its elegant architecture and vibrant culture, it hides a dark secret. Because beneath the surface of this bustling metropolis lies the eerie district of Södermalm. This charming yet ghostly neighborhood is home to the Monteliusvägen, a scenic viewpoint that becomes chillingly enchanting as the sun goes down. Locals claim to have witnessed ghostly apparitions wandering along this pathway, and eerie whispers are said to linger in the air. The quaint old buildings and cobblestone streets add to the mysterious ambiance of Södermalm. You can’t help but wonder if you’re walking among the living or the dearly departed.

Norway’s Stordalen Farm

Norway’s Hardanger region is known for its lush orchards and stunning fjords, but it’s also home to the Stordalen Farm, which harbors a tale of forbidden love and a chilling haunting. In the late 18th century, a young woman fell in love with a man her family strongly disapproved of. Tragically, her love story ended in heartbreak and death. To this day, her ghost is believed to wander the farm, looking for her lost love. The combination of nature’s beauty and a haunting love story makes this location both beautiful and spine-tingling.

Denmark’s Egeskov Castle

Denmark, with its charming castles and historic sites, is not exempt from the world of dark tourism. Egeskov Castle , an architectural marvel on an island in Southern Denmark, is famous for its beauty and its spooky secrets. Visitors often report ghostly encounters and weird events. One of the most famous legends tells of a lady in white who is said to haunt the castle’s chambers. Her mysterious presence has left many curious souls baffled and intrigued. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, Egeskov Castle is still a place worth your visit. With a rich history and untouched nature surrounding it, it just has a way of making you feel teleported to a parallel universe.

Finland’s Devil’s Church

In the heart of Helsinki, Finland, stands a mysterious and eerie church known as Temppeliaukio, or more commonly, the “Rock Church.” Carved directly into solid rock, this place of worship offers a unique experience. But there’s an eerie twist. Some say that during the long, dark Nordic nights, strange sounds emanate from the walls. Visitors have described hearing whispers and feeling an otherworldly presence. Is it just the acoustics of the rock, or is there something more supernatural at play? Give it a visit, and find out yourself.

The Baltic Sea Anomaly

Our journey into the world of Nordic Dark Tourism would be incomplete without a mention of the Baltic Sea Anomaly. This peculiar formation, discovered in the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Finland, has left scientists and researchers scratching their heads. Some speculate it’s a submerged UFO, while others suggest it might be a natural geological formation. Despite extensive exploration, the mystery remains unsolved. The eerie aura surrounding this anomaly and the unexplained phenomena associated with it make it a destination for those who seek the unknown.

Kanita Bajrami

Other adventures you may like.

The Strangest Facts About Paranormal Activity That Will Make You Believe In Ghosts

The Crooked Forest in Poland: You’ve Never Seen Trees Like These Before

From Chocolate Hills to Mysterious Caves: The Strangest Places to Explore In Asia

Pin It on Pinterest

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Beaches? Cruises? ‘Dark’ Tourists Prefer the Gloomy and Macabre

Travelers who use their off time to visit places like the Chernobyl nuclear plant or current conflict zones say they no longer want a sanitized version of a troubled world.

By Maria Cramer

North Korea. East Timor. Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous enclave that for decades has been a tinderbox for ethnic conflict between Armenians and Azerbaijanis.

They’re not your typical top tourist destinations.

But don’t tell that to Erik Faarlund, the editor of a photography website from Norway, who has visited all three. His next “dream” trip is to tour San Fernando in the Philippines around Easter , when people volunteer to be nailed to a cross to commemorate the suffering of Jesus Christ, a practice discouraged by the Catholic Church.

Mr. Faarlund, whose wife prefers sunning on Mediterranean beaches, said he often travels alone.

“She wonders why on earth I want to go to these places, and I wonder why on earth she goes to the places she goes to,” he said.

Mr. Faarlund, 52, has visited places that fall under a category of travel known as dark tourism , an all-encompassing term that boils down to visiting places associated with death, tragedy and the macabre.

As travel opens up, most people are using their vacation time for the typical goals: to escape reality, relax and recharge. Not so dark tourists, who use their vacation time to plunge deeper into the bleak, even violent corners of the world.

They say going to abandoned nuclear plants or countries where genocides took place is a way to understand the harsh realities of current political turmoil, climate calamities, war and the growing threat of authoritarianism.

“When the whole world is on fire and flooded and no one can afford their energy bills, lying on a beach at a five-star resort feels embarrassing,” said Jodie Joyce, who handles contracts for a genome sequencing company in England and has visited Chernobyl and North Korea .

Mr. Faarlund, who does not see his travels as dark tourism, said he wants to visit places “that function totally differently from the way things are run at home.”

Whatever their motivations, Mr. Faarlund and Ms. Joyce are hardly alone.

Eighty-two percent of American travelers said they have visited at least one dark tourism destination in their lifetime, according to a study published in September by Passport-photo.online, which surveyed more than 900 people. More than half of those surveyed said they preferred visiting “active” or former war zones. About 30 percent said that once the war in Ukraine ends, they wanted to visit the Azovstal steel plant, where Ukrainian soldiers resisted Russian forces for months .

The growing popularity of dark tourism suggests more and more people are resisting vacations that promise escapism, choosing instead to witness firsthand the sites of suffering they have only read about, said Gareth Johnson, a founder of Young Pioneer Tours , which organized trips for Ms. Joyce and Mr. Faarlund.

Tourists, he said, are tired of “getting a sanitized version of the world.”

A pastime that goes back to Gladiator Days

The term “dark tourism” was coined in 1996, by two academics from Scotland, J. John Lennon and Malcolm Foley, who wrote “Dark Tourism: The Attraction to Death and Disaster.”

But people have used their leisure time to witness horror for hundreds of years, said Craig Wight, associate professor of tourism management at Edinburgh Napier University.

“It goes back to the gladiator battles” of ancient Rome, he said. “People coming to watch public hangings. You had tourists sitting comfortably in carriages watching the Battle of Waterloo.”

Professor Wight said the modern dark tourist usually goes to a site defined by tragedy to make a connection to the place, a feeling that is difficult to achieve by just reading about it.

By that definition, anyone can be a dark tourist. A tourist who takes a weekend trip to New York City may visit Ground Zero. Visitors to Boston may drive north to Salem to learn more about the persecution of people accused of witchcraft in the 17th century. Travelers to Germany or Poland might visit a concentration camp. They might have any number of motivations, from honoring victims of genocide to getting a better understanding of history. But in general, a dark tourist is someone who makes a habit of seeking out places that are either tragic, morbid or even dangerous, whether the destinations are local or as far away as Chernobyl.

In recent years, as tour operators have sprung up worldwide promising deep dives into places known for recent tragedy, media attention has followed and so have questions about the intentions of visitors, said Dorina-Maria Buda, a professor of tourism studies at Nottingham Trent University .

Stories of people gawking at neighborhoods in New Orleans destroyed by Hurricane Katrina or posing for selfies at Dachau led to disgust and outrage .

Were people driven to visit these sites out of a “sense of voyeurism or is it a sense of sharing in the pain and showing support?” Professor Buda said.

Most dark tourists are not voyeurs who pose for photos at Auschwitz, said Sian Staudinger, who runs the Austria-based Dark Tourist Trips , which organizes itineraries in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe and instructs travelers to follow rules like “NO SELFIES!”

“Dark tourists in general ask meaningful questions,” Ms. Staudinger said. “They don’t talk too loud. They don’t laugh. They’re not taking photos at a concentration camp.”

‘Ethically murky territory’

David Farrier , a journalist from New Zealand, spent a year documenting travels to places like Aokigahara , the so-called suicide forest in Japan, the luxury prison Pablo Escobar built for himself in Colombia and McKamey Manor in Tennessee, a notorious haunted house tour where people sign up to be buried alive, submerged in cold water until they feel like they will drown and beaten.

The journey was turned into a show, “Dark Tourist,” that streamed on Netflix in 2018 and was derided by some critics as ghoulish and “sordid.”

Mr. Farrier, 39, said he often questioned the moral implications of his trips.

“It’s very ethically murky territory,” Mr. Farrier said.

But it felt worthwhile to “roll the cameras” on places and rituals that most people want to know about but will never experience, he said.

Visiting places where terrible events unfolded was humbling and helped him confront his fear of death.

He said he felt privileged to have visited most of the places he saw, except McKamey Manor.

“That was deranged,” Mr. Farrier said.

Professor Buda said dark tourists she has interviewed have described feelings of shock and fear at seeing armed soldiers on streets of countries where there is ongoing conflict or that are run by dictatorships.

“When you’re part of a society that is by and large stable and you’ve gotten into an established routine, travel to these places leads you to sort of feel alive,” she said.

But that travel can present real danger.

In 2015, Otto Warmbier , a 21-year-old student from Ohio who traveled with Young Pioneer Tours, was arrested in North Korea after he was accused of stealing a poster off a hotel wall. He was detained for 17 months and was comatose when he was released. He died in 2017, six days after he was brought back to the United States.

The North Korean government said Mr. Warmbier died of botulism but his family said his brain was damaged after he was tortured.

Americans can no longer travel to North Korea unless their passports are validated by the State Department.

A chance to reflect

Even ghost tours — the lighter side of dark tourism — can present dilemmas for tour operators, said Andrea Janes, the owner and founder of Boroughs of the Dead: Macabre New York City Walking Tours.

In 2021, she and her staff questioned whether to restart tours so soon after the pandemic in a city where refrigerated trucks serving as makeshift morgues sat in a marine terminal for months.

They reopened and were surprised when tours booked up fast. People were particularly eager to hear the ghost stories of Roosevelt Island, the site of a shuttered 19th-century hospital where smallpox patients were treated .

“We should have seen as historians that people would want to talk about death in a time of plague,” Ms. Janes said.

Kathy Biehl, who lives in Jefferson Township, N.J., and has gone on a dozen ghost tours with Ms. Janes’s company, recalled taking the tour “Ghosts of the Titanic” along the Hudson River. It was around 2017, when headlines were dominated by President Trump’s tough stance on refugees and immigrants coming into the United States.

Those stories seemed to dovetail with the 100-year-old tales of immigrants trying to make it to New York on a doomed ship, Ms. Biehl said.

It led to “a catharsis” for many on the tour, she said. “People were on the verge of tears over immigration.”

Part of the appeal of dark tourism is its ability to help people process what is happening “as the world gets darker and gloomier,” said Jeffrey S. Podoshen , a professor of marketing at Franklin and Marshall College, who specializes in dark tourism.

“People are trying to understand dark things, trying to understand things like the realities of death, dying and violence,” he said. “They look at this type of tourism as a way to prepare themselves.”

Mr. Faarlund, the photo editor, recalled one trip with his wife and twin sons: a private tour of Cambodia that included a visit to the Killing Fields , where between 1975 and 1979 more than 2 million Cambodians were killed or died of starvation and disease under the Khmer Rouge regime.

His boys, then 14, listened intently to unsparing and brutal stories of the torture center run by the Khmer Rouge. At one point, the boys had to go outside, where they sat quietly for a long time.

“They needed a break,” Mr. Faarlund said. “It was quite mature of them.”

Afterward, they met two of the survivors of the Khmer Rouge, fragile men in their 80s and 90s. The teenagers asked if they could hug them and the men obliged, Mr. Faarlund said.

It was a moving trip that also included visits to temples, among them Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, and meals of frog, oysters and squid at a roadside restaurant.

“They loved it,” Mr. Faarlund said of his family.

Still, he can’t see them coming with him to see people re-enact the crucifixion in the Philippines.

“I don’t think they want to go with me on that one,” Mr. Faarlund said.

52 Places for a Changed World

The 2022 list highlights places around the globe where travelers can be part of the solution.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places for a Changed World for 2022.

Maria Cramer is a reporter on the Travel desk. Please send her tips, questions and complaints about traveling, especially on cruises. More about Maria Cramer

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

The Rise of Dark Tourism

By Author Christian L.

Posted on Published: September 29, 2020  - Last updated: October 2, 2021

Categories Destinations , Tips&Tricks

There are few things more exciting than packing your bags, jumping in a taxi and heading off to the airport to start your next holiday or travelling adventure.

But what if that destination happens to be the location of death or tragedy?

From Ground Zero in New York to the Killing Fields in Cambodia, these sites of incomprehensible horror have now become regularly frequented in a practice that has become known as ‘dark tourism.’

Killing Fields in Cambodia.

Killing Fields in Cambodia

Of course, the concept of dark tourism has likely been around since people began to travel as a mainstream form of entertainment.

But as with many things, these days, the combination of mass tourism and the digital revolution allows the ease of sharing your experience in real-time on social media, giving much more awareness to a very sensitive and delicate form of tourism.

The human race has long had a fascination with the macabre, which might well explain this interest in dark tourism. However, there is a growing discussion around the ethics of the practice.

Though it must be noted, visiting these kinds of sites is not new. It’s a well-known fact that swathes of tourists visited the fields of the Battle of Gettysburg before the embers had even cooled and the bodies cleared away.

The problem now seems to be the small, but significant minority of people who deem it appropriate to take selfies at Auschwitz or stream a live blog from Hiroshima Memorial Park .

Hiroshima Memorial Park

Much of the discussion around dark tourism suggests that visiting these sites for the right reasons, such as education or enlightenment, is morally acceptable, while those looking to indulge themselves or post about their visit on social media are not.

This might be an admirable approach, if impossible, to implement.

I have visited numerous sites of dark tourism, and they have been viscerally emotional, informative and changed the way I think about certain localities and the wider world.

The more pressing question around dark tourism is who reaps the economic rewards of the millions of tourists who happily part with their cash?

While many of these sites are free to visit, and others organized to ensure the money to go back to those affected by the tragedy in question, some are out to make quick cash at the expense of those who died.

There are certain aspects of dark tourism which evidently cross a line – one notable example is a visit to the Golan Heights with the hope of seeing violence.

But more and more tourists from all over the world decides to visit war zones these days. Mostly to get to see for themself what´s really going on, but also to talk to locals who survived the battles and to hear their stories. One of these destinations is Syria , which is starting to rebuild its tourist industry, a destination where luckily most of the historical sites have survived the war.

Homs In Syria, the devastated city in Syria.

In fact, some tour operators have cornered the market in taking people to active war zones. This seems at best idiotic and at its worst an example of dignity-robbing voyeurism.

Another well-known example of dark tourism is making a visit to the infamous concentration camps once used by Nazi Germany to oppress, imprison and murder millions of Jews across Europe.

Auschwitz is perhaps one of the most well-known of these former camps located in southern Poland.

While official tours and visits to the site follow a variety of ethical norms, some tourists who make the trip may actually be doing a disservice to the historical memory of the site by posting insensitive content on social media.

While most people likely visit dark tourism sites to recount the tragic history and pay respects to those that suffered and died, a noticeable subset of tourists lacks respect or empathy for those affected and social media giving them an outlet to amplify their disrespectful actions.

While not all dark tourism destinations are old war zones, so are also environmental disaster sites around the world, becoming popular destinations to visit. One of these destinations is Monyq in Uzbekistan , home to what´s still one the biggest human-made natural disaster to this day, the disappearance of the Aral Sea which was once the fourth largest lake in the world.

Old rusted up boats in Uzbekistan, where the shore of the Aral Sea used to be

These extreme examples aside, provided that dark tourism is executed safely and respectfully; there is no reason it cannot prevail as a moving and informative way to experience history firsthand.

It’s often said that one learns more from their mistakes than successes and the same could be said for human society in general.

We must acknowledge the past but learn the lessons of those that came before us and dark tourism, if practised ethically, can help us do just that.

Auston runs the blog Two Bad  Tourists  and is also a freelance writer. His work has been featured in many publications including Attitude Magazine, Edge Media Network, The Houston Chronicle and ManAboutWorld Magazine.

Dark Tourism is getting more and more popular

Do you love travelling to historic sites all over the world but want to experience the places full of dark tourism, dark history and spooky travels? 

Want to explore the real places where macabre ghost stories, folklore and real-life horrible histories come to life?

Travel to the place where plagues ran rampant, where witches were burned at the stake or to the most haunted graveyard in the world. 

Fuel your paranormal and supernatural curiosities whole learning about the scary history that have left places with an atmosphere lingering with horror.

Check out all of the places that call out to you and add them to your next spooky travel and dark history itinerary!

What is Dark Tourism?

The term “Dark Tourism” was created in Scotland in the 1990s by Glasgow Caledonian professor John Lennon. Dark Tourism is the concept of travelling to places historically associated with death and tragedy. 

Dark tourists, such as myself, are drawn to such places for historical and educational value – rather than from a place for the exploitation of death and suffering. 

If you are looking for more spooky travels – be sure to check out the Spooky Travel Destination Guides !

The 13 Best Ghost Tours in Edinburgh (Updated 2024)

Halloween in Edinburgh 28 Scary Things to Do in Edinburgh (Updated 2024)

The 10 Best Cemetery Tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle Ghosts – Is Edinburgh Castle Haunted?

The Dark History of Half Hangit Maggie

The 16 Best Edinburgh Vaults Tour in 2024

13 Books Set in Scotland That Everyone Should Read

Mary King’s Close – Edinburgh’s Plague Infested Underground Street

28 Unusual Things to do in Edinburgh

Historic Edinburgh Cemeteries to Explore

Best Haunted Pubs in Edinburgh

Haunted Places in Glasgow

Burke and Hare Edinburgh Tour: The Best Self-Guided Tour of the Burke and Hare Murders

Flodden Wall – The Medieval Defence Walls that Surrounded Old Town Edinburgh

Ghosts of St Andrews: The Haunted History of St. Andrews Cathedral & St. Andrews Castle

Dark History at Holyrood Park in Edinburgh Scotland

Dark Travel and Spooky Places to Visit in Scotland

Dark History at the Tolbooth Tavern in Edinburgh

Things to do in Edinburgh: Surgeons Hall Museum

Haunted Castles to Stay Overnight in Scotland

Witches in Scotland

Haunted Hotels in Scotland

Spooky Things to do in Edinburgh Scotland

Spending the Night Inside the Edinburgh Vaults

Glasgow Necropolis – Exploring the City of the Dead

United states.

The 11 Best Ghost Tours in Salem MA (Updated for 2024)

The 13 Best Ghost Tours in New Orleans in 2024

The 8 Best Ghost Tours in Chicago

11 Cemetery Tours in Savannah, Georgia

The 8 Best Pub Crawls in Charleston

The 7 Best Ghost Tours in Williamsburg

The 13 Best Ghost Tours in Savannah Georgia

The 9 Best Voodoo Tours in New Orleans

The 9 Best Cemetery Tours in New Orleans

The 13 Best Ghost Tours in Charleston

8 Haunted Hotels in Savannah for Ghost Lovers

5 Savannah Civil War Tours For History Lovers

The 12 Best Savannah Pub Crawls

The 9 Most Haunted Hotels in Salem Massachusetts

The 11 Best Pub Crawls in New Orleans

17 Things to Do for Halloween in Boston

The 8 Best Vampire Tours in New Orleans

11 Galveston Ghost Tours That Will Chill You to the Bone

The 11 Best Ghost Tours in Gettysburg (Updated for 2024)

The 11 Best Crime Tours in Chicago

The 12 Best Salem Witch Trials Tours

The 7 Best Ghost Tours in Jerome AZ

6 Chattanooga Ghost Tours That’ll Terrify You

The 6 Best Asheville Ghost Tours

The 8 Best Ghost Tours in Boston in 2024

The 11 Most Haunted Hotels in New Orleans

The 8 Best Ghost Tours in San Antonio

The 8 Best Ghost Tours in Key West

The 7 Best Ghost Tours in St. Augustine, FL

Haunted places in salem massachusetts.

Charter Street Historic District: The Grimshawe House

Edgar Allan Poe & The Central Burying Grounds

The history of the salem witch trials.

A Trip to The House of the Seven Gables in Salem Massachusetts

Visiting The Witch House in Salem Massachusetts

The Old Burying Point & Salem Witch Trials Memorial

The Top Haunted Places in New Orleans

The Dark Side of New Orleans — Spooky Sites to See

Nicolas Cage and His Dark Connections with New Orleans

Dark History Sites and Haunted Places in York England

The 9 Best Ghost Tours in London

The 8 Best Ghost Tours in York England

Places to Visit with a Dark History in England

Witch Trials in England: Witch Sites to Visit in England

The 7 Best Dublin Ghost Tours

Fantoft Stave Church: Norwegian Black Metal and Stave Church Burnings in Norway

Visit the Leprosy Museum in Bergen Norway

23 Things to Do for Halloween in Edmonton

Saskatchewan Ghost Towns – Insinger

The Museum of Fear and Wonder

The Ghost Towns of Alberta – Rowley

Disaster and Dark Tourism in Alberta – Frank Slide

Dark at Fort Edmonton Park

Edmonton Ghost Tour with Fireside Ghost Experience

Oddities of Alberta – 7 Unique Places to Visit

Haunted Spots and Spooky Places in Romania

Searching for Dracula – Bran Castle in Transylvania

Czech republic.

Ghost Stories and Legends from Prague

11 Terrifyingly Haunted Places in Prague

Virtual dark travels.

Dark History Sites You Can Visit Virtually

What Is Dark Tourism And Why Is It So Popular?

Pompeii. Ground Zero. The Colosseum. Auschwitz. Civil War Trail. Chernobyl. If you've visited any of these places, you might be considered a "dark" tourist — not a voyeur or sadist. A dark tourist.

While "dark tourism" means different things to different people, let's define the cultural nuance as follows: Dark tourism is visiting places associated with death and human tragedy. Full stop. Some make distinctions regarding recency consideration, but even that is open to interpretation.

Of course, visiting Pompeii and Ground Zero is different, but philosophically, both sites are associated with death and human tragedy. However, the visitor's motivation to visit these particular sites will be different. Unless a visitor knew someone in 79 A.D., their visit to Pompeii will be motivated by history and education. For someone visiting New York's Ground Zero, their motivation could range from first-person personal to culturally reflective to experiential education.

But what about visiting the funeral pyres in Varanasi, India, where Hindus cremate on the banks of the Ganges? That's not history. And it's culturally sacred. And the ceremonies continue day and night. It's not always easy for a person trying to see the world — both the good and the bad — to know what's appropriate and ethical. So, first, in an attempt to further round out the definition of dark tourism , let's try to understand why dark tourism is so popular, and explore how to be a responsible dark tourist. 

Reasons why dark tourism is so popular

Dark tourism could most efficiently be defined as the act of visiting places associated with death and human tragedy — and that tragedy as an incident that caused or causes shared societal grief, regardless of cultural context or causality. 

So, why is dark tourism so popular? According to a 2021 study published by the International Hospitality Review, researchers described the four primary motivations of someone to visit places associated with death and tragedy as: curiosity (a need to see to believe), education, an interest in personally connecting, and the place's sheer existence as a tourist attraction.

As stated, dark tourism means different things to different people, and when tourists visit dark tourism sites such as Ground Zero, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum outside of Kraków, Poland , the Cambodian Killing Fields, the catacombs in Paris, or Hiroshima, their motivations will color their perception of the experience.

If learning is your motivation to visit these places, then a guided tour is definitely recommended. It's one thing to visit a notorious site, but if your goal is to learn, then a guide can provide essential grounding context, leading to a more engaging and thought-invoking experience. If personal connection is your goal, then a tour may still be warranted. However, most sensitive sites offer audio-guides and directed self-guided tours, allowing visitors the space and privacy for personal reflection and connection.

How to be a responsible dark tourist

Dark tourism isn't necessarily a question of morality. Just because you look at scars, doesn't mean you made them or you're happy they exist. Tragic events are historical, cultural, and societal scars. Unfortunately and realistically, these scars crisscross — and continue to crisscross — our little blue orb. Seeing these scars in person doesn't make you dark, and choosing not to see them while traveling doesn't make you naïve. 

However, when visiting a sensitive place or participating in a sensitive experience, it's incredibly important to be mindful of this sensitivity. This is especially true if you're not personally connected to the event. Many visitors at these sites will be. You don't want to be the person snapping selfies next to a family recalling personal tragedy or reliving traumatic events. 

For your own fulfillment and for respect of others, simply listening and absorbing may be the best approach. Usually, by doing these two things, your overall decorum should be in check. Being a responsible dark tourist simply means being respectful to the place, the event, and other visitors who may've been personally affected by the place and event.

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Travel Tips

What Is Dark Tourism

Published: December 12, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Clair Bolinger

• Weird & Amazing

Introduction

When planning a vacation or trip, most people envision relaxing on a tropical beach, exploring stunning natural landscapes, or immersing themselves in vibrant city cultures. However, there is a subset of travelers who seek out a different kind of experience – one that delves into the darker side of human history and explores sites associated with tragedy, death, and disaster. This type of travel is known as “dark tourism.”

Dark tourism, also referred to as grief tourism or thanatourism, involves visiting locations that are associated with death, suffering, and historical events of a macabre nature. It may sound strange to some, but for many individuals, dark tourism offers a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the past, pay respects to victims, and engage with aspects of history that are often neglected or overlooked.

While the concept of dark tourism has gained popularity in recent years, its roots can be traced back to ancient times. Pilgrimages to religious sites known for miracles or martyrdom can be considered an early form of dark tourism. However, it was not until the 1980s that the term “dark tourism” was coined by academics John Lennon and Malcolm Foley to describe the phenomenon of visiting sites associated with death and suffering.

Since then, dark tourism has evolved to include a wide range of destinations, from Holocaust memorials and former concentration camps to war zones, disaster sites, haunted locations, and even crime scenes. Some prominent examples of dark tourism sites include Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland, Ground Zero in New York City, the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in Ukraine, and the Killing Fields in Cambodia.

The motivations behind dark tourism can vary greatly from person to person. For some, it is a quest for knowledge and understanding, a way to confront the dark aspects of humanity and bear witness to history. Others may be driven by curiosity or a fascination with the macabre. Additionally, dark tourism can serve as a form of remembrance, providing an opportunity for individuals to pay tribute to the victims of past atrocities or disasters.

While dark tourism has its supporters, it is not without controversy. Critics argue that it is exploitative, insensitive, or voyeuristic, as it involves commodifying tragedy and profiting from the misfortune of others. The debate surrounding the ethics of dark tourism is ongoing, with proponents asserting that it can contribute to education, empathy, and the preservation of historical memory.

Understanding the motivations, controversies, ethical considerations, and psychological aspects of dark tourism is important to fully grasp the complexity of this unique form of travel. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into these aspects and explore the future trends of dark tourism.

Definition of Dark Tourism

Dark tourism can be defined as the act of visiting places that are associated with death, tragedy, suffering, or other morbid events. It is a niche form of tourism that explores the darker side of human history and culture. Instead of seeking relaxation and traditional sightseeing, dark tourists are attracted to sites that have a macabre or somber significance.

The term “dark tourism” was first coined by academics John Lennon and Malcolm Foley in 1996, who used it to describe the phenomenon of visiting sites associated with death and disaster. Since then, the concept has gained recognition and has become an established area of study within tourism and cultural studies.

Dark tourism sites can encompass a wide range of locations, including historical sites, museums, memorials, war zones, disaster sites, former concentration camps, and even crime scenes. These places have often witnessed significant human suffering, acts of violence, or natural disasters, making them locations of historical and cultural interest.

It is important to note that dark tourism is distinct from “normal” tourism in that it does not simply involve visiting a place for leisure or entertainment. Dark tourists are driven by a desire to engage with the past, confront difficult historical events, and gain a deeper understanding of the human condition.

Dark tourism is a complex and multi-faceted phenomenon. It encompasses a diverse range of motivations, experiences, and reactions. Some individuals may seek out dark tourism sites out of a genuine interest in history and a desire to learn from past tragedies. Others may be drawn to the morbid or sensational aspects of these sites, seeking a thrill or unique experience.

While the term “dark tourism” may imply a morbid fascination with death and tragedy, it is important to recognize that it is not always driven by voyeurism or insensitivity. For many visitors, dark tourism serves as a form of remembrance and tribute, allowing them to pay respects to victims and reflect on the consequences of past events.

Overall, the defining characteristic of dark tourism lies in its exploration of the darker side of human history and its engagement with places associated with suffering and tragedy. It offers a unique perspective on the past and provides opportunities for learning, empathy, and reflection.

Historical Background of Dark Tourism

While the term “dark tourism” may be relatively new, the concept of visiting sites associated with death, tragedy, and suffering dates back centuries. Throughout history, individuals have been drawn to places of historic importance, including those with dark and somber pasts. By exploring the historical background of dark tourism, we can gain a deeper understanding of its evolution and enduring appeal.

One of the earliest forms of dark tourism can be traced back to ancient Rome, where tourists flocked to the Colosseum to witness brutal gladiatorial fights and public executions. These spectacles of violence and death attracted crowds seeking entertainment and a glimpse into the darker side of society.

In medieval Europe, pilgrimage sites associated with martyrdom and relics of saints became popular attractions for religious travelers. Cathedrals and shrines dedicated to saints who had suffered and died for their faith drew pilgrims seeking spiritual connection and a sense of awe in the face of tragedy.

The rise of the Grand Tour in the 17th and 18th centuries added a new dimension to dark tourism. Wealthy European travelers embarked on journeys to visit historically significant sites, including ruins, battlegrounds, and sites of ancient disasters. Exploring these somber locations became an essential part of their cultural education and intellectual development.

The 19th and early 20th centuries saw the emergence of tourism associated with war and conflict. Following the American Civil War and World Wars I and II, tourists visited battlefields, war memorials, and cemeteries to honor the fallen and remember the sacrifices made during these tumultuous periods of history.

The development of mass tourism in the 20th century brought dark tourism to a wider audience. The opening of the Holocaust memorial and museum at Auschwitz-Birkenau in the 1970s marked a significant moment in the history of dark tourism. It provided a powerful and emotional experience for visitors, facilitating a deeper understanding of one of the darkest chapters in human history.

In recent decades, advancements in transportation and technology have made dark tourism more accessible than ever before. From the tragic events of 9/11 in New York City to the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl in Ukraine, these modern-day tragedies have attracted numerous visitors seeking to comprehend the magnitude of the events and pay their respects.

The historical background of dark tourism reveals that the desire to explore and engage with the darker aspects of human history has been ingrained in our collective consciousness for centuries. Today, dark tourism continues to evolve as new sites gain recognition and the motivations of travelers become increasingly diverse.

Motivations for Dark Tourism

Dark tourism draws a diverse range of individuals, each with their own unique motivations for seeking out sites associated with death, tragedy, and suffering. Understanding these motivations is crucial to comprehending the appeal and significance of dark tourism as a form of travel.

One common motivation for engaging in dark tourism is the desire for educational and historical enrichment. Many visitors are driven by a thirst for knowledge and a deep curiosity about the past. They view dark tourism as an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of historical events, their causes, and their lasting consequences. By visiting places like Holocaust memorials, concentration camps, or battlefields, individuals can witness firsthand the impact of these significant moments in history and learn from the mistakes of the past.

For some individuals, dark tourism is driven by a personal connection or a sense of empathy. They may have family members who were directly affected by a historical event, or they may identify with a particular group or cause associated with a tragedy. In visiting dark tourism sites, they hope to pay their respects, connect with their heritage, or foster a sense of solidarity with those who have experienced loss and suffering.

There is also a segment of dark tourism enthusiasts who are drawn to the sensation and thrill of exploring somber and macabre locations. They seek unique and unconventional experiences that challenge their perceptions of the world. The unconventional nature of dark tourism provides a sense of adventure and excitement that traditional tourism may not offer.

Another motivation for engaging in dark tourism is the opportunity for personal reflection and introspection. These individuals view dark tourism as a form of self-exploration and personal growth. By visiting dark sites, they are confronted with the fragility of life and the realities of human suffering. This can lead to a deeper appreciation for life, a reevaluation of personal priorities, and a greater sense of empathy and compassion towards others.

Social and cultural curiosity can also drive individuals to engage in dark tourism. They are fascinated by the cultural practices, rituals, and memorialization strategies surrounding death and tragedy in different societies. By engaging with these practices, they gain insights into the ways in which different cultures and societies cope with and commemorate their dark histories.

It is essential to acknowledge that motivations for engaging in dark tourism can vary greatly from person to person. While some motivations may be rooted in genuine empathy, education, or personal growth, others may be driven by curiosity or a morbid fascination with death and tragedy. Nevertheless, engaging with the motivations of dark tourists helps us understand the complex and multifaceted nature of dark tourism as a form of travel.

Types of Dark Tourism

Dark tourism encompasses a wide range of destinations and sites associated with death, tragedy, and suffering. These sites can be categorized into several distinct types, each offering a unique perspective on history, culture, and the human experience. Understanding the different types of dark tourism can help visitors choose destinations that align with their interests and motivations.

Historical Dark Tourism

Historical dark tourism focuses on visiting sites that have significant historical importance due to tragic events. These sites may include former concentration camps such as Auschwitz-Birkenau, where visitors can learn about the atrocities of the Holocaust. Other historical dark tourism sites include war memorials, battlefields, and sites associated with genocides, civil wars, or other conflicts. These destinations provide opportunities for reflection, education, and remembrance.

Disaster Dark Tourism

Disaster dark tourism centers around visiting locations affected by natural or man-made disasters. Examples include sites like the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in Ukraine, where the Chernobyl nuclear disaster occurred, or the Titanic Museum in Belfast, which offers insights into the ill-fated luxury liner’s tragic sinking. Disaster dark tourism allows visitors to witness the consequences of catastrophic events and gain a deeper understanding of their impact on communities and individuals.

Dark Heritage Tourism

Dark heritage tourism involves visiting sites associated with dark elements of a region’s cultural heritage. This can include places like Alcatraz Island, which was once a notorious prison, or the Tower of London, known for its history of torture and executions. These sites allow visitors to explore the darker aspects of a culture’s past and understand the social, political, and historical context in which they occurred.

Holocaust Tourism

Holocaust tourism is a specific type of dark tourism that focuses on visiting sites related to the Holocaust. This includes concentration camps like Auschwitz-Birkenau, museums dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust, and memorial sites such as the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem. Holocaust tourism provides a powerful and emotional experience that helps educate people about one of the most tragic events in human history.

War Tourism

War tourism revolves around visiting locations associated with battles, armed conflicts, and military history. This can include visiting battlefields like Gettysburg in the United States, exploring World War I trenches in France, or touring the Imperial War Museum in London. War tourism offers insights into the military strategies, sacrifices, and human experiences associated with past conflicts.

Dark Cultural Tourism

Dark cultural tourism encompasses sites that highlight cultural practices and rituals associated with death and mourning. This can include visiting ancient burial grounds, exploring catacombs such as the Catacombs of Paris, or participating in Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico. Dark cultural tourism provides a perspective on the diversity of cultural responses to death and allows for a deeper understanding of the human experience.

These are just a few examples of the different types of dark tourism. Each type offers a unique lens through which visitors can engage with the darker aspects of human history, culture, and the human experience. By exploring these types of dark tourism, travelers can gain a deeper understanding of the past and connect with the stories of those who have suffered and endured.

Controversies surrounding Dark Tourism

Dark tourism is not without its fair share of controversies, as it involves visiting sites associated with death, tragedy, and suffering. These controversies arise from ethical concerns, questions of exploitation, and debates around the commodification of grief and tragedy. Understanding the controversies surrounding dark tourism is essential in order to engage with this form of travel critically and ethically.

One of the primary controversies surrounding dark tourism is the question of ethics. Critics argue that these sites are places of mourning and remembrance and that tourists visiting them may disrupt the solemnity and dignity of these spaces. They suggest that dark tourism may treat tragedy as a form of entertainment, and that it trivializes the suffering of those who experienced it.

Another concern is the potential for exploitation. Some argue that dark tourism sites may exploit the tragedies associated with them for profit or sensationalism. This commercialization of grief and tragedy raises ethical questions about the boundaries between education, memorialization, and the tourism industry. Critics contend that dark tourism can trivialize the suffering of victims and commodify their experiences for the sake of attracting visitors and generating revenue.

The presentation and interpretation of these sites is also a contentious issue. There is debate about how these sites should be portrayed and whether they should be solely educational or include elements of entertainment. Striking a delicate balance between educating visitors and respecting the gravity of the events can be challenging and subjective.

Another point of controversy is the potential impact of dark tourism on local communities. Concerns have been raised about the potential for voyeurism and insensitivity among tourists, as well as the potential disruption of local rituals and practices associated with mourning. Additionally, the influx of tourists can place strain on local resources and infrastructure.

Furthermore, dark tourism can raise questions about the responsibility of visitors in engaging with these spaces. It is important for visitors to approach these sites with sensitivity and respect, to understand their historical and cultural context, and to recognize the human tragedy behind them. Failure to do so can perpetuate the controversies surrounding dark tourism and contribute to the negative impact on local communities and the exploitation of suffering.

Despite these controversies, proponents of dark tourism argue that it can serve as a valuable educational tool, fostering empathy, dialogue, and understanding. They contend that carefully managed and responsible tourism can contribute to the preservation of historical memory, promote healing and reconciliation, and facilitate conversations about past atrocities and tragedies.

Ultimately, the controversies surrounding dark tourism highlight the necessity for thoughtful engagement, ethical considerations, and responsible travel practices when visiting sites associated with death, tragedy, and suffering. By approaching dark tourism with sensitivity and respect, visitors can help mitigate these controversies and ensure a more meaningful and responsible experience.

Ethical Considerations in Dark Tourism

As with any form of tourism that involves visiting sites associated with death, tragedy, and suffering, there are important ethical considerations to be mindful of when engaging in dark tourism. These considerations revolve around respect for the victims, preservation of cultural heritage, responsible tourism practices, and the impact on local communities.

One of the primary ethical considerations in dark tourism is the importance of respecting the dignity and memory of the victims of the tragedies being visited. Visitors should approach these sites with sensitivity, empathy, and a genuine desire to learn and understand. It is crucial to remember that these places are not tourist attractions but sites of historical significance and human tragedy.

Responsible tourism practices are vital in dark tourism. Visitors should follow guidelines and regulations set by authorities and site administrators to ensure the preservation and protection of the sites. This may include respecting restricted areas, maintaining appropriate behavior, and refraining from disrespectful actions such as posing for inappropriate photographs or removing artifacts.

It is also crucial to consider the impact of tourism on local communities. Dark tourism can attract a large influx of tourists to areas that might already be struggling to cope with the consequences of past tragedies. Visitors must be mindful of the strain they may place on local resources and infrastructure. Supporting local businesses, respecting local customs and traditions, and considering the well-being and privacy of local residents are important ethical considerations.

Another ethical consideration in dark tourism is the depiction and interpretation of the sites. It is essential for site administrators to provide accurate and sensitive historical information, ensuring that the narrative surrounding these places is respectful and empathetic. Balancing education, memorialization, and the potential for respectful tourism experiences is paramount in maintaining appropriate ethical standards.

Additionally, tourists must critically reflect on their motivations for engaging in dark tourism. It is essential to examine personal intentions and ensure they do not stem from voyeurism, insensitivity, or a desire for sensationalism. Dark tourism should be approached with a genuine intent to learn, understand, and reflect on the historical events and human experiences associated with these sites.

Engaging with local communities, paying respect to the victims, following responsible tourism practices, and being mindful of the impact of one’s presence are all ethical considerations that can help ensure that dark tourism is approached in a respectful and responsible manner.

By upholding ethical considerations in dark tourism, visitors can contribute to the preservation of historical memory, foster empathy and understanding, and engage in responsible travel practices that respect the dignity of the victims and the communities associated with these sites.

Psychological Aspects of Dark Tourism

Dark tourism evokes a range of psychological responses and experiences for visitors. Exploring sites associated with death, tragedy, and suffering can have profound emotional impacts and trigger a complex mix of emotions. Understanding the psychological aspects of dark tourism helps shed light on why individuals are drawn to these experiences and how they are affected by them.

One of the primary psychological aspects of dark tourism is the concept of “dark fascination.” There is a natural human curiosity about the darker sides of life, and visiting dark tourism sites allows individuals to satisfy this curiosity. It appeals to our innate desire to explore the unknown and confront the darker aspects of human existence.

Experiencing dark tourism has the potential to evoke a wide range of emotions such as sadness, grief, anger, and even guilt. Standing in the presence of tragedy and contemplating the suffering of others can elicit a deep sense of empathy and compassion. Visitors may also experience a sense of relief and gratitude for their own lives and the fortune of not having personally endured such tragedies.

Visiting dark tourism sites also offers a unique opportunity for reflection and introspection. Being confronted with the reality of death and suffering can prompt existential questions about the meaning of life, the fragility of existence, and the importance of living fully in the present. This introspective aspect of dark tourism can lead to personal growth, self-reflection, and a renewed appreciation for life and its complexities.

Dark tourism can elicit a form of cognitive dissonance as well. Individuals may be simultaneously attracted to and repelled by the sites they visit. The fascination with tragedy and the discomfort associated with confronting it creates a paradoxical emotional experience. This internal conflict can lead to a deeper engagement and reflection on the moral and ethical implications of dark tourism.

Psychologically, dark tourism can be a form of coping and healing. Some visitors may be survivors of similar tragedies or have personal connections to the events being commemorated. By visiting these sites, individuals can find solace, closure, and a sense of connection with others who have experienced similar pain and loss.

Furthermore, dark tourism can contribute to historical and cultural understanding. It allows visitors to bear witness to history and engage with the stories of those who have suffered. By experiencing these sites, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the human capacity for resilience, the consequences of past actions, and the importance of preserving historical memory.

It is important to note that the psychological impact of dark tourism can vary greatly from person to person. Some individuals may find it cathartic and transformative, while others may feel overwhelmed or distressed. Visitors should be mindful of their emotional well-being and seek support when needed, whether it be through engaging with site staff, seeking counseling, or discussing their experiences with others.

Overall, the psychological aspects of dark tourism highlight the profound emotional impact it can have on visitors. From dark fascination to introspection and healing, engaging in dark tourism can lead to a deeper understanding of the self, history, and the human experience.

The Future of Dark Tourism

The future of dark tourism is shaped by evolving societal, cultural, and technological developments, as well as changing visitor expectations and interests. As we look ahead, several trends and possibilities emerge for the future of this unique form of travel.

One significant aspect of the future of dark tourism is the continued expansion of destinations and sites. As awareness and interest in dark tourism grow, new sites associated with death, tragedy, and suffering are being recognized and developed. Historical events and cultural traumas that were previously overlooked may gain prominence as dark tourism destinations, allowing for a broader exploration of the past and a wider range of visitor experiences.

Advancements in technology are also likely to shape the future of dark tourism. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have the potential to provide immersive and educational experiences, allowing visitors to virtually explore or digitally reenact historical events. These technologies can enhance the educational value of dark tourism and make it more accessible to individuals who may not be able to physically visit sites themselves.

Another emerging trend is the integration of sustainability and responsible tourism practices within dark tourism. As the environmental impact of tourism becomes a pressing concern, there is a growing emphasis on minimizing the ecological footprint of travel. Dark tourism sites can implement sustainable practices, support local communities, and engage in responsible conservation efforts, ensuring the preservation of historical sites while mitigating negative impacts.

Furthermore, the development of interactive and participatory experiences is likely to shape the future of dark tourism. Visitors may have opportunities to engage in storytelling, reenactments, or personal narratives that allow for a more immersive and emotional connection to the events being commemorated. This interactive approach can deepen the visitor experience, foster empathy, and encourage a more profound understanding of the historical and cultural contexts.

Public engagement with dark tourism is expected to evolve as well. As societal perspectives and values change, the conversations surrounding dark tourism will continue to evolve. There may be an increased focus on ethical considerations, memorialization, and the representation of diverse perspectives within the narratives presented at these sites. Visitors may be encouraged to actively reflect on the complex legacies of the past and engage in dialogue about the impact of historical events on contemporary society.

The future of dark tourism is likely to be shaped by a balance between educational experiences, responsible tourism practices, and ethical considerations. As interest in this form of travel continues to grow, it will be essential for stakeholders, including site administrators, tourists, and local communities, to collaborate to ensure that dark tourism remains a meaningful and respectful way to engage with the darker aspects of human history and culture.

Ultimately, the future of dark tourism holds the potential for continued growth, innovation, and the exploration of new perspectives on the past. By embracing responsible practices and ethical considerations, dark tourism can continue to educate, provoke thought, and foster empathy for generations to come.

In conclusion, dark tourism offers a unique and thought-provoking way to engage with the darker aspects of human history and culture. From sites associated with tragedy, death, and suffering to locations of historical significance, dark tourism allows visitors to delve into the past and gain a deeper understanding of the human experience.

Throughout this article, we have explored the definition of dark tourism and its historical background, motivations, types, controversies, ethical considerations, psychological aspects, and the future of this form of travel. It is important to emphasize that engaging in dark tourism requires sensitivity, respect, and responsible tourism practices.

Dark tourism appeals to a diverse range of individuals, driven by motivations such as education, remembrance, cultural curiosity, personal reflection, and the fascination with the darker aspects of life. However, dark tourism is not without controversy. Ethical concerns and questions of exploitation arise due to the sensitive nature of these sites and the potential commodification of grief and tragedy.

Understanding the psychological aspects of dark tourism is crucial, as it involves navigating a range of emotions and introspective experiences. It encourages reflection on the past, the fragility of life, and the resilience of human beings. Dark tourism evokes empathy, fascination, and helps individuals gain a deeper appreciation for history and the preservation of cultural memory.

The future of dark tourism holds exciting possibilities, including the development of new sites, advancements in technology, sustainability efforts, interactive experiences, and evolving societal conversations. Responsible tourism practices and ethical considerations will continue to be central in shaping the future of dark tourism, ensuring that these experiences remain meaningful, respectful, and educational for generations to come.

In engaging with dark tourism, it is essential for visitors to approach these sites with empathy, respect, and a commitment to learning and understanding. By doing so, individuals can foster empathy, promote cultural understanding, and contribute to the preservation of historical memory.

Dark tourism serves as a powerful reminder of the tragedies and hardships endured by others throughout history. It challenges us to confront the darker aspects of human existence and prompts us to reflect on our place in the world. Through responsible engagement, dark tourism has the potential to foster empathy, promote cultural understanding, and contribute to a more compassionate and informed society.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Uncovering Norway’s Dark Secret: 6 Months of Darkness Explained

Welcome to the land of the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights! Norway is a country of contrasts, where the summers are bright and the winters are dark. But have you ever wondered where in the world is it dark for 6 months?

• 1.1 The Northern Lights
• 2 The Dark Season in Norway
• 3 Conclusion

The Land of the Polar Night

Norway is one of the few places on Earth where you can experience the Polar Night. This natural phenomenon occurs between late November and late January, when the sun is below the horizon for 24 hours a day. This means that there is no daylight at all, and the sky is a beautiful mix of blues and pinks.

The Polar Night is a unique experience, and one that draws visitors from all over the world. Many people come to Norway simply to witness this spectacular event, and to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the winter landscape.

The Northern Lights

Another compelling reason to visit Norway in the winter is the Northern Lights. These beautiful, dancing lights can be seen in the Arctic regions of Norway, and are a natural result of the sun’s activity. When the sun releases a large amount of energy, it creates an aurora borealis.

The Northern Lights are visible from late September until the end of March, and are most frequently seen in the months of December, January, and February. If you are lucky enough to see them, you can expect a magical experience that you will never forget.

The Dark Season in Norway

In parts of Northern Norway, the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon for several weeks during the winter months. This period is often referred to as the ‘dark season’, and can last for up to 6 months in some areas.

Despite the lack of sunlight, life in Norway doesn’t come to a standstill. In fact, many Norwegians embrace the dark season, and use it as an opportunity to reflect and spend time with family and friends.

Winter sports are also incredibly popular in Norway, and many people enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating during the dark season. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as snowshoeing, sledding, and ice fishing.

So, where in the world is it dark for 6 months? Norway is one of the few places on Earth where you can experience the Polar Night and the dark season. It’s a magical time of year, filled with natural phenomena, winter sports, and plenty of opportunities to spend time with loved ones.

If you’re planning a trip to Norway, be sure to visit during the winter months to experience the dark season for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!

Similar Posts

Discover the Latest Schengen Rules and Regulations Valid in Norway

Are you planning a trip to Norway and wondering if Schengen is valid there? You’ve come to the right…

Discover the Natural Wonders of Norway – One of the Most Beautiful Scandinavian Countries

Have you ever wondered what are the most beautiful countries in Scandinavia? With its stunning natural landscapes, rich history,…

Exploring the Myth: Does Norway Really Experience 6 Months of Darkness?

Are you planning to visit Norway and wondering if the country is plunged into darkness for 6 months? Let’s…

Discovering the Wealthiest City in Scandinavia: Exploring Norway’s Financial Hub

Welcome to Norway, the beautiful Scandinavian country that attracts millions of visitors every year. Norway is known for its…

Discover Norway’s Stunning Fjords: Unveiling the World’s Most Beautiful Fjord

Have you ever wondered what the most beautiful fjord in the world is? Look no further than Norway! This…

Discovering Norway’s Rainy Season: Which Month Receives the Most Downpours?

Have you ever wondered what is the rainiest month in Norway? Norway, the land of fjords and northern lights,…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Islands of Dark Tourism

• June 29, 2022

In this post I want to take you off the beaten track and to some less well explored, more exotic, remote locations. The eight selected places have only one thing in common: they are all islands . Other than that they are very different from each other and represent a range of distinct categories of dark tourism that dark globe trotters visit for very different reasons.

Of course there are well-known dark islands, too, such as Alcatraz or Robben Island , both former prison islands turned memorials, which today attract large numbers of visitors and hence overlap with mainstream tourism; but here we are going to get further away from that.

The first place is the Falkland Islands , or Las Malvinas as they’re known in Latin America. This year marks the 40th  anniversary of the war that Britain went to with Argentina in 1982 to wrestle the archipelago back from Argentine occupation. I went there shortly after the 30th anniversary in 2013/14.

Here’s a photo of the main liberation memorial in the islands’ capital Port Stanley :

The road behind this monument, by the way, is called Thatcher Drive, and indeed Margaret Thatcher is disproportionately more revered in the Falklands than at home in Britain.

Tourism in the Falklands is comparatively small-scale and comes in basically two forms: wildlife watching (penguins in particular) and battlefield tourism . And that is of course part of dark tourism. Battlefield tourism in turn comes in two forms: for people who have a personal connection to the war, had relatives fighting in it, say, a trip to the Falklands is something like a pilgrimage (and I met such visitors when I was there). For others, like myself, it’s just an interest in war history as such and a desire to experience being in the actual authentic locations – what has been dubbed ‘ place authenticity ’. And that is a very important aspect of dark tourism, of course.

On sparsely populated West Falkland my host in Port Howard took me on a battlefield tour which included sites where Argentine fighter jets crashed after having been shot down by the British in the 1982 war. The British plane wrecks have all been cleared away but the Argentine ones are still in place, such as this one, with a mangled jet engine:

Here’s a whole cockpit section of another plane wreck:

Other war relics include various Argentine positions, abandoned guns, field kitchens and so on and so forth. And speaking of kitchens, in one of the various small museum s about the Falklands War you can find these original Argentine provisions:

You can make out tins of sausages (“Wieners”) and meatballs, and the miniature bottle in the foreground was filled with Argentine-made whisky, but ironically with the English name “The Breeder’s Choice” (probably to make it look like Scotch).

Leaving behind the Falklands and moving north in the South Atlantic there’s another British overseas territory: St Helena , a rocky, formerly volcanic island 1200 miles (2000 km) off the mainland of southern Africa, more precisely the Namibian / Angolan coast (same photo as featured at the top of this post) :

St Helena is best known for having been the final place of exile of Napoleon Bonaparte, and it’s also where he died in 1821. The Napoleon-related sights on St Helena are a key aspect of the island’s very small tourism industry. They can be considered a mix of grave tourism and cult-of-personality tourism . Napoleon’s original grave is this:

This is empty these days, though, and has been since Napoleon’s body was taken back to France in 1840, but anyway, the original grave is still a tourist attraction.

Yet the main point of interest in this context is Longwood House , where Napoleon lived in exile and where he died. This is his deathbed and a death mask is on display too:

There were other exiles on St Helena, e.g. from the Zulu and Boer Wars in South Africa , and from 1957 to 1962 three nationalist rebels from Bahrain were housed in a now abandoned building overlooking Rupert’s Bay:

Moving into the northern hemisphere: to the island of Montserrat in the West Indies . This has been dubbed “ the Pompeii of the Caribbean ”, due to the volcanic catastrophe that from the mid-1990s destroyed the island’s capital Plymouth, covering it in layers and layers of volcanic ash from pyroclastic flows and lahars. And this makes it a dark-tourism attraction, namely in the category of ( natural ) disaster tourism .

Here’s an image of Plymouth seen from a boat in late 2009:

I visited the island during the latest major eruptive phase, and access to Plymouth on foot was forbidden. On the other hand, the volcano’s activity provided a dark show of its own at the time. And it was the only time I ever witnessed a pyroclastic surge:

This photo was taken from a safe viewpoint at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) several miles away on an opposite hillside. So it was far less dangerous than it might look.

And at night the volcano offered an eerie glow, seen from the same spot:

Now from the tropics to the high Arctic … namely to Spitsbergen , the main island of the Svalbard archipelago. This is located halfway between northern Norway and the North Pole. Politically the islands belongs to Norway, but in accordance with the 1920s Svalbard Treaty, the Soviet Union was granted continued coal-mining rights on Spitsbergen. This led to the odd situation that the USSR had outposts on a territory that belonged to a NATO member state … although: the islands themselves were demilitarized according to the treaty.

There is still an active Russian coal mining settlement on Spitsbergen, namely Barentsburg, but the key attraction from a dark-tourism perspective is the abandoned mining ghost town of Pyramiden , seen here:

Spitsbergen’s tourist infrastructure includes organized excursions to Pyramiden , where a rump staff from Russia still look after a small part of the settlement and even run a hotel (although it is unclear whether these tours are available in the current situation with the war in Ukraine and the consequent isolation of Russia in the Western world …). The type of dark-tourism this falls under is what has been dubbed Soviet tourism – a kind of virtual time travel back to the Cold-War era, but not within the actual former Soviet Union or the Eastern Bloc , but in this remote outpost … against this Arctic backdrop:

The highlight from a dark-tourism perspective is a visit to the former Gagarin cultural centre , where you also find the world’s northernmost Lenin bust:

Poking around this centre is a delight not unlike visiting the most famous dark ghost town, Pripyat in the Chernobyl exclusion zone .

But now to the Mediterranean, more precisely the Adriatic and an infamous island off the coast of Croatia : Goli Otok . In the Yugoslav era, this served as a prison island , and became known as th e “ Croatian Alcatraz” or “ Tito ’s Gulag”. The prison was finally closed in the late 1980s and has been largely abandoned ever since.

And here’s one from the main street of the area with the forced-labour workshops on Goli Otok :

And here’s one taken inside the former infirmary – with an old rusty X-ray machine still in place:

In terms of dark tourism this falls under both urbex ( urban exploration – of abandoned places) and prison tourism , in part also communism tourism because of the Tito connection . Goli Otok is also a case where dark tourism and mainstream tourism meet – in the most bizarre fashion: In season there are boat excursions from the neighbouring beach holiday island of Rab , and on Goli Otok visitors are taken round in one of those electric tractor-pulled tourist trains that are the ultimate hallmark of mainstream tourism. But instead I went off season so had to hire a boat with a skipper to take me across to Goli Otok where I had three hours before being picked up again. But for that time my wife and I had the entire island all to ourselves.

But now to Asia, namely Japan , and another unique oddity: Okunoshima , also known as “ Rabbit Island ”. In his 2018 book “ I am the Dark Tourist ” author Howard Sawyer called this a “ juxtaposition of dark tourism and cute tourism ” (p.187). Why “cute tourism”? Because the majority of tourists come to see scenes like this:

Indeed, Okunoshima is home to hundreds of feral rabbits and people come to enjoy their presence and feed them. But amongst all this cuteness, the island holds a very dark, sinister secret: during WWII it was the site of a secret chemical weapons lab and production facility of the Japanese Imperial Army. It was cleared up after the war, but some relics are still visible, such as this site of a former poison gas storage container:

The largest relic here is the former power station, now an empty shell:

So again we have an element of urbexing involved here again. Otherwise it’s a niche subset of WWII tourism , one you could call WMD tourism even. There’s also a privately run “ Poison Gas Museum ” that recounts the dark history of the island.

It’s rather unusual in Japan to find the country’s dark history during WWII so openly commodified , and it’s telling that this was made possible only through a private grass-roots initiative without any state funding.

Another example of such private initiatives is also the small Oka Masaharu Memorial Peace Museum in Nagasaki that covers the history of Japanese war crimes , including the exploitation of Korean and Chinese prisoners of war for forced labour.

One place where these poor people were forced to do dangerous and hard labour was in the coal mines underneath Hashima Island . This is also known as Gunkanjima , or “Battleship Island”, due to its silhouette from afar:

The coal mines continued operations, without prisoners, after the war but were closed in the 1970s. After that, the settlement, once the most densely populated spot on the planet, was abandoned. Today Hashima is a ghost island, and its structures are crumbling:

The island came to international fame thanks to a James Bond Movie (”Skyfall”, 2012), in which it was the secret den of a typical Bond villain. S ince 2015 Hashima has been a World Heritage Site , but not for its dark aspects, only as an example of Japan’s industrial and cultural heritage. There are tourist boat tours to the island from Nagasaki . I joined one in 2019, during rather bad weather, as you can see here:

These excursions are in fact very touristy indeed, with a guide delivering a narration through a microphone to tourists wearing headsets:

BUT: there is absolutely no mention of POW s and forced labour, instead it’s like a whitewash. So unless you come pre-prepared, or have been to the small private war crimes museum beforehand, you wouldn’t know about anything dark here. So, arguably, going on these Hashima tours can only count as dark tourism if you’ve done your homework in advance. But I’ve often claimed that such preparation ahead of travel is important for most of dark tourism, if you want to take it seriously.

Finally, a brief mention of Easter Island , the world’s most remote inhabited island . This is famous mostly for it giant rock statues called moai, such as this reconstructed one:

They go back to a high culture that suffered societal collapse after overpopulation and overexploitation of the available resources led to a toppling of the old rule, a civil war, and famine. There may even have been cannibalism. In the course of this societal collapse, all the moai , which were symbols of the previous ruling class, were all toppled . So when the European explorers and colonizers arrived, they found the moai in this state:

It was only later when Europeans became fascinated with the collapsed ancient culture that several of the moai were re-erected. The largest number of them at Ahu Tongariki:

Now the dark connection here is not so much that of the historic societal collapse, but the fact that it can be seen as a warning, on a smaller scale, of what now applies to the whole world today. Overexploitation of resources is now happening globally and is threatening the survival of humankind. This has been dubbed “Easter Island Syndrome”. So visiting Easter Island , even though this aspect doesn’t openly feature in the tourism industry there, again includes a very dark aspect, but you only get that if you come pre-prepared. It’s only abstract, but as I say in the final line of my book, just as the Easter Islanders had to learn the hard way that there was no other island to evacuate to, the people of planet Earth now have to learn that there is no “Planet B” (an expression you can often encounter at climate change demonstrations) .

[Please note: this post is an adaptation of a presentation I gave at the “Visiting the Shadows” conference in Prague in early May this year, an event organized under the “Progressive Connexions” umbrella. And since no publication prospects have ever come from this conference, I feel free to reuse my own content here, slightly adapted for the written form, and with photos trimmed and adapted to this Blog ’s format too.]

3 Responses

The conference was a merged event that brought several conference topics together, as too few participants were prepared to attend a live event again, for fear of Corona, for them to be feasible as stand-alone conferences. Hence the ever more merged conference ended up the most interdisciplinary event I have ever encountered, by an enormous margin. On the topic of dark tourism there were only a small handful of presentations, the other themes ranged from street art to queerness, and from film to witchcraft (seriously!) and there was lots of sex and violence thrown in for good measure too. Suddenly dark tourism seemed not a niche but a rather benign mainstream topic! But, even though some topics were rather outlandish from my perspective, it was an enjoyable and horizon-broadening event. For instance, I would never have thought I’d thoroughly enjoy a workshop on “Poetry and Disaster”, in which participants were asked to write down their own ad hoc poetry! Normally such a prompt would trigger resistance on my part, but there I found myself engaged in it, it felt good and the results were not too bad. Maybe I’ll disclose some of my improvised poetic efforts with a DT theme from that event on this platform at some point …

Bougainville deserves to be here as well.

I agree, if that was to be a complete list … and then there would also have to be East Timor, Fogo, Iceland, South Georgia, the Channel Islands, Ilha do Tigres, Mudyuk, Andaman, Cuba, Gruinard, Brioni, Nauru, Tristan da Cunha, Bikini, Tinian, White Island, Green Island, Kinmen, Yaros, Mikronisos, Devil’s Island, Goree, Okinawa etc., etc., etc. BUT: this was for a 20-minute presentation, so I had to be selective. Had I been given two or better twenty hours I could have been more comprehensive. But given the time constraints I selected those islands that were less well known than Alcatraz or Robben Island but from where I had good photos in my own travel photo archives. Bougainville is still on my wishlist, i.e. I’ve not been there yet, so I wouldn’t have any photos from there. Btw. do you know the novel “Mister Pip” by Lloyd Jones that is set on Bougainville? If not do get yourself a copy. It’s fabulous (but tough at times, content-wise … very dark).

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

sign up to the newsletter!

Wanli urbexing

Since the previous Blog post about Auschwitz was topically about as dark as it can get, I decided to offset that with a post about something at the lighter end of the dark-tourism spectrum: urbexing (from ‘urban exploration’, visiting abandoned structures for fun if you, like me, enjoy the aesthetics of dilapidation and decay – in fact on my website I say that urbex only overlaps with dark tourism, but as it’s one of the least touristy categories it’s one I often enjoy a lot).

Wanli is a largely abandoned beach resort park on the north coast of Taiwan. Officially it is a district of New Taipei City, but is actually far from being ‘urban’ in the literal sense; instead

Return to Auschwitz

Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, aka “Auschwitz Day”, as it was on this date, 27 January, that in 1945 the Soviet Red Army arrived at Auschwitz and liberated the camp, after the SS had largely “evacuated” it already and sent most of its inmates on death marches, to camps further away from the westward-moving front line in a WWII that was already de facto lost for Germany.

It also so happened that a little earlier this month I revisited the memorial sites at Auschwitz as part of a six-day trip to Kraków and Oświęcim, planned at short notice. So I decided to do another Auschwitz Day post (see also

Back from Taiwan

On Thursday I returned from a 19-day trip to Taiwan. It was a fabulous trip in all manner of ways, and not least in terms of dark tourism. The material I gathered on this trip will provide content and photos for several new Blog posts and a few dozen new and/or expanded chapters for my main website.

I took thousands of photos and it will take me weeks to develop all the files in RAW format and process them. So here’s just a little pre-teaser with images taken only by smartphone, so not the best quality, but hopefully good enough for a first impression.

The dark-tourism subcategories covered on this trip included