Alaska doesn’t have any actual castles, but we used to. The majestic Baranof Castle was home to many Russian governors in the 1800’s. Remaining is the hill the castle stood on, the gorgeous view and supposedly a spirit who walks the hills. Baranof Castle in Sitka has a history spanning far longer than Alaska has been a part of the U.S., and it is said that one of the historic residents still haunts Castle Hill. Visit this haunted castle in Sitka and perhaps you will feel the lost soul who wanders in the mist, for as the story goes, death was better than being married to a man she didn’t love.

Baranof Castle
Corner of Harbor Road and Lincoln Street
Sitka, AK

The Baranof Castle State Historic Site, commonly referred to as Castle Hill, is of the most historically important sites in Alaska.
Traveler-O-World | TripAdvisor
Just off a main intersection in downtown Sitka, a fully accessible path takes visitors to the top of the hill and the panoramic view of the downtown and the waterfront.
Daniel S | TripAdvisor
The strategic location has been noticed by everyone who has lived in the area. The original Tlingit community had a fortification at the site, and the Russians who occupied the area from 1804-1867 built Baranof Castle here.
Girl4God28 | TripAdvisor
It is here on this historic spot where the Russians took down their flag and officially transferred the state of Alaska over to the U.S. in a formal ceremony in 1867.
Daniel S | TripAdvisor
The view from this spot remains lovely, but the haunted castle has faded to just a few canons from the 1800's and sea of panels teaching visitors about the history of the area.
Roger W | Flickr

Related Stories

10 Haunted Places In Alaska That Will Terrify You In The Best Way

10 Haunted Places In Alaska That Will Terrify You In The Best Way

 Sip Wine And Mingle With Ghosts In One Of Alaska's Oldest, Most Haunted Bars

Sip Wine And Mingle With Ghosts In One Of Alaska's Oldest, Most Haunted Bars

 Don't Drive On These 7 Haunted Streets In Alaska... Or You May Regret It

Don't Drive On These 7 Haunted Streets In Alaska... Or You May Regret It
And now, the hill is said to be haunted by the ghost of a Russian lady from long ago. They say she wears dark colors and walks the hill, mourning her lost love.
James Brooks | FLickr
In the story, she was a Russian aristocrat who committed suicide on her wedding night, after being forced to marry a man she did not love.
management | TripAdvisor
Now she walks Castle Hill and sometimes the Russian Bishop's House nearby. She is said to be draped in diamonds and a long black veil.
gallantadventures | TripAdvisor
The spirit of a beautiful and doomed Russian Princess is said to be out most often at the midnight hour. You may catch a glimpse of her bemoaning her fate, or you may just get a lovely view of the waterfront.
David Baron | Flickr
Baranof Castle in Sitka is one of the spookiest, and most lovely, spots in Alaska. Take the self-guided walking tours or try Haunted Sitka, a local tour guide who will tell you about the legends of the area.
Germán Parra | Flickr

More information on Baranof Castle here.

 

If you love to be creeped you out, read about The Tiny Town In Alaska With A Terribly Creepy Past. Also, seriously, You Won’t Believe This Creepy Amusement Park In Alaska Is Still Open.

Have you been haunted at Baranof Castle? Tell us about it in the comments below.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Alaska