What Is Dark Tourism? Exploring the World’s Darkest Sites

You may have heard of the term dark tourism, whether from a travel blog or because of the 2018 Netflix series Dark Tourist (which sadly never got another season). Dark tourism refers to the travel of places associated with death, tragedy, or suffering. For example, this can include a site known for genocide or a place that is historically dangerous to travel to.

Dark tourism is an often controversial topic. Although I will give my own opinion on the matter and discuss some of the ethics involved in dark travel, let’s first explore what it is specifically.

What Does the Term Dark Tourism Mean?

The most common term for the darker side of travel is dark tourism, but it is also called black tourism (related to the idea of black = death), grief tourism, morbid tourism, or thanatourism, which refers to the Greek word “Thanatos,” which means death.

We will simply refer to it as “dark tourism” because, in my opinion, it is a great umbrella term that encompasses everything. The term itself was coined in 1996 by Professor A.V. Seaton, who believed that dark tourism could fit into five categories:

• Death Museums – Some museums are strictly devoted to the macabre, such as The Museum of Death (which has a location in both Hollywood and New Orleans), while others may have the sole purpose of highlighting the grimmer aspects of the city in which they are located.

• Death Simulations – Death experiences that simulate battles or death itself would go under this category.

• Public Death Witnessing – Obviously not uncommon, but there are places where public execution still occurs.

• Memorial Visits – It is not uncommon for someone to visit a local grave, even if they have no ties to the location. As I mentioned in that linked blog, I do so myself. In my opinion, this category really visits those that are notoriously macabre in some way, such as the Paris catacombs.  

• Sites of Tragedy- Where a heinous act and/or tragedy occurred, such as visiting the location of a serial slaying or the site of an assassination.

While I think this is a great list, I would also add “Threat to Self Locations.” These are the sites to which someone might go, knowing full well that there is the potential to be maimed, killed, or assaulted. An excellent example of this is traveling to North Korea, such as the case of Otto Warmbier, who was accused of stealing a propaganda sign and sentenced to 15 years. He died upon his return after suffering mass injuries (though North Korea still denies wrongdoing).

Why Do People Participate in Dark Tourism?

There is no doubt in my mind that some people visit dark locations because of the salaciousness or graphic nature of what happened there. People who go to dark travel spots for the sake of morbid curiosity often do so because they want to prove something to themselves or others. However, many people, including myself, visit these spaces to remind ourselves of the gravity of past events. As the philosopher George Santayana says, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

A great deal of my work, especially my short stories, is based on a mixture of news stories I have read about, misfortunes I have been told about, and my own personal tragedies. Many times, visiting a place off the beaten trail, even though dark, can also add to that blend of writing inspiration.  I am forever on a quest to better understand the darker edges of humanity. Thus, visiting these macabre and “creepy” locations allows dark tourists to reflect on their own mortality, acknowledge the suffering of others, and gain further insight into what occurred. After all, many of these dark places are of great historical significance.

What Are the Most Popular Dark Tourism Destinations?

There are many, many different dark locations scattered around the globe. However, below are some of the most common dark tourist locations:

• Auschwitz-Birkenau (Poland) – Considered the largest German Nazi concentration camp and extermination center.

• Chornobyl Exclusion Zone(Ukraine) – An approximately 1,000 square mile site of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant disaster.  

• Alcatraz Island (USA) – An offshore correctional facility that was known to house the most dangerous and notorious offenders between 1934 – 1963.

• The Catacombs of Paris(France) – An underground burial site filled with over six million deceased remains.

• 9/11 Memorial & Museum(USA) – A solemn tribute to the lives lost during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

The Ethics of Dark Tourism

As you can imagine, there is a lot of controversy surrounding dark tourism. The main criticisms surrounding dark tourism are twofold: first, there are those, as mentioned previously, who want to sensationalize the tragedy, and second, the idea that visits to these locations disrespect the memory of the deceased or people who have been affected by the tragedy.

Those are certainly good points. Especially when you consider the many, many stories of people taking selfies in places like Auschwitz memorial services or hell, there have even been photos taken inside the hospital or funeral depicting their own friends and families.

So, when acts like this happen, I can completely understand the reservations that people have about the nature of dark tourism. However, there are ways that someone can dark travel while still being respectful and mindful of the area and the people who live or work there.

How to Participate in Dark Tourism Safely and Respectfully

If you are interested in dark travel, then here are a couple of tips that can ensure your safety while including respect for the dark places you will go:

• Do your research. Understand the historical and cultural aspects of where you are visiting. The reason you are visiting really matters, and you should be ready to answer.

• Always be respectful: Whether you believe in karma or not, you should understand that these places often represent extreme tragedy and loss. Pay your respects, ask before taking photos (especially selfies), and avoid treating the place like a “regular” travel destination.

• Follow local customs: Each locale has its own customs, so be sure you are aware of them. For instance, some cemeteries have specific rules about what can and can’t be left at the grave.

• Follow all safety guidelines: Safety precautions are there for a reason! You do not want to add to the tragedy in the area because you did not listen to experts or guides.

My Own Dark Tourism Adventures

As someone intrigued by the strange and macabre, I’ll be sharing my dark tourism journeys on this blog site. In fact, there have been many locations that have inspired some stories in my upcoming short story collection.

I’ll be sure to provide plenty of insightful and contemplative commentary on my journey, and I’m especially excited to share how these locations have inspired my writing. While there are places I don’t personally want to go, I’ll be sure to include areas that are still fascinating and intriguing.

Happy to have you on the journey!

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