Horror fiction
Understand
Horror fiction can be traced to folklore which has existed in virtually all societies around the world. The settings can vary a lot, and be fantastic, historical, contemporary, as well as futuristic.
Recurring themes are the afterlife, the uncanny (the slightly unfamiliar), and the unknown. Gothic fiction was a literary genre originating in 18th century Britain, as an expression of the romantic movement.
Modern horror fiction has integrated themes and characters from around the world.
Franchises and genres
Destinations
Europe
Castle FrankensteinIs a hilltop castle located near Darmstadt in Mühltal. The castle is first mentioned in the records in the year 948, and initial construction of the castle ruins remaining today began in the 13th century. The 14th and 15th centuries saw expansion, followed by construction of reinforcements in the 16th. It was owned by the Barons von Frankenstein who owned most of the surrounding land until 1662, when the Baron of that time sold the property to the Landgrave of Hesse-Darmstadt. There have been claims that the castle may have inspired the Mary Shelley novel, Frankenstein. While Shelley is known to have travelled through this area in 1814, historical scholars believe that she did not visit this castle. There are special dinners for Halloween and for other occasions. It is also possible to hike up to the castle.
Bran CastleMore commonly referred to and marketed as "Dracula's Castle". In reality, Vlad Ţepeș never called that castle home, and it is unknown whether he even visited. You are limited to a single pathway taking you through the castle, with many interesting sights and areas roped off or locked.
Palazzo VecchioFeatured in Hannibal, sequel of Silence of the Lambs.
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address: StoråA closed down mine with post-apocalyptic atmosphere, used for sci-fi and horror events.
The Americas
Martha's VineyardThe 1975 film Jaws, which pioneered the horror blockbuster and maritime horror films, was shot here. The film is based on a 1974 novel by Peter Benchley, set in the fictional village Amity on Long Island.
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Carnegie Museum of Natural History
address: 4400 Forbes AveFeatured in Silence of the Lambs. Timberline LodgeFeatured in The Shining.
Texas Chainsaw HouseFeatured in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
Evans City, PennsylvaniaFeatured in Night of the Living Dead
Monroeville MallSite of Dawn of the Dead
Burkittsville, MarylandFeatured in the Blair Witch Project.
Mojave DesertFeatured in The Hills Have Eyes.