Europe may not be the first place that pops into your head when you think of perfect spots for celebrating Spooky Season, but once you take the time to think about it, it makes a lot of sense.
Europe is the land of medieval cities full of macabre pasts, bloody wars, castles, dungeons and a sorted array of other twisted historical happenings. In addition, many European writers were at the forefront of Gothic tales that brought us characters like Dracula, Frankenstein and others.
While you won't find a Halloween store on practically every corner here like you do stateside, the holiday is picking up steam here, and the following destinations will all fill you with the spirit of the season.
Brasov cityscape with black cathedral and mountain in background in Romania. (photo via RossHelen / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Transylvania, Romania
Hey, might as well tackle the most obvious one first, right? Simply hearing the name of this region of Romania is bound to conjure up bloodcurdling thoughts, but the truth is a little more complicated. Sure, Bran Castle, the so-called "Dracula's Castle" is located here, but you'll quickly learn that this fetching fortification's connection to Vlad The Impaler (the historical figure that Count Dracula is based upon) is a little, shall we say, tenuous. Regardless, the entire region is full of evocative rolling hills perfect for leaf-peeping and cities like Brasov & Sighisoara, whose spindly spires and settings against the hills look like something out of a Halloween card (you know, if those were a thing). If that's not enough to sell you, just think how cool it will be to tag your October trip photos on social media with a "Transylvania'' location.
York, England
Home to The Original Ghost Walk of York—believed to be the world's first exclusive ghost walk—atmospheric alleyways named snickelways and a social media famous boo-tique selling ghost figurines, York is awesome in October. And I'm not just saying that because I live here. Throw in the fact that there are currently 30-plus very realistic apparitions hiding around town during the "Ghosts in the Gardens" event and nearly as many pubs that will serve you a ghost story alongside your pint, and you have yourself a perfect destination all season long.
PHOTO: Sedlec Ossuary, Kutna Hora. (Photo via Hans Brunk)
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague's pretty streets are home to plenty of ghost stories and haunted tales with the Czech capital also sitting in a prime position for exploring some other creepy sights in the region. The "bone chapel" in Kutna Hora and the infamous Houska Castle (rumored to be home to a gateway to the underworld) both sit within striking distance from Prague, a city which is especially fetching when the leaves change color.
London, England
Torturous tales at the Tower of London. Walking in the footsteps of Jack the Ripper. Wandering around moody Victorian cemeteries. Spending time in supposedly haunted pubs and hotels. London is arguably the most exciting city in the world to visit and it's also full of plenty of things that will send a shiver down your spine come Halloween time.
Jack-o-Lanterns displayed during Halloween. (photo via iStock/Getty Images E+/eli_asenova)
Derry, Northern Ireland
Many of our modern Halloween traditions (most notably jack-o-lanterns and trick-or-treating) have their roots in the pagan-Celtic celebration called Samhain, so it's only natural that the Emerald Isle would be home to Europe's biggest Halloween festival. The walled city of Derry will host a four-day festival (October 28-31) where the entire town comes alive with the folklore and spirit of the season. Expect costumed parades, fireworks, and plenty more spooky shenanigans.
The Loire Valley, France
Famed for lovely chateaux and dreamy landscapes, the Loire Valley also has a dark side, most famously on display at Chateau de Brissac, which is known all over France for being home to strange happenings. Painful wails and whimpering sounds—purported to be those of a former resident caught in a tryst and subsequently murdered—have been reported by visitors. Things are nearly as dark at Chateau Chambord, where the spirits of soldiers who served in the Franco-Prussian war are said to still be on duty.
PHOTO: Edinburgh Castle, Scotland. (photo via godrick/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Home to an abundance of dark alleys called "closes"—some of the subterranean variety—the capital of Scotland is awash in spooky scenes & happenings. Visit Mary King's Close to experience a legend-filled underground street and walk through Greyfairs cemetery before taking in the moody Edinburgh Castle, home to several haunts and many a gruesome dungeon tale.
Budapest, Hungary
From buried tunnels under Buda Castle to the tales of the supposed witches that used to hang atop the city's famed Gellert Hill, Budapest has a lot that goes bump in the night. Throw in the fact that the city is the perfect place to stop before or after visiting the sensational Hungarian wine country (which positively shines in October), and you have a fantastic autumnal escape.
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