The best Halloween destinations in Europe
October 18 2023
There’s a chill in the air, the leaves are turning gold and Halloween is almost upon us. In celebration of the holiday, we asked our followers on social media to share their take on the best places to spend Halloween in Europe.
Below, you’ll find a few of our favorite responses. Experience the fun and mystery of Halloween in Europe with a Eurail Global Pass.
Edinburgh, Scotland
- Scary stories, horror tales – storytelling is an essential part of the Halloween experience. Celebrate the craft of storytelling by visiting the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, running from October 18-31, 2024.
- Pay tribute to Edinburgh’s famous historic hound – Greyfriars Bobby, a small dog memorialized in the Greyfriars churchyard. Though the precise facts of Bobby’s life are unknown, many say Bobby was the companion of a police constable who was buried in Greyfriars churchyard. After his human’s death, Bobby sat beside his grave for 14 years until his own passing in 1872.
Budapest, Hungary
- Take time to admire Buda Castle by day and tour the labyrinth of caves and tunnels under Buda Castle Hill. Then, return for the castle’s “Mystery & History” tour, an eerie night-time journey through the dark and winding streets of the Castle District.
- Catch a show or take a tour of Budapest’s neo-Renaissance Opera House. But beware – the architectural gem is said to be haunted by the ghost of a cat named Vera, who will lock her glittering eyes with audience members.
Brașov, Romania
- Do you dare to visit Dracula’s (supposed) house? The imposing Bran Castle is said to have inspired author Bram Stoker while writing his famous horror tale Dracula.
- After exploring the streets of Brașov, get a bird’s eye view of the city by hiking or taking a cable car up Mt Tâmpa. Keep an eye out for autumn foliage and the city’s famous Hollywood-esque sign.
- While in Romania, keep the autumnal views going with a journey to Maramureș, a northern region beloved for its unique wooden churches. On the train ride, you'll see the countryside’s rolling hills turning gold as autumn winds to a close.
Annecy, France
- Soak in the sight of Lake Annecy alight with autumn foliage on a hike or stroll near the water’s edge. Then, explore the passages of Annecy for a unique peek into the “Pearl of the French Alps."
- Attend the Festival du Fantastique, held by the Museum-Château d'Annecy on November 2 and 3, 2024.
Basel, Switzerland
- Basel’s beloved Herbstmesse – a two-week-long autumn fair – dates all the way back to the 1400s. Experience the fair rides and taste specialities such as the chäsbängel – a baguette filled with fondue cheese – from October 26 to November 12.
- You’ll find a step up from your average Halloween candy on a stroll through Basel. Spend a few hours wandering the Old Town and popping into Swiss chocolate shops.
Copenhagen, Denmark
- Halloween thrills abound at Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens. From October 10 to 3 November 3, 2024, visitors to the famous amusement park will find more than 20,000 jack-o’-lanterns, haunted houses, and plenty of hair-raising rides.
- Experience the end of autumn in Denmark with a journey north on the Lokaltog train lines. Hillerød, home to the largest Renaissance castle in the Nordics, and the fishing village of Gilleleje are each a short train ride from Copenhagen.
- Souvenir shopping before travelling home? Pick up a cosy sweater (or two) with a visit to some of Copenhagen’s vintage and secondhand shops. The intersection of Larsbjørnsstræde and Studiestræde, near the University of Copenhagen, is the perfect starting point for your treasure hunt. .
Meet the Interrailer
Rachel Schnalzer is a senior writer at Eurail, based in Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Favorite autumn destination
"I love hiking in the Black Forest in Germany during the autumn. There's nothing like seeing the morning mist hover in the pines — and no visit is complete without walking out to the Waldgaststätte Grünhütte for some pancakes."
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