Horror fiction includes fiction in various media (literature, film etc) and settings, such as contemporary, historical, science-fiction, and fantasy.

Understand

“ I do wish we could chat longer, but... I'm having an old friend for dinner. Bye. ”

—Hannibal Lecter

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

• Nordic Noir
• X-Files tourism

Destinations

Europe

• 1 Castle Frankenstein (Darmstadt, Germany). Is 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.  
• 2 Bran Castle (Castelul Bran) (Transylvania, Romania). More 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. 
• 3 Palazzo Vecchio (Florence). Featured in Hannibal, sequel of Silence of the Lambs.  
• 1 Batalj Event, Storå. A closed down mine with post-apocalyptic atmosphere, used for sci-fi and horror events. 

The Americas

• 4 Martha's Vineyard (Massachusetts, United States). The 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. 
• 5 Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 4400 Forbes Ave (Pittsburgh/Oakland, Pennsylvania, USA). Featured in Silence of the Lambs.  
• 6 Timberline Lodge (Overlook Hotel). Featured in The Shining. (updated Jan 2019)
• 7 Texas Chainsaw House. Featured in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. (updated Jan 2019)
• 8 Evans City, Pennsylvania. Featured in Night of the Living Dead (updated Jan 2019)
• 9 Monroeville Mall. Site of Dawn of the Dead (updated Jan 2019)
• 10 Burkittsville, Maryland. Featured in the Blair Witch Project. (updated Jan 2019)
• 11 Mojave Desert. Featured in The Hills Have Eyes. (updated Jan 2019)

Asia

• 12 Tokyo, Japan. Setting of the movie Pulse. (updated Jan 2019)

See also

• Day of the Dead
• Fringe phenomena
• Halloween
• History of justice
• Nordic Noir
• Reenactment and LARP
• Religion and spirituality