While Halloween in Europe differs from the US, many cities celebrate the spooky holiday in their own unique ways, offering haunting experiences perfect for thrill-seekers.
Discover the history, legends, and Halloween events at Frankenstein's Castle in Germany. Learn about festivities, ticket options, and more eerie destinations.
Frankenstein Castle in Mühltal, Germany. Image Credit: Getty Images, Ronny Winkler
Where is the real Frankenstein Castle in Germany, and how many are there?
There are two Frankenstein Castles in Germany. The most famous is in Mühltal, near Darmstadt, just 45 minutes from Frankfurt by train (nearest stations: Pfungstadt and Mühltal). Known for its spooky legends, it hosts one of Europe’s biggest Halloween events, started by American Airmen in 1978.
The second, lesser-known castle is a ruin in Frankenstein, Rhineland-Palatinate, about two hours from Frankfurt. While both share the same name, the Mühltal castle is the more popular destination, especially during Halloween.
Read also: Germany’s best castles are a train ride from Frankfurt
Can you sleep in Frankenstein’s Castle?
No, there are no accommodations inside the castle. However, there are plenty of nearby hotels in Darmstadt and Frankfurt, perfect for those who want to enjoy the Halloween festivities with comfort.
Is there a tour of Frankenstein’s Castle?
Guided tours of Frankenstein’s Castle are available, especially during Halloween season. You can explore the castle grounds and hear tales of its mysterious history. The area is great for hiking and self-guided visits are also possible throughout the rest of the year.
Person in a witch costume holding a pumpkin. Image Credit: Getty Images, Vasyl Dolmatov
Do they celebrate Halloween at Frankenstein’s Castle?
Absolutely! Frankenstein’s Castle hosts one of Germany’s largest and most thrilling Halloween festivals, where monsters, witches, and zombies roam the grounds. It even attracted attention on Ghost Hunters International, which aired an episode about the castle in 2008. However, due to renovations, the famous Halloween event will now be hosted at Königstein Castle starting in 2024, promising to bring new thrills to this spooky tradition. Imagine live performances, haunted tours and creepy dinners throughout a spine-chilling experience.
How to get tickets for Frankenstein’s Castle?
Tickets for the Halloween festival at Frankenstein’s Castle are available online from mid-October through early November. From 2024, however, the Halloween events will take place at Königstein Castle as Frankenstein Castle is undergoing renovation until 2028. During this time, the complex may be closed periodically, and restaurant services have been suspended. Be sure to check event availability in advance!
What is the history of Frankenstein’s Castle?
Built in the 13th century, Frankenstein’s Castle has long been shrouded in mystery. Its most infamous resident, Johann Conrad Dippel, was an alchemist who dabbled in experiments seeking immortality. He created “Dippel’s Oil,” a potion made from animal parts, blood, ivory, and leather, which he claimed was the “elixir of life”.
Image Credit: Getty Images, finwal
Is Frankenstein’s Castle haunted?
Legends has it that the castle is haunted, particularly due to the tales of Dippel’s eerie experiments. Visitors claim to have encountered strange noises and ghostly apparitions, but whether the castle is truly haunted remains up to you to decide. For the bravest souls, Halloween is the perfect time to find out!
Did Mary Shelley visit Frankenstein Castle?
While there's no definitive proof that Mary Shelley visited Frankenstein Castle, she traveled through the Rhine region near the castle in 1814. Though Shelley never directly cited the castle as inspiration for her novel Frankenstein, local legends may have influenced her creation.
Do other castles in Europe have Halloween events?
Halloween events in castles are popular throughout Europe. Some of the spookiest spots include Dracula’s Castle (Bran Castle) in Transylvania, Romania, where you can explore vampire folklore. In Edinburgh, Scotland, the mysteries of the Loch Ness Monster and haunted castles come to life. Bavaria’s Neuschwanstein Castle is another stunning destination, while Derry in Northern Ireland offers Europe’s largest Halloween festival, blending history and spooky traditions.
Read also: Visit the best castles in Europe during your next getaway
Ready for your Halloween adventure? Download the Trainline app to explore spooky destinations across Europe and easily plan your train trips.
Boris Karloff as Frankenstein in Frankenstein (1931). Header Image Credit: © 1931 Universal
