15 Incredible Underground Tunnels Every Urban Explorer Should Visit

Urban exploration has always been an exciting and adventurous activity for those who love to explore the unknown. One of the most fascinating aspects of urban exploration is exploring underground tunnels. These tunnels serve as a gateway into the past while offering a glimpse into how cities have developed over time.
Here are 15 incredible underground tunnels from around the world that every urban explorer should experience:
1. The Catacombs of Paris, France – These underground tunnels house bodies of millions of Parisians dating back to the 18th century.
2. Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam – Built during the Vietnam War by Viet Cong soldiers, these tunnels were used as hiding spots and living quarters.
3. Burlington Bunker, England – This bunker was built in secret during the Cold War era and could house up to 4,000 people in case of nuclear war.
4. Edinburgh Vaults, Scotland – These vaults were used as storage spaces for businesses but also served as a dwelling place for some residents in Edinburgh’s poorer neighborhoods.
5. Shanghai Tunnels, USA – Located beneath Portland’s Old Town Chinatown neighborhood, these tunnels were used for human trafficking and smuggling goods during Prohibition.
6. Domica Cave System, Slovakia – An extensive network of caves that span across three countries with breathtaking views and unique rock formations.
7. Berlin Underground Hospital, Germany – A hospital built under Berlin’s subway system during World War II with operating rooms still intact today
8. Wieliczka Salt Mine Chapel – An ornate chapel located deep within an active salt mine in Poland
9. Củ Chi Tunnels – A network of underground tunnels utilized by Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War
10. Derinkuyu Underground City – An ancient multi-level subterranean city located in Turkey that once housed nearly 20k people
11.Catacombs Of Kom El Shoqafa- Egypt’s only known Roman-era catacomb
12. Maastricht Caves, Netherlands – A labyrinth of tunnels and caverns used as a storage facility for wine merchants during the 16th century.
13. Portland Underground, USA – Also known as the Shanghai Tunnels of Portland, these underground tunnels were once used to forcibly kidnap people and sell them into slavery.
14. Mary King’s Close, Scotland – This underground close was once home to Edinburgh’s poorest residents before being sealed off after an outbreak of plague.
15. The Great Wall Underground – An extensive network of tunnels that run beneath China’s Great Wall
These are just a few examples of the incredible underground tunnels scattered across our planet. Whether it’s exploring abandoned mines or secret bunkers built during wartime, urban explorers have plenty to discover below ground level. However, it is important to exercise caution while exploring these locations as many can be dangerous without proper preparation and guidance from experienced professionals in this field.