15 Abandoned Buildings Around the World That Will Give You Chills
Urban exploration, also known as urbex, is a unique hobby that involves exploring abandoned buildings and structures in urban areas. There’s something thrilling about wandering through the decaying remains of once-thriving places, imagining what life was like when they were still active. Whether you’re an experienced urban explorer or just starting out, here are 15 abandoned buildings around the world that are worth checking out.
1. The Michigan Central Station in Detroit, Michigan: This train station was once a bustling hub for travelers but has been abandoned since 1988. The Beaux-Arts style building is now covered in graffiti and broken windows but offers a glimpse into the city’s past.
2. Hashima Island in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan: Also known as “Battleship Island,” this small island was once home to thousands of coal miners but has been deserted since the decline of the mining industry in the 1970s. The concrete apartment blocks and other remnants make for an eerie sight.
3. Pripyat Amusement Park near Chernobyl, Ukraine: This amusement park was set to open on May Day in 1986 but never did due to the Chernobyl disaster that occurred just days before its opening. Now it sits abandoned with rusting Ferris wheels and bumper cars.
4. Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Once one of America’s most notorious prisons, Eastern State Penitentiary housed some of the country’s most dangerous criminals from 1829 until its closure in 1971. Today visitors can wander through its crumbling halls and cellblocks.
5. Château de Noisy near Celles, Belgium: This castle-like structure was built as a summer home for Belgian royalty but later served as an orphanage before falling into disuse after World War II. It has since become a popular spot for urbex enthusiasts despite being partially demolished.
6. Nara Dreamland in Nara, Japan: This abandoned amusement park was modeled after Disneyland and operated from 1961 until its closure in 2006. The roller coasters, Ferris wheel, and other rides still stand but are slowly being reclaimed by nature.
7. Fisher Body Plant 21 in Detroit, Michigan: Built in the early 1900s to produce automobile bodies for General Motors, this massive factory has been abandoned since the company moved production elsewhere in the mid-1980s. Today it’s a favorite spot for photographers and urbexers alike.
8. Beelitz-Heilstätten Sanatorium near Berlin, Germany: This sprawling complex of buildings was once used as a tuberculosis sanatorium before serving as a military hospital during both World Wars. It was later used by the Soviet Union until their withdrawal from East Germany in 1994.
9. Salton Sea Beach Resort near Palm Springs, California: Once a thriving resort destination during the mid-20th century, this area around California’s largest lake has been largely abandoned since toxic algae blooms made swimming unsafe in recent years.
10. The Maunsell Sea Forts off England’s east coast: These former defensive towers were built during World War II to protect against potential German invasion but have since been abandoned to the elements on their sea-bound platforms.
11. Stuyvesant Polyclinic Hospital on Roosevelt Island in New York City: This Gothic-style hospital opened its doors in 1899 but fell into disuse after being replaced by newer facilities nearby. Its eerie atmosphere has attracted filmmakers and ghost hunters over the years.
12. Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang, North Korea: Construction began on this massive hotel tower back in 1987 but stopped due to financial difficulties following the collapse of communism across Eastern Europe that same year. Despite several attempts at revival over time it remains unfinished today.
While urban exploration can be an exciting and rewarding hobby, it’s important to remember that many abandoned buildings can be dangerous or even illegal to enter. Always do your research and take the necessary precautions before embarking on any urbex adventure.