15 Abandoned Military Bases Around the World: Uncover Their Haunting Secrets
Decommissioned military bases hold a unique allure for urban explorers. These abandoned and forgotten sites offer a glimpse into the past, revealing stories of wartime heroism, strategic planning, and technological advancements. From sprawling complexes to hidden underground tunnels, these once bustling hubs now lie in eerie silence. In this article, we will take you on a journey through 15 decommissioned military bases around the world that are waiting to be explored.
1. Fort Ord – California, United States
Located on Monterey Bay, Fort Ord was an active army base from 1917 until its closure in 1994. Today, it serves as an outdoor recreational area with remnants of barracks and training facilities still visible. Explore the abandoned structures while enjoying stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
2. Teufelsberg – Berlin, Germany
Situated atop an artificial hill made of World War II rubble, Teufelsberg served as a Cold War listening station for intercepting Soviet communications during the divided era of Berlin. Now covered in colorful graffiti artwork and surrounded by dense forest, this site offers a unique blend of history and urban exploration.
3. Subic Bay Naval Base – Zambales Province, Philippines
Once considered one of the largest US naval facilities outside mainland America, Subic Bay Naval Base played a significant role during World War II and later became an important hub for American operations in Southeast Asia. Today it stands as a ghost town with crumbling buildings serving as silent witnesses to its storied past.
4. Camp Hero – Montauk Point State Park, New York
Nestled within Montauk Point State Park lies Camp Hero; formerly known as Fort Hero during World War II and then repurposed as part of the “Montauk Project” conspiracy theories involving time travel experiments. Explore its underground bunkers or wander along its windswept beaches – but beware rumors of strange happenings!
5. RAF Upper Heyford – Oxfordshire, England
Originally an airbase for the Royal Air Force, RAF Upper Heyford later served as a United States Air Force base during the Cold War. With its extensive runway system and nuclear weapon storage facilities, this site offers a unique insight into how military installations adapted to changing global dynamics.
6. Hashima Island (Gunkanjima) – Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan
Also known as “Battleship Island,” Hashima Island was once a thriving coal mining community. Abandoned in 1974, it stands today as an eerie reminder of Japan’s rapid industrialization and subsequent decline.
7. Fort de la Chartreuse – Liège, Belgium
Nestled in the hills outside Liège is Fort de la Chartreuse – a massive stone fortress built in the 19th century to defend against potential invasions from neighboring countries. Today, it is an atmospheric location for urban explorers seeking to uncover its hidden passages and dark history.
8. Paldiski Nuclear Submarine Base – Estonia
Located on Estonia’s Baltic coast, Paldiski was once home to Soviet nuclear submarines during the Cold War era. Explore abandoned buildings and underground bunkers while contemplating its strategic importance within the Soviet Union’s naval operations.
9. Hachijo Royal Resort – Tokyo Islands, Japan
Once a luxury resort destination commissioned by Emperor Hirohito himself, Hachijo Royal Resort now lies forgotten on one of Tokyo’s remote islands. Its grand hotel buildings are gradually being reclaimed by nature but still retain hints of their former glory.
10. Camp Century – Greenland
Concealed beneath the Arctic ice sheet lies Camp Century; an ambitious project launched by the US Army in 1959 that aimed at constructing mobile nuclear missile launch sites under Greenland’s frozen surface. Although abandoned due to logistical challenges posed by shifting ice conditions, remnants of this top-secret base can still be found.
11. Battersea Power Station – London, England
Famous for its iconic appearance on the cover of Pink Floyd’s “Animals” album, Battersea Power Station was initially a coal-fired power station but later served as a missile defense base during World War II. Explore its vast turbine halls and towering chimneys while reflecting on its unique place in pop culture.
12. Fort Carroll – Baltimore, Maryland
Built in the mid-19th century to defend Baltimore Harbor, Fort Carroll is an artificial island located in the Patapsco River. The hexagonal fortification showcases impressive architecture and offers panoramic views of the surrounding skyline – a perfect spot for history enthusiasts and urban explorers alike.
13. Cultybraggan Camp – Perthshire, Scotland
Hidden amidst the stunning Scottish countryside lies Cultybraggan Camp – one of Britain’s most intact POW camps from World War II. Used during subsequent conflicts as well, this site provides an eerie glimpse into life behind barbed wire fences through preserved barracks and interrogation cells.
14. Battery Mendell – San Francisco, California
Situated within Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Battery Mendell served as part of America’s coastal defense system until after World War II. Its sprawling structures offer breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay while showcasing how military technology evolved over time.
15. Patarei Sea Fortress Prison – Tallinn, Estonia
Originally constructed as a sea fortress during the 19th century, Patarei Prison gained notoriety during Soviet occupation when it became a feared KGB prison camp known for its brutal treatment of prisoners. Today it stands abandoned but open to visitors who can explore its grim corridors and learn about Estonia’s tumultuous past.
These decommissioned military bases provide more than just opportunities for urban exploration – they serve as reminders of our shared history and offer valuable insights into warfare strategies and global politics throughout various eras. As you embark on your own exploration, remember to respect these sites and appreciate their historical significance. Happy exploring!