There’s something incredibly captivating about abandoned places. They stand as silent witnesses to time, echoing forgotten stories and leaving behind an eerie yet mesmerizing atmosphere. Whether nature has reclaimed them, or they have been frozen in time due to tragedy or economic collapse, these locations offer a unique glimpse into history. If you’re an adventurous traveler or an urban explorer, here are some of the most fascinating abandoned sites around the world that you can actually visit.
Hashima Island [Japan]
Also known as Gunkanjima or “Battleship Island,” Hashima was once a thriving coal mining facility in the early 20th century. At its peak, it was one of the most densely populated places on Earth. However, when Japan shifted to petroleum, the island was completely abandoned by the 1970s. Now, its crumbling high-rises and empty streets create an apocalyptic setting. Visitors can take guided boat tours to explore this haunting island, which served as a filming location for Skyfall, a James Bond movie.
Kolmanskop [Namibia]
Kolmanskop was once a prosperous diamond mining town in the Namib Desert, attracting German settlers in the early 1900s. But when diamond supplies dwindled, residents left, and the desert began reclaiming its territory. Today, the abandoned buildings are partially buried in sand, creating an otherworldly landscape. Visitors can walk through eerily preserved homes where sand dunes have taken over, making it a dream destination for photographers and history lovers alike.
Pripyat [Ukraine]
Perhaps the most famous abandoned city in the world, Pripyat was once home to thousands of Chernobyl nuclear plant workers. After the catastrophic explosion in 1986, the entire town was evacuated overnight, leaving behind a chilling time capsule of Soviet-era life. The empty apartment buildings, rusting Ferris wheel, and abandoned schools remain frozen in time. Guided tours now take visitors through the exclusion zone with strict safety precautions, offering a sobering yet fascinating experience.
Bodie [USA]
Bodie is a well-preserved ghost town that dates back to the California Gold Rush of the 1800s. Once a booming mining town with a reputation for lawlessness, it was abandoned when gold ran out. Today, it stands as a historical park with over 100 structures still intact. Visitors can walk through the deserted streets, peering into old saloons, churches, and general stores, where remnants of the past remain untouched.
Craco [Italy]
Perched on a rocky hilltop in southern Italy, Craco is a stunning medieval village abandoned in the 1960s due to landslides and natural disasters. The town’s stone structures, including a grand castle and churches, remain remarkably intact, making it a popular spot for filmmakers and tourists alike. With its winding alleys and breathtaking views, Craco feels like a forgotten relic from another era. Guided tours are available, allowing visitors to step back in time.
Oradour-sur-Glane [France]
Unlike many ghost towns, Oradour-sur-Glane was left abandoned as a deliberate memorial. In 1944, the Nazis massacred nearly all of its residents, leaving the town in ruins. Rather than rebuilding, France preserved it as a stark reminder of the atrocities of war. Today, visitors can walk through the bullet-riddled buildings, see rusting cars left behind, and visit the museum that tells the tragic story of its past.
The Train Graveyard [Bolivia]
Just outside Uyuni, Bolivia, lies a surreal cemetery of abandoned steam locomotives. These massive, rusting trains were once used to transport minerals, but when the industry collapsed in the 1940s, they were left to decay in the salt-rich desert air. Now, they form a haunting yet beautiful sight, with graffiti-covered iron hulks stretching into the horizon. Visitors can climb on and explore these skeletal remains of Bolivia’s industrial past.
Houtouwan [China]
Houtouwan was once a thriving fishing village on Shengshan Island, but as younger generations sought opportunities in cities, the town was abandoned in the 1990s. Over time, nature took over, with vines and vegetation completely swallowing the empty buildings. Today, Houtouwan is a mesmerizing example of how quickly nature can reclaim human settlements. Adventurous visitors can take boat tours and hike through the overgrown ruins.
The Maunsell Sea Forts [UK]
Built during World War II, these eerie, rusting sea forts stand on stilts above the waters of the Thames Estuary. Originally constructed to defend Britain against Nazi air raids, they were abandoned after the war. Today, they look like something out of a dystopian sci-fi movie. While the forts are mostly inaccessible, boat tours can take visitors close enough to admire their strange, haunting beauty.
Villa Epecuén [Argentina]
Once a thriving lakeside resort town, Villa Epecuén was completely submerged when a dam burst in 1985, leaving it underwater for nearly three decades. As the waters receded, ghostly ruins emerged, resembling a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Visitors can now explore what remains of the town, with skeletal trees, crumbling structures, and rusting street signs serving as eerie reminders of its past.
[Contributed By Anushka Gaikwad]