There’s a strange allure to abandoned places, despite their eerie atmosphere. When you stumble upon them, it’s like stepping into a frozen moment in time. These deserted spots offer a glimpse into what happens when human care fades away, serving as a reminder of our own mortality. Despite their decay, there’s a certain beauty in their neglect. Below, we’ll take you on a journey to some of the most breathtaking abandoned places around the world, each with its own intriguing backstory. As you explore these forgotten corners, you might feel like a curious observer peeking into the remnants of someone else’s story, witnessing a piece of history frozen in time.
1 Kennecott, Alaska
Hidden amidst the mist and the enchanting autumn colors of the Alaskan wilderness, the Kennicott Mines and its neighboring town exude an eerie atmosphere reminiscent of the Packard Sawmill in Twin Peaks. Once a bustling hub for copper miners and their families, the town of Kennecott thrived until the late 1930s when the copper resources began to dwindle. By then, most of the residents had already departed, leaving behind only a lone family of three. Eventually, by the 1950s, even they bid farewell, leaving the town completely abandoned.
2 Canfranc Station, Spain
Despite its faded grandeur, the Canfranc train station in Huesca, Spain still exudes a sense of majesty. Once a bustling transportation hub, it was among the busiest train stations in Europe and ranked as the second largest upon its completion in 1928. However, its operations came to a halt following a derailment on the French side of the bridge. Yet, there are ongoing efforts to revive the station, with hopes to restore it to its former splendor by 2026.
3 Grossinger’s Resort, New York
Despite its present dilapidated appearance, Grossinger’s in Liberty, New York, was once a lavish weekend retreat in upstate New York. During its peak, it bore resemblance to the resort depicted in the film Dirty Dancing, with some even speculating that Grossinger’s served as inspiration for the movie. However, as the town experienced economic decline, the resort ceased operations and closed its doors in 1986.
4 Rummu Prison, Estonia
This partially submerged prison is the epitome of an apocalyptic scene with a haunting history. In the past, prisoners endured harsh conditions, toiling in the quarry until the site was abandoned in the early 1990s following Estonia’s independence from the Soviet Union. With no one to maintain the area, it gradually became inundated with water. Now, it resembles a beach, but it’s not your typical sandy getaway—unless you’re prepared for an underwater adventure, complete with scuba diving gear.
5 Hotel Goricina, Croatia
Hotel Goricina, nestled in a former Yugoslavian military resort, was a lavish retreat that fell victim to the Croatian War of Independence, along with several other hotels in the area. Now, amidst the remnants of destruction, the vibrant hues of pink bougainvillea contrast with the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea, creating a striking scene along the abandoned Croatian coastline.
6 Hachijo Royal Hotel, Japan
Set amidst the verdant landscape of Hachijojima, the Hachijo Royal Hotel, once a sprawling resort, stands as a testament to Japan’s hospitality industry. Its French Baroque architecture now contrasts starkly with the encroaching moss and overgrown foliage, creating a hauntingly eerie atmosphere on the island.
7 Beelitz, Germany
Despite its eerie ambiance, the Hachijo Royal Hotel still retains hints of whimsy, with remnants of cheerful sky blue paint and a charming swirly window reminiscent of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Originally dating back to the 1800s, this complex served as a military hospital during wartime. However, the surrounding area was abandoned in the mid-1990s following the withdrawal of Soviet forces from Germany.
8 Geamana, Romania
In the 1970s, Geamana, a village in the Romanian countryside, experienced a surge in copper mining. However, this activity generated a vast amount of toxic waste. In response, the dictator of the time, Nicolae Ceausescu, ordered the complete evacuation of the village, forcing approximately 400 families to leave. The purpose was to transform the valley into a toxic dump site. Despite being flooded by an artificial lake and buried under tons of hazardous waste, a resilient tower from the village still protrudes, serving as a stark reminder of the village’s tragic fate.
9 Craco, Italy
Established in 540, this town witnessed a steady decline in population during the 20th century. Challenges such as agricultural difficulties, a significant landslide in 1963, and a devastating flood in 1972 prompted many residents to evacuate. Today, this ancient site remains so visually captivating that it has been chosen as a filming location for movies like The Passion of the Christ.
10 Gougi Island, China
This fishing village along the Yangtze River in China isn’t your typical forgotten town. Its buildings, adorned with ivy and greenery, exude a surprisingly tranquil and captivating charm.
