It's a fantasy of many to find an abandoned place that has a striking history and to just see it decaying. There are actually plenty of abandoned spots in Europe that have astounding beauty and where nature has reclaimed its rights. So especially for you, the Trip4real team has selected some of the most mesmerizing and deserted places to sneak in.
1. Civita di Bagnoregio in Italy
Also called "la città che muore", the dying city, this small town at the top of a hill in the center of Italy was founded by the Etruscans more than 2500 year ago. Because of the erosion of the volcanic hill on which it lays, the village is doomed to destruction. Because of this, it was progressively emptied until now when only some restaurants remain open for the few visitors. This town that can now only be accessed by foot is only accessible by one of the 5 ancient doors. If you want to have the chance to visit this ghost town, you should go fast before it completely vanished from the surface of the Earth!
Picture by Tylerdurdan
2. The 1936 Olympic village in Berlin
In 1931 it was decided that Berlin would organize the 1936 Olympic games. The city and the nazi Government, that arrived at the power in 1933, had a huge construction project for the Olympic village. The far-right party saw there was an opportunity to try to prove its so-called greatness and power, even though the country was facing a huge economic crisis. Among the facilities that were built was a 126,000 person stadium. The designer of the Olympic complex, Wolfgang Fürstner, was Jewish and was dismissed during the games. He committed suicide 2 days after the end of the event.
After the games, the village was transformed into a military complex until being completely abandoned after and remains in ruins.
Picture by Tobias Scheck
3. The Tunnel of love, Ukraine
This beautiful spot in Klevan, Ukraine, is a 3 kilometer railway section that connects the city to the fibreboard factory. The centenary trees make a green corridor that surround the rails, creating an atmosphere which attracts many couples and photographers for the most romantic pictures.
The legend says that if you and your lover go to the Tunnel of Love and make a sincere wish, it will come true. This extremely romantic place is to be visited if you are a bit superstitious or if you just wish to see the beauty of nature and human constructions melt together.
4. The "Petite Ceinture" of Paris
This former train railway, surrounding the capital of France, was built in 1852. Its objective was to rally the main train stations within the formerly fortified walls. It started being used in 1934, and there is only a small part that remains accessible to the tourists as a garden.
Some associations struggle to see why this part of the Parisian Heritage should be preserved and there are various projects to put these rails to use again. This round itinerary passes through many famous places in Paris including the Parc Montsouris and Buttes Chaumont and is a true illustration of a place where time has stopped. For those who are excited about it, you can have an off-the beaten path walk around Paris with a cool photographer!
Picture by Samuel Auguste
5. Abbey Mills pumping station in London
Built between 1865 and 1868, this former sewage pumping station had the purpose to carry the increasing amount of wasted waters of London away from the city center. This building is famous for its special atmosphere and has been chosen to host a list of films, such as the Arkham Asylum in 2005 Batman Begins, the Trick or Treat Series in 2007, and Franklyn in 2008. You can also recognize it in Coldplay's video clip of the song "Lovers in Japan". If you are interested in hidden and abandoned places in London, we know a Londonian who can't wait to guide you around the secret places of London!
6. The Chateau de Noisy, Belgium
This neo-gothic castle was built between 1866 and 1907. It was an ancient farm reconverted into a Castle by the Liedekerke-Beaufort family after the French Revolution. Then it was successively a headquarters for the the German army during WWII, a summer camp and a movie set for Dead Man Talking. It's been abandoned since 1991 and it has been threatened by demolition since 2013 due to security matters. But, given the beauty of the architectural gem, its owner, the count of Liedekerke-Beaufort, is currently studying other options to reconvert it into a hotel or a restaurant. When you pass by Brussels, you can have a walk looking for the hidden parts of the city with a local!
Picture by stibou5
7. The Aquatic Paradis Park in Sitges
It's an abandoned waterpark in a small balnear city close to Barcelona that didn't stay open for a long time, given the important number of accidents during its opening (including a fatality). The park opened in the early 1990's, but it only stay opened for two summers due to financial difficulties. Two years ago, the gates of the park were still open but even if they are now more or less closed, the empty facilities and pool are now a nice playing field for skaters and graffiti artists. The ghost aquatic park was used as background for some fashion editorials as well. The legend says that you can still hear the giggles of the children playing in the water there...
Picture by kermitlab
8. Spreepark in Berlin
Also called Kulturpark Plänterwald, this amusement park opened in 1969 in the RDA part of Berlin.Very famous and frequented during its time of opening, but after the fall of the wall, it changed owners and thus began the commercial failure of the park. Finally closed in 2002 after the official bankruptcy, it still allowed visiters until 2014 when a fire happened and compromised the security of the place. From then it's completely closed and in state of ruin. Come discover the unusual spots of Berlin in a walking tour!
9. Canfranc Station in North of Spain
The train station was constructed between 1921 and 1925 under pharaonic dimensions. With a total length of 241m and 75 doors on each side, and more that 365 windows, it was the largest train station in Europe in 1928. It was used to serve the Pau to Canfranc line and is a symbol of the close relationship between France and Spain. When one of the lines that passes through it is closed because of a train derailment, the Station lost its utility and became progressively abandoned. It's now in project for a rehabilitation and should be working by 2020.
Picture by Juanedc
Picture by Juanedc
10. Maunsell Forts in South of England
These armed towers, built during the Second World War for defense purposes, operated as army and navy forts, and were named after their architect Guy Maunsell. At the end of the war it was left to decay, little by little. During the 1950s it was notably used for pirate radio broadcasting, before becoming too unsafe in 2008. The fort can be approached by boat from the city of Essex for a dive into the history of British patriotism.
Picture by Steve Cadman
As you can see by the many enticing adventures above, Trip4Real offers a unique experience for people with any type of interest and desire. The activities we have listed are for those who especially want to experience a part of Europe that is off the beaten path, and not listed in every single guide book and tourism pamphlet. Our Trip4Real team has specially selected the most unique and fascinating activities throughout Europe so you can personally experience magnificent countries like no one you know has!