In a nutshell
- Exploring and photographing forgotten places is called Urban Exploration (UrbEx) — and it’s seriously addictive once you start.
- Respect the code of honor: ‘Don’t take anything but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints. Kill nothing but time.’
- Legal: Always research beforehand whether you’re officially allowed to enter an abandoned place — trespassing can have real consequences.
- Safety first: Abandoned buildings come with serious risks — collapse, trip hazards, falling objects. Never go alone and always come prepared.
UrbEx: Discovering Abandoned Places
Are you ready to discover the mysterious world of abandoned places?
These are forgotten places that society has left behind — and they radiate an incredibly fascinating, decayed atmosphere. From creepy clinics to deserted hotels, there’s so much to explore.
In this world, you’ll quickly come across the term UrbEx. UrbEx is short for Urban Exploration — the practice of exploring urban environments, particularly abandoned buildings in cities. Curiosity, courage, and mindfulness are all essential if you want to get into urbexing.
The trend is said to have started in the US during the 1970s, when young people were drawn to exciting adventures in derelict buildings. Over the years, it grew into a global movement.
The UrbEx community is passionate about uncovering the history and architecture of the places they visit. Many enthusiasts document their explorations through photography or video — both to share with others and to keep as a personal record.
If you love photography or just enjoy going on discovery tours, you should absolutely try photographing abandoned places. Here’s the best way to go about it.
Finding Abandoned Places Near You
The nearest abandoned places are usually closer than you’d think. There are several ways to track them down.
The quickest starting point is online research. There are plenty of forums, blogs, and websites that specialize in urban exploration photography.
One great resource is lost-places.com, where you can discover forgotten spots in many countries. On the individual country pages, places are sorted by categories like Transport, Underground, Castles, and more.
For each location, you’ll find photo examples and useful on-site safety information — giving you a solid first impression of whether it’s worth the trip and what to expect when you get there.
Ask your friends or acquaintances — they may have heard about or already visited abandoned spots in their area. Local knowledge about cities, regions, and countries often surfaces naturally when you just ask around.
Into history? Historical literature and old maps can contain clues about places that once played an important role but have since been forgotten.
You can also simply head out on your own exploration tour. Just be careful — make sure you’re not breaking any laws or putting yourself in danger. If you stumble across an abandoned location, it could be structurally unstable or hazardous.
Well-Known Abandoned Places in Germany
Germany is dotted with fascinating abandoned places. Our selection covers only a fraction of what’s out there, but it gives you a real sense of what to expect.
Beelitz Heilstätten
The Beelitz Heilstätten originally served as a sanatorium and later as a military hospital. In the 1990s, the facility was abandoned and quickly became a magnet for adventurers.
The grounds have since been converted into a park with an admission fee. If you want to step inside some of the old buildings, you’ll need to book a guided tour. We think it’s absolutely worth it.
Spreepark
Spreepark is an abandoned place in Berlin with a fascinating backstory. It opened in 1969 as Kulturpark Plänterwald, one of East Germany’s most popular amusement parks. After reunification it was modernized and renamed, but closed in 2002 due to financial trouble.
In the coming years, Spreepark will be transformed into a cultural and recreational venue — the Ferris wheel, the Eierhäuschen, and the Mero-Halle are all set to be preserved and upgraded, with an official reopening planned for 2026. But even now, you can already get some extraordinary shots there.
Landschaftspark Duisburg
Landschaftspark Duisburg is a former ironworks turned green experiential space. Industrial culture, nature, and art all come together here in a truly unique atmosphere.
The park has something for everyone. The standout feature is the light installation that illuminates the old industrial structures after dark — seriously impressive for urbex photography.
Teufelsberg
Teufelsberg in Berlin is an abandoned place with a remarkable history. It was built from the rubble of World War II and later served as an American listening station during the Cold War.
Today it’s a paradise for graffiti artists, photographers, and adventurers exploring the derelict buildings. On top of that, Teufelsberg offers a fantastic panorama over Berlin.
Read our full guide to abandoned places in Berlin
Auto-Skulpturenpark Neandertal
The Auto-Skulpturenpark Neandertal is a quirky abandoned spot that draws plenty of visitors. Old cars are scattered throughout the greenery, decorated with paint, plants, and all kinds of objects.
The cars are part of an art project started in 1994 by Michael Fröhlich, whose goal was to illustrate the transience of technology. It makes for surprisingly compelling photos.
Hotel Waldlust in Freudenstadt
Hotel Waldlust in Freudenstadt is an abandoned place in Baden-Württemberg with plenty of stories to tell. This former luxury hotel closed in 1999 and has been slowly decaying ever since — it was once a meeting spot for celebrities and politicians who shared their secrets within its walls.
Today it draws adventurers and photographers keen to capture its eerie atmosphere and the traces of a glamorous past.
Ghost Town Wünsdorf
Wünsdorf is a ghost town south of Berlin. It was once a Soviet military base, abandoned after the end of the Cold War, and today it’s one of the most atmospheric abandoned places in the region.
The crumbling buildings and mysterious atmosphere make Wünsdorf a compelling destination for urbex explorers and photographers alike.
Legal Pitfalls
When visiting abandoned places, there are a few legal boundaries you need to keep in mind. Entering private property without the owner’s permission is illegal — so always check in advance whether a site is publicly accessible or whether you need consent.
Also make sure you don’t remove or damage anything on site. Taking items or damaging buildings is not only illegal, but also disrespectful toward the history of the place.
Copyright is another consideration: photographing artworks or other intellectual property and distributing those images can lead to legal issues. It’s worth doing a quick check before you publish your shots.
Respect the laws and regulations around abandoned places — both to keep yourself out of trouble and to make sure future visitors can still access the site.
Safety While Urbexing
Every abandoned place comes with its own risks. Research the location as thoroughly as possible beforehand so you’re aware of potential hazards — structural instability, sharp objects, toxic substances — and can take the right precautions.
Make sure you have the right gear to protect yourself. Sturdy footwear, a flashlight, gloves, and a respirator mask can all make a real difference.
Never go alone. Always bring friends or go as part of a group. If someone gets hurt, the group can get help quickly — and it’s just a lot more fun that way.
Code of Honor When Visiting Abandoned Places
There’s an unofficial code of honor among urbex visitors. It’s all about protecting these sites so that people after you can experience them in all their raw, unfiltered beauty.
- No vandalism: Don’t damage anything, leave everything where it is, and don’t leave graffiti on the walls.
- No littering: Even if you find plenty of trash already there, don’t add to it. Take everything back with you.
- No unauthorized interference: Don’t move objects or rearrange things for a better photo. Leave doors and windows exactly as you found them — especially if they’re locked.
- No illegal entry: Don’t try to force your way into an abandoned place. If there’s a fence, stay out.
- Respect the surroundings: Old walls quickly become a new habitat for plants and animals. Don’t disturb or damage this emerging ecosystem.
One book on the subject sums it up perfectly: ‘Don’t take anything but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints. Kill nothing but time.’
Check out the book
The Best Books About Abandoned Places
If you’re passionate about urbex photography, these books are well worth a look.
They’re packed with stunning photos and captivating stories about forgotten places around the world — including many in Germany.
Whether you’re into photography or planning your next urbex adventure, they’re a great source of inspiration for new ideas and places to explore.
Stillgelegt: 100 verlassene Orte in Deutschland und Europa
This photo book presents abandoned places across five categories, pairing really beautiful photography with short informational texts that can help you plan your own trips.
Lost Places in Deutschland: Ein merkwürdiges Bilderbuch längst vergessener Orte
The authors wrap their photos in sometimes humorous stories that lean almost into adventure-book territory. If entertaining anecdotes matter more to you than dry facts, this one’s for you.
Abandoned: The most beautiful and forgotten places from around the world
This English-language book takes you to abandoned places across the globe. The photography is stunning, and the author brings a genuine depth of knowledge about urbex locations worldwide.
Lonely Planet Bildband Schaurige Welt: 90 Orte zum Fürchten und Staunen
This one goes beyond abandoned places to cover the world’s eeriest spots in general. It’ll genuinely give you goosebumps in places — and leave you amazed at everything out there waiting to be discovered.
Tips for Photographing Abandoned Places
Here are our top urbex photography tips for capturing the atmosphere of these places:
The right gear: A mirrorless or DSLR camera with a wide-angle lens and a tripod will help you capture the full scope of an abandoned building and its mood. Beyond the camera equipment, a flashlight and sturdy shoes are also a must.
Look for interesting details: Pay attention to the small things that tell a story — old furniture, inscriptions, or objects left behind are perfect for adding narrative to your shots.
Experiment with light and shadow: Abandoned buildings are often dark and shadowy, which works in your favor. Stir up a little dust near a window so the light rays become visible — it makes for beautiful, atmospheric images. Bring flashlights or even candles to create your own dramatic scenes.
Use nature: Many abandoned places have an amazing natural setting. Plants, trees, and overgrown grass make great foreground elements and bring real life to your photos.
Edit your photos: In post-processing, focus on bringing out the atmosphere and mood of the location. Adjusting contrast and color can make a huge difference in conveying that haunting, abandoned-places feeling.
