21 of the world's most incredible abandoned sites
The former Teufelsberg listening station in Berlin, Germany. Reuters/Hannibal Hanschke
The INSIDER Summary:
- Abandoned sites all over the world have a unique story to tell.
- Houtouwan on Shengshan Island in China, for example, is an abandoned village in which nearly all the former homes and buildings are entirely covered in vegetation.
- Bodie, California, is a classic American ghost town that dates back to the gold rush of the 1800s.
From once-thriving hotels that have fallen into a state of decay to defunct hospitals that are said to be haunted, there is always a fascinating story behind anything that's been abandoned.
There are many ghost towns in the US, for example, that were built during the gold rush of the 19th century and deserted soon after. Throughout Europe, there are forsaken castles and villages that shed light onto what life was like centuries ago.
From amusement parks to entire to entire villages, abandoned for reasons ranging from natural disasters to economic crises, these sites have become objects of fascination for travelers looking for a more unique way to explore a destination.
Keep reading for 21 of the most fascinating abandoned sites around the world.