There are 23 remarkable abandoned places around the world that are worth visiting, including abandoned ships, ancient buildings, desolate islands, and deserted amusement parks. Each location has its unique history and story, such as the tree-covered SS Ayrfield shipwreck in Australia, the ancient Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the once-thriving Hashima Island (Battleship Island) in Japan, and the diamond mining town of Kolmanskop, which was swallowed by the Namibian desert.
These places were abandoned due to economic decline, natural disasters, or safety concerns. Many of them have a unique aesthetic value and historical significance, such as the Buzludzha Monument in Bulgaria and the medieval village of Craco in Italy. Some sites have been repurposed as wildlife sanctuaries or tourist attractions, while others remain forgotten and decaying.
SS Ayrfield, Homebush Bay, Australia
The SS Ayrfield is a 1,140-ton steel ship built in 1911 and registered in Sydney in 1912. After being decommissioned in 1972, the ship was sent to a scrapyard in Homebush Bay, where it became a permanent fixture. Over time, the ship became engulfed by trees, creating a surreal floating forest. This eerie but fascinating sight is actually a ship graveyard, not just a visual spectacle. 
Mysterious Dome House, Marco Island, Florida
This house was constructed by retired independent oil producer Bob Lee in 1980 as part of a grand DIY project. The house was initially intended as a permanent residence for Lee’s daughter. However, after Hurricane Andrew in 1993, despite the house sustaining minimal damage, the family chose to move out and gradually ceased visiting.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat was originally built as a Hindu temple in the early 12th century before being converted into a Buddhist temple. Since 1990, tourism has increased significantly, making it one of the world’s most iconic wonders. However, during most of the year, the site remains uninhabited.
Bodiam Castle, East Sussex, England
Built in 1385, Bodiam Castle was passed down through generations until 1483 when it was abandoned after the death of the family. It opened to the public in 1925, following the death of Lord Couzan, but is still relatively unknown.
Holland Island, Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, USA
Settled in the 1600s, Holland Island was once home to sailors and farmers. However, due to wetland erosion, the last house built in 1888 collapsed in 2010, and the island was abandoned.
Hashima Island, Japan
Hashima Island, located in Nagasaki Prefecture, is one of 505 uninhabited islands in Japan. From 1887 to 1974, it housed a thriving population working in coal mines. However, as oil replaced coal in the 1960s, the island’s mines were closed, and the population declined, leaving the island deserted.
Gulliver Kingdom, Kawaguchi Town, Japan
Gulliver Kingdom, a theme park that opened in 1997, was a failure from the start. Due to a financial crisis at its supporting bank, the park closed in 2001, leaving behind an eerie and unused space.
Karavandino Fort, Near Panvel, India
Located near Mumbai, Karavandino Fort sits 2,300 feet above sea level and is difficult to reach on foot. Built for Queen Karavandina, the fort’s stairs, carved into the mountainside, have become yet another forgotten location.
Kolmanskop, Namib Desert, South Namibia
Kolmanskop, once a small prosperous mining village that flourished after the discovery of diamonds in 1908, was abandoned in 1954 after World War I. The village has since become a haunting reminder of its former glory.
Londerdale Theatre, Chicago
Opened in 1927, Londerdale Theatre was a venue for plays and movies but became largely abandoned in the early 2000s. It is now used as a storage space for hotel furniture.
North Brother Island, East River, New York
Used as a quarantine center starting in 1885 for patients from Riverside Hospital, North Brother Island is now a bird sanctuary and is uninhabited.
Russian Military Rocket Factory
Blogger Lana Sator managed to sneak into the large NPO Energomash rocket factory and take photos inside. Despite the lack of security on a sunny day, she was later threatened by the government.
Beijing Happy Valley Amusement Park
Designed by a Thai real estate developer, Beijing Happy Valley was meant to become the largest amusement park in Asia, covering 120 acres. However, due to other issues, the project was halted in 1998.
Buzludzha Monument, Bulgaria
Built in 1981 to commemorate an important event in Bulgaria’s history, the Buzludzha Monument has been abandoned since the Bulgarian government ceased managing it. It now stands as a monument to an era gone by.
Pegasus Remains, McMurdo Sound, Antarctica
Pegasus is a blue ice runway that allows wheeled aircraft year-round access. It was named after the C-121 Lockheed Constellation plane that crashed in 1970 due to bad weather. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the plane still remains buried at the airport.
15th Century Monastery, Black Forest, Southwestern Germany
This monastery, built in 1480, is hidden somewhere in the Black Forest of Germany. It remains an abandoned relic of the past.
Mill Valley, Sorrento, Southern Italy
Mill Valley, used for grinding wheat since the early 900s, was abandoned after the establishment of Tasso Square in 1866.
Częstochowa Train Station, South Poland
A small town primarily known for its religious pilgrimages, Częstochowa is largely unknown to train enthusiasts. This has made the train station, a hidden gem, less appreciated.
Blade Mill, France
A knife mill used to sharpen newly made blades like swords and knives. Although similar mills existed in places like Birmingham in the 17th and 18th centuries, this mill ceased operations before it even started.
Miranda Castle, Namur Province, Belgium
Miranda Castle, also known as “Château de Noisy,” was built in 1866. It served as a children’s activity center until 1980 but has remained empty since 1991.
Craco, Italy
Craco is a medieval village with typical hill town characteristics. It was abandoned due to earthquakes, landslides, and a lack of fertile land. The village’s tombs date back to the 8th century.
Dadipark, Dadizele, Belgium
Dadipark was an amusement park built in the 1950s and closed in 2002. After a boy lost his arm on a water ride in 2000, concerns over safety led to the park’s abandonment.
Lakeside Fisherman’s Hut, Berchtesgaden National Park, Germany
Built in 1978, this hut has been abandoned ever since. Despite being located in a park that spans 210 square kilometers, the hut has remained untouched since its completion.
