The Most Beautifully Eerie Abandoned Locations that will Leave You in Awe

Some travelers may consider abandoned locations eerie, while others find these sites alluring. Either way, these tourist spots can give you a glimpse of your destination’s past. Plus, they serve as a vital reminder of history. Perhaps, that’s why urban exploring has been so increasingly on the rise, giving new life to buildings long forgotten. To give you a better view, here are some of the most beautifully eerie abandoned locations in the world.

Hashima Island (Japan)

Hashima Island is also known as Gunkanjima because it looks like a Japanese battleship. Back in 1887 to 1974, this 16-acre island was densely populated. Most of the people living in this place were miners of its undersea coal facility. When the source ran out, the people left the island, and it became a “ghost island.”

It was, effectively, forgotten. So, when Hashima Island was seen on Google Earth, this place gained popularity. Eventually, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. From there, people from around the world started visiting this abandoned island. So, while it may still be technically abandoned in theory, today it welcomes tourist for an occasional visit.

City Hall Subway Station (New York)

One of the most beautifully eerie abandoned locations is the City Hall Subway Station in New York. This subway station opened in 1904, and it featured intricate tile work, vaulted ceilings, and elegant chandeliers. Unfortunately, this grandiose platform was closed in 1945 because New Yorkers opted to use other rail stations with efficient express tracks.

Today, the New York Transit Museum is offering exclusive tours of this abandoned subway station. You have to be a museum member to explore this beautiful landmark. So, while this is still technically another abandoned spot, it also welcomes the occasional tourist, as well.

Great Train Graveyard (Bolivia)

Another beautiful abandoned location is the Great Train Graveyard. As its name implies, it is a train cemetery, and it contains abandoned locomotives that can be dated back to the 19th century. The massive trains were transported to the area because of a plan to develop a railway system that would transport minerals from Uyuni to the Pacific Coast. Unfortunately, Uyuni’s mining industry lost its momentum; thus, the plan was canceled.

Today, the old trains in the Great Train Graveyard are corroded by heavy winds and salt. Nevertheless, tourists can explore this abandoned place for free if they’re going to Uyuni. It remains truly abandoned and waiting for the urban explorers of Uyuni to come explore it.

Salina Turda Salt Mine (Romania)

This list of the most beautifully eerie abandoned locations is not complete without mentioning Salina Turda Salt Mine in Romania. This huge underground space used to be a site for producing salt from the Middle Ages until the early 20th century, when the excavation ended.

In 1992, the Salina Turda Salt Mine was turned into a museum of salt mining. Aside from that, it is also an amusement park with a Ferris wheel, bowling alley, amphitheater, and pool tables. It even has an underground lake where you can ride a rowboat to explore this magnificent place. So, while it’s no longer truly abandoned, it’s a fascinating glimpse into the salt mining days of the past.