25 Abandoned Yet Beautiful Places

Nothing to see here, except a supersonic TU-144 jet in the yard in the suburbs of Kazan City.

Numerous interesting places around the world have been abandoned or destroyed for various reasons. Some of these places were picturesque or entertaining, like amusement parks where large crowds used to spend their holidays in times past. Apart from abandoned vacation destinations, there are also stunning abandoned houses and wrecked vehicles (cars, planes, boats, etc.) that leave us intrigued by the details and stories behind these remnants of the past. Why would someone park a supersonic TU-144 jet in the yard? And even better, why abandon it?

It seems like someone tried to hide it for some reason. It was discovered by people passing by in the area. Then, the news spread and photographers started capturing videos and photos using drones. Some even filmed the jet starting up and activating certain moving parts, indicating that the vehicle is still operational. At least partially. It's amazing what some people keep in their backyard.

An Incredible Autumn View in Germany

How amazing! Here is a 19th-century bridge in Germany that forms a complete circle when the light hits it and causes a reflection on the water. It's particularly beautiful in autumn, but remains very picturesque throughout all seasons.

Imagine yourself in a small boat or canoe with your partner in this stunning location. What a splendid painting that would make! Or even a puzzle, specifically a Thomas Kinkade puzzle that you would have to turn and flip 90° to complete.

A Devastated Store in Fukushima

A supermarket (just one of many stores and houses) that was abandoned after one of the biggest disasters in Japanese history. In March 2011, an earthquake followed by a tsunami struck the region, causing the evacuation of over 300,000 people. The disaster damaged a nuclear power plant, leading to a radioactive leak and the evacuation of all of Fukushima.

Today, Fukushima is nothing more than a ghost town. Residents were forced to flee so suddenly, leaving behind their entire lives, seeking (what they thought would be) temporary shelter. But, of course, it was more about starting an entirely new life.

The Christ of the Abyss at San Fruttuoso in Italy

It's incredible what you can find at the bottom of the ocean. This bronze statue is part of a set of three statues that were sculpted and placed in the water, representing Jesus offering his blessing of peace on the Paradise.

This first statue was made in 1954 in Italy, then placed near the spot where Dario Gonzatti, the first Italian to use diving equipment, died in 1947. Due to significant corrosion and crustaceans, it was removed and restored in 2003. After restoration, the statue was returned to the sea in July 2004.

A Strangely Beautiful Cottage in the Heart of a Splendid Yellow Forest in Stradbally, Ireland

Near Stradbally in Ireland is a beautiful cottage right in the middle of a yellowed forest, likely built in the 1800s or 1900s. This stunning blue roof is definitely unique. It's a nice place to visit to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. But unless you're a hermit, it's not a realistic place to settle permanently.

After a while, the echoes through the forest would become a bit eerie. But for a weekend getaway, it could be fascinating. A little mystery to spice up your life.

An Abandoned Ferris Wheel in an Amusement Park in Japan

This huge ferris wheel is just one of the attractions in the abandoned Kejonuma Leisure Land amusement park, which opened in 1979. At that time, there were over 200,000 visitors each year. The park offered various types of accommodation from camping grounds for outdoor enthusiasts to small cabins.

If that wasn't your thing, there was also a hotel for those not fond of the great outdoors. Although the park closed in 2000, the owner didn't completely abandon the place. He started drilling for hot water on his property.

Cars Left Behind by American Soldiers in the Car Graveyard of Châtillon in Belgium

Châtillon is a small village in southern Belgium. The cars in this graveyard once belonged to American soldiers who were assigned vehicles in the country during World War II. But once the war ended and the soldiers returned home, it was too expensive to send the cars back to the U.S.

The officers decided to leave them in Belgium and parked them on top of a hill away from prying eyes. It was up to each soldier to decide if they wanted their car shipped back home once they returned to their native land, but at their own expense. No one opted to retrieve their vehicle.

Ash and smoke from Mount Sinabung volcano fill the sky above an abandoned church during an eruption in Karo, Indonesia

After several eruptions of the Mount Sinabung volcano over the past few years, the surrounding area now has several abandoned houses and buildings, including this church. Thousands of people were forced to evacuate their homes in June 2015 when another eruption occurred. Living on the slopes surrounding Mount Sinabung has proven to be very dangerous.

Villagers were forced to leave everything behind, not just their homes but also their livelihoods, to be relocated to refugee camps. Despite the eruptions and dangerous living conditions, many are willing to return to their village with the determination to reclaim their former lives.

Selma, the Abandoned Plantation in Virginia

Selma Plantation was once a socially bustling place. The original owners died prematurely, and the plantation has since changed hands multiple times. At one point, a fire destroyed the original house, but the new owner restored it and gave it a new lease of life. Eventually, the house was completely abandoned and fell into ruin as nature reclaimed broken floors and mold grew on the walls.

Even the birds flew through the residence. Not only was the house abandoned, but you can also find a grand piano there. However, new information reveals that a new owner began renovation work in 2016. It would be interesting to see the progress they've made.

A Fishing Cabin on a Lake in Germany

This abandoned fishing cabin in Germany is located in a beautiful mountainous area in the Berchtesgaden National Park. It was built on the waters of Lake Obersee. Unfortunately, when it was discovered, it was completely empty. No information was found to determine its owners.

It was likely a popular spot for fishermen who could enjoy their activity in the breathtaking setting of the German Alps. A place to get away and enjoy solitude with only the echo of the mountains and the sounds of nature as your companions, all while waiting for THE big catch to be snagged by your hook.

A Yellow Abandoned House in Nova Scotia

The photo of this old abandoned yellow house looks like something you might see in a suspense film like Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds." With all the dandelions and the yellow color of the building (which is in desperate need of a facelift), you'd have to be a true lover of the color to live there. But it was surely abandoned due to the economy of the region.

Many communities in Nova Scotia don't have the opportunity to thrive. So once the younger ones grow up, they leave in search of greener pastures, and there's no one left to pass down the houses to. As a result, everything ends up abandoned once the parents pass away.

This Beetle is part of an underwater museum in Cancun, Mexico

This little Beetle is part of an underwater museum in Cancun. If you enjoy snorkeling or diving, this is a cool place to add to your list. For those who don't have the courage or ability to dive, you can also visit by glass-bottom boat. What an incredible view - all these sculptures underwater.

There are a total of over 500 artworks to see. This particular sculpture is a life-size replica of the Classic Volkswagen Beetle which harbors marine life while being playful for divers.

An Abandoned Space Shuttle at the Baikonur Cosmodrome

This cosmodrome was a secret facility built by Russia in the region of Kazakhstan, unbeknownst to the West. It's from the Baikonur Cosmodrome that the first cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin, was sent into space in April 1961. The "Buran" flew only once in November 1988. The purpose was to send 30 tons into space, then return 20 tons back to Earth.

Preparations for the test flight to space included 24 tests on Earth, with 15 being completely automatic. The cabin was designed to accommodate six passengers with enough room for some extra people in the cargo area. The program was "frozen" in 1991 when the communist government collapsed and the nation was divided into several countries.

A Storm Approaching an Old Abandoned Farm with Strangely Well-Kept Lawn in Ontario

This photo of an old abandoned farmhouse is a true mystery. How is it possible to grow such vibrant green grass with clearly dead trees all around? Especially in Canada?! And for the sake of debate, who would take such good care of the lawn while neglecting the house, letting it fall into ruin?

More questions than answers, but the scene makes for a fascinating picture to frame and hang in your home or art gallery. Particularly with the element of the storm looming on the horizon.

A Russian Shipwreck in the Red Sea

There have been numerous shipwrecks in the Red Sea. But one in particular could be dubbed the "Russian shipwreck." It was discovered in 1988 and is believed to have been a fishing trawler named Khanka.

It is thought that the Russians used fishing trawlers for surveillance and communication. Many communication equipment such as electronic devices and batteries were found inside. This boat was likely used as a spy vessel.

The Last House on Holland Island, U.S.A.

In 1910, Holland Island thrived with its 360 inhabitants and was considered the most inhabited island in Chesapeake Bay. Along with houses like this Victorian building, there were other houses, shops, a school, and a church. But this island had a problem—erosion. It was steadily eating away at the island, which greatly concerned the citizens. In 1914, they had stones delivered to try to build walls. They even tried to sink ships to slow the process, but nothing worked.

Most residents tore down their houses and moved inland. Then in 1918, a tropical storm hit and damaged the church. By 1922, the few remaining residents left after the church closed. One man, in 1995, spent 15 years trying to preserve the island, spending a fortune, but to no avail. This house was the last to disappear.

The Abandoned Mansion of the Bulgarian Industrialist, Pencho Semov

Nicknamed the "Bulgarian Rockefeller," he was the first billionaire in Bulgaria. Mr. Semov was born in a village near Gabrovo and went from a boy living in poverty to a billionaire through trade, banking, and more. Two years before his death, he wrote his will, declaring that he wanted his mansion to be turned into a retirement home and that two other buildings he owned became schools for girls.

One of them, free, was for underprivileged young girls, while the other school was for wealthy young girls who would pay small fees. Unfortunately, when he died in 1945, his wishes were not honored. All the resources he had set aside for his charitable works were blocked by the government, and the mansion was used as a hospital for tuberculosis patients.

The Oldest British Warship Found in the Great Lakes in Ontario

The H.M.S. Ontario, a British warship that sank in 1780, is the oldest British ship to be found in the Great Lakes. It was discovered between Niagara and Rochester in 2008 and was nearly intact. It sank during a storm in which 130 people lost their lives.

Jim Kennard had been searching for this ship for 35 years before he found success. At least until he partnered with Dan Scoville, embarking on submarine search operations. Together, it only took them three years to locate this relic.

The Police Motorcycle (Harley-Davidson) Graveyard

These Harleys were previously owned by the National Police of Puente Piedra, located in Lima, Peru. Due to budget constraints for operation and/or maintenance, the motorcycles were taken out of service. Some of these vehicles were sold in bulk by enthusiasts of the brand because it was impossible to find spare parts since there were no sellers in the region.

So, in order to have a good motorcycle, they needed to use several other motorcycles. Their price during auctions was $1,300, but those who bought them in bulk to recreate a usable one could resell their piece for $12,000.

An Abandoned Railroad Bridge in Pittsburgh

Here is one of the many abandoned railroad bridges in Pennsylvania. Many of them were abandoned because they were no longer useful once cars became the most popular means of transportation. Traveling by train became the exception, not the rule.

Due to this new mode of transportation, many of these railroad bridges were left abandoned, with no funding for their upkeep. Some were likely damaged and would have required a fortune to repair.

A Lightning Strike Above an Abandoned House in Nebraska, USA

This photo was taken by a photographer in 2015 during a storm. He managed to capture this moment at the perfect time. The photographer, sitting in his car, didn't know the intensity this lightning strike would have later on.

Another interesting thing to note is that there are no trees in sight—what was the lightning targeting? It's a beautiful photo and, with the addition of the intimidating sky, one tends to forget there's an abandoned house in the middle. What a contrast!

An Abandoned Hotel in Colombia when Bogotá River was Contaminated by Industrial Waste

This was once a splendid hotel surrounded by the majestic mountains of Colombia. Located on top of a cliff, with a view of a refreshing waterfall, it was the perfect place for a holiday.

But, unfortunately, everything came to an end when the Bogotá River was contaminated by industrial waste. As a result, the flow of visitors eventually stopped, to the point that the hotel went bankrupt and was forced to close permanently.

A Beautiful Picture of the Old Helensburgh Railway Tunnel in Australia

This tunnel was one of seven tunnels built in the 1880s to provide a passage through the hilly region between Waterfall and Otford. It was abandoned in 1920 when a double track was needed instead of a single track for steam locomotives. They then built a new double track at a different location and closed this tunnel.

Legends surround this tunnel and the others, giving them a certain mystery and a very particular beauty. Until it was vandalized, visitors were allowed to visit the tunnel. They were advised to bring torches and boots as the place was very muddy. At night, you can see the fireflies lighting up the area.

Michigan Central Station in Detroit, USA, which replaced the original station in downtown Detroit that closed after a massive fire on December 26, 1913, forcing the unfinished station to open earlier than planned

This station was built in 1913, but even before its construction was completed, it was opened to the public. At the start of World War I, there were over 200 trains leaving the station each day. During World War II, it was mainly used by military troops, and its usefulness was drastically reduced afterward as cars began to take precedence.

In 1988, it closed down completely, and since then, there have been several discussions between owners and municipal officials trying to figure out how to repurpose the building. After some renovations by the owners, eventually, Ford Motor Company took over in 2018 with grand plans for the station, including developing its autonomous vehicle.