The thrill of Urban Exploration
There's something undeniably exhilarating about venturing into abandoned buildings, hidden locations, and forgotten spaces that are off-limits to the general public.
For me, the allure of Urban Exploration is rooted in the mix of history, architecture, and natural decay that can be found in these mysterious places.
The diversity of the locations explored and the types of photos taken often provide insight into the explorer's personality and perspective, and I find that aspect of the hobby to be particularly compelling.
For me, Urban Exploration encompasses a broad definition of "exploring abandoned, lost, decaying, and forgotten places that are not typically seen by the public." My own interpretation of the hobby is accordingly diverse, encompassing a wide variety of locations that offer a rich tapestry of beauty, mystery, and excitement. I'm always eager to learn more about the world around me and the fascinating stories that these forgotten places have to tell.
The Haunted Abandoned Mental Hospital
Nestled in the midst of forests, arable land, and water, lies an abandoned hospital that once served as a home and rehabilitation center for individuals struggling with various mental disorders and diseases. Located far from the bustling city, this peaceful and serene environment was probably chosen for its ability to provide a disturbance-free environment for its residents. The hospital is a sprawling complex, spanning 8,000 square meters and consisting of two sections, each with four to three floors and a basement.
Getting into the main entrance of this particular Mental Hospital wasn't much of a challenge. That's because 97% of the windows in the building had been shattered, leaving room for easy entry.
The scene inside was one of destruction and chaos, with graffiti and broken glass littering every inch of the place.
In some areas, the windows had been secured with wooden panels, while in others, broken shards of glass lay scattered on the ground. I proceeded with caution, mindful of where I stepped to avoid the dangerous glass fragments that littered the floor.
The staircase we came up from doesn't only go upwards, but also downwards below ground level. It suddenly becomes more exciting to see the staircase disappear into the darkness.
With the flashlight showing the way, we make our way down to the basement floor, but stop when we have only a few steps left. Just a few meters into the darkness on the floor, you can see something smoking…
We realize that we're not the only ones in the building, but someone else is probably lurking in the darkness. Our adrenaline spikes and we turn back up the staircase and out to the entrance for safety. We stand in the doorway completely silent and await some form of sound from the basement, but nothing is heard. Most likely, this person is not here just to take photos or find this place interesting in the same way we do, which makes us hesitant to go down there again. But our curiosity draws us back to the staircase again. We neither hear nor see anyone in the darkness, but still feel observed while our flashlights sweep over the walls.
