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One thing that I firmly believe all human beings share is our inner yearning for adventure. We might try and satisfy this calling with good movies, awesome video games, or top-tier tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons (as a Dungeon Master of several years, I’m guilty of this). However, at the end of the day, there’s no real substitute for going out into the field with your own two feet and starting your very own adventure going into the abandoned and mysterious corners of the Earth.

There’s an awesome community on Reddit that documents gorgeous abandoned things and places. With nearly 1.2 million members, they post high-quality images that evoke all of our inner wanderlust. While we’d love to mention their name, our Social Media Overlords don’t take kindly to one of the words in the subreddit’s title, so a link right to their community will have to do! Go on and have a gander once you’re done with this list, they really are worth your attention.

Remember to upvote your fave pics as you scroll on down, dear Pandas! And be sure to let everyone know if you, just like me, get that burning desire to go on a real-life adventure after looking at these gorgeous photos.

#1

Found This Beautiful Tree Growing Inside An Abandoned Silo While I Was Exploring

Found This Beautiful Tree Growing Inside An Abandoned Silo While I Was Exploring

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#2

I Lit Up This Spooky Abandoned House With My Drone And A Lume Cube Attached To It

I Lit Up This Spooky Abandoned House With My Drone And A Lume Cube Attached To It

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#3

Railroad Tracks In Forest

Railroad Tracks In Forest

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Taking beautiful photos of abandoned places means exploring abandoned places. That might sound obvious, but it sure isn’t easy.

Urban exploration (aka Urbex or UE) is a fascinating but difficult hobby to get into. While we’d just love to put on a pair of dirty old sneakers and rush off to a dungeon or some Elvish ruins, we really do have to consider our safety first and foremost. Precautions come first and foremost.

#4

Abandoned Castle In Ireland Country

Abandoned Castle In Ireland Country

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martin734
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is McDermott's castle in Lough Key, County Roscommon. There has been a castle on this island since the 12th century. The ruins you can see now were built between the 12th and 18th centuries. The castle was finally burned down and ruined during WWII.

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#5

Sintra, Portugal

Sintra, Portugal

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Carla Delgado
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not really abandoned, that's the number one tourist attraction in Sintra. It's called Quinta da Regaleira, you just follow the masses and pay a ticket to get in.

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#6

Abandoned French Chapel

Abandoned French Chapel

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Sum Guy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I keep saying... the age of minimalism we're part off right now is the worst in the history of architecture and design in general

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Wearing gloves, getting a pair of thick shoes, and bringing a dust mask are all a must. You should also invest in a torch, put on heavy clothing, and consider wearing a helmet. Whether fashionably medieval or something more modern, anything that covers your head is a must. And for you ghost-believing fans of the ‘Supernatural’ TV show, bring a pocketful of salt. Just in case you meet some spooks.

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Becoming an urban explorer means doing a bit of research, engaging with local Urbex communities a tad, and maybe even getting some basic gear to get you started before you go delving for doubloons and looking for magical artifacts beneath the rubble.

#8

Abandoned Stairway In The Woods: Madame Sherri Forest, Chesterfield, Nh

Abandoned Stairway In The Woods: Madame Sherri Forest, Chesterfield, Nh

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Gaya K
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reminds me of the Search and Rescue Officer stories on r/nosleep. Whatever you do, don't climb the stairs!

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#9

Found An Old Abandoned Diner While Driving Down Some Back Roads

Found An Old Abandoned Diner While Driving Down Some Back Roads

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David Retsler
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How does this happen?? Do they just announce "we're closed! Everyone out!" and then just get up and leave?

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Unlike a lot of hobbies that have a ‘just do it’ mindset, urban exploration demands that you prepare in advance so you don’t get hurt or, God forbid, get stuck or even killed.

One Urbex community in the UK that calls itself 28 Days Later (yes, just like the 2002 zombie movie) suggests doing research about the place you’re going to visit, then going in and taking some photos, getting your feet wet (metaphorically and maybe even literally). In their opinion, Urbex is all about joining a community.

#10

Abandoned Party Mansion Deep In The Maryland Forest

Abandoned Party Mansion Deep In The Maryland Forest

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Sum Guy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a very beautiful skylight, someone save it before some kids break it for a tik tok

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#11

Japanese WWII Warplane Lies Wrecked In Shallow Water Off Guam

Japanese WWII Warplane Lies Wrecked In Shallow Water Off Guam

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#12

Abandoned Gothic Church In Portugal

Abandoned Gothic Church In Portugal

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May
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looked it up - it's not abondoned, it's a tourist attraction and an official historical monument.

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Jayne Kyra
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Chapel, not a church. And not abandoned. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapel_of_Nossa_Senhora_das_Vit%C3%B3rias_(Furnas)

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Donegalsean
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thats the chapel near the lagoon of Furnas, in the island of São Miguel in Azores, Portugal! and it´s private and very well preserved and anyone can visit!

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Nikki Gregerson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Historical societies will install a new roof on a building to protect it until they have the funds to save it.

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Sum Guy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's so cool... also, I wouldn't drive on that road alone

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Ana Isabel Martins
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is not abandoned. I just went to a wedding there. It is located in São Miguel, Azores, Portugal.

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Nadine
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

New roof, well-kept lawn, gate and road in perfect shape... This doesn't look abandoned at all, just old and covered in moss!

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Zsanett J.
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amint meg akarom nézni a hozzászólásokat, átvált angol nyelvűre.

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Fieke Engelen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful! But it is a tourist attration, where do they park their cars?

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Ann McNeil
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can pay 5 Euros, and walk a trail that gives you access to the chapel.

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Carol Roeder
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never thought I would see an abandoned church! I always thought God found a way to bring his people in to worship.

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Ricardo Duarte
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This chapel is purely neo-gothic style and it was inaugurated in 1886, in front of the Furnas Lake, in the island of S.Miguel, Azores, and can be visited throughout the year. Belongs today to the great-granddaughter of the founding couple, José do Canto and his wife, who are buried in the chapel.

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Winter
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nah - that looks like Brill, the undead "town" (for want of a better word!) in Tirisfal Glades, between the Undead Starting ("baby")area of Deathknell, and the capital, Undercity. Been there many times - know it well!

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Robin DJW
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm wondering about the "gothic" designation. The arches look more Roman or Norman (or other rounded type?) rather than Gothic, which I always thought were pointed arches. Happy to learn differently if I am incorrect.

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Oskar vanZandt
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Surprised at the amount of greenery that surrounds it... imagined Portugal to be more arid like parts of Spain... but then again I've never been to any forested areas in Spain either!

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Sofia Monteiro
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Portugal, even being a small country has lots of different environments, from forested areas in the north to plains in the centre and more dry areas in the south, and the Madeira and Açores islands. Come to visit!

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Bruce Scheiman
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the past, several times, I have stated how entertaining and funny bored pandas, comments are! However I constantly find myself looking at comments because if I do something cool

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Bruce Scheiman
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay as you can tell that makes no sense! Sent it b4 it was ready. Anyways, my point was, you guys and gals, are really knowledgeable! That is why I constantly find myself looking at comments, when I don't understand something!

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Being part of the urban exploration community means engaging with others, going to public Urbex meetings, and even teaming up with strangers from the internet that you learn to trust. Of course, all of this has become even more difficult what with the global pandemic and lockdowns: you have to consider your health and the health of your loved ones before meeting up with anyone outside your social bubble.

#13

The Eerie Yellow Brick Road Of Abandoned "Land Of Oz" Theme Park In North Carolina

The Eerie Yellow Brick Road Of Abandoned "Land Of Oz" Theme Park In North Carolina

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#15

SS City Of Adelaide, Wrecked Off The Coast Of Magnetic Island

SS City Of Adelaide, Wrecked Off The Coast Of Magnetic Island

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On the flip side, having someone by your side while you’re walking about abandoned, ruined places is vital. Sure, you could go it alone, but there’s safety in numbers: if somebody gets hurt, falls down, or if the ceiling caves in, you can help each other out or rush for help.

#16

A Library Inside An Abandoned 19th Century Mansion

A Library Inside An Abandoned 19th Century Mansion

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Full of Giggles
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m genuinely surprised the bookshelves haven’t been looted. There has to be at least one or two worth value.

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#17

Turkey's $200 Million Ghost Town Of Castles - Burj Al Babas

Turkey's $200 Million Ghost Town Of Castles - Burj Al Babas

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#18

Light Rays Making Their Way Into An Abandoned Theater

Light Rays Making Their Way Into An Abandoned Theater

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#19

Abandoned Presidents Heads In A Rural Virginia Field

Abandoned Presidents Heads In A Rural Virginia Field

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Linus Nilsson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"here's all the giant presidental heads you ordered" "Yeah... That was actually a joke... But ok, put them out in the back yard"

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#20

Abandoned Asylum In Italy That Has Been Touched By Bob Ross

Abandoned Asylum In Italy That Has Been Touched By Bob Ross

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So having someone you trust ‘watching your 6’ is something that you should take very, very seriously (while also staying safe because Covid-19 won’t be going away any time soon). Adventuring is about the friends we make along the way, not just brilliant photos and weird loot that we find in secret chambers.

#22

16 Mile Hike To An Abandoned Train Track Bridge In California

16 Mile Hike To An Abandoned Train Track Bridge In California

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#24

Abandoned 50's Restaurant

Abandoned 50's Restaurant

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Something that you should also consider is, well, even if a place is abandoned, it’s still somebody’s property. You might be trespassing. We’re definitely not telling you to trespass and break the law. However, if you feel that the call of adventure is too great to ignore, remember to be considerate and treat any buildings you visit like you would your own home: you’re just a visitor here for some photos and camaraderie.

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#25

1930s Era Abandoned Orient Express Train

1930s Era Abandoned Orient Express Train

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Dilly Millandry
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not actually anything to do with the Orient Express. Would have been lovely still though. Actually 1930 Belgian Railways type 654 high speed diesel electric train inspired by the German "Fliegender Hamburger" Train."

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#26

This Cave Full Of Old Cars

This Cave Full Of Old Cars

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bryguy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is "The Cavern of Lost Souls" which was a busy mine but now sits abandoned, and people just dump garbage, old cars, freezers, etc into it, as humans do.

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#27

Abandoned Funeral Home

Abandoned Funeral Home

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#28

Ms World Discoverer Was A German Expedition Cruise Ship. It Hit A Uncharted Reef In The Sandfly Passage, Solomon Islands 29. April 2000

Ms World Discoverer Was A German Expedition Cruise Ship. It Hit A Uncharted Reef In The Sandfly Passage, Solomon Islands 29. April 2000

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#29

House Abandoned And Retaken By The Desert In California

House Abandoned And Retaken By The Desert In California

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#30

Popcorn Left In A Theater

Popcorn Left In A Theater

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Note: this post originally had 89 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

So, dear Readers, which photos were your favorite ones? Have you ever delved into abandoned buildings before? Do you have any extra safety tips for all of us that you’d like to share? Got any exciting tales about your adventures and exploring abandoned places, whether in real-life or in tabletop games? Drop us a comment or two below and be part of the conversation.