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The Tile Factory

History:

In 1885, a new industry, the pottery industry, was established in the German-Dutch border area between Schwalm and Nette. One of the basic requirements for this was the existence of a large clay deposit, especially in the communities of Bracht and Brüggen, which offered good roofing tile clay at a not too great depth. The background to the introduction of the roof tile industry was Bismarck's protective tariff legislation, which made it difficult for roof tile manufacturers in the Dutch province of Limburg, some of whom had been working in this industry for almost two decades, to sell their products on the German market. In order to avoid the tariff on finished products, some Dutch companies built branches of their factories on the German side of the border. However, the fact that German entrepreneurs followed this example had a different motive. The former main industry in the border region, home weaving, was expanded through the establishment of mechanical spinning and weaving mills in the Lower Rhine towns of Viersen, Dülken (today the city of Viersen), Mönchengladbach, Krefeld and the surrounding area have been displaced. Since these cities were too far away from the border communities for the daily commute to work, the unemployed weavers only had the alternative between emigrating to the big cities and staying in place, where they and their families could only survive on emergency work, feeding the poor and giving alms eked out a living. The lack of jobs affected the populations of frontier communities, which experienced a loss of 11 to 15 percent between 1880 and 1900 as people migrated to urban communities hoping for better wages. Workers and raw materials for the new industry were therefore available in the border area.

History after 1945 to tody
After the brickworks recovered from the First and Second World Wars, production was better than ever, according to locals and former employees. According to reports, more than a billion bricks were produced here at record rates in one year.After the brickworks recovered from the First and Second World Wars, production was better than ever, according to locals and former employees. According to reports, more than a billion bricks were produced here at record rates in one year. In 1980 the factory was destroyed by fire. A part was rebuilt, but it was much smaller than the original work.In 1980 the factory was destroyed by fire. A part was rebuilt, but it was much smaller than the original work. Things were mediocre until 1995. Until 1995, bankruptcy was finally declared. This factory has been empty since then. There are only a few traces left that give any idea of what was once here. How it was once produced here. Today the work has fallen into disrepair. Nature takes it back piece by piece and vandalists take care of the rest. An impressive and sad lost place at the same time.

Bild: ⒸGerman Urbexer

The RAF Hospital

The Story:

Construction began in February 1953 with the construction of Royal Air Force wing No. 5357 and was completed on 31 May 1953. The opening of the hospital took place on November 1, 1953. At the official opening ceremony on 16 November, Lady Foster, the wife of the Commander-in-Chief of the 2nd Tactical Air Force, unveiled a plaque in the entrance hall. The hospital was built in a unique way: there was an outer wide U-shaped ring of one-story buildings and an inner U-shaped ring of two-story buildings. They could be described as a horseshoe in another. The outer ring consisted mainly of wards, outpatient and clinical areas, while the inner one mainly included administrative and support services and a central kitchen area. They were connected by radial and spoke corridors, which could be converted into stations if necessary. The psychiatric ward, the boiler house, the shops, the dining rooms, the staff quarters and the marital quarters were separated from the main building of the hospitalThe psychiatric ward, the boiler house, the shops, the dining rooms, the staff quarters and the marital quarters were separated from the main building of the hospital. Hospital operations were temporarily affected in June 1980 by extensive damage following the explosion of a propane cylinder in the dental laboratory. In January 1987, the hospital had to close except for emergency rooms because severe winter temperatures had caused the water pipes to burst. In September 1987, the roof of the maternity ward was severely damaged by a fire accidentally caused by workers. The nursing school was closed in 1984 after numerous staff had been trained there. Student nurses from RAF hospitals in Great Britain were assigned to Wegberg, especially for training in obstetrics.

Current Storys after the Closure:

After the closure, some parts of the building were on fire several times. Since it was difficult for the fire brigade to get onto the site and extinguish the fires, the demolition of the building complex was carried out by the German authorities in 2019. However, the demolition was interrupted by the Corona crisis in 2020. Since then, the complex, at least what is left of it is empty. Nobody knows what to do with it. For several years now, this building complex has been a hotspot for Germans, but also international urbexers. For several years now, this building complex has been a hotspot for Germans, but also international urbexers. However, due to numerous accidents with young people who have overdone themselves, the building is closed during the day by a security guard service. This stands alternately at the main and rear entrance What will happen to the hospital complex and the associated outbuildings on the site in the future is still unclear. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia does not want it. Neither does the British government. So the decision of what happens is left to the place. Since a demolition and appropriate disposal of the waste materials is extremely costly, it is simply left until nature takes care of it.Since demolition and appropriate disposal of the waste materials is extremely costly, it is simply left until nature has taken it back.

Video: ⒸGerman Urbexer

Rehabilitation Clinic

FormerRehabilitation Clinic:

The Rehab Center was a rehabilitation center (formerly Sanatorium im Urbachtal, later Urbachtal Rehab Center and Klinik Dr. W. Bartsch GmbH & Co. KG), which was closed in December 2001 due to insolvency. It has been empty since then. In the middle of nature, in the Urbachtal, the large building complexes are towering up. At its peak, it accommodated around 200 patients who sought recovery there after successful cancer treatment. The area on which the clinic buildings are located has a total size of approximately 50,000 m².

In 1957, W. Bartsch, founder of the former rehabilitation center, began looking after patients in a restaurant and hotel in Neukirchen. At that time the admission capacity was around 15 patient places. In order to improve and increase the capacities and medical options, the spa home in Urbachtal, which was designed for 25 patients, was initially built and opened in 1959. Just one year after opening, the home was expanded to 45 and then 120 beds and achieved excellent status throughout the Federal Republic of Germany.

The building complex was constantly expanded. So belonged one Neukirchen Rehabilitation Clinic Indoor swimming pool Sports hall, two swimming pools with saunas, a large park with its own lake and a mini golf course in the complex. In addition, the spa home was expanded into a clinic, which now also enabled expanded research in the areas of tumor diseases and immunology, as well as their diagnostics and therapy. In 2001, the management of the rehabilitation center filed for bankruptcy and the clinic was closed at the beginning of 2002.

The rehabilitation clinic has been empty since then. She has been the victim of arsonists several times and has been the victim of extreme vandalism. Not a single slice is whole anymore. Not a single door is hanging in its hinges and the entire complex, which was once so idyllic, has been left to its own devices.

Picture: ⒸGerman Urbexer

HFB Cockerill

Prehistory

Cockerill-Sambre S.A. was a Belgian group that was created after several mergers and was mainly involved in steel production and refining as well as mechanical engineering. The mining company was founded in 1817 by the brothers John and James Cockerill with headquarters in Seraing in the province of Liège on the Meuse and another location in Charleroi on the Sambre.

After John Cockerill acquired the castle of Seraing in 1817 from William I, King of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, and based on the considerable deposits of hard coal, the deposits of which stretched almost throughout Belgium in an east-west direction, the brothers initially built it together The largest iron foundry and machine factory in Europe was built on the grounds of Seraing Castle, which laid the foundation for the development of a wide-ranging company. The investments amounted to 17 million French francs. In addition to the two hard coal mines and an ore mine, blast furnaces, a steel and rolling mill, a boiler shop and a machine factory were operated and a total of around 2,500 people were employed.

Mergers from the 20th century

In 1945, Cockerill merged with its competitor Angleur-Athus. In 1955, Cockerill merged with Ougrée-Marihaye and was named S.A. ever since. Cockerill Ougrée. Ferblatil was also integrated in the same year. In 1961 Tolmatil was merged into Cockerill. During the golden 1960s for the mining industry, the Providence ironworks were taken over, which is why the company changed its name to Cockerill-Ougrée-Providence. In 1969, Cockerill swallowed up the Phenix Works. In 1970 Espérance-Longdoz was acquired. The group changed its name again and has since been called Cockerill. In 1981, Cockerill completed another major merger with Hainaut-Sambre and therefore changed its name again to Cockerill-Sambre S.A. This resulted in the largest Belgian steel group (60 percent share of crude steel production) with the Belgian state having a majority share of 80 percent.

In a European comparison, the group took sixth place. The steel crisis did not leave Cockerill unscathed: between 1960 and 1982, Cockerill closed five coking plants, 16 blast furnaces, seven steelworks and 20 rolling mills. During the same period, Hainaut shut down three coking plants, ten blast furnaces, seven steelworks and 23 rolling mills. Together with competitors Klöckner-Werke (ten percent) and Hoogovens (five percent), Cockerill founded the Belgian Valfil, in 1979 the most modern and largest wire rod mill in the world at the time.

In 1994, the Cockerill-Sambre Group acquired a stake through its subsidiary Sidmar N.V. in Ghent to the Stahlwerke Bremen (since March 2006 Arcelor Bremen), which it took over from Klöckner-Werken AG. In 1995, Cockerill-Sambre joined EKO Stahl AG in Eisenhüttenstadt. In 1998 the company was bought by the French Usinor Group, which has been absorbed into the Arcelor Group since 2002. After a spectacular takeover battle in 2006, Arcelor was taken over by Indo-Dutch competitor Mittal Steel Company N.V. and has since been part of the world's largest steel group ArcelorMittal, based in Luxembourg.

After the factory (the coking plant) in Liège was closed, young people from the city, photographers and Urbexers were up to mischief there. The coking plant, which was left to nature until two years ago, has been demolished for some time now. However, this takes a lot of time because the structures, buildings and everything else are very complex. Personally, however, I would advise against entering the area. The demolition is going very quickly and there are construction watches (surveillance camera towers) everywhere. It used to be a very nice lost place.

Bild: ⒸGerman Urbexer

The Forgotten Mine

The Lore

Herdorf 2024. Based on limited information, the 3-man team of the German Urbexers goes looking in a forest for an entrance to an abandoned underground loading area and an old wagon circulation. We walked through the forest for over 2 hours. Found many relics from the past era but also a lot of rubbish. We climbed down an approximately 3 meter steep vertical wall made of brittle stones. And found the entrance where one of us had fallen in without knowing what. After a short break we went inside. What we found wasn't much. But still spectacular... An old, abandoned car. tracks. And one round. Which was bigger than we expected. Unfortunately, the extraction shaft, which is located under a building, was closed by the authorities. You can only get into a small part of the mine. Here's more about the story.

The History

For almost 85 years, the San Fernando mine had a life of its own on the Florz-Füsseberg corridor. It was only with the reorganization of the Siegerland ore mining industry after the Second World War and the associated change of ownership that it became a joint operation. In 1855, the miner Wilhelm Hähner, who had worked in South American mines for a long time, acquired the mining rights here and named the mine field “San Fernando” in memory of his former area of work. However, he died a short time later. H.D.F. took over from the heirs. Schneider, the later founder of the Friedrichshütte, acquired the mining rights in 1856 and subsequently acquired neighboring mining fields and merged them with San Fernando. The dismantling initially took place above ground. Around 1860, the construction of the deep tunnel on the valley floor began, with which the San Fernando and Ziegenberg corridors to the northeast were reached. Later on, cross passages were also driven in an easterly direction.

The San Fernando mine in Herdorf was finally closed in 1963. The reason for the closure was primarily the exhaustion of mineable ore deposits and the insufficient profitability of the operation. Mining ore had become increasingly difficult as the seams (ore deposits) were deeper and deeper and mining became more and more expensive. In addition, increasing competition and economic circumstances meant that the business was no longer profitable. Technological developments and changes in the steel industry also contributed to the closure, as alternative sources of raw materials and more efficient mining methods became available.

Picture: ⒸGerman Urbexer

The "Steinsberg Kieswerk"

Story

The “Steinsberg” quarry, named after the nearby town of Steinsberg, is located on both sides of the L 323, which leads from the Lahntal near Laurenburg via the town of Wasenbach to Diez. It extends from the valley floor of the wooded, narrow Kerbtal “Wasenbachtal” to the agricultural heights near Steinsberg and the forest areas of Biebrich. The barrier on the road has a sign that says “Bergisch-Westerwälder Hartsteinwerke – Steinsberg Operation”. The volcanic rock “Diabas” has been mined here since 1967, with the BAG taking the lead since 2007. Mining ended in the last section on the left side of the stream in 2016 because the deposits could no longer be used profitably. Since then, the quarry has been left to its own devices, with nature taking control here. Volunteers have been observing, documenting and photographing for five years.

What's there today?

Today there is an impressive lost place there. Very popular with regional Urbexers and much more with FPV pilots. The area is ideal for FPV drones but also for adventurers who have always wanted to visit a silo or a gravel factory from the inside. The old “stone crusher” is also still there. EVERYTHING is still there. Unfortunately, the office space was badly damaged by young people from surrounding towns. Nevertheless, the area is nice to see. You're not from here but want to see what's there? I was thereWhat's there today? Today there is an impressive lost place there. Very popular with regional Urbexers and much more with FPV pilots. The area is ideal for FPV drones but also for adventurers who have always wanted to visit a silo or a gravel factory from the inside. The old “stone crusher” is also still there. EVERYTHING is still there. Unfortunately, the office space was badly damaged by young people from surrounding towns. Nevertheless, the area is nice to see.

You're not from here but want to see what's there? I was there

Video: ⒸGerman Urbexer

The "Puits Simon" Collierey

Prehistory

The history of the "Puits Simon" colliery in Forbach, Lorraine, dates back to the late 19th century, when rich deposits of hard coal were discovered in the region. Lorraine, which was often contested due to its strategic location and natural resources, developed into an important location for coal mining and heavy industry.

The industrial revolution and increasing energy demand boosted mining in the region. Construction of the colliery began around 1907, at a time when the area was under German administration (following the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine by the German Empire in 1871). The mine was part of the larger coal mining activities of the Saar coal basin, which extended into neighboring Saarland.

With the development of modern mining techniques and growing industrialization, the importance of the Puits Simon colliery rose quickly. It was named after one of the shafts, the "Simon Shaft" which was later expanded into one of the deepest mining shafts in France.

Why was the mine closed?

The “Puits Simon” mine in Forbach was closed because coal mining in the region was no longer economically viable. This was due to several factors: Decline in demand: With the transition to alternative energy sources such as oil, gas and later renewable energy, the need for hard coal fell significantly. High extraction costs: Extracting coal to great depths (as at "Puits Simon") was technically demanding and expensive. In many cases, other countries were able to mine and export coal at lower costs. Structural change: The entire Lorraine region, once a center of heavy industry, was affected by economic structural change over the course of the 20th century. The focus shifted from mining and heavy industry to more modern economic sectors.

The Puits Simon colliery also experienced a devastating gas explosion in 1985, which claimed 22 lives and left 103 injured. This marked another setback for mining in the region.The Puits Simon colliery also experienced a devastating gas explosion in 1985, which claimed 22 lives and left 103 injured. This marked another setback for mining in the region. The mine was finally closed at the end of 1997 after coal production was no longer economically viable. With the closure of “Puits Simon” the long mining history in Forbach also ended.

From the closure to today

After the "Puits Simon" colliery was closed at the end of 1997, the history of the site was characterized by decay, sporadic use and increasing interest from urban explorers. Here are the main events since the closure: Decline and abandonment (1997–2000s) After decommissioning, the buildings were left largely unused. The decline began because no sustainable plans for conversion were implemented. The site began to attract vandals and looters who removed remaining materials and equipment.

Emergence of lost place interest (2000s)

Photographers and urban explorers discovered the mine as a “lost place”. The morbid beauty of the abandoned facilities increasingly attracted amateur photographers who documented the industrial culture. At the same time, safety risks increased due to the dilapidated condition of the buildings.

Partial hedging (2010s)

Local authorities tried to secure the site to prevent accidents and unauthorized entry. Some shafts were sealed and fences were erected, although with limited success.

Commemorating mining history

There have been efforts to preserve the history of the mine. Events and exhibitions commemorated the victims of the 1985 mining accident. However, the site remained without long-term use

Current state (2020s)

The complex has fallen into serious disrepair and continues to serve as a destination for photographers and urbexers. The condition of the buildings is dangerous and access is officially prohibited. Discussions about preserving or demolishing the remaining structures are ongoing, but so far no decisions have been made.

Picture : Ⓒhmberg

Germany's biggest Lost Place: The "Beelitzer Heilstätten"

Location: Brandenburg - Germany 🇩🇪

🏠 Size: 200 hectares

🏘️ Buildings: 60

🏚️ Purpose: Among other things, the treatment of tuberculosis

Historical background Origin and purpose

The Beelitz sanatoriums were built between 1898 and 1930 by the Berlin State Insurance Institute. They originally served as a pulmonary hospital to treat tuberculosis, which was widespread at the time. The complex was divided into two areas: one for men and one for women.

The complex included hospitals, staff housing, kitchens, laundries and recreational facilities.

Use in the First World War

During the First World War the sanatoriums were used as a military hospital. One of the most famous patients was Adolf Hitler, who was treated there in 1916 after a war injury.

Interwar period and World War II

In the interwar period, the sanatoriums returned to their original purpose, but were used again as a hospital during the Second World War. Post-war period and GDR period After the Second World War, the Red Army took over the facility.

The Beelitzer Heilstätten served as the largest Soviet military hospital outside the Soviet Union until 1994. After the change After the withdrawal of the Soviet troops, many of the buildings fell into disrepair as they were no longer used.

Some parts were renovated and now serve as rehabilitation clinics, but the majority remained unused and became a well-known lost place. Architecture and special features

Art Nouveau and functionality:

The buildings of the Beelitz sanatoriums were built in Art Nouveau style and are characterized by a harmonious combination of functionality and aesthetics. Large windows and balconies were intended to provide patients with plenty of light and fresh air, which was considered an essential part of tuberculosis treatment at the time.

Extensive infrastructure:

The complex had its own power supply, gardens and even a train station to facilitate patient care. The treetop path: A modern treetop path now allows visitors to view the complex from a bird's eye view without having to enter the dilapidated buildings. Meaning today The Beelitzer Heilstätten are a monument to medical history and a popular destination for photographers, urban explorers and history buffs.

They serve as a backdrop for films and documentaries and are a reminder of how historical places are treated. At the same time, some buildings continue to be used for medical purposes.

The Beelitz sanatoriums combine impressive architecture, eventful history and the melancholic fascination of abandoned places. They are a place that unites past and present in a unique way.

*Due to a number of incidents, the Beelitz sanatoriums have recently been monitored. If you happen to be there, take care of yourself*

The Sanatorium "du Basil"

Basics

The construction of Sanatorium du Basil began in 1900, at the behest of Ernest Malvoz, the director of the bacteriological laboratory of Liège. It was built facing south with a concave design, as it was believed such architecture would increase the absorption of heat, air and light, all of which are essential to treating tuberculosis.

The sanatorium welcomed its first patients in 1903, and would continue to expand over the years. All rooms were supplied with electricity when it first opened thanks to a power plant on-site, which would also power the local village by the 1920s. After World War II, Liège had an additional pavilion built on the property, which housed workshops for rehabilitation of patients.

It is unclear when the main part of the property was abandoned, but between 2010 and 2013 it was used as housing for asylum seekers. A small portion of the property is still in use as a nursing home.

History written in stages

The foundation and construction phase (1900–1903) The Sanatorium du Basil, also known as the Sanatorium of Borgoumont, was built between 1900 and 1903. The initiative came from Ernest Malvoz, then director of the bacteriological laboratory in Liège. The aim was to create a specialized facility to treat patients with tuberculosis, a disease that was widespread in Europe at the time. The architecture of the sanatorium was extraordinary: It was concavely shaped and oriented south to ensure optimal absorption of light, air and heat. From the beginning it had electricity, which was generated by its own on-site power plant. Later, this power plant even supplied the nearby village with electricity.

Extensions and use in the 20th century

After opening in 1903, the sanatorium was continually expanded to accommodate more patients. Especially after the Second World War, additional buildings were built, including a pavilion with workshops that was used to rehabilitate patients. Medical care was based on the most modern knowledge available at the time. Patients spent a lot of time outdoors because fresh air and sunlight were considered essential for curing tuberculosis.

The decline and new uses (1980s–2010s)

With the decline in tuberculosis cases and the advancement of medicine, the sanatorium lost its original function in the late 1980s. Part of the building complex was later used for other purposes: Between 2010 and 2013, the sanatorium served as accommodation for asylum seekers. A small portion of the site continued to operate as a nursing home, while the majority remained abandoned.

The sanatorium today Today

most of the sanatorium stands empty and is falling into disrepair. However, it is a popular spot for urban explorers, photographers and history buffs. The abandoned buildings tell of the heyday of tuberculosis treatment and the development of modern medical facilities. The Sanatorium du Basil remains an impressive example of the combination of architecture and medical history. Its dilapidated walls stand as a silent witness to efforts to overcome one of the greatest medical challenges of the early 20th century.

Final word

The Sanatorium du Basil is more than a lost place. It is a monument that reminds us of the advances in medicine and the stories of the people who sought healing there.

Abandoned ALCO RS-3

The ALCO RS-3 locomotive, built in 1951, is located in Briceville, Tennessee, behind a coal power plant near the former Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary. It was originally part of the New River Scenic Railway, which planned to offer scenic train rides through the mountains and along the New River. However, due to the 2008 financial crisis, these plans were never realized, leaving the locomotive and two passenger cars abandoned.

The ALCO RS-3 is a diesel-electric locomotive with 1,600 horsepower, manufactured between 1950 and 1956 by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) and its subsidiary, Montreal Locomotive Works (MLW). A total of 1,418 units were produced.

The New River Scenic Railway operated its trains on the New River Railway Branch, a line previously used by Norfolk Southern Railway. After the tourism project failed and coal mining declined in the region, the line was decommissioned. The locomotive and cars remained at their current location, left to deteriorate over time.

Today, the remnants of the New River Scenic Railway stand as a testament to Tennessee's industrial and railroad history.

Picture: Ⓒzyriez

Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord

The Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord is an impressive example of transforming a former industrial site into a recreational and cultural park.

History of the Steelworks and the Site:

1901: The Meiderich Ironworks was founded by August Thyssen-Hütte.
1903–1985: The plant operated three blast furnaces, producing pig iron and playing a crucial role in the Ruhr region’s steel industry.
1985: The ironworks were shut down due to the decline of the steel industry.

Transformation into a Landscape Park:

1990: The city of Duisburg decided not to demolish the site but to repurpose it.
1994: The Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord opened, designed by architect Peter Latz.
Today: The park is a popular destination, offering hiking trails, climbing facilities, diving in a former gas holder, and a stunning light installation illuminating the old blast furnaces.

The park blends industrial history with nature and recreation, symbolizing the transformation of the Ruhr region. 🚀

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