Urban exploration, or urbex, is attracting more and more enthusiasts eager to discover abandoned places rich in history and atmosphere. Alsace, with its picturesque landscapes and cultural heritage, offers many fascinating urbex sites. This article presents the five must-see urbex sites in Alsace, each with its own charm and mystery.
1: Strasbourg Civil Hospital
The Strasbourg Civil Hospital is an iconic site for urbex enthusiasts. Closed several years ago, it still retains the architecture and some medical equipment from its era.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Treatment rooms, laboratories, patient rooms.
- State of Decay: Cracked walls, overgrown vegetation, abandoned equipment.
- Access: Partially accessible with caution.
2: Mutzig Fort
The Mutzig Fort, built at the end of the 19th century, is a former German military fort located near Strasbourg. Abandoned after World War II, it is now a popular urbex site.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Fortifications, barracks, underground tunnels.
- State of Decay: Structures relatively well preserved, some collapsed areas.
- Access: Relatively accessible, requires caution.
3: The Watchmaker’s House
Located in a small Alsatian village, the Watchmaker’s House has been abandoned for several decades. This unique place offers a dive into the region’s artisanal past.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Watchmaking workshop, living rooms, garden.
- State of Decay: Dilapidated walls, abandoned tools and materials.
- Access: Relatively accessible with caution.
4: Meisenthal Glassworks
The Meisenthal Glassworks, closed for decades, is a fascinating industrial site located in the Northern Vosges. This place bears witness to the history of the glass industry in Alsace.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Production workshops, furnaces, warehouses.
- State of Decay: Ruined buildings, rusted equipment.
- Access: Partially accessible, beware of industrial hazards.
5: Engelbourg Castle
The Engelbourg Castle, located near Thann, is a medieval castle in ruins offering spectacular views over the Thur valley. Abandoned for centuries, it is an essential urbex site.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Ruins of fortifications, keep, moats.
- State of Decay: Ruined structures, overgrown vegetation.
- Access: Relatively accessible but requires caution.
Conclusion
Alsace is full of fascinating urbex sites, ranging from abandoned hospitals to ruined castles, as well as artisan houses and industrial sites. Each place offers a unique opportunity to dive into history and discover hidden treasures. By respecting safety rules and private property, you can fully enjoy these explorations and capture unforgettable moments. Happy exploring!
