The Ostschweiz region, located in eastern Switzerland, is rich in picturesque landscapes and historical sites. For urban exploration (urbex) enthusiasts, this region offers many fascinating abandoned places. Whether you are drawn to deserted industrial buildings or forgotten infrastructures, here is a selection of the five best must-visit urbex sites to explore in Ostschweiz.
1. The Abandoned Textile Factory of St. Gallen
St. Gallen, once an important center of the textile industry in Switzerland, is home to several disused factories. Among them, an old textile factory particularly attracts urbex enthusiasts. Closed for several decades, this factory is a striking reminder of the prosperous era of textile production in the region.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Production halls, machine rooms, warehouses.
- State of Decay: Advanced, with some structures partially collapsed.
- Access: Moderate, requiring some discretion.
2. The Military Bunker of Frauenfeld
The abandoned military bunker near Frauenfeld is a fascinating urbex site, especially for those interested in military history. Built during the Cold War, this now-abandoned bunker offers a unique insight into Switzerland’s defensive strategy at that time.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Control rooms, dormitories, underground tunnels.
- State of Decay: Relatively good, but dark and damp.
- Access: Restricted, with some areas monitored.
3. The Abandoned Sanatorium of Davos
In Davos, famous for its ski resorts, there is an old sanatorium left abandoned. This place, once used to treat tuberculosis patients, is now deserted, offering an ideal setting for urban exploration marked by calm and melancholy.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Rooms, treatment areas, common spaces.
- State of Decay: Advanced, with some collapsed sections.
- Access: Moderate, requiring caution.
4. The Disused Railway Warehouse of Rorschach
Located in Rorschach, this disused railway warehouse is a popular urbex spot for its vast spaces and old railway infrastructures. The railway tracks, overgrown with vegetation, offer a striking contrast between old and new.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Sheds, repair workshops, railway tracks.
- State of Decay: Moderate, with some areas still accessible.
- Access: Relatively easy, but requiring discretion.
5. The Abandoned Village of Valendas
The abandoned village of Valendas, although partially inhabited, includes deserted areas that have become a fascinating urbex location. The old wooden houses and empty streets provide an ideal setting for those looking to explore a piece of Alpine history.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Traditional houses, old farms, church.
- State of Decay: Variable, with some houses in ruins.
- Access: Easy, but respecting private property.
Conclusion
Ostschweiz is a region rich in urbex sites, offering a variety of places for urban explorers. Whether you are drawn to industrial remains, military bunkers, or abandoned villages, these must-see sites promise an unforgettable dive into history and mystery. During your explorations, it is essential to respect these places and preserve them for future generations.
