West Flanders, located in the far west of Belgium, is a region rich in history and industrial heritage. It is home to several abandoned sites that fascinate urbex (urban exploration) enthusiasts. These places, once full of life, are now silent witnesses of the past. Here is a selection of the five best urbex sites to discover in the western region of West Flanders.
1: The Joseph Lemaire Sanatorium
The Sanatorium Joseph Lemaire is one of the jewels of urbex in West Flanders. Built in the 1930s, this former sanatorium was abandoned in the 1980s, leaving behind a decaying Art Deco architecture.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Concrete buildings with large bay windows, treatment rooms, and long corridors.
- State of Disrepair: Advanced, with graffiti-covered walls and collapsed areas.
- Access: Officially prohibited, but accessible with caution.
2: Moerkerke Castle
Moerkerke Castle is another must-see site for urbex enthusiasts. This once majestic castle is now abandoned, but retains a mysterious and fascinating allure.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Large castle surrounded by a park, with classical architecture.
- State of Disrepair: Moderate, with partially collapsed roofs and overgrown vegetation.
- Access: Relatively easy, but with local restrictions.
3: The Zwevegem Cotton Mill
The Zwevegem Cotton Mill is an iconic industrial site in West Flanders. This vast, once thriving complex is now abandoned, offering a fascinating playground for urban explorers.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Industrial buildings with large rooms, old machines, and chimneys.
- State of Disrepair: Advanced, but some machinery is still present.
- Access: Difficult, requires discretion and caution.
4: The Abandoned Farm of Poperinge
Near the town of Poperinge lies an Abandoned Farm , a witness to a rural life that is now gone. This farm, lost in the fields, offers an urbex experience that is both calm and full of nostalgia.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Main house, barns, and stables.
- State of Disrepair: Advanced, with collapsed roofs and walls overgrown with vegetation.
- Access: Relatively easy, but to be done discreetly.
5: The Old Military Base of Houtem
The Former Military Base of Houtem is a fascinating site for urbex enthusiasts interested in military history. This once strategic base is now in ruins, offering a unique exploration setting.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Bunkers, barracks, and landing strips.
- State of Disrepair: Advanced, with partially collapsed structures.
- Access: Difficult and dangerous, but possible with caution.
Conclusion
West Flanders is full of fascinating urbex sites, each offering a unique journey into the past. Whether you are drawn to industrial remains, abandoned castles, or forgotten rural farms, this region offers many opportunities for urban explorers. As always, respect the places and local laws, and make sure to take all necessary precautions for a safe exploration. Happy exploring!
