East Flanders, a region rich in industrial and heritage history, is a fascinating playground for urban exploration (urbex) enthusiasts. Among its many abandoned sites, some stand out for their history, architecture, or unique atmosphere. Here are five must-see urbex sites in East Flanders.
1: Mesen Castle
Mesen Castle is one of the most iconic urbex sites in East Flanders. This once luxurious 18th-century castle is now a ruin. Visitors can explore dilapidated rooms, broken spiral staircases, and ivy-covered walls.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Castle with numerous rooms, chapel, and gardens.
- State of Disrepair: Advanced, with risks of collapse.
- Access: Moderate, the site being partly fenced.
2: The Abandoned Paper Mill
The former East Flanders Paper Mill , located near the town of Lokeren, is another popular place for urban explorers. This factory, which was in operation in the 19th century, is now a huge disused building with rusty machines and deserted rooms.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Workshops, industrial machinery, and warehouses.
- State of Disrepair: Moderate, some parts still accessible.
- Access: Difficult, some areas are dangerous due to the dilapidated state of the structures.
3: Ronse Sanatorium
The Ronse Sanatorium , located in the hills near the French-Belgian border, is a site steeped in history. Built in the 1930s to treat tuberculosis patients, the sanatorium is now a deserted place, with ghostly buildings and empty corridors.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Hospital buildings, treatment rooms, and patient rooms.
- State of Disrepair: Advanced, with building safety risks.
- Access: Difficult, with security measures in place to prevent access.
4: The Former Ursuline Convent
The Former Ursuline Convent in Wetteren is a unique urbex site in East Flanders. This convent, abandoned for decades, offers a spiritual and mysterious setting for exploration. The sisters' rooms, the chapel and the classrooms are still there, but plunged into disrepair.
Site Features
- Facilities: Chapel, dormitories, and classrooms.
- State of Disrepair: Moderate, with some parts still relatively intact.
- Access: Moderate, with limited access to certain areas.
5: The Old Brewery
The Old East Flanders Brewery , once a thriving beer production site, is now a deserted site, where you can still smell the aroma of malt and hops. This site, with its vast vats and rusty machinery, is a testament to the region's rich brewing past.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Brewing rooms, vats, and warehouses.
- State of Disrepair: Moderate, with accessible but dilapidated areas.
- Access: Moderate, some parts still in good condition.
Conclusion
East Flanders is a treasure trove for urbex enthusiasts. Its abandoned sites, whether industrial, religious or residential, each tell a unique story and offer unforgettable exploration experiences. Whether you are a photographer looking for striking images or an explorer looking for mysterious places, these must-see urbex sites in East Flanders will not disappoint.
