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 urban exploration sites in East Flanders. This once luxurious 18th-century castle is now in ruins. 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, as the site is partially fenced.
2: The Abandoned Paper Mill
The former East Flanders Paper Mill , located near the town of Lokeren, is another prime location for urban explorers. This factory, which operated in the 19th century, is now a vast, abandoned building with rusted machinery and deserted rooms.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Workshops, industrial machinery, and warehouses.
- State of disrepair: Moderate, some parts still accessible.
- Access: Difficult, some areas being dangerous due to the age of the structures.
3: The Ronse Sanatorium
The Ronse Sanatorium , located in the hills near the Franco-Belgian border, is a site steeped in history. Built in the 1930s to treat tuberculosis patients, this 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 risks related to building safety.
- Access: Difficult, with security measures in place to prevent access.
4: The Former Ursuline Convent
The former Ursuline Convent , located in Wetteren, is a unique urban exploration site in East Flanders. This convent, abandoned for decades, offers a spiritual and mysterious setting for exploration. The nuns' rooms, the chapel, and the classrooms are still standing, but steeped in decay.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Chapel, dormitories, and classrooms.
- State of disrepair: Moderate, with some parts still being relatively intact.
- Access: Moderate, with limited access to certain areas.
5: The Old Brewery
The Old Brewery of East Flanders, once a thriving beer-producing site, is now a deserted place where the scent of malt and hops still lingers. This site, with its vast vats and rusting machinery, is a testament to the region's rich brewing past.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Brewing rooms, tanks, and warehouses.
- State of disrepair: Moderate, with accessible but ruined areas.
- Access: Moderate, some parts still being in good condition.
Conclusion
East Flanders is a true treasure trove for urban explorers. Its abandoned sites, whether industrial, religious, or residential, each tell a unique story and offer unforgettable exploration experiences. Whether you're a photographer seeking striking images or an explorer searching for mysterious places, these must-see urban exploration sites in East Flanders will not disappoint.
