Moselle , a department located in the Grand Est region of France, is rich in industrial and military history. These remnants provide exciting playgrounds for urban exploration enthusiasts, or urbex . This article presents five must-see urbex sites in Moselle, each offering a unique and memorable experience.
1: The Neufchef Iron Mine
An Underground Industrial Relic: The Neufchef iron mine is an emblematic site of the Moselle region's industrial history. Abandoned for several decades, this mine offers a mysterious and captivating atmosphere for urban explorers.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Underground galleries, mine shafts, surface buildings.
- State of disrepair: The galleries are relatively well preserved, but some surface buildings are in ruins.
- Access: Access is restricted and requires discretion and caution.
Why visit it?
- Photography: Capturing the industrial atmosphere and underground structures.
- Exploration: Discover the abandoned galleries and machines.
2: The Fort of Guentrange
A Witness to Military History: Fort Guentrange , built by the Germans between 1899 and 1906, is an impressive military complex. While some parts are open to the public, other sections remain unexplored and perfect for urban exploration.
Site Features
- Architecture: Fortifications, casemates, underground passages.
- State of disrepair: Some parts are well preserved, others are in ruins.
- Access: Visits are permitted for some sections, but others require discretion.
Why visit it?
- Photography: Capturing military architecture and historical atmosphere.
- Exploration: Discover less accessible areas and delve into the history of the fort.
3: The Knutange Steelworks
An Industrial Memories: The former Knutange steelworks is an abandoned industrial site that bears witness to the region's steelmaking past. This place offers a unique atmosphere for urban exploration enthusiasts.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Blast furnaces, production buildings, warehouses.
- State of disrepair: Largely in ruins, some parts remain accessible.
- Access: Access is restricted and requires discretion and caution.
Why visit it?
- Photography: Capturing the industrial atmosphere and the remnants of machines.
- Exploration: Discover the different parts of the factory and imagine the lives of the workers.
4: The Grange Castle
A Mysterious Castle: The once majestic Château de la Grange is now partially abandoned. This place is steeped in history and offers a unique urban exploration experience.
Site Features
- Architecture: 17th century castle with outbuildings and gardens.
- State of disrepair: Some parts are in ruins, others are still standing.
- Access: Visits are permitted for some sections, but others require discretion.
Why visit it?
- Photography: Capturing elegant architecture and abandoned gardens.
- Exploration: Delve into the history of the castle and imagine the lives of its former residents.
5: The Sarreguemines Psychiatric Hospital
An Abandoned Hospital : The former psychiatric hospital in Sarreguemines is a fascinating site, a testament to bygone medical practices. Closed for decades, this place offers an atmosphere that is both unsettling and captivating.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Hospital buildings, dormitories, treatment rooms.
- State of disrepair: Partially in ruins, some parts remain accessible.
- Access: Access is restricted and requires discretion and caution.
Why visit it?
- Photography: Capturing the medical atmosphere and the remnants of equipment.
- Exploration: Discover the different rooms and the stories of former patients.
Conclusion
Moselle offers a multitude of fascinating urban exploration sites for fans of urban exploration. From the Neufchef iron mine to the Sarreguemines psychiatric hospital, passing by the Guentrange fort and the Knutange steelworks, each location offers a unique adventure. By respecting safety rules and property rights, you can enjoy memorable explorations and discover the hidden treasures of this region. Happy exploring!
