The province of Flemish Brabant, in the heart of Flanders, is full of abandoned places that attract urban exploration enthusiasts. From old factories to forgotten castles, each site tells a unique story. Here is a selection of the five most unmissable urban exploration sites in the region.
1: Mesen Castle
Mesen Castle is one of the most famous urban exploration sites in Flemish Brabant. This majestic castle, once a girls' school and then a distillery, is now in ruins. Its Gothic facades and dilapidated interiors offer an atmosphere that is both mystical and melancholic.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Gothic architecture, large halls, and spiral staircases.
- State of disrepair: Very advanced, with many parts in ruins.
- Access: Moderate, but security is a major concern due to the condition of the buildings.
2: The Vieux-Saulieu Brewery
The Vieux-Saulieu Brewery is another iconic spot for urban explorers. This former brewery, abandoned for decades, still retains its copper vats and old machinery.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Brewing tanks, industrial buildings, and old offices.
- State of disrepair: Moderate, with some machines still intact.
- Access: Relatively easy, although some parts of the site are dangerous.
3: The Ghost Village of Doel
Although technically located on the border of Flemish Brabant, the Ghost Village of Doel deserves special mention. Threatened with demolition for the expansion of the port of Antwerp, this village is almost completely abandoned, with deserted houses, schools, and shops.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Abandoned houses, school, church, and deserted shops.
- State of disrepair: Variable, some houses still being in good condition.
- Access: Easy, but the site is monitored and some areas are prohibited.
4: The Van der Elst Textile Factory
The Van der Elst Textile Factory , located in Vilvoorde, is a relic of the Belgian textile industry. This site, abandoned since the 1980s, is a fascinating playground for urban explorers.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Large production halls, abandoned machinery, and warehouses.
- State of disrepair: Advanced, with partially collapsed areas.
- Access: Difficult, as some parts of the site are dangerous.
5: The Abandoned Huizingen Estate
The Huizingen Estate , once an amusement park and leisure center, is now a fascinating urban exploration site. The rusted rides, overgrown buildings, and empty pools create a setting that is both peaceful and unsettling.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Rides, leisure buildings, empty swimming pools.
- State of disrepair: Moderate, but some structures are still in good condition.
- Access: Relatively easy, although the entire site is surrounded by fences.
Conclusion
Flemish Brabant, with its many abandoned sites, offers a rich variety of experiences for urban explorers. Each location, whether a forgotten brewery, a village on the brink of collapse, or a ruined castle, tells a captivating story. For urban explorers, these sites are hidden gems to discover, provided they respect the environment and explore safely.
