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 urbex sites in the region.
1: Mesen Castle
Mesen Castle is one of the most famous urbex sites in Flemish Brabant. This majestic castle, once a school for girls 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 rooms, and spiral staircases.
- State of Disrepair: Very advanced, with many parts in ruins.
- Access: Moderate, but safety is a major concern due to the condition of the buildings.
2: The Vieux-Saulieu Brewery
Another iconic spot for urban explorers is the Brasserie de Vieux-Saulieu . This former brewery, abandoned for decades, still retains its copper vats and old-fashioned machinery.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Brewing tanks, industrial buildings, and old offices.
- State of Disrepair: Moderate, with some machinery 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 a 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 businesses.
- State of Disrepair: Variable, with some houses still in good condition.
- Access: Easy, but the site is monitored and certain areas are prohibited.
4: The Van der Elst Textile Factory
The Van der Elst Textile Factory 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 rooms, abandoned machines, and warehouses.
- State of Disrepair: Advanced, with partially collapsed areas.
- Access: Difficult, some parts of the site are dangerous.
5: The Abandoned Estate of Huizingen
The Huizingen Domain , once an amusement park and leisure centre, is now a fascinating urbex site. The rusty rides, overgrown buildings and empty pools provide a peaceful yet eerie setting.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Riding schools, leisure buildings, empty swimming pools.
- State of Disrepair: Moderate, but some structures are still in good condition.
- Access: Relatively easy, although the whole site is surrounded by fences.
Conclusion
Flemish Brabant, with its many abandoned sites, offers a rich variety of experiences for urbex enthusiasts. Each place, whether it is a forgotten brewery, a village on borrowed time or a ruined castle, tells a captivating story. For urban explorers, these sites are gems to discover, while respecting the places and exploring safely.
