Switzerland, a country known for its picturesque landscapes and historic cities, also hides abandoned places that are fascinating for urban exploration (urbex) enthusiasts. These sites, full of mystery and nostalgia, offer a striking contrast to the Swiss postcard images. Here are the five most unmissable urbex sites to discover in Switzerland.
1: The Chalet-à-Gobet Sanatorium
The Chalet-à-Gobet Sanatorium , located near Lausanne, is a legendary urbex site in Switzerland. Built in the early 20th century to treat tuberculosis patients, this sanatorium was abandoned in the 1970s. Today, all that remains are ruined buildings, empty rooms and dark corridors, overgrown with vegetation.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Hospital buildings, patient rooms, and treatment rooms.
- State of Disrepair: Advanced, with structures in poor condition.
- Access: Moderate, but some areas can be dangerous.
2: The Abandoned Watch Factory
The Abandoned Watch Factory in the Swiss Jura is another must-see site for urban explorers. With Switzerland being world-renowned for its watchmaking industry, discovering an abandoned watch factory is a unique experience. The rusty machinery and unfinished parts are a testament to a bygone era.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Production workshops, machines, and offices.
- State of Disrepair: Moderate, with machinery still present.
- Access: Difficult, some parts are protected or secured.
3: The Ghost Village of Graun
Although located on the Swiss border, the village of Graun (or Curon) in Italy is a nearby destination, often visited by Swiss urban explorers. This village, submerged under water following the construction of a dam in 1950, only the bell tower of its church emerges. The houses and streets are now under Lake Resia.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Bell tower visible, houses submerged under the lake.
- State of Disrepair: Submerged underwater, but the bell tower is intact.
- Access: Easy, but diving required to explore underwater.
4: The Devil's Clinic
The Devil's Clinic , located near Zurich, is a former psychiatric hospital that has been abandoned for decades. This site, steeped in urban legends and terrifying stories, attracts urbexers in search of thrills. Graffiti on the walls, abandoned treatment rooms, and objects left behind add to the eerie atmosphere.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Treatment rooms, bedrooms, and basements.
- State of Disrepair: Advanced, with structures in ruins.
- Access: Moderate, but some parts are dangerous.
5: The Abandoned Military Fort of Saint-Maurice
Fort Saint-Maurice , located in the Swiss Alps, is a former military fort built to protect the Rhone Valley. This site, abandoned for decades, offers a fascinating exploration of bunkers, tunnels, and firing positions. The fort is partly open to the public, but some areas remain inaccessible.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Bunkers, tunnels, and firing positions.
- State of Disrepair: Moderate, with well-preserved areas.
- Access: Easy, some parts are accessible by guided tour.
Conclusion
Switzerland offers a variety of fascinating urbex sites, from abandoned sanatoriums to deserted factories, military forts and sunken villages. These places, full of mystery and nostalgia, are treasures for urban explorers looking for new adventures and discoveries. Whether you are a photographer, historian or simply curious, these must-see urbex sites in Switzerland will offer you memorable experiences.
