Switzerland, a country renowned for its picturesque landscapes and historic cities, also hides fascinating abandoned places for urban exploration enthusiasts (urbex). These sites, imbued with mystery and nostalgia, offer a striking contrast to the postcard images of Switzerland. Here are five of the 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 urban exploration site in Switzerland. Built at the beginning of the 20th century to treat tuberculosis patients, this sanatorium was abandoned in the 1970s. Today, only ruined buildings, empty rooms, and dark, overgrown corridors remain.
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 for urban explorers. Switzerland is world-renowned for its watchmaking industry, and discovering an abandoned watch factory is a unique experience. The rusted machinery and unfinished parts bear witness to a bygone era.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Production workshops, machines, and offices.
- State of disrepair: Moderate, with some machines 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 following the construction of a dam in 1950, leaves only the church steeple visible. The houses and streets are now underwater beneath Lake Resia.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Bell tower visible, houses submerged under the lake.
- State of disrepair: Submerged under water, 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 tales, attracts urban explorers seeking thrills. The graffiti on the walls, the abandoned treatment rooms, and the objects left behind all contribute to the unsettling 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 Rhône Valley. Abandoned for decades, the site offers a fascinating exploration of its bunkers, tunnels, and gun emplacements. While parts of the fort are open to the public, 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 on guided tours.
Conclusion
Switzerland offers a diverse range of fascinating urban exploration sites, from abandoned sanatoriums and deserted factories to military forts and sunken villages. These places, imbued with mystery and nostalgia, are treasures for urban explorers seeking new adventures and discoveries. Whether you're a photographer, historian, or simply curious, these must-see urban exploration sites in Switzerland will provide unforgettable experiences.
