2024's Eerie Expedition - Exploring the 15 Most Abandoned Ghost Towns - Passing Thru

Ghost towns and abandoned villages tell stories of different times and events that led to their desertion. They offer a unique window into the past, from mining towns that boomed and busted to settlements left behind for mysterious reasons. This guide will take you on an exploratory journey through 15 of the most intriguing ghost villages around the world, each with its own unique allure and history.

1. Pripyat, Ukraine

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Kochneva Tetyana

In Pripyat, you’ll step into a time capsule of life in the Soviet Union before the Chernobyl disaster. Once home to 50,000 people, the city now stands empty with schools, a hospital, and an amusement park that never officially opened. Walking through its streets, you’ll see the remnants of lives abruptly left behind. The iconic Ferris wheel in the amusement park and the hauntingly empty swimming pool are stark reminders of the disaster.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the iconic Ferris wheel for a poignant reminder of the town’s sudden evacuation.

When To Travel: Spring and autumn for fewer tourists.

How To Get There: Organized tours leave from Kyiv, as independent access is restricted.

2. Bodie, California, USA

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At Bodie State Historic Park, you’ll explore a genuine California gold-mining ghost town. Preserved in a state of arrested decay, about 100 structures remain, including a church, saloon, and post office, giving you a feel for daily life during the gold rush. The town’s museum displays mining artifacts and photographs, providing context to your exploration. The high altitude and remote location contribute to Bodie’s eerie, frozen-in-time atmosphere.

Insider’s Tip: Don’t miss the old Bodie Bank and the Methodist Church.

When To Travel: Summer for more accessible roads.

How To Get There: A scenic drive from Bridgeport or Lee Vining in California.

3. Craco, Italy

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Craco’s abandoned medieval streets, overlooking the Italian countryside, offer a picturesque yet eerie experience. This ghost town was abandoned due to landslides, leaving behind a shell of stone buildings and narrow streets. Walking through Craco feels like stepping back in time, with its Norman tower and centuries-old architecture offering a tangible connection to the past. The town has been the backdrop for various films, adding to its mystique.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Norman Tower and the remains of the old Craco University.

When To Travel: Spring or autumn for mild weather.

How To Get There: Located in the Basilicata region, reachable by car from Matera or Bari.

4. Kolmanskop, Namibia

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In Kolmanskop, you’ll wander through a desert-engulfed ghost town that once thrived during the early 20th-century diamond rush. The German colonial architecture now stands half-buried in sand, creating surreal scenes perfect for photography. Exploring these homes and buildings gives a unique glimpse into a forgotten era of opulence and decline. The harsh desert environment has beautifully preserved the town’s remnants.

Insider’s Tip: Visit early in the morning for the best light for photography.

When To Travel: May to October for cooler temperatures.

How To Get There: A short drive from the coastal town of Lüderitz.

5. Pyramiden, Svalbard, Norway

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Johnny Giese

Pyramiden, set against the stark backdrop of the Arctic, offers a unique look into Soviet-era life. Once a thriving mining community, the town now has silent streets, a desolate hotel, and the world’s northernmost grand piano. Exploring this remote settlement under the midnight sun or polar night is an extraordinary experience. The surrounding Arctic landscape adds to the ghost town’s isolated and frozen-in-time feel.

Insider’s Tip: Check out the old cultural center with its auditorium and sports facilities.

When To Travel: Summer for accessibility and milder weather.

How To Get There: Accessible by boat or snowmobile tours from Longyearbyen.

6. Oradour-sur-Glane, France

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Oradour-sur-Glane stands as a poignant memorial to the horrors of war. The preserved ruins of this French village, where a Nazi massacre took place, serve as a powerful reminder of the atrocities of World War II. The visitor center provides historical context before you walk through the devastated streets, where cars and buildings remain as they were left on that tragic day.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the Centre de la Mémoire to better understand the town’s history.

When To Travel: Spring or autumn to avoid the crowds.

How To Get There: Located in the Limousin region, accessible by car from Limoges.

7. Centralia, Pennsylvania, USA

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Centralia offers a rare opportunity to see the impact of an underground mine fire that’s been burning since 1962. The deserted streets and the few remaining structures stand above a fire still smoldering underground. The graffiti-covered, cracked highway, known as the Graffiti Highway, is a popular spot for visitors. When visiting, be aware of the risks posed by the fire and unstable ground.

Insider’s Tip: Observe caution around the unstable ground due to the underground fire.

When To Travel: Spring or autumn for comfortable temperatures.

How To Get There: A short drive from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

8. Hashima Island, Japan

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Hashima Island, once a densely populated mining island, now lies abandoned, its concrete buildings slowly crumbling. Known for its sea wall and stark, battleship-like appearance, the island tells a story of industrial rise and abrupt fall. Boat tours around the island offer a view of its eerie, deserted landscape while providing insights into the lives of the miners who once inhabited it.

Insider’s Tip: Take a guided boat tour to learn more about the island’s history.

When To Travel: Spring and autumn for the best sea conditions.

How To Get There: Boat tours are available from Nagasaki Port.

9. Kayaköy, Turkey

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Kayaköy, the abandoned Greek village near Fethiye, sits desolate on a hillside, its stone houses and churches stand empty. This ghost town was abandoned during the Greco-Turkish population exchange in the 1920s. Wandering its streets offers a poignant glimpse into a displaced community. The surrounding landscape, with views of the Mediterranean, adds a serene backdrop to the village’s haunting atmosphere.

Insider’s Tip: Hike to the hilltop for stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean.

When To Travel: Spring and early autumn for mild weather

How To Get There: A short drive or bus ride from Fethiye.

10. Humberstone and Santa Laura, Chile

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jess Kraft

These twin ghost towns in the Atacama Desert were once bustling centers of saltpeter mining. Exploring these UNESCO World Heritage sites, you’ll find worker’s quarters, a theater, and old factories, painting a picture of life during the mining boom. The desert’s dry climate has helped preserve these structures, offering a fascinating insight into a bygone industrial era.

Insider’s Tip: Don’t miss the theater and the old market area.

When To Travel: Year-round, though, the desert climate can be extreme.

How To Get There: Accessible by car from Iquique, Chile.

11. Garnet, Montana, USA

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In Garnet, you can explore an authentic ghost town from the American West, preserved in its state since the early 20th century. Unlike other ghost towns that became tourist attractions, Garnet offers a more untouched look into the past. The visitor center provides historical information, and several buildings, including a hotel, saloon, and general store, are open for exploration.

Insider’s Tip: Visit in winter for a unique snow-covered experience.

When To Travel: Summer for accessibility; winter for a unique snowy experience.

How To Get There: About a 30-minute drive from Missoula, Montana.

12. Belchite, Spain

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Belchite, the site of a brutal battle during the Spanish Civil War, stands as a haunting reminder of the conflict. The town was never rebuilt, and its ruins have been left as a memorial. Walking through its streets, you’ll see the remains of houses, churches, and streets scarred by war. The town serves as a powerful symbol of the destruction of war and the resilience of memory.

Insider’s Tip: Join a guided tour to learn about the town’s history during the Civil War.

When To Travel: Spring and autumn for comfortable weather.

How To Get There: An hour’s drive from Zaragoza.

13. Famagusta, Cyprus

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In Famagusta, the Varosha quarter offers a glimpse into a once-thriving tourist destination now abandoned and fenced off. Walking along its perimeter, you can see the derelict hotels and buildings, a stark reminder of the 1974 Turkish invasion. The ghost town sits in stark contrast to the bustling city of Famagusta, just a short distance away.

Insider’s Tip: View the town from the beach, as entering Varosha is restricted.

When To Travel: Spring and autumn for ideal weather.

How To Get There: Accessible from the city of Famagusta, in the Turkish-controlled part of Cyprus.

14. Rhyolite, Nevada, USA

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Laurens Hoddenbagh

Rhyolite, on the edge of Death Valley, provides a classic ghost town experience with its well-preserved remnants from the gold rush era. The town, which flourished in the early 1900s, now features ruins of buildings, a train depot, and the famous Bottle House. The nearby Goldwell Open Air Museum adds to the area’s artistic appeal, with several outdoor sculptures.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the nearby Goldwell Open Air Museum, known for its outdoor sculptures.

When To Travel: Fall and spring for milder temperatures.

How To Get There: A short drive from Beatty, Nevada.

15. Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Roberts Vicups

In addition to Pripyat, the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone encompasses several other abandoned towns and villages affected by the nuclear disaster. This larger area offers a deeper insight into the widespread impact of the disaster. Exploring these lesser-known locations, you’ll find abandoned homes, schools, and public buildings, each telling its own story of life before and the sudden evacuation following the disaster.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the abandoned amusement park in Pripyat for a poignant reminder of the disaster’s sudden impact.

When To Travel: April to June for mild weather and less rainfall.

How To Get There: Guided tours are available from Kyiv.

The Bottom Line

Image Credit: Pexels / Gary Barnes

Visiting these ghost towns and abandoned villages offers a unique glimpse into forgotten chapters of history. Each destination’s story of rise and fall is often poignant and always intriguing. As you explore these silent streets and deserted buildings, you connect with the past in a way that books and museums can’t offer. Remember to respect these sites, which are often delicate and hold significant historical value. Pack your curiosity and sense of adventure and journey through time to these hauntingly beautiful ghost towns.

Kitty Holland

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