James Emmrich

15 Oct, 2009

Urban Exploration

Posted by: James In: Miscellaneous|Travel

Something that I have always been fascinated about was how things work, why things were built the way they were and what places look like behind closed doors. I love old architecture and broken down buildings. Something so beautiful and interesting about an abandoned building falling to pieces left forgotten.

I have always loved hiking and exploring, and I often partake in geocaching, and those activities satisfy that desire somewhat. However, there is nothing like adding a little danger to the equation for a bit of that rush, the fear of getting caught or what you might find.

But there is one thing that I have never gotten a chance to really do, urban exploration, also known as Urbex or UE. Often highly illegal and involving the need to break through doors, locks, and fences.

Every now and then, I come across an article that rejuvenates my interest in the area. This posting is a list of really cool places that I will probably only ever dream of seeing in person.

Chernobyl

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chernobyl_disaster

Some day I would like to travel to the Ukraine and explore the area with a local guide of the tourists beaten path.

Abandoned Military Bunkers & Missile Silos

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=277744

After reading an article about climbers exploring abandoned missile silos and mapping out military complexes, I knew it was something I would like to explore one day.

Paris Catacombs

http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/featured/paris-catacombs/16561

This is a fascinating place. Add on the fact that it is an extremely old tunnel system and the creepiness of thousands of human remains piled on the floor to the height of your head. Would be an incredible sight to see.

Sewers, Drains, and Subway Systems

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/features/2651937/The-people-living-in-drains-below-Las-Vegas.html

Interesting article with pictures of people living the drains of Las Vegas

Caves, Cracks

Really don’t have some links for this, but any cave or crack in the earth/rock/ice would be interesting to explore, especially deep mutli-day treks into the void.

Various links on the topic

http://www.infiltration.org/index.html

A website dedicated to exploring places you should not be.

http://www.uer.ca/

A Canadian Forum for interested UE

More?

  • http://www.rootninja.com/chinese-ghost-cities-like-zhengzhou-not-so-ghostly-after-all/


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1 Response to "Urban Exploration"

1 | Tom

October 23rd, 2009 at 3:33 pm

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Hey James, I just read your post and it’s nice to find a kindred spirit! When I started reading about the urban exploration scene (even though I’ve inexplicably loved derelict things and places since I was a kid), I never actually knew until a few years ago there was an active community out there!! Had a look at some of the links, especially loved the old missile silos and the Lost Vegas one – truly bizarre stuff! Also watched a documentary about the Paris Catacombs recently, and the people who know the tunnels, the hidden entrances and the way through. Can’t remember what they’re referred to as, but they’re definitely not official! If you do take up this hobby, watch out for asbestos and the like, then try not to get caught!

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