My urban explorations are not intended to promote or engage in vandalism, theft, violence, or any other illegal activities. The primary goal is to photograph and film locations that are abandoned, lost, decaying, or forgotten. The stunts, climbs, and infiltrations depicted on this website and associated social media can be extremely dangerous and should not be attempted. I take full responsibility for my own safety in every location I visit.
For me, over 80% of urban exploration involves locating and discovering new places. Like many other
explorers, I utilize Google, Google Maps, Google Earth, and various websites that offer intriguing
information. Additionally, I often find locations by wandering around or engaging with local
residents. You must adopt a detective-like mindset in this pursuit. Whether you're a beginner or an
experienced explorer, I'd like to share some advice.
Google is an excellent gateway into the world of urban exploration. As the primary search engine, it
helps ordinary people discover frequently visited locations. While you may come across stunning
photos, it's crucial to pay attention to the date when each photo was taken and uploaded. Many places
may look vastly different today, and some may have even been demolished.
People post "abandoned" photos every hour, and while these can be captivating, it's essential to
proceed with caution. Of all the photos I explore, only about one in a thousand provides an exact
location. However, by paying attention to details, a whole new world of possibilities opens up.
For example, if you come across a photo of a house tagged in a village in France with the caption
"Awesome view over the valley," start by searching for the village on Google Maps to identify
potential viewpoints or hills. If you don't find it immediately, dig deeper by examining the details
in the photo—such as nearby buildings, rivers, the shape of trees, signs, roads, or estimated
distances to the ocean or other landmarks. Don't forget to read the comments; they can often contain
valuable hints and clues.
Once you learn to do this effectively, you'll be able to map out more places than you could ever hope
to visit.
Public Urbex groups are filled with posts about abandoned places, particularly because members
frequently repost and share links, clips, and videos from other urban explorers (thank you!). Another
effective way to find locations is by clicking the magnifying glass icon to search for people or
topics, then simply type in what you're looking for. This will yield numerous results across various
pages, groups, and profiles. By putting in some effort and reading through all the comments,
especially older ones, you can uncover some fascinating information.
Once you've been exploring for a while, established connections, and demonstrated your reliability,
you may receive invitations to secret or closed Urbex groups. What is shared in these groups remains
confidential.
Search for either a random or specific abandoned place, depending on what you're interested in. As you browse, take time to scroll through the comments, as they often reveal valuable information about the location. Another method is to activate the website's source code and search for relevant keywords, which can sometimes provide additional insights.
Whether online or in real life, the choice is yours. From my experience, networking in person is often
the most effective way to connect. None of us walk around with signs saying "I am an urban explorer,"
so you have to be observant. You might occasionally spot another explorer on the streets or encounter
someone at the same abandoned site you're exploring. This presents a great opportunity to say
hello.
Most explorers are friendly, but some may be focused on their work and prefer not to be seen or
disturbed. It may sound unusual, but if you want to network effectively, be prepared to demonstrate
that you're not a guard or police officer there to disrupt anyone. Build confidence and trust your
instincts. If you have a well-known "Urbex name" and a portfolio to showcase, it can greatly enhance
your credibility. If you approach this seriously, I promise you'll make a new friend that day.
Drive or walk without feeling rushed. Take a new route or explore around the corner. Destinations
accessible only by boat or airplane require a different kind of planning.
However, traveling by car, train, bus, bike, or on foot is an excellent way to explore. I've visited
many places where I chose not to drive directly to the site. Instead, I parked about 1 km away and
walked, and guess what? I discovered even more interesting locations along the way.
For many years, I explored numerous abandoned locations, often without a camera. Now, I visit even more sites, always equipped with a camera. My goal isn't to publish every place I visit; rather, I focus on sharing the locations that resonate with me and evoke a moment I want to share.
I've mostly encountered good and serious explorers, and I'm happy to share coordinates with them in
person. However, in the virtual world, you can't know who's watching. There are certain locations that
we explorers prefer to keep to ourselves, especially when there are individuals waiting for a chance
to vandalize or steal. There will always be other explorers after me, and if the site is still intact,
I want them to have the same amazing experience I had.
If you're seeking coordinates for a specific place I've visited, please ensure you have a solid
portfolio showcasing at least 100 explored locations before reaching out. Additionally, be prepared to
share the coordinates of at least one Urbex site in return.
I can never be certain before I enter. For instance, I once visited a secluded house with no roads, no
paths, and no signs of life nearby. As I ventured inside and began to take photos, I was taken aback
to discover a man living in one of the rooms. He had a small burner, some bottles of water, and was
sleeping in a tent. While the place appeared abandoned, the experience taught me to always be prepared
for the unexpected.
With that in mind, I recommend keeping your eyes open for:
• People
• Parked cars nearby
• Overgrown grass and trees
• Untouched snow (remember that You leave traces)
• Padlock on the inside or outside of the gate
• Broken windows
• Broken doors
• Graffiti doodle
• Working lights
• Cameras
• Neighbors
Every place has an owner, regardless of its appearance. Many explorers are stealthy and can slip into locations without being seen or heard. However, this can still be considered trespassing, and if an alarm goes off, the countdown begins, significantly increasing your risk of getting caught. One approach might be to talk to the owner or someone in a nearby house and simply explain what you intend to do.
Yes, it can be dangerous. There have been instances where property owners have confronted explorers and even fired shots. Tragically, some individuals have lost their lives while pursuing the perfect photo. The reasons for these incidents vary, but exploring areas that have been neglected always carries inherent risks. Even if a place appears stable, other dangers may lurk. Rather than listing all potential hazards, I'll simply say: always watch your back.
It's important to understand your rights and the trespassing laws in the areas where you're exploring. In some countries, security personnel and police are friendly and will simply ask you to leave without any penalties or strings attached. In contrast, in other countries, they may not differentiate between citizens and tourists, and you could receive a fine regardless. However, in both cases, they must prove that you were inside or behind the "No Trespassing" sign. For more information on this, please read further down, below "Where to get in."
Even if you have a mobile carrier with free data in your home country, this may not be the case when you're abroad. Using your cellphone as a map may only consume about 5 MB per hour, buy you may end up in areas with no service at all. While you can download maps of the region you plan to visit, what if you want to explore spontaneously? A GPS device will assist you even in the deepest forests and valleys.
You don't want to find yourself hungry and low on gas in the middle of nowhere. If you plan to spend the entire day exploring, take a few minutes to stop at a gas station. Fill up your tank and grab something to eat before leaving civilization.
If you're not confident about keeping your car key secure in a well-sealed pocket, consider getting a Keypod. This handy device allows you to hide your key discreetly, such as under your car. Another solution is to place the key in a small plastic bag and hang it in a tree a short distance from your vehicle. To help remember where you've hidden it, wrap a strip of black tape around the tree trunk as a marker.
There's always a way in, you just have to find it. The best approach is to be stealthy, ensuring that
no one sees you. If that isn't possible, act as though you belong there. If there's a fence
surrounding the area or structure, take a walk around and look for openings. While many places may
have "No Trespassing" signs, these are not typically posted every five meters.
What if you're wandering through a forest and don't see any signs? Or what if you come across an open
door to a building and hear someone calling for help? In many countries, the concept of "Freedom to
Roam" allows you to walk through public spaces and wilderness areas. If the situation warrants it or
if you find yourself in danger, you may also have the right to cross private property.
Avoid breaking anything to gain entry—this is absolutely prohibited, and the act of exploration itself
may already be legally questionable. The most common ways to enter are through openings such as
missing doors, windows, or sections of the roof. I've also accessed places through ventilation
systems, poorly constructed walls, and small holes that led to basements.
If you can't find an easy way in, consider it a sign to reevaluate. Is the location truly abandoned?
Should you leave instead? Whether you're a beginner or an experienced explorer, if you find a single
way in, be sure to remember its location. For example, you can mark it on the inside with orange
tape.
Always exercise common sense: don't climb broken ladders, avoid entering through windows with sharp
shards, and don't trust the floor, even if there's only a hole in the middle. Don't be naive; you
understand the importance of caution.
It's better to remain as quiet as possible than to attract unwanted attention. Put your phone and watch in airplane mode, and be mindful of your footsteps. Ensure your camera and GoPro are set to silent mode to eliminate any beeping sounds. If you need to hide for any reason, double-check that none of your equipment emits noise. Additionally, avoid giving away your presence by starting a bonfire or smoking in the area.
In addition to "No Trespassing" signs, be on the lookout for alarm decals, security cameras, and dogs. Fresh signs and cameras on an old building may indicate that security is already aware of your presence. Dogs typically accompany security personnel, and they won't be easily distracted, even by a pack of sausages.
Sooner or later, you may find yourself face-to-face with someone — be it another explorer, a homeless
person, a random tourist, or security personnel. Whether you spot the individual clearly in daylight
or only hear a voice due to the glare of a flashlight, resist the urge to run, especially if it's
dark. Stay calm and assess who it is, but be prepared to defend yourself if the person attempts to rob
you.
There's a significant difference between walking slowly and running with an elevated heart rate.
Running can lead to accidents, such as falling through a hole, getting stuck, or failing to pay
attention to your surroundings, which can be very dangerous. Remember, you're likely in an area where
you shouldn't be, so if the person isn't a threat, explain why you're there, what you're doing, and
perhaps share some of your work. Almost all of these encounters tend to end positively.
Every city around the world is home to abandoned places, and in many countries, entire towns lie forgotten. You don't need to travel far to begin your explorations. A great starting point is to invest just 15 minutes searching for abandoned and overlooked locations in your area. You might discover far more than you expect. Additionally, exploring familiar surroundings means you're less likely to get lost.
Exploring underground is the next level of adventure and should not be underestimated. If you're
interested in delving into caves, shelters, subways, and other dark areas, ensure you have plenty of
light—and perhaps a spare pair of shorts! Your limitations in navigating these spaces can make you
vulnerable to hazards such as unstable surfaces, traps, broken stairs, elevator shafts, and security
cameras.
If you've surveyed the area during the day, you may have a better understanding, but remember that
your perception changes dramatically in the dark. You'll think and analyze your surroundings
differently. Paddling in a small boat at night to access an area is particularly risky, especially if
you're unsure of the water's current. If you plan on undertaking such explorations, make sure you
never go alone.
You may have seen videos of explorers scaling the heights of 300-meter chimneys or seeking unique
perspectives from bridges, church roofs, industrial sites, and subways. However, venturing into
occupied spaces—those that aren't abandoned—carries a significantly higher risk of getting caught.
Most of these locations are equipped with alarms and cameras, which you might be able to circumvent,
but be aware that some places have silent alarms monitored by full-time security guards.
In these environments, your movements and options are greatly restricted. If you decide to enter, it's
crucial to know exactly what you're doing. Aim to reach your target as directly as possible—avoid
wandering or lingering unnecessarily. This type of exploration is not suitable for beginners looking
to "try something cool."
Safety should always be your top priority. If you feel uncertain, it's best to have someone accompany
you. This doesn't need to be a seasoned explorer; even a friend who can keep the location confidential
is valuable—except in emergencies, of course.
Many abandoned sites are situated in remote areas with little to no traffic, electricity, or daily
supervision. As a result, the condition of these locations can be far worse than you might expect. If
none of your friends can join you, consider posting a request in an Urbex group or forum; you might
find a new companion for your exploration.
Having engaged in urban exploration and similar activities for many years, I've grown accustomed to
exploring alone. However, when I venture into particularly isolated areas with no cell service, I
always inform someone of my plans and ask them to check in on me after a few hours.
Exploring a building, capturing photos, and appreciating nature's reclaiming of space can be thrilling
and rewarding. However, your safety must come first. Always trust your gut feeling and don't hesitate
to leave if something feels off. If you sense unease upon arrival, it's perfectly acceptable to turn
back.
There have been times when I've ignored a nagging feeling and proceeded to enter. Inside, I rushed my
shots just to leave quickly, resulting in unsatisfactory photos and a less-than-enjoyable experience.
Urban exploration should be a fulfilling hobby, not a race or competition. Take your time, savor the
moments, and truly enjoy your visits.
Even if you're having the time of your life in the most stunning abandoned place, it's crucial to
recognize when it's time to leave. While you should enjoy your stay, if you sense even the slightest
hint that something isn't right, trust that instinct. Sometimes, your body picks up on unconscious
signals that you might not consciously recognize.
For instance, a silent alarm may have been triggered, a supervisor could have arrived outside, or
someone in the next room might be waiting for an opportunity. I'm not sharing this to scare you off,
but rather to highlight the importance of staying aware based on personal experiences. Your safety is
paramount.
Take a few moments to absorb the place or object you're about to photograph. Consider the atmosphere
you want to convey: Do you prefer a foggy morning, bright daylight, a dramatic sunset, or the subtle
tones of low light? Perhaps a rainy day might add the perfect mood? If you believe the vibe can be
enhanced by returning at a different time, it may be worth postponing your entry.
If you've seen photos of the location taken by other explorers, use them to inform your planning and
save time. Many cameras can be controlled via an app, making it easier to capture shots of yourself or
your group. Don't forget to bring a tripod for steady shots; it can also assist you in reaching angles
that might otherwise be difficult to attain.
While you may already be trespassing by entering a location, it's crucial to avoid becoming a thief as
well. Imagine if everyone took items they wanted; your reaction upon arriving would likely be, “What?
This is nothing like the photos I've seen!” You'd end up leaving disappointed, perhaps even sharing in
an Urbex group that the place is now barren and uninteresting.
Instead, focus on capturing the moment and allowing future explorers to have the same experience you
did. Personally, I prefer not to move items around, but I believe it's acceptable to adjust things
slightly for the perfect shot, as long as it doesn't alter the integrity of the location.
In addition to my essential clothing — shoes, long pants, a sweater, a hat, and gloves, I always carry a wide-angle lens camera for photography, along with other cameras to capture videos.
Having two powerful torches is a priority for me. I always ensure to bring spare batteries or power banks to keep them charged.
When exploring with a co-explorer, walkie-talkies are essential for staying connected, eliminating the need for cell coverage.
A power bank ensures your equipment can keep going the extra mile, providing the necessary charge for extended explorations.
Exploring abandoned spaces can expose you to toxic substances, dust, and mold, making it difficult and dangerous to breathe. A quality face mask or respirator allows me to navigate these areas safely, enabling me to pause and capture photos. For comprehensive protection against dust, mold, and asbestos, I recommend using an FFP3 mask, which meets European standards.
A quick Google search will reveal numerous stories of explorers who have encountered theft while visiting locations known for urban exploration. Some individuals may be lurking in these areas, waiting for unsuspecting explorers to arrive. Carrying a protection spray can provide an added layer of security and peace of mind during your adventures.
Having a first aid kit on hand is essential for addressing minor incidents that may arise during your explorations. It ensures that you can promptly manage any injuries, allowing you to continue your adventure with minimal disruption.
While some explorers advise against carrying weapons, I prefer to have a multitool with me for emergencies. It can be invaluable if I find myself stuck or locked in, but I believe in keeping it discreet and only using it when absolutely necessary.
Binoculars are essential for spotting locations from a distance, allowing me to assess potential sites before getting closer.
At first, I thought a door stop seemed unnecessary, but I've come to appreciate its usefulness. It can prevent the door from locking behind you, saving you from potentially needing to call the fire department for assistance.
I use tape to mark my entry point and to outline a route, ensuring I can easily find my way back. It's a simple yet effective tool for maintaining orientation in unfamiliar spaces.
A safety vest is essential when visiting active military shooting ranges or similar environments. It ensures visibility, helping to keep me safe in potentially hazardous areas.
In situations where door stops can't be used—such as on slippery floors or with heavy doors—cable ties and tie downs become invaluable. They can secure doors in place and also serve to hang my backpack safely below me while navigating narrow spaces.
A grappling hook is a handy tool that's easy to throw or attach, depending on whether I'm climbing up or descending where there are no ladders or stable handholds. The rope is approximately 20 meters long, providing ample length for most situations I encounter.
Also known as a wire rope ladder, this is an ideal solution for navigating ventilation systems, reaching windows a few meters up, or scaling fences with high vertical bars.
A picnic is essential! Staying energized with snacks and hydration makes all the difference during your explorations.
Many abandoned, decayed, and forgotten places lie in areas where the lines between right and wrong can blur. To avoid getting lost, I always document my journey on video. This way, I can ensure I find my way back safely.
The only way to explore with me is through an exclusive invitation. I ensure that anyone featured in my videos feels comfortable in front of the camera, so I don't include random individuals without their consent.
Yes, I do, but only if you can demonstrate that you are a serious urban explorer, part of a film team, TV channel, or magazine. If you're interested, feel free to send me a message outlining your thoughts and suggestions.
Yes, I do! If you know of a place you'd like me to visit for photos and a video, feel free to send me a message.
Country
Coordinates
Fenced
Access
Spotted
Confronted
Arrested