Abandoned Europe

By Rebecca Drew

SPOOKY images of what could be the most spectacular abandoned buildings in Europe have been released.

The dramatic pictures show the remains of an empty workshop, a derelict psychiatric hospital and a collapsing ball room which cannot stand against the strength of mother nature. Other shots in the collection show a water-filled bedroom and the once luxurious carriage of the legendary Orient Express.

Austrian youth worker Stefan Baumann (34) travels all over Europe to find the most eerie locations to photograph.

“I love it when nature takes back what was once hers and when there are visible signs that even massive architectural structures can’t stand the power of nature,” Stefan said.

“We see massive buildings made forever, crumbling just by the force of nature and time.

“I have seen walls that have been cracked apart by ivy over the years and roots of trees that have broken floors and mushrooms growing ankle high indoors.

“Gigantic hallways which are totally overgrown in ivy create a surreal and dreamy atmosphere.”

Urban exploration has been growing in popularity in recent years with those who partake in the art form competing with each other to find the most obscure and untouched buildings to capture.

“The main problem of urban exploration is actually entering the abandoned building,” said Stefan.

“Sometimes it’s pretty easy like entering though an open door or window, but most of the time it’s a bit more complicated.

“The only possible way to enter could be an open window in the first or second floor.

“There could be security on site or video surveillance, barbed wire or, only in a few cases, I face more advanced challenges like motion detectors or anti climb paint.

“I want to show what happens when mankind abandons a place to its fate.

“I want to hold up a mirror to society and document what beautiful buildings are left unoccupied while thousands of new ones are built every day”.

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