The Enigmatic World of Abandoned Places Reclaimed by Nature: 8 Must-See Sites
The fascination with abandoned places reclaimed by nature reflects a profound intersection of human history and ecological transformation. Romain Veillon’s “Green Urbex 2” showcases this compelling blend through over 200 photographs, capturing the essence of structures worldwide that nature has beautifully overtaken, from Houtouwan in China to SS Ayrfield in Australia . These images, inspired by the 18th-century fascination with ruins, not only underscore the fragility of civilization but also echo the urgent call for environmental respect and the importance of ecological balance .
As ecosystems thrive in these once human-dominated spaces, the abandoned sites emerge as significant testimonies to nature’s resilience and power to regenerate. The work of photographers like Jonk and Janine Pendleton further highlights these themes, presenting vivid examples from across the globe where nature has not just reclaimed land but has also created thriving ecosystems within the skeletal remains of human constructs . This article ventures into the enigmatic world of such sites, offering a glimpse into eight must-see locations where the harmonious blend of history and nature vividly demonstrates the planet’s ecological wonders.
Kolmanskop, Namibia
Kolmanskop, once a bustling diamond mining town in Namibia, is now a haunting ghost town swallowed by desert sands. Established in 1908, this town quickly rose to prominence by producing a staggering million carats a year, accounting for 11.7% of the global diamond production by 1912 . Named after Johnny Coleman, a transport driver who abandoned his ox wagon during a sandstorm, Kolmanskop epitomizes the transient wealth of diamond mining .
Architectural and Historical Significance
The town was designed to mirror a German town, featuring a hospital, ballroom, power station, and even the first x-ray station in the southern hemisphere, reflecting its prosperity and advanced infrastructure for the time . Located about 10 kilometers from the coastal town of Lüderitz, its accessibility was further enhanced by a railway link and two private narrow-gauge electrified lines serving the diamond industry .
Decline and Abandonment
The decline of Kolmanskop began in the late 1920s when larger diamond deposits were discovered southwards. By 1956, the town was completely abandoned, leaving behind buildings filled with sand and memories of a bygone era . Despite being in the restricted Sperrgebiet area of the Namib Desert, requiring a permit for entry, it draws thousands of tourists each year, managed by Ghost Town Tours since 2002 .
Conservation and Tourist Attraction
Today, tourists explore homes knee-deep in sand, with the arid climate helping preserve the Edwardian architecture. However, studies in 2010 have shown significant deterioration, raising concerns about its longevity . Kolmanskop serves not only as a tourist site but also as a stark reminder of the colonial exploitation and the fleeting nature of extractive industries.
This site continues to captivate visitors, not just with its eerie beauty, but as a poignant lesson on the impermanence of human endeavors against the relentless forces of nature.
Tunnel Of Love, Klevan, Ukraine
The Tunnel of Love, located near Klevan, Ukraine, is a mesmerizing natural attraction that captures the hearts of visitors with its verdant, tunnel-like archway. This 3-kilometer stretch of industrial railway has been transformed by the lush greenery of trees lining each side, creating a stunning visual effect that seems almost designed by nature itself .
Unique Natural Formation
The trees that envelop the railway have grown into a dense arch, creating the appearance of a tunnel. This phenomenon occurs naturally and is most vibrant during the spring and early summer months when the foliage is at its peak .
A Destination for Romance and Photography
Known as a beacon for romance, the Tunnel of Love is believed to strengthen the relationships of couples who walk through it together. This charming legend adds to the site’s allure, making it a favored spot for romantic strolls and marriage proposals . Additionally, its breathtaking scenery makes it a popular location for photographers and tourists aiming to capture the essence of this picturesque setting .
Accessibility and Visiting Tips
Located just 5 kilometers from the Klevan railway station, the tunnel is easily accessible to visitors. There are no fees required to explore this natural wonder, though caution is advised when walking near or on the tracks. For the best experience, visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon is recommended to avoid the crowds .
Connection to Local Industry
Interestingly, the Tunnel of Love is not just a tourist attraction but also serves a practical purpose. It is part of the transportation route for the Odek plywood factory, which uses the railway to transport goods to the Klevan junction for further distribution across Western Europe . The daily operations include several train trips, managed by operators like Mykola Havrylevych, depending on the production needs of the factory .
Historical and Cultural Significance
The tunnel’s enchanting appearance has a historical backdrop; during the Cold War, trees were planted along the track to conceal military movements. This strategic move inadvertently created what would become one of Ukraine’s most beloved natural attractions . The site has gained significant popularity, drawing international visitors and becoming a source of local pride . In 2013, the community’s attachment to the tunnel was evident when public outcry stopped the cutting of trees that facilitated the train’s passage, highlighting the balance between industrial function and natural beauty .
Visitors to the Tunnel of Love not only leave with beautiful photos but also a deeper appreciation for how nature and human history are intricately linked, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring Ukraine.
Ta Prohm, Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Historical and Architectural Significance
Ta Prohm, originally known as Rajavihara (Monastery of the King), was built in 1186 during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. It served as a Buddhist monastery and center of learning, dedicated to the king’s mother. This temple is unique as it was constructed without mortar, utilizing an intricate system of interlocking blocks, which has allowed the structure to withstand the test of time and nature to some extent .
Engulfed by Nature
The temple is famously enveloped by the jungle, with massive silk-cotton and strangler fig trees growing over and between the stone ruins. These trees’ roots have slowly dismantled the temple’s structure, creating a surreal landscape where architecture and nature intertwine . This natural phenomenon has made Ta Prohm one of the most picturesque and visited locations in Cambodia.
Conservation Efforts
Despite its allure, Ta Prohm was neglected for centuries, leading to significant overgrowth and deterioration. Recent conservation efforts aim to stabilize and preserve the site while maintaining its appearance of benign neglect. These efforts ensure the safety of the many visitors the temple attracts each year and involve international teams, including Indian and Cambodian archaeologists .
Cultural Impact and Popularity
Ta Prohm rose to international fame after being featured in the movie “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” which significantly boosted its popularity. Additionally, its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992 has attracted further attention and underscored its importance as a cultural and historical site . Today, it stands not only as a monument of ancient Cambodian architecture but also as a testament to the enduring power of nature over human constructs.
Visitor Information
Located near Siem Reap, Ta Prohm is accessible to tourists and is best visited during the wet season from May to October when the surrounding jungle is lush and vibrant. The temple covers an extensive area and features a complex of towers, courtyards, and corridors, some of which are impassable due to the overgrown roots. Visitors are advised to tread carefully and respect both the natural and man-made aspects of this extraordinary site .
Gouqi Island, China
Gouqi Island, part of the Shengsi Islands within the Zhoushan Archipelago, lies off the eastern coast of China. Known for its rich marine biodiversity, the island boasts over 300 species of fish, 200 species of shellfish, and 200 types of seaweed .
Houtouwan Village: A Ghostly Beauty
Houtouwan, a once bustling fishing village on Gouqi Island, was home to more than 2,000 residents before being abandoned in the early 1990s due to logistical challenges with education and food delivery . Today, it stands as a hauntingly beautiful testament to nature’s reclaiming power, with trees and plants weaving through the desolate structures. This village is now a significant attraction, drawing hundreds of visitors daily who come to witness this unique blend of human history and natural takeover .
Activities and Accessibility
Visitors to Gouqi Island can engage in various activities such as fishing, hiking, and birdwatching, making the most of the island’s natural resources and scenic landscapes . Access to the island is facilitated by a ferry from Shanghai, which takes approximately four hours one way .
Environmental Conservation Efforts
The local government has taken steps to preserve this natural wonder by regulating the number of tourists and implementing strict fishing practices. These measures aim to maintain the ecological balance and ensure the sustainability of the island’s rich biodiversity .
Gouqi Island not only offers a glimpse into the past with its abandoned village but also serves as a vibrant hub for marine life and eco-tourism, showcasing the delicate interplay between human activity and natural ecosystems.
New World Mall, Bangkok, Thailand
Origins and Controversy
The New World Mall, initially envisioned as an 11-story shopping center, opened its doors in 1983 but faced early challenges due to non-compliance with local building regulations. The structure exceeded the permissible height limits by seven stories, directly conflicting with the strict building codes intended to protect the skyline around Bangkok’s revered Grand Palace .
Catastrophic Decline
The mall’s fate took a turn for the worse when it was sealed off in 1997 after experiencing a series of calamities, including fires and the collapse of its upper floors. These incidents were compounded by unauthorized construction efforts that had previously pushed the building well beyond its legal height limits .
Transformation into an Aquatic Ecosystem
Post-abandonment, the mall’s lower floors became flooded, leading to severe mosquito infestations. In a creative twist to address this issue, locals introduced various species of fish into the water, effectively controlling the mosquito population and giving rise to the nickname “abandoned fish mall.” This flooded state has transformed the mall into a unique urban pond, now home to thousands of fish, including exotic species like koi and carp .
Current Status and Public Engagement
Despite its checkered past, the New World Mall has morphed into an intriguing tourist attraction. Shops surrounding the mall capitalize on its popularity by selling fish food, encouraging visitors to feed the thriving aquatic life. The local community has embraced this site, turning it into a symbol of resilience and adaptation. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has even announced plans to partially redevelop the site into a public space, reflecting a commitment to revitalizing this once troubled location .
Preservation and Regulations
To protect this accidental ecosystem, regulations have been put in place, including a ban on throwing anything other than fish food into the lake. This measure ensures the health and safety of the aquatic inhabitants, maintaining the mall’s status as a sanctuary for both fish and human visitors alike .
Floating Forest, Sydney, Australia
Origins and Historical Background
The SS Ayrfield, originally a steam collier built in 1911, played a significant role during WWII as a transport ship. Post-war, in 1972, it found its final resting place at Homebush Bay, Sydney, intended for dismantling in a ship-breaking yard .
Emergence of the Floating Forest
Over the decades, nature took over the abandoned SS Ayrfield, leading to the growth of mangrove trees directly on the ship. This extraordinary fusion of nature and nautical relic has aptly earned it the nickname “Floating Forest” .
Ecological and Visual Significance
The Floating Forest not only serves as a stunning visual spectacle but also demonstrates nature’s resilience. The ship, now over a century old, stands as a testament to the enduring battle between man-made structures and natural forces .
Accessibility and Viewing Tips
For those wishing to visit, the SS Ayrfield is conveniently located in Homebush Bay and is prominently marked on maps. Visitors are advised to start their journey from the Homebush Bay Apartments for the best views of this historical and ecological marvel .
Protection and Heritage Status
The site is protected under Australia’s 1977 Heritage Act, ensuring that the SS Ayrfield remains undisturbed and preserved for future generations to witness the striking example of nature reclaiming human-made environments .
Conclusion
Through the lens of forgotten places swallowed by nature’s embrace, this article voyages across the globe, unraveling the beauty and resilience of ecosystems that prevail long after human footprints fade. From the diamond-enshrouded deserts of Kolmanskop to the submerged tales of New World Mall, each site narrates a unique story of nature’s indomitable will to reclaim and rejuvenate. These narratives not only immortalize the transient essence of human achievements but also underscore the significant, often overlooked, power of the natural world in shaping our shared heritage and future.
The exploration of these enchanting sites serves as a compelling reminder of the intricate balance between human existence and the natural environment. It invites us to reflect on our role within this dynamic and to foster a deeper appreciation for the forces of regeneration and change that persist all around us. As we marvel at the persistence of nature in reclaiming its dominion, let these stories inspire a renewed commitment to environmental stewardship and a harmonious coexistence with the world that sustains us.
