urbex Poland -

Car cemetery

Gosia — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 12:41:40 +0000

Car cemetery had been on my list for some time however I didn’t expect fireworks when I got there. I suspected that this place would be largely looted. Meanwhile, I saw a hundred cars from the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s in various degrees of disintegration. It’s sad to see all of them slowly rusting and falling into increasing disrepair. Some of them have been dismantled, but there’s still a lot to see. Such a collection must have been a huge treasure in the times of socialism. Many drivers dreamed of such cars back then. The choice is wide: Fiats, Skodas, Syrenas, Mercedes and Opels. Fiat 126p cars lined up neatly in a row looked almost like they were on display in a showroom. I tried to find more information about this mysterious place. Unfortunately, there’s practically no trace of it on the Internet. However, I was interested in the fact that the car cemetery is located close to one of the main routes to Warsaw, in a quite dense forest. It’s surrounded by the fragments of the concrete wall and security guard’s booth. Well, maybe I don’t want to know more… If you like this post more urbex spots you cna find here.

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Borne Sulinowo – Officer’s House: Forgotten History

Gosia — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 15:13:31 +0000

Borne Sulinowo is a town full of mysteries, once difficult to find on the map of Poland. Its existence was a closely guarded secret. The history of this place begins in the years 1933-1939, when the Third Reich started to displace the local inhabitants to build a military base and training ground here. Between 1934 and 1937, the Pomeranian Wall (Pommernsellung) was constructed, which was part of the fortifications on the eastern border of the Third Reich. In the garrison Groß Born, as Borne Sulinowo was called at the time, units of Heinz Guderian’s armoured division were stationed. Guderian was a well-known military theorist and the author of the book “Achtung – Panzer!” which presented the concept of “blitzkrieg.” Interestingly, training exercises for Afrika Korps units were also held here, another place of training in Poland was also the Błedowska Desert. At that time, the Officer’s House was also established, serving as a training center. The Officer’s House was officially opened by Adolf Hitler on August 18, 1938. In addition to the training facilities, the building housed an officers’ casino and a concert hall intended for special ceremonies. There was also a restaurant, which offered an incredible view of Lake Pile. Although the Officer’s House still looks impressive from a distance, up close, its advanced decomposition is evident. For me, this is an advantage, as it makes the place more interesting to explore. However, from a historical and architectural perspective, it’s sad to see such a valuable monument falling into ruin. In 2010, a fire destroyed a large part of the building, including the roof of the concert hall. Further damage was caused by nature. Despite the ongoing decay, the Officer’s House still makes an incredible impression. Exploring its interiors, one can imagine what it looked like in its heyday. The glass ceiling, though partially collapsed, still looks impressive. The history of Borne Sulinowo does not end with the fall of the Third Reich. After the war, this area was taken over by the Red Army, and its existence was kept a strict secret. In the nearby village of Brzezino-Kolonia, a Soviet missile base was located. There was also the mysterious facility 3002, about which I wrote about here. The Officer’s House isn’t the only attraction in Borne Sulinowo. The area is dotted with many former German bunkers. Another interesting place is Klomino, a ghost town. During the Third Reich, there was a prisoner-of-war camp here, holding Poles, French, and Russians. After the war, when the area was taken over by the Red Army, the camp was used to detain German soldiers. It was later transformed into a military base, which operated until 1992. Since then, Klomino has never been inhabited, and the buildings have gradually been demolished. Currently, the town is not a major attraction because there’s very little left. Near Borne, in the forest along the road towards Szczecinek, there’s another interesting place—a Soviet military cemetery. The cemetery was established right after the Red Army occupied these areas and created a military base in 1945. It functioned until 1992, when the base was closed. It’s a civil-military cemetery, so civilians who served the secret military base and their families are also buried there. Most of the burials took place between 1945 and 1967. After 1970, only the children of the military base personnel were buried there. The cemetery contains about 350 graves, nearly half of which are anonymous. We can only speculate who lies in these unmarked graves. They were likely soldiers of the 6th Guards Vitebsk-Novgorod Mechanized Division, stationed in Borne Sulinowo. There was no war at the time, and the authorities probably did not want to mar the statistics with fatal accidents during exercises. It is also suspected that the anonymous graves belong to deserters. In 2007, after the renovation of the cemetery, the bodies of Soviet soldiers from closed cemeteries in Kolobrzeg and Bialogard were moved here. Since then, the official name of the cemetery has been “Cemetery of the Soldiers of the Northern Group of Forces of the Russian Federation and Their Families in Borne Sulinowo.” However, locals call it the “cemetery with the PPSh.” This name comes from the grave of Ivan Paddubny, marked with a monument of a PPSh—a Soviet submachine gun. The monument was relocated from the center of Borne Sulinowo after Poland regained independence. While the history of the PPSh is known, the fate of the soldier remains a mystery. It is suspected that he died in a shooting in the village of Kragi in 1946. The circumstances of this incident are unknown, but the fact that it occurred a year after the end of the war is surprising.

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Abandoned chapel – Girl off the Trail

Gosia — Sat, 14 Dec 2024 16:40:10 +0000

The chapel was built in the early 20th century. At first glance, its appearance suggests it’s a Catholic, but in reality, it belongs to the Mariavites. Mariavitism emerged from the Roman Catholic Church in 1906 and is closer to Orthodoxy Church. Currently, it’s estimated that around 20,000 people in Poland practise this religion. The chapel looks quite modest, similar to wooden constructions often seen in places like the Bieszczady Mountains. However, its discreetness is actually an advantage, allowing it to remain unnoticed. Although a lot of time has passed, the chapel makes an amazing impression. White and blue wooden walls give it a celestial character. Stained glass windows create a fascinating play of light depending on the time of day. Wooden columns add to its charm. Many artifacts have been preserved on-site, which is probably why the chapel doesn’t resemble a typical urbex location. On the altar, there are candle holders and vases with artificial flowers that contrast with the white walls. There’s also an open confessional located next to the altar. A picturesque view of the chapel can be seen from the choir balcony accessed by wooden stairs. Just behind the altar is the entrance to a residential part, which is quite dilapidated. Only a bed with bed linen has remained there. Do you like the post? Find out more here!

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Abandoned psychiatric hospital

Gosia — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 12:43:46 +0000

The former psychiatric hospital was opened at the beginning of the 20th century. It was established on the initiative of the Warsaw Society for Medical Assistance and Care for the Mentally and Nervously Ill, who purchased and renovated abandoned barracks for this purpose. At that time, it also included a farm that produced vegetables and fruits for the hospital’s needs. Initially, the hospital could accommodate only 24 patients, but over time it expanded to the point where further development was necessary. During World War II, when the siege of Warsaw took place, it was located just on the front line. As a result, it served as a hospital for wounded soldiers at that time. However, just before the end of the war, it was plundered by the Germans. In 2018, the hospital was moved to a newly built complex located nearby, and it has remained abandoned since then. The hospital consists of two buildings: the main brick building and a secondary wooden one. Both parts are entirely different. The brick building was likely the main building while the wooden annex appears to have served as an office area and a space for exercises and therapy. Both buildings are incredibly impressive. While exploring, I felt chills down my spine. The wind whistling through the corridors creates a draft that occasionally slamed doors or windows. The creaking floor, empty hospital beds, crepe paper decorations, and old wheelchairs fueled my imagination. Additionally, the hospital is surrounded by a park, which makes it feel isolated from the city, adding an extra element of eeriness. Are you interested in urbex? Find out more here!

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The palace with a hidden treasure

Gosia — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 11:50:53 +0000

The palace was built in the early 20th century. During World War II, it served as a field hospital, and after the war, a school was located there. Unfortunately, only a blackboard and an abacus remained here. Overall, there are no “artifacts” left in the entire building. Despite the fact that the wind is now practically the only thing moving through the corridors, the palace makes an incredible impression. Decorated staircase is particularly spectacular. The columns, arched windows, and ornate stair railings allow you to imagine what this building was like during its heyday. However, in my opinion, it’s the peeling oil paint that creates the unique atmosphere of this place. The staircase painted in pastel colours contrasts intriguingly with the intensive blue walls in the hall. The other rooms are also painted in interesting colours. As you walk through the palace, you can see unique details in the form of ceiling decorations or tiled stoves. The creaking wooden floor and doors broken out of their frames add a sense of drama. It’s said that a treasure is hidden somewhere on the grounds of the palace’s park. Despite extensive searches, it has yet to be discovered… More posts like this you’ll find here.

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Mysterious Objects in Brzeznica Kolonia – a Nuclear Inferno in Poland?

Gosia — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 12:07:06 +0000

The forest in Brzeznica-Kolonia at first glance seems to be a peaceful place, ideal for trips and relaxation in nature. However, few people realise that it hides a dark secret from the Cold War era. At that time, the existence of this place was a closely guarded secret, as there was a Soviet military base located here. Under the agreement signed in 1967 between the USSR and the Polish People’s Republic, three nuclear weapon storage facilities were built in Poland. These facilities were constructed as part of a program code-named “the Vistula” which aimed to use tactical nuclear weapons in the event of an attack by NATO countries. The bunkers were built by Poles based on Soviet plans and using materials provided by the Soviet Union. After the construction was completed, the facilities were taken over by the Soviets and maintained in strict secrecy until the 1990s. The first of these was located near Podborsko (facility 3001), the next in Brzeznica Kolonia (facility 3002), and the last in Templewo (facility 3003). In addition to these three bases, a nuclear warhead storage facility was also located in Bagicz and Szprotawa-Wiechlice, while temporary storage facilities were situated in Chojna and Pstraże (Strachów). The three main bases in Podborsko, Brzeznica, and Templewo were built according to the same design. Each facility could accommodate between 200 and nearly 300 nuclear warheads, with estimated storage ranging from 0.5 to 500 kilotons. For comparison, the bomb dropped on Hiroshima had a yield of 15 kilotons. One can imagine what this means… In the event of an attack on NATO countries, Poland would become a nuclear inferno in retaliation. Each of the three bases had two identical underground nuclear weapon storage bunkers of the T-7 “MONOLIT” type, with a volume of 3,000 m³. These bunkers can still be seen in Brzeznica today. When the base was operational, the bunkers were accessed through two main entrances, secured by armored doors. Additionally, there were loading ramps located near the bunkers. Theoretically, exploration of the bunkers is currently prohibited. A yellow sign warns that entering the facility poses a risk of death or serious injury. In reality, those who decide to visit must exercise extreme caution. A good flashlight is essential, as there’s a drop of about 4 meters just beyond the vestibule. The site is now completely looted, initially by the Russians, who took everything they could while leaving the base. Subsequently, scrap metal scavengers finished the job. It’s futile to look for any metal elements at the site. On the floor of each bunker, you can see the remains of clamps that were used to secure carts transporting the warheads, which prevented accidental collisions. In the 1970s, an additional tunnel bunker of the Granit type was built, which was used to store a mobile missile launcher. The storage facility in Brzeznica Kolonia was located deep within the forest, well camouflaged and heavily guarded. In fact, until the early 1990s, the existence of the base was kept strictly confidential. The base was self-sufficient and even featured a small town within its complex. There was a hospital, a shop, and a cinema operating on-site. It’s important to note that unlike other military units, service in Brzeznica lasted significantly longer. Limited specialist resources made frequent personnel rotations impossible. To ensure comfort for the staff, a semblance of normal life was created here. This decision had a positive impact on the mental health of the personnel, who, in fact had daily involvement with weapons of mass destruction. Unfortunately, little remains of the former base today. Besides the three bunkers, there are only remnants of guard posts and numerous trenches. Only in the Podborsko area you can visit a museum located in the former storage facility.

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Locomotive depot – Girl off the trail

Gosia — Fri, 17 May 2024 21:01:34 +0000

The locomotive depot was built in the 19th century during Prussian occupation. Its design was innovative on a European scale at that time and was used to build similar facilities in Berlin and Magdeburg. The locomotive shed was used for the maintenance of steam locomotives. Renovation works were carried out there. In the central part you can see a turntable that allowed locomotives to be moved to the repair hall. There are inspection channels on the sides. The specific atmosphere is created by the characteristic dome, with a vent for removing steam and smoke in the middle. Only minor repairs were carried out in the locomotive shed, using parts supplied from other plants. Insufficient equipment in the workshop and the lack of its own iron and bronze foundry led to the loss of its importance over time. Due to extensive damage during World War II, it required thorough reconstruction, which was completed less than 5 years after the war. In the 1950s, the process of replacing rolling stock with electric and combustion vehicles was initiated. Steam locomotives slowly began to lose their importance. Although repairs of diesel locomotives were still being carried out here, the general poor condition of the railway led to the stop of activity there. Then the locomotive depot was used as a warehouse for railway equipment and a training workshop for railway mechanics. However, at the end of the last century it was completely decommissioned. Currently, the building is in poor technical condition. Some investments have been made to save this unique facility, but it is still not enough. Today, the locomotive shed is apparently the only structure of this type in Poland. It is also a unique railway monument throughout Europe.

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Abandoned Cinema

Gosia — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 09:11:56 +0000

The abandoned cinema used to be an important cultural and entertainment centre of the city, but today it’s falling into ruin. The building was built between 1924 and 1929. Initially, it was intended to serve as a fire brigade facility. There was a fire station along with a practice room for the orchestra. However, right after its construction, the facility was leased and operated as a cinema until World War II. At that time, theatre performances and special events were also organized there. During the war, it was taken over by the Germans and returned to the fire brigade in 1946. In the 1980s, the building was closed due to the fire brigade’s financial problems. The cinema was taken over by the city, which, however, didn’t use it in any way. Currently, the building is still adjacent to the fire brigade station. On the ground floor you can see a spacious hall with ticket offices. One of the rooms resembles a kitchen, so there must also have been a restaurant. The main attraction of the cinema is, of course, the auditorium which could accommodate 500 spectators. Despite the passage of time, it still looks quite attractive. A row of chairs, the characteristic apricot colour of the walls and a meaningful plaque right under the stage take back to the times when performances took place there. Going up the staircase, you can also get to the balcony and the attic. While from the balcony you can see the stage from an interesting perspective, the attic doesn’t look so attractive. An additional attraction is the technical room where you can see old projectors. Do you like the post? Check more urbex spots here!

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Power Plant – a post-industrial palace, Girl off a Trail

Gosia — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 20:56:23 +0000

The power plant was built after World War I. The facility was designed in a modernist style by Georg and Emil Zillmann, architects of two workers’ housing estates in Katowice: Giszowiec and Nikiszowiec. The complex consists of three chimneys, the highest of which reaches as much as 120 meters. Another characteristic element is the clock tower with a four-sided clock. The dial of each clock has a diameter of 5 meters and each hand weighs approximately 100 kilograms. Apparently it is the second largest tower clock in Poland. Initially, the plant was designed as a gunpowder factory, the massive walls and a light roof, were intended to reduce the shock wave in the event of an explosion. It was decided to locate the complex between three lines of railway tracks, which were arranged in the shape of a triangle. In case of an attack, the factory was to be defended by armoured trains. Ultimately, due to the need to use the coal from two nearby mines, it was decided to establish a power plant. In addition to supplying electricity to the nearby town, it also powered the nearby steelworks. Both the mines, the steelworks and the power plant belonged to one investor – the Schaffgotsch family. The power plant was opened in 1920, and only 20 years later it became one of the largest in Europe. Unfortunately, much of the equipment was plundered by the Red Army in 1945. In the 1970s, it was transformed into a thermal power plant, and at the end of the 20th century it stopped producing electricity. The scale of the complex is incredibly impressive, it includes: a machine room, a boiler room, a pumping room, a power switchboard, a management building, three factory chimneys and a clock tower. The power plant building looks like a palace inside. Here and there you can still see preserved decorative details. Staircases with elegant decorations and tiles also make a great impression. The colours of the interior and the glass roof create a special atmosphere. It is a magical place, especially in the afternoon when the sun’s rays, breaking through the roof, create a characteristic glow. The largest room in the heat and power plant is the former engine room, also called the Larch Hall because its roof is made of larch. The most surprising thing is that it looks more like a theater or ballroom. It’s hard to imagine that machines once worked here. Next to the machinery hall there’s a turbine hall. The spacious interior with a glass ceiling makes an amazing impression. The sunlight gives it additional mystery. Above you can see a small balconies that were used to observe the workers’ work. You can also see a real gem here – the Skoda 35MW turbine set, which was installed here in 1948. It’s also worth visiting the underground, especially when you have at least another two hours free ?. As you can see, it has a slightly different, darker atmosphere. In addition to the underground, you can also visit the attic, where coal was transported from the nearby mines. The office part is equally interesting. There’re numerous rooms here, decorated in a minimalist style. Perfect lighting, or rather almost no lighting, creates amazing chiaroscuro. This creates ideal conditions for photography. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a reflex camera with me during my visit (I will never forgive myself that), and the photos taken with my cell phone do not fully give the atmosphere of this place. Currently, the facility has been sold and its revitalization is planned. The investor intends to create a hotel here along with a museum and exhibition space.

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