Abandoned for eternity: 5 spooky places in Hungary – PHOTOS, VIDEOS
The flourishing tourism in Hungary mostly revolves around the beauty of the country: the vivid capital, or the peaceful countryside surrounded by nature. However, there are plenty of abandoned iconic places in Hungary that have been left there to deteriorate for eternity. This is a side of Hungary that is not advertised in travel guide books. Here are some of the sad cases of buildings that are now ruled by silence and decay.
Tungsram beach
As Lelépő writes, the Tungsram beach, established in 1938, was once a bustling recreational hub. It featured a competition-sized pool, a general swimming pool, and a smaller pool designed specifically for children. At its peak during the summer months, the beach could attract as many as 10,000 visitors in a single day, making it a beloved spot for relaxation and socialising among locals and tourists alike.
Where once the laughter of children and the splashes of swimmers filled the air, now the sounds of nature gradually reclaim the area. The site, once teeming with life, being one of the most iconic places in Hungary, now hosts overgrown vegetation and wildlife, as the natural environment slowly envelops the structures that remain. As we have reported HERE, the beach is currently for sale.
Hajmáskér Barracks
Located just fifteen kilometres from Lake Balaton, Hajmásker is home to what was once the largest artillery barracks ever constructed. This extensive complex has largely been deserted since the Russian forces withdrew following the political changes after the fall of the regime.
Despite its current state of decline, the Hajmáskér complex remains an impressive sight. It once served as the military epicentre of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a role symbolised by its grand artillery barracks and the distinctive cinematic tower. The site stands as a poignant reminder of its storied past, though it now faces the challenges of preservation and decay.
István-akna
Next on our list of spooky places in Hungary is István-akna. This deserted place is located north of Pécs in the Mecsek region and was a pivotal component of the local mining industry. During its peak, it was celebrated for its innovation, even being hailed as one of the most modern mines in Europe.
Today, the reality is starkly different. The once vibrant and noisy mining site has fallen silent, abandoned and devoid of human activity. Yet, urban explorer Martin Asperján suggests that the mine still holds echoes of its past; he claims that if you listen closely, you can almost hear the songs of the miners resonating through the empty corridors.
Zichy Castle
Zichy Castle, located in Soponya, functioned as a children’s home up until 1998. Since its closure, the castle has remained vacant and is currently not accessible to the public. This Baroque-style structure was initially constructed between 1751 and 1757 by János Zichy. In the early 19th century, Mihály Pollack spearheaded the development of a sprawling 47-hectare English park surrounding the castle. A highlight of this park is the artificially created lake, which stands out as its most enchanting feature. People wonder how one of the most breathtaking places in Hungary could come to such a depressing fate.
Lepence spa
Today, the iconic beach at the Danube Bend is in a state of disrepair, but there is hope for its revival. Dreamland Holding, the owner, has committed to an ambitious HUF 8 billion (EUR 20.5 million) investment. This revitalisation plan includes the construction of thirty Japanese-style luxury villas and the restoration of the existing cascading pool system, promising a blend of luxury and natural beauty that aims to restore the beach to its former glory. Thus, this example sparks hope in all abandoned places in Hungary that one day, they may be restored.
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