Urban exploration, i.e. exploring the city, has been a popular trend for several years. But urbexing is not about sightseeing in the traditional sense, but about lost places. The abandoned places have a special attraction because there is a lot to see in the industrial ruins, bunkers and old houses.
In reality, however, it is often not easy to find these places, because the objects are usually well hidden. "UrbexElite", a group of like-minded people who regularly visit Lost Places, has set itself the task of creating a database in the form of a Google Maps map of abandoned places.
Note: Important information on the legal situation can be found in this article.
To the Google Maps map: The best Lost Places
Lost Places Google Maps Map – Urbex Elite 07/22
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Lost Places Google Maps Map – Urbex Elite 07/22
Version 1.2.39
Visiting so-called "Lost Places" is becoming more and more popular. This Google Maps map from "Urbex Elite" shows thousands of lost places in Germany.
Huge collection of abandoned places
Image: Screenshot
The Urbex map shows thousands of abandoned places, marked by red icons, spread across the world. Since the map was created by the German-speaking Facebook community "Urbex Elite", most of the places are spread across Germany. But also in other parts of Europe and in more remote regions, such as Kazakhstan or Thailand, there are always individual marked Lost Places.
There is also a corresponding legend of the map, which explains the individual symbols and their respective meanings. This makes it immediately clear whether it is, for example, an abandoned school, a bunker or an empty hospital. If you click on a place marked on the map or on the symbol, you will receive further information.
Link with further details: This is behind it
Time has stood still in Lost Places: old factories show the past.
One or more Facebook links are often stored there. Problem: Whoever clicks on the link usually only lands on a Facebook page with the error message that the content is currently unavailable. According to "Urbex Elite", these links are only available to the most active members of the community. This is to ensure that no information falls into the wrong hands.
To the Google Maps map: The best Lost Places
Lost Places Google Maps Map – Urbex Elite 07/22
1
Lost Places Google Maps Map – Urbex Elite 07/22
Version 1.2.39
Visiting so-called "Lost Places" is becoming more and more popular. This Google Maps map from "Urbex Elite" shows thousands of lost places in Germany.
Lost Places: This is what you need to know
Factories and warehouses from the past can also be found on the map.
Image: Stefan Baumann/GettyImages
Anyone who visits Lost Places should be aware of all legal requirements and the dangers of urban exploration beforehand. Abandoned houses and villas as well as old industrial plants are privately owned.
Entering these facilities is not permitted. If the property is visited without permission, this counts as trespassing. This is a criminal offense in this country and is punishable by imprisonment for up to one year or a fine.
More importantly, visiting Lost Places also poses a health hazard. Many buildings are already at risk of collapsing, rocks and other objects can fall, and stairs or platforms are at risk of falling.
You should also be careful when it comes to electricity, because it is not uncommon for individual buildings to still be connected to the power grid and live cables are sticking out of the walls. Toxic substances such as asbestos can also be present in industrial plants. Particular caution applies to railway systems. Danger to life here!
What is behind the lost place trend?
There are numerous Lost Place posts on social media platforms such as Instagram.
Image: Screenshot
The Lost Place trend owes its popularity primarily to social media platforms such as Instagram. The hashtag #lostplace alone now has around 2.8 million posts there, and there are also numerous urbexing groups on Facebook. The Lost Places Google Maps map was also created by a Facebook community.
Important: Even if these are abandoned places, you should behave with respect. This includes, for example:
don't leave rubbish don't throw objects around don't break windows, lamps or furniture don't break or damage plants don't scribble or paint messages on walls
