23 Ghost Towns That Have Become Stunning Tourist Attractions
There’s something eerily beautiful about a ghost town—the remnants of once-thriving communities now frozen in time, where abandoned buildings, empty streets, and crumbling facades tell the stories of lives long past. Once left to decay, many of these forgotten places have been rediscovered and transformed into breathtaking tourist destinations, where history, mystery, and stunning landscapes collide. We’ve expanded our list to 23 ghost towns that have become must-visit attractions, each offering a glimpse into a bygone era. Some still carry an air of desolation, while others have been meticulously preserved or revitalized, drawing adventurers, history buffs, and photographers alike. Whether you're wandering through the sun-bleached ruins of an Old West boomtown, exploring an island village reclaimed by nature, or standing in awe of an abandoned city that looks frozen in time, these ghost towns prove that even in abandonment, beauty and intrigue endure.
1. Bodie, California: A Gold Rush Legacy
Bodie, California, is one of the most famous ghost towns in the United States, known for its well-preserved state of arrested decay. Once a booming gold rush town, Bodie thrived in the late 1800s with a population of nearly 10,000. Today, visitors can explore over 100 structures that remain, including a schoolhouse, saloon, and church. The town's transformation into a state historic park has preserved its authenticity, allowing visitors to step back in time. The harsh climate and remote location add to Bodie's mystique, offering a stark yet beautiful landscape that captivates photographers and history enthusiasts alike. Walking through Bodie's streets, one can almost hear the echo of miners' footsteps and the clinking of glasses in the saloon, making it a truly immersive historical experience.
2. Kolmanskop, Namibia: Dunes of Diamonds
Kolmanskop, Namibia, is a ghost town engulfed by the sands of the Namib Desert. Once a thriving diamond mining town in the early 1900s, Kolmanskop was abandoned when the diamond supply dwindled. The desert has since reclaimed the town, with sand-filled buildings creating an otherworldly landscape. Visitors to Kolmanskop can explore its eerie yet beautiful ruins, including the grand ballroom, hospital, and homes of former residents. The juxtaposition of opulent architecture and encroaching sand dunes creates a hauntingly beautiful scene, drawing photographers and tourists from around the world. The town's transformation into a tourist attraction has preserved its history, allowing visitors to learn about the diamond rush era while experiencing the surreal beauty of the desert.
3. Pripyat, Ukraine: Chernobyl's Silent Witness
Pripyat, Ukraine, stands as a haunting reminder of the Chernobyl disaster, abandoned in the wake of the 1986 nuclear accident. Once a thriving city built for the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant workers, Pripyat was evacuated, leaving behind a ghost town frozen in time. Today, Pripyat is part of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, attracting tourists who seek to understand the impact of the disaster. Guided tours offer a glimpse into the lives of former residents, with visits to schools, amusement parks, and apartment buildings. The eerie silence of Pripyat, combined with the overgrown vegetation reclaiming the city, creates a poignant atmosphere that lingers with visitors long after they leave. This transformation into a tourist destination serves as both a historical lesson and a tribute to the resilience of nature.
4. Humberstone and Santa Laura, Chile: Nitrate Ghosts
In the arid Atacama Desert of Chile lie the ghost towns of Humberstone and Santa Laura, once bustling hubs of the nitrate industry. These towns flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, producing nitrate for fertilizers and explosives. However, the development of synthetic alternatives led to their decline and eventual abandonment. Today, these towns are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, drawing visitors to their well-preserved industrial architecture and machinery. The rusting equipment and empty buildings tell the story of a once-thriving industry, while the desert landscape adds to the towns' haunting beauty. Visitors can explore the remnants of the nitrate works, including the processing plants, worker housing, and communal facilities, gaining insight into the challenges and triumphs of life in the desert.
5. Craco, Italy: A Medieval Hilltop Marvel
Craco, Italy, is a medieval ghost town perched on a hilltop in the region of Basilicata. Abandoned in the 1960s due to landslides and earthquakes, Craco's crumbling buildings and narrow streets create a picturesque yet haunting scene. The town's medieval architecture, including the castle, church, and homes, has been preserved, attracting filmmakers and tourists alike. Craco's transformation into a tourist destination has been carefully managed to maintain its historical integrity while ensuring visitor safety. Guided tours offer insights into the town's history, from its founding in the 8th century to its eventual abandonment. The stunning views of the surrounding countryside, combined with the town's eerie silence, make Craco a must-visit for those seeking a unique historical experience.
6. Hashima Island, Japan: Battleship Island's Rise and Fall
Hashima Island, also known as Battleship Island, is a ghost town located off the coast of Nagasaki, Japan. Once a thriving coal mining community, Hashima was abandoned in the 1970s when the mines closed. The island's distinctive silhouette, resembling a battleship, has made it an iconic symbol of Japan's industrial heritage. Today, Hashima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with guided tours allowing visitors to explore its crumbling buildings and learn about its history. The island's transformation into a tourist destination has helped preserve its structures, while also highlighting the harsh living conditions faced by its former residents. The stark contrast between the island's industrial past and its current state of decay offers a unique perspective on Japan's rapid modernization and the impact of industrial decline.
7. Bannack, Montana: The Gold Rush's First Capital
Bannack, Montana, was the first territorial capital of Montana and a thriving gold rush town in the 1860s. Today, it stands as a well-preserved ghost town, offering visitors a glimpse into the Wild West. Bannack's transformation into a state park has ensured the preservation of its historic buildings, including the courthouse, hotel, and schoolhouse. Visitors can explore these structures and learn about the town's colorful history, from its founding by gold prospectors to its decline as mining operations ceased. The town's remote location and rugged landscape add to its charm, creating a picturesque setting that transports visitors back in time. Bannack's annual events, such as Bannack Days, celebrate its heritage and offer a unique opportunity to experience life in a 19th-century mining town.
8. Kayaköy, Turkey: A Village of Peace and Abandonment
Kayaköy, Turkey, is a ghost village located near the Mediterranean coast, known for its stone houses and peaceful setting. Once a thriving Greek Orthodox community, Kayaköy was abandoned in the 1920s during the population exchange between Greece and Turkey. Today, the village is a protected historical site, attracting visitors with its scenic beauty and poignant history. The empty houses, churches, and schools offer a glimpse into the lives of its former residents, while the surrounding hills provide stunning views of the countryside. Kayaköy's transformation into a tourist destination has helped preserve its structures and promote cultural understanding, offering visitors a chance to reflect on the impact of political upheaval and forced migration.
9. Rhyolite, Nevada: A Desert Mirage
Rhyolite, Nevada, is a ghost town located near Death Valley, known for its striking ruins and desert landscape. Founded during the gold rush of the early 1900s, Rhyolite quickly grew into a bustling town with a stock exchange, opera house, and electric lights. However, the town's prosperity was short-lived, and it was largely abandoned by 1916. Today, Rhyolite's crumbling buildings and unique sculptures attract tourists and artists, creating a surreal atmosphere in the harsh desert environment. The town's transformation into a tourist attraction has preserved its history while promoting artistic expression, with installations such as the Goldwell Open Air Museum adding to its allure. Visitors to Rhyolite can explore its fascinating ruins and experience the stark beauty of the desert, where the past and present coexist in harmony.
10. Oradour-sur-Glane, France: A Village Frozen in Time
Oradour-sur-Glane, France, is a ghost village preserved as a memorial to the victims of a World War II massacre. On June 10, 1944, the village was destroyed by German troops, and its inhabitants were killed. The ruins of Oradour-sur-Glane have been left untouched, serving as a poignant reminder of the atrocities of war. Visitors to the village can walk through its silent streets, exploring the remains of homes, shops, and the church where many villagers perished. The transformation of Oradour-sur-Glane into a memorial site has preserved its history and ensured that the memory of its victims is honored. The village's haunting atmosphere and powerful message make it a place of reflection and remembrance, drawing visitors from around the world.
11. Pyramiden, Norway: Arctic Abandonment
Pyramiden, Norway, is a ghost town located on the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, once a thriving Soviet mining settlement. Abandoned in 1998, Pyramiden is now a frozen time capsule, with its Soviet-era buildings and infrastructure remarkably intact. The town's remote location and harsh climate have preserved its structures, creating a unique destination for adventurous travelers. Guided tours of Pyramiden offer insights into life in the Arctic, with visits to the cultural center, swimming pool, and Lenin statue. The town's transformation into a tourist attraction has highlighted its historical significance and the challenges of Arctic living. Visitors to Pyramiden can experience the stark beauty of the Arctic landscape while learning about the town's Soviet heritage and the impact of industrial decline.
12. Centralia, Pennsylvania: A Town on Fire
Centralia, Pennsylvania, is a ghost town with a unique and unsettling history. Once a thriving coal mining community, Centralia was largely abandoned due to an underground coal fire that has been burning since 1962. Today, only a few residents remain, and the town's streets are eerily empty, with smoke and steam rising from the ground. Centralia's transformation into a tourist destination has drawn visitors intrigued by its haunting atmosphere and unusual history. The town serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of industrial activity and the impact of environmental disasters. Visitors to Centralia can explore its deserted streets and experience the surreal landscape, where the earth's fiery breath continues to shape the town's fate.
13. Varosha, Cyprus: A Resort Frozen in Time
Varosha, Cyprus, is a ghost town located in the city of Famagusta, once a popular tourist destination before being abandoned during the Turkish invasion of 1974. The town's luxury hotels, shops, and homes have remained untouched since then, creating a surreal landscape frozen in time. Recently, parts of Varosha have been reopened to tourists, offering a glimpse into its glamorous past. The town's transformation into a tourist attraction has sparked interest in its history and the complex political situation in Cyprus. Visitors to Varosha can explore its deserted streets, reflecting on the impact of conflict and the possibility of reconciliation. The town's haunting beauty and poignant history make it a unique destination for those seeking to understand the legacy of division and the hope for a peaceful future.
14. Thurmond, West Virginia – A Railroad Boomtown Frozen in Time
Tucked into the rugged Appalachian Mountains, Thurmond, West Virginia, was once a bustling railroad hub during the early 20th century. It thrived due to its strategic location along the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway, with a booming coal industry fueling its success. At its peak, Thurmond saw more revenue pass through its banks than any other town in the state. However, as steam locomotives declined and coal demand waned, so did the town's fortunes. Today, Thurmond is part of the New River Gorge National Park, where visitors can explore its eerily intact railroad depot, vacant storefronts, and abandoned homes. The National Park Service has preserved the town’s remnants, offering guided tours that transport visitors back to its heyday. The juxtaposition of decaying structures and the lush Appalachian landscape makes Thurmond a captivating ghost town experience.
15. Kennicott, Alaska – A Copper Empire in the Wilderness
Hidden deep in Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Kennicott was once home to one of the richest copper mines in the world. Founded in the early 1900s, this remote town flourished with a bustling workforce, modern amenities, and a booming economy. However, by 1938, the copper deposits were depleted, and Kennicott was abandoned almost overnight. Today, Kennicott’s striking red mill buildings and industrial ruins stand against the backdrop of glaciers and rugged mountains, creating an awe-inspiring sight. The National Park Service has stabilized many of the historic structures, offering guided tours of the old mill, worker housing, and remnants of the once-thriving community. Adventurous visitors can hike to the nearby Root Glacier, making Kennicott one of the most scenic and immersive ghost towns in America.
16. Terlingua, Texas – A Desert Ghost Town Turned Art Haven
Once a mercury mining town in the vast expanse of West Texas, Terlingua was abandoned in the 1940s when the mining industry collapsed. However, in recent years, it has been revived as a quirky, off-the-grid artist community and a gateway to Big Bend National Park. Visitors to Terlingua can explore crumbling adobe homes, an old cemetery, and remnants of its mining past. The town’s legendary Starlight Theatre Saloon & Restaurant, housed in a restored 1930s movie theater, serves up live music, drinks, and delicious Texas cuisine. Each year, Terlingua hosts the famous International Chili Cookoff, drawing thousands to this once-forgotten desert town. It’s a ghost town unlike any other, blending history, art, and Texas-sized personality.
17. Garnet, Montana – Montana’s Best-Preserved Ghost Town
Garnet, Montana, once a booming gold mining town, was abandoned in the early 20th century when the gold ran out. Unlike many ghost towns, Garnet remains remarkably well-preserved, thanks to the dry climate and careful conservation efforts. Visitors can wander through over 30 original buildings, including a saloon, general store, and miner’s cabins, all seemingly frozen in time. During winter, snow blankets the town, making it accessible only by snowmobile or cross-country skiing—a surreal and magical experience. Garnet offers a rare glimpse into frontier life, untouched by modern commercialism, making it one of the most authentic ghost town experiences in the U.S..
18. Houtouwan, China – A Fishing Village Reclaimed by Nature
Once a thriving fishing village on Shengshan Island, Houtouwan was abandoned in the 1990s due to its remote location and dwindling resources. Over time, nature completely overtook the town, with vines and vegetation covering entire houses, creating a hauntingly beautiful "green ghost town." Now a popular eco-tourism destination, visitors hike through its overgrown paths, photographing the surreal spectacle of nature reclaiming human settlements. The stark contrast between man-made structures and nature’s resilience has made Houtouwan one of the world’s most photogenic abandoned towns.
19. Ross Island, India – A British Colony Lost to the Jungle
Once the administrative capital of the British Raj in the Andaman Islands, Ross Island was a thriving settlement with grand colonial mansions, a church, and a bustling port. However, after a devastating earthquake in 1941 and the Japanese invasion during World War II, the town was abandoned. Today, Ross Island is an eerie paradise where banyan trees and tropical vegetation have completely consumed the once-opulent buildings. Wild deer and peacocks roam freely, adding to the island’s mystical charm. Visitors can explore its decaying British-era ruins, now beautifully entwined with nature, offering a glimpse into India’s colonial past.
20. Döllersheim, Austria – A Village Erased for Hitler’s Army
Döllersheim, a picturesque Austrian village, was forcibly evacuated in the 1930s when Adolf Hitler ordered its conversion into a military training ground. The villagers were displaced, and the town was left to decay under the weight of time and war exercises. Today, Döllersheim is an eerie relic of World War II, with its abandoned church, town square, and homes standing as silent witnesses to history. Guided tours allow visitors to explore the remnants, offering a haunting yet fascinating glimpse into Austria’s wartime past. The site is one of the most historically significant ghost towns in Europe.
21. Grytviken, South Georgia – A Whaling Ghost Town in the Antarctic
On the remote island of South Georgia in the Antarctic, Grytviken was once a major whaling station, bustling with workers and industry. The town was abandoned in the 1960s when commercial whaling declined, leaving behind rusting ships, decaying buildings, and a chilling sense of isolation. Today, Grytviken is a tourist attraction for Antarctic expeditions, where visitors can explore the old whaling station, visit Shackleton’s grave, and witness colonies of penguins and seals reclaiming the land. It’s one of the most extreme ghost towns on Earth, offering an unparalleled sense of remoteness and history.
22. Belchite, Spain – A War-Torn Ruin Frozen in Time
Belchite, a small town in Spain, was completely destroyed during the Spanish Civil War in 1937. Rather than rebuilding, the ruins were left untouched as a monument to the horrors of war. Today, Belchite remains frozen in time, with crumbling churches, bullet-riddled buildings, and empty streets creating an unforgettable ghost town experience. Visitors can take guided tours through its ruins, gaining insight into Spain’s turbulent past. The eerie silence and haunting beauty of Belchite make it one of Europe’s most powerful ghost town destinations.
23. Kadykchan, Russia – A Soviet Mining Town Abandoned in an Instant
Deep in the Russian Far East, Kadykchan was once a thriving mining town built under Soviet rule during World War II. It housed workers who mined the region’s vast coal deposits, and at its peak, it was home to nearly 12,000 people. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the town's economy crumbled. A deadly explosion in one of the mines in the 1990s accelerated its decline, and within a few years, the town was abandoned entirely. Today, Kadykchan stands frozen in time, with deserted apartment blocks, schoolbooks scattered in classrooms, and Soviet propaganda posters still clinging to the walls. Unlike other ghost towns that slowly faded away, Kadykchan was abandoned in a matter of years, leaving behind a haunting, post-apocalyptic atmosphere. The extreme cold of the region has preserved much of the town’s infrastructure, making it a fascinating yet eerie place to explore.
The Timeless Allure of Ghost Towns
The 23 ghost towns we have explored each tell a unique story of rise and fall, of prosperity and abandonment. Their transformation into tourist havens allows visitors to connect with history in a profound way, walking through streets where echoes of the past linger. These towns, from the deserts of Namibia to the Arctic wilderness, offer more than just a glimpse into the past; they provide a space for reflection and understanding. As we wander through these timeworn streets, we are reminded of the resilience of human spirit and the enduring beauty of the natural world. The captivating stories and breathtaking landscapes of these ghost towns continue to inspire and intrigue, ensuring that their legacy lives on for future generations to discover and cherish.
