28 Ghost Towns That Have Transformed Into Tourist Hotspots
27. Vorkuta, Russia: Arctic Abandonment with Stark Beauty
Vorkuta was once a vital part of the Soviet Gulag system, built around coal mining deep in the Russian Arctic. As the mines closed and the USSR collapsed, people left in waves. What remains are vast Soviet-style apartment blocks frozen in time, surrounded by tundra. But photographers, urban explorers, and extreme-weather travelers are now venturing in—captivated by the harsh beauty and eerie silence. Its brutalist architecture, decaying murals, and haunting winter landscapes offer a chilling but compelling reminder of both resilience and desolation. It’s not for everyone—but for those who go, Vorkuta leaves an unforgettable impression.
