Top 6 ghost towns that scare tourists to death

More and more people want to experience nerve-wracking emotions during their vacations. That's why "horror tours" to ghost towns are gaining popularity. OBOZREVATEL has collected six eerie abandoned settlements from around the world.

Terlingua (USA)

In 1903, this Texas town was home to more than 3,000 people. Most of them worked in mines where they dug cinnabar, a mineral that contains mercury. However, the reserves were quickly depleted and people began to gradually move away. Thus, in 2010, less than 60 people were left living here. They are engaged in farming and earn a small amount of money on excursions.

Hashima (Japan)

The history of this island almost literally repeats the fate of Terlingua. Once upon a time, it was home to mining families, coal mining companies, and more and more houses were built. However, over time, working conditions deteriorated, and people began to seek a better life in other parts of Japan. In 1974, the city became completely deserted, and entry to its territory was prohibited under penalty of imprisonment. The authorities tried to protect it from black archaeologists and vandals. In 2015, Hashima was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and tourists were officially allowed to visit.

Kolmanskop (Namibia)

In the African country of Namibia, there is an abandoned town called Kolmanskop. It was once home to German diamond miners who dreamed of making easy money. The settlement grew rapidly. Pubs, restaurants, casinos, bowling alleys, and nightclubs appeared here. However, the "empire" fell as quickly as it appeared. Although sandstorms have severely damaged the empty houses, tourists still like to walk here.

Virginia City (USA)

One of the oldest settlements in Nevada (USA) emerged as a result of the silver rush. In 1859, deposits of the precious metal were found here, and in just a few years, the city grew to 30 thousand inhabitants. However, 40 years later, the market suddenly collapsed and the local income plummeted. Today, Virginia City has not yet been completely depopulated. Several dozen families live here. Nevertheless, most of the houses are empty, and almost all of the establishments have long been closed. This is what attracts fans of "horror tours".

Rhyolite (USA)

This time, the boom was caused by the gold rush. Everything repeats history: a large settlement of "millionaires" grew, there was a decline in demand for the precious metal, and people left. Now tourists are greeted by a strange sculpture of a miner with a penguin. And in the very center there are majestic buildings, bars, and ordinary houses.

Prypiat (Ukraine)

Few people have not heard of the Ukrainian city of Prypiat. After the Chernobyl accident, it was completely devastated in just a few days. For many years, the radiation level has partially subsided, but in some places the indicators are deadly. Therefore, it is still forbidden to walk here without professional guides and equipment.