Abandoned Berlin is an attempt to document the past, uncover hidden history and preserve the memory of neglected glories – as they are now.

Every floorboard that creaks, every curtain that flutters or paint that flakes has a tale begging to be told. Most have tales that should be told before they’re lost to uncaring time, stories that cling tentatively for survival in the ruins of decay.

This project started in 2009 when the lure of untold wonders was calling from the other side of a threatening fence outside an abandoned amusement park. It was such a magical experience that the author was compelled to share it with instructions for others to enjoy it as well.

One story led to another and it quickly became a documentation project to record the city’s ruins and derelict places before they’re gone. It has since spawned two books, documentaries, a growing number of short films, t-shirts, and many imposters.

In 2026, Rudi’s Berlin was added to the mix, documenting other weird and wacky places that are not necessarily abandoned, but peculiar enough to merit inclusion.

The motto remains the same – "If it’s verboten it’s got to be fun."

Some people don’t like that that site publishes addresses for abandoned places. They argue that vandals and visitors are taking their toll. And it’s true – if no one knew of them, then only nature would take its toll.

But the city is a fast-moving greedy beast. Developers have already destroyed many of places featured on this site with politicians’ blessings, and vandals were able to find them long before they ever appeared on Abandoned Berlin. Vandals do not go researching the internet for places to vandalize – they’re not that smart.

So addresses are published and instructions provided for people to see these places before they’re gone. That was the driving force behind writing about Spreepark back in 2009 – it was too good not to share.

We live in a volatile world. Nothing stays the same. Abandonment was certainly not part of the plan for any of these places, and many come and go. Everything is temporary.

It’s only when these buildings are still standing, while they’re rotting and crumbling, that it’s still possible to see them and imagine them as they were in their heyday.

Of course, the thrill of being caught only adds to the pleasure. People who don’t see that miss the point. “Eintritt Verboten” is an invitation, and it should never be refused.