Urbex in the capital: Visit these abandoned buildings

Urbex in the capital: Visit these abandoned buildings

June 11, 2025

Warsaw, a city full of contrasts and history, hides unusual places that most locals and tourists alike avoid. We are talking about abandoned buildings, which have become the arena for a fascinating activity called urbex. Urbex, or urban exploration, is an exciting form of exploring forgotten corners of cities, which has been gaining more and more enthusiasts in recent years. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through some of the capital's most intriguing abandoned buildings that are waiting to be discovered by adventurous explorers. Remember, however, that urbex requires responsibility and respect for the law - some of these places may be unsafe or inaccessible without proper permits. So our expedition will be more virtual, but no less exciting. Get ready for a story about places that hold the stories of bygone eras, the dramas of people and echoes of past glories. From abandoned estates to forgotten factories, each of these places has its own unique atmosphere and secrets waiting to be discovered.

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The Abandoned Estate on ul. Dudziarska - symbol of a failed social experiment

Our urbex adventure begins with one of the most controversial places in Warsaw - the Abandoned Estate on Dudziarska Street. It's a place that until recently was inhabited, but today stands empty, a reminder of a failed social experiment from the 1990s.

How to get there: The development is located at 01 Dudziarska Street in the Praga-Południe district. The nearest bus stop is 'Olszynka Grochowska', from where you have to walk about 10 minutes.

The history of this place is fascinating and depressing at the same time. The estate was built in 1993-1995 as an attempt to create housing for people evicted from other parts of the city. A location was chosen away from the center, between the railroad lines, next to the Detention Center and across from the garbage incinerator. The three blocks with about 200 apartments were to be a new home for people in difficult living situations.

Today, the housing development is closed and inaccessible to the public. The entrances to the buildings have been walled off, and the area is monitored. Nevertheless, the site attracts the attention of urbex enthusiasts and photographers, who try to capture the atmosphere of the abandoned estate from the outside.

What to know before visiting:

  • The estate is officially closed and not open to the public.
  • The area is monitored, and entering the estate is illegal and may result in legal consequences.
  • The safest option is to view the estate from the outside, from public thoroughfares.
  • It is advisable to bring a camera with a good zoom to capture the details of the architecture.

Although you can't go inside, just viewing the estate from the outside gives you a lot to think about. This place is a testament to failed housing policies and a reminder of the need for thoughtful urban planning. For lovers of urbex and street photography, even the view from the outside can be inspiring and thought-provoking about the fate of the residents and the history of the city.

Near the development is the Balaton River Park, which can be a good place to relax and reflect after a visit to this remarkable place. The park offers benches, walking and biking paths and a children's playground, which can make a nice addition to a trip.

Remember that urban exploration should always be done with respect for the law and safety. The abandoned Estate on Dudziarska Street, while fascinating, is an example of a place best admired from afar, respecting its history and current legal status.

Lejb Osnos tenement and Temler and Szwede Tannery Factory - traces of Warsaw's industrial past

Continuing our urbex tour of Warsaw, we move on to two fascinating sites that bear witness to the capital's industrial history: Lejb Osnos' Tenement House and the Temler and Szwede Tannery Factory.

Lejb Osnos Tenement House Location: 28 Twarda St., 00-001 Warsaw How to get there: The nearest subway station is 'Rondo ONZ'. From there you should walk about 5 minutes in the direction of Twarda street.

This historic building, located in the heart of Warsaw, is an example of turn-of-the-century architecture. Although the building is in a deplorable condition, it still impresses with its facade and reminds us of the turbulent history of this part of the city.

Current condition of the building:

  • The building is in a poor state of repair and is not available for viewing from the inside.
  • The facade of the tenement is partially protected, but traces of damage and neglect are visible.
  • It is illegal and dangerous to go inside.

What to know:

  • The tenement has a rich history - among others, Father Ignacy Jan Skorupka, hero of the Battle of Warsaw 1920, was born here.
  • The building is listed in the register of monuments, which gives hope for its future restoration.
  • The best way to admire the tenement is to view it from the outside and take photos of the facade.

Temler and Szwede Tannery Factory Location: 78 Okopowa St., 01-042 Warsaw How to get there: The nearest bus stop is 'Powązki-Cemetery'. From there, walk about 10 minutes along Okopowa Street.

This former factory is one of the most interesting examples of industrial architecture in Warsaw. Established in the 19th century, it was one of the largest tanning factories in Europe.

Current state of the factory:

  • The factory site is partially fenced and monitored.
  • Some buildings are in better condition than others, but overall the complex is in need of major renovation.
  • Entering the factory grounds without permission is illegal and can be dangerous.

What to know:

  • The factory is a testament to the industrial might of pre-war Warsaw.
  • Remnants of old equipment and documents can still be found in some rooms.
  • The site is often visited by urbex enthusiasts, but be sure to exercise caution and respect the law.

Urbex safety and ethics:

  • Always obey the law and do not enter private property without the owner's permission.
  • When photographing from the outside, it is a good idea to carry a tripod for better photo quality.
  • Be prepared for possible security or police intervention and carry documents.

Both the Lejb Osnos Tenement House and the Temler and Szwede Tannery Factory are places best admired from the outside, respecting their history and current legal status. For lovers of urbex and architectural photography, even an exterior view of these buildings can be a fascinating experience, allowing one to capture the spirit of Warsaw's industrial past.

After visiting these sites, head to the nearby Wola Museum (12 Srebrna St.), where you can learn more about the industrial history of this part of the city. This is a legitimate and safe addition to the urbex adventure, which will help you better understand the context of the buildings you saw earlier.

PGR Jabłonna and abandoned allotments - green wastelands on the outskirts of the city

Our urbex trip in and around Warsaw would not be complete without visiting places that combine elements of nature and abandoned architecture. Two such fascinating places are the Jabłonna State Farm and the abandoned allotment gardens on Jana Olbrachta Street.

Jablonna State Farm Location: 05-110 Jablonna How to get there: The best way to get there is by car along Priest Jozef Abramowicza street. You can also take bus line 101 from Warsaw and get off at the stop 'Jabłonna - Gmina Office', from where you have to walk about 15 minutes.

The site of the former State Farm in Jablonna is a fascinating place for urbex enthusiasts. The complex consists of several farm buildings surrounding a large rectangular square.

Current condition:

  • The buildings are in a poor state of repair, and some have been consumed by fire.
  • The site is open to the public, but caution should be exercised due to the technical condition of the buildings.
  • The site is often visited by photography and urbex enthusiasts.

What to know:

  • The Jabłonna State Agricultural Farm is a testament to a bygone era and Poland's economic transition.
  • The place has a unique atmosphere, especially at sunset, when the light reflects off the old walls.
  • Wildlife can be found in the area, gradually taking over the site.

Abandoned allotment gardens Location: Jana Olbrachta 72, 01-102 Warsaw. How to get there: The nearest bus stop is 'Olbrachta', from where you should walk about 5 minutes.

The area of abandoned allotment gardens is an unusual place, where nature takes over the former recreational space of Warsaw residents.

Current state:

  • The area is partially overgrown and difficult to access.
  • Some plots are still 'inhabited' by disadvantaged people.
  • The site is littered and requires caution when exploring.

What to know:

  • The allotment gardens are an interesting example of social and urban transformation in Warsaw.
  • The site is photographically appealing because of the contrast between nature and the remains of human activity.
  • Note the variety of plants that have taken over the area.

Safety and ethics:

  • Special caution should be exercised when exploring these sites due to their condition and the possibility of meeting people there.
  • It is recommended to explore in a group and during the daytime.
  • Respect the privacy of the people who may live there and do not violate their space.
  • It is advisable to carry mosquito repellent, especially on warm days.

Both the Jablonna State Agricultural Farm and abandoned allotments are places that allow for a different kind of urbex - one where nature plays a major role in taking over man-made spaces. These are fascinating case studies showing how quickly abandoned areas can change their character.

After exploring these sites, visit the nearby Moczydło Park (for allotments) or the Park of Three Cultures in Jablonna, where you can relax and reflect on your impressions of the trip.

Remember that urbex is not only an adventure, but also a responsibility. Always follow the rule 'leave only footprints, take only photos' and respect the history and current state of the places you visit. Urban exploration can be a fascinating hobby, but it should always be done with respect for the law and the safety of yourself and others.

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