What is Urbex?

The meaning of Urbex, short for “urban exploring,” is the act of exploring abandoned or off-limit objects in both urban and rural environments.

These objects are often no longer in use and can range from abandoned theatres to deserted mines or an overgrown church ruin like the one below. To get a better understanding of what is Urbex, consider exploring the following aspects:

• The History
• The Rules
• The Preparation
• Safety
• Go and Explore!

What all of these objects have in common is that they’re usually off-the-beaten-path and unseen by the general public. Explore enthusiasts, and seek out these hidden places to photograph and preserve their beauty and mystery. The allure of visiting and uncovering the history of abandoned objects is a source of fascination for most explorers. They aim to document and preserve these often-neglected parts of our past before they disappear forever.

The History

Besides the fact that mankind has been exploring the world from the beginning of the first civilizations. It’s difficult to determine when “Urban Exploration” exactly originated. There are different intriguing stories from the past that relate. An example is the incident that occurred on November 3, 1793, when a hospital doorkeeper by the name of Philibert Aspairt got lost in the Paris Catacombs and sadly lost his life. The Catacombs could be accessed via the hospital courtyard. Why he entered the Catacombes is unknown. His body was found 11 years later with the key of the door still around its neck. Even though this story is two centuries old, it solidifies the dangers and allure of delving into the unknown.

The Rules

Urban explorers need to keep in mind that their actions have an impact on the environment. For that reason, they should act accordingly and respect the laws and regulations in the area they are exploring. Below are three points of ethical considerations when exploring:

• respect for the property and its history,
• minimizing the impact on the environment,
• not causing damage to the objects or their contents.

In the photography world, there is an expression that says: “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints”. This summarizes the three points mentioned above and emphasizes the importance of respect towards the object and the things that surround it. Leave it as you found it, not taking anything with you, and don’t leave anything behind. This will preserve the natural beauty and historical significance of the object for future generations to enjoy.

The Preparation

Before going on an adventure, it is important to do proper preparation. One of the first steps is to find interesting objects or locations to explore. Once you have identified a location, it is important to research the object or location, such as its history, location, and any legal or safety considerations. This research will help you plan the visit and make informed decisions about the best time and way to access the location.

Safety

Bring along the right protective gear, such as sturdy shoes, gloves, and a flashlight, as well as safety equipment such as a respirator if necessary. It is also important to plan the visit, including the time of day, route, and potential hazards or obstacles, to ensure a safe and successful exploration. Finally, bring a friend! When things go south or if you get lost, having a companion can make all the difference. They can help you navigate, offer assistance in case of injury or other emergency, and provide moral support. Additionally, exploring with a friend can make the experience more enjoyable and memorable. Just make sure to choose a trustworthy and reliable companion who shares your interest in adventure and exploration. If you are going alone, make sure to tell someone where you are going and when you expect to come back. This will help ensure your safety.

Go and Explore!

Hopefully, my explanation got you a better understanding of what is Urbex. Maybe it even got you psyched to try it out yourself. What are you waiting for? Urban exploration can be a thrilling and rewarding hobby, offering a chance to discover hidden gems and uncover the history and culture of a place. However, it is important to approach it responsibly and with respect for the property, the environment, and the local community. I encourage anyone interested in urban exploration to explore safely and responsibly and to research the location, plan the visit, and bring the appropriate gear and safety equipment. Remember to respect the property, its surrounding, and to always follow the laws and regulations. And most importantly, take nothing but pictures, and leave nothing but footprints.