Abandoned Nordic is a visual art project that captures the unique beauty of forgotten places and invites you to step into a world where time stands still.

 

Through captivating photography and evocative storytelling, we reveal a haunting yet enchanting vision of forgotten, otherworldly landscapes.

We journey to abandoned places across Europe, seeking locations overtaken by silence.

Over the years, we’ve explored more than 1,500 abandoned sites, uncovering the beauty of nature reclaiming its space. 

 

Abandoned Nordic, Tanja and Kimmo

 

Hi, I’m Tanja, the photographer behind Abandoned Nordic. This project fuels my passion for uncovering captivating places and transforming them into visual stories that highlight their beauty and mystery. While picturesque scenes inspire me, I’m especially drawn to the strange and surreal moments—those fleeting instances that feel like stepping into another world.

The melancholic beauty of forgotten buildings captivates me - spaces, structures, surfaces, and light. I’m fascinated by how nature reclaims abandoned places, transforming them into surreal landscapes. In my photos, the sunshine days are gone; I strive to create moody, captivating images that are both touching and beautiful.

Urban exploration challenges me as an adventurer and fuels my creativity. I love capturing the effects of time and decay on grand, detailed spaces. Editing my photos is a joy, as each shot evolves into new forms and interpretations.

Abandoned Nordic began with Instagram, where the positive feedback from our followers inspired us to push the project further. Today, this journey shapes not only my work but also my life - every trip is an opportunity to discover and capture the haunting beauty of forgotten places.

 

Hi, I’m Kimmo, the writer behind Abandoned Nordic. For years, I’ve explored mysterious places - abandoned factories, forgotten houses, and even sunken wrecks. Whether above ground or underwater, these places share a haunting sense of abandonment. My role is to translate their silence and mystery into words, capturing the emotions and atmosphere they evoke.

Our micro-stories on Instagram are fictional, yet inspired by the mood and essence of the places we visit. These narratives add a creative layer to the visuals, bringing the surreal and melancholic beauty of these locations to life. While Tanja captures the scenes through her lens, I craft stories that reflect the unique spirit of each place.

Balancing my two worlds - office work in a suit and exploring decaying ruins in boots and camo - feels surreal but deeply fulfilling. Urban exploration offers an escape from the everyday, connecting me to forgotten spaces and moments in time.

Abandoned Nordic is more than just photos and stories; it’s a creative journey that ties together the visual and narrative, blending real-world exploration with a digital space for discovery and imagination.

 

Our Values

We respect the fact that abandoned buildings are often private property. If we explore, we only enter through open doors - never breaking locks, windows, or boards. We leave nothing behind but footprints and take nothing away but photographs. Vandalism isn’t part of our journey; we honor the original beauty of these places. If your property appears in our photos, take it as a compliment.

We also don’t share specific locations. Finding these places is part of the adventure, involving hours of research and exploration. Revealing them could lead to harm or neglect by others. If you're intrigued, let your curiosity and resourcefulness guide you - you’ll find them.