Doel Village - a field with a house and trees in the background
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Doel Village

4.6
·491k reviews·Beveren-Kruibeke-Zwijndrecht, Belgium

A Belgian ghost village transformed into an open-air street art gallery, offering a hauntingly beautiful and unique exploration experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime, weekdays

Fewer crowds, better light for photos

CrowdLow
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Doel Village - a field with a house and trees in the background

Doel Village

Best Time

Daytime, weekdays

Fewer crowds, better light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A Belgian ghost village transformed into an open-air street art gallery, offering a hauntingly beautiful and unique exploration experience.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Doel is a photographer's dream, a hauntingly beautiful ghost village alive with vibrant street art."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Explore on Foot

The best way to see Doel is by walking. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be exploring streets and potentially uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Photography Paradise

Bring your camera! Doel is a dream for photographers, with its abandoned buildings and incredible street art. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Abandoned Streets

The Abandoned Streets

Throughout the village

Wander through empty houses and silent streets, a haunting reminder of a village's past. Eerie and captivating.

Vibrant Street Art

Vibrant Street Art

Walls of buildings

Discover a sprawling open-air gallery with colorful murals and graffiti adorning many buildings. A visual feast.

Doel Nuclear Power Plant

Doel Nuclear Power Plant

Village outskirts

An imposing industrial landmark that looms over the village, adding to its unique atmosphere. A stark contrast.

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Ghostly Charm

Doel is a unique 'ghost village' in Belgium, largely abandoned due to expansion plans. Explore its eerie streets, admire vibrant street art, and feel the history. It's a photographer's dream, but be mindful of the few remaining residents.

Respect the Residents & Art

While Doel is known for its abandoned feel and street art, remember that a small community still lives here. Stick to public areas, avoid trespassing, and respect the art as an open-air gallery. It's a delicate balance between exploration and preservation.

Best Times

When
Daytime, weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late Spring/Early Autumn
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Oui toutes ces maisons sont complètement abandonnées. Bienvenue à Doel en Belgique ! Un village fantôme de seulement 10 habitants qui a failli être rasé de la carte à cause d'une chose... Viens voir l'exploration pour en savoir plus 🥶🥶 #urbex #aventure #jujurbex #lieuxinsolites
@jujurbex
96.2K likes • 2.6M views

🚶‍♀️ Explore on Foot

The best way to see Doel is by walking. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be exploring streets and potentially uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Photography Paradise

Bring your camera! Doel is a dream for photographers, with its abandoned buildings and incredible street art. :camerawithflash:

Doel, mystérieux village du nord de la Belgique 🇧🇪 Aujourd’hui abandonné à 99 %, seuls une vingtaine de personnes vivent toujours ici. Autrefois, plus de 1500 âmes peuplaient le village. Mais à la fin des années 1990, un événement va provoquer le départ de tous les habitants, tous sauf une vingtaine. #urbex #abandon #abandoned #villefantome #ghosttown #belgique #belgium
@cody_urbex
42K likes • 1.3M views
Doel, mystérieux village du nord de la Belgique 🇧🇪 Aujourd’hui abandonné à 99 %, seuls une vingtaine de personnes vivent toujours ici. Autrefois, plus de 1500 âmes peuplaient le village. Mais à la fin des années 1990, un événement va provoquer le départ de tous les habitants, tous sauf une vingtaine 🏚️🏚️🏚️ #urbex #abandon #abandoned #villefantome #ghosttown #belgique #belgium #insolite
cody_urbex
12.6K likes • 466.5K views

Respect the Locals

Remember, some people still live here. Be quiet, don't trespass, and respect their privacy. :pray:

Check for Events

Sometimes street art festivals or urban exploration events happen here. Keep an eye out! :calendar:

Doel, un village en Belgique abandonné par la plupart de ses habitants, devenu spot de streetart à ciel ouvert… Étonnant ! … #streetart #streetartantwerp #doel #streetarteverywhere #ilovestreetart #graffiti #wallart #mural #Streetart #artderue #urbanart #streetartlover #art #streeartist #paint #artlover #Iloveart #urbex #abandonedplaces #spookstad #flandre #belgique🇧🇪
marieanne
66 likes • 2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Explore on Foot

The best way to see Doel is by walking. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be exploring streets and potentially uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Photography Paradise

Bring your camera! Doel is a dream for photographers, with its abandoned buildings and incredible street art. :camerawithflash:

Respect the Locals

Remember, some people still live here. Be quiet, don't trespass, and respect their privacy. :pray:

Check for Events

Sometimes street art festivals or urban exploration events happen here. Keep an eye out! :calendar:

No Facilities

There are very few amenities. Bring your own water and snacks as there are no shops or cafes. :water_wave:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Doel Village is widely praised for its unique 'ghost town' atmosphere and incredible street art, offering a surreal and visually captivating experience. Visitors appreciate the opportunity for urban exploration and photography. However, the lack of amenities and the eerie nature of the abandoned buildings can be a drawback for some.

What People Like

Unique ghost town vibe
Vibrant street art
Photographic opportunities

What People Dislike

Lack of amenities
Eerie atmosphere

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Getting to Doel without a car can be a bit challenging, as public transport options are limited. You can take a train to Beveren or Sint-Niklaas and then try to catch a local bus, but schedules can be infrequent. Some visitors opt for a taxi from the nearest train station. Cycling is also a popular option for those coming from nearby areas. Reddit

Public transport to Doel is not straightforward. While buses might run to the general area, direct and frequent service to the village itself is rare. It's advisable to check local bus routes and schedules in advance or consider it as part of a cycling trip. Reddit

The best way to explore Doel is on foot. The village is relatively small, and walking allows you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere and discover hidden street art. Comfortable shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

Doel is generally considered safe for visitors, especially during the day. However, as with any abandoned area, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings. Stick to public paths and avoid entering derelict buildings to ensure your safety and respect the property. Reddit

Yes, cycling is a great way to reach Doel, especially if you are coming from nearby towns or cities in Belgium or the Netherlands. The area offers scenic routes, and you can easily park your bike once you arrive. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to visit Doel Village. It is an open public space, allowing you to wander freely through its streets and admire the street art. :free:

Doel Village does not have official opening hours as it is a residential area and an open public space. You can visit at any time, but daytime visits are recommended for safety and better visibility of the street art. TikTok

The street art in Doel is an open-air exhibition and is free to view. The art is part of the village's transformation and is accessible to everyone who visits. :art:

It is strongly advised not to enter abandoned houses in Doel. These structures can be unsafe, and trespassing is illegal. Respect private property and the few remaining residents. Reddit

While official guided tours are not common, you might find local enthusiasts or street art groups offering informal tours. It's best to check local event listings or community forums for any organized visits. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Every corner of Doel offers a photographic opportunity! Focus on the contrast between decaying buildings and vibrant street art, the imposing nuclear power plant, and the quiet, empty streets. The unique atmosphere is perfect for urban exploration photography. TikTokInstagram+1

It's best to be discreet and respectful when photographing residents. Always ask for permission before taking someone's picture. Remember, they are living in their homes, not just part of an exhibit. Reddit

Doel is ideal for urban exploration (urbex) photography, street art photography, and atmospheric landscape shots. The juxtaposition of decay and art creates compelling visual narratives. TikTokInstagram+1

Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, be mindful of private property and avoid photographing sensitive areas like the nuclear power plant up close without authorization. Instagram

Golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) offer beautiful light for photography, highlighting the textures and colors of the street art and buildings. Midday can be harsh, but still offers good opportunities for capturing the starkness of the abandoned structures. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Doel is largely abandoned, so you won't find traditional restaurants or cafes within the village itself. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks for your visit. Reddit

For dining options, you'll need to travel to nearby towns like Beveren or Sint-Niklaas. These towns offer a range of eateries, from local pubs to more formal restaurants. Reddit

Yes, you can have a picnic in Doel Village, provided you are respectful of the environment and any remaining residents. Find a quiet spot and be sure to take all your trash with you. :picnic_sun:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Doel can be an intriguing, albeit slightly eerie, destination for families. The vibrant street art offers a colorful distraction for children, turning the exploration into a scavenger hunt for different murals. Instagram However, the abandoned nature of the village might be unsettling for very young children, so gauge their sensitivity. Ensure they understand the importance of staying on designated paths and not entering unsafe structures. Reddit It's a good idea to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities are minimal. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Urban Explorers

For photographers and urban explorers, Doel is a dream come true. The juxtaposition of decaying architecture and bold street art provides endless opportunities for striking images. TikTokInstagram Capture the haunting beauty of the abandoned houses, the intricate details of the murals, and the imposing presence of the nearby nuclear power plant. Instagram+1 Remember to be respectful of the environment and the few remaining residents while you seek out the perfect shot. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Adventurers

Solo travelers will find Doel to be a unique and atmospheric destination. The village offers a sense of quiet contemplation and discovery. Reddit While it's generally safe, it's always wise for solo visitors to be extra aware of their surroundings and inform someone of their travel plans. Reddit The ease of walking through the village makes it accessible for independent exploration, allowing you to set your own pace and focus on what interests you most. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Story of Doel: A Village's Fate

Doel's story is one of planned demolition and unexpected survival. Originally a thriving village with over 1500 inhabitants, its fate was sealed in the late 1990s when expansion plans for the Port of Antwerp deemed it necessary to clear the area. Residents were gradually bought out and relocated, leaving behind a near-empty shell. TikTokInstagram

However, the demolition never fully materialized. The village became a symbol of resistance and a canvas for urban artists. Today, Doel is a unique 'ghost village' where a handful of determined residents remain, coexisting with a vibrant, ever-changing open-air street art gallery. This contrast between decay and creativity makes Doel a fascinating and poignant destination. Instagram+1

Street Art: Doel's Second Life

What was once a symbol of loss has transformed into a celebrated hub for street art. Artists from around the world have flocked to Doel, turning its abandoned buildings into a massive, dynamic canvas. The murals range from intricate portraits to abstract designs, each telling its own story and adding layers of color to the melancholic landscape. Instagram+1

This 'street art village' has become a major draw for visitors, offering a unique visual experience. The art is constantly evolving, with new pieces appearing and old ones fading, making each visit a potentially different encounter. It's a testament to how art can revitalize and redefine a place, even one facing such a bleak future. Instagram+1

Exploring Doel: Practicalities and Etiquette

Visiting Doel is an adventure into a world frozen in time, but it requires a mindful approach. The village is best explored on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for uneven surfaces. Reddit Since amenities are scarce, bring your own water and snacks. Reddit

Crucially, remember that Doel is not entirely abandoned. A small community still resides here. Visitors are urged to be respectful, avoid trespassing into private properties or derelict buildings, and keep noise levels down. Reddit The street art, while a major attraction, is also part of the village's character and should be appreciated without vandalism. Instagram

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