My first urban exploration was in Butzbach, Germany in 2007. I had some vacation time to burn so I decided to board a plane and head to Berlin to kill some time, speak the beautiful German language, and go exploring. One of the places I visited was Heilstätte Grabowsee. I rented a bike and made my way there after visiting KZ Sachsenhausen.

Upon arrival I was greeted with a disheartening fence. After a few minutes of peering through the gate a man named Bernhardt came out. We spoke for a few minutes in German and then English. He asked me a lot about American politics, our messed up healthcare system, the peculiars of English and Wisconsin history. He agreed to let me photograph the area for a small fee (which he reduced because he seemed to like me). He was one of the coolest people I met on my trip.




























Full Set: https://www.flickr.../72157664745152643

On the way home I was exhausted from riding so far on the bike. I boarded an S-Bahn in Berlin with the rented bike. It was going to be a quick 5 minute ride to the hotel. Well... I ran into a ticket agent who informed me that I needed a ticket for the bike. Yes. For the bike. Since I didn't have one the fine was 60 Euro and I had to pay right away. I had 65 Euro on me. Lesson learned.

Beautiful location and imagery, Ken! It's a good thing ya knew German!

Am i correct in finding that this use to be a TB hospital. Then later it was turned into a Military Hospital?!? You captured the halls and stairwells beautifully. Im glad your German made an impression on the Caretaker.

Posted by relik Beautiful location and imagery, Ken! It's a good thing ya knew German!

Thanks. Gotta put that useless degree to work sometimes.

Posted by MisUnderstood! Am i correct in finding that this use to be a TB hospital. Then later it was turned into a Military Hospital?!? You captured the halls and stairwells beautifully. Im glad your German made an impression on the Caretaker.

You're right. I was a bit worried because shooting at a higher ISO because I forgot my tripod and my external flash batteries died. But things turned out all right.

Things turned out better than alright, they turned out beautifully! Amazing shots!

Nice set man. Place looks super cool and your shots turned out well.

very cool!

Excellent work and location, perfect mix of spooky and cozy.

Ohh yea. Never mess up with german ticket inspectors.

now that's a story I remember visiting here about 2 years ago and new about the guy with the dog and fee from some Dutch friends lol. we managed to avoid him but only found out about the fee when .my exploring partner walked into a American female tourist. He was then asked how much he had paid and said what do you mean as we didn't know about the fee. 20 euro she was charged . To hell with that. heard the same shit happens at the NSA radar station in Berlin where gypos charge a fee.