Bedroom in an Abandoned German Hotel.

by Roman Robroek - Photos of Abandoned Buildings

A room in an abandoned hotel in the German Erzgebirge, where moss has taken over the little table by the window and the back of the chair. Large chunks of the ceiling are hanging down, a long beam leans against the window, and to the right stands an arc lamp with an orange shade. The warm orange of the ceiling and the lamp contrasts with the cool green of the walls, and the window is the only bright spot in the room.

In the world of urban exploration, this building is known as Hotel Atlantis. It opened in 1911 as a winter sports hotel and was exceptionally luxurious for its time, featuring central heating, hot water, electric lighting and en-suite bathrooms. For many years, it was the village’s premier accommodation. During the war, it was converted into a military hospital. In 1955, the mining company Wismut, which extracted uranium in East Germany, took it over as a holiday home for its employees. Later, a newer wing and an indoor swimming pool were added. Top-level athletes also stayed there, back when the region was a major winter sports destination in the GDR.

After 1989, the building lost its purpose and stood empty in the second half of the 1990s. This lasted for more than twenty years. A demolition permit had already been granted when a company purchased the complex. The building is a listed monument. Since December 2024, guests have once again been staying in the newer wing, and the old main building will follow shortly. This photograph dates from the years when it stood empty.