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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Doel Village
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Belgian ghost village transformed into an open-air street art gallery, offering a hauntingly beautiful and unique exploration experience.
"Doel is a photographer's dream, a hauntingly beautiful ghost village alive with vibrant street art."
🚶♀️ 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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
Respect the Residents & Art
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ 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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
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
📸 Photographers & Urban Explorers
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Adventurers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story of Doel: A Village's Fate
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.
Street Art: Doel's Second Life
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.
Exploring Doel: Practicalities and Etiquette
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. The street art, while a major attraction, is also part of the village's character and should be appreciated without vandalism.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit