Vakantiepark Hotel Kosmos
THE ABANDONED HOTEL IN BELGIUM
Discover the intriguing tale of the abandoned Vakantiepark Hotel Kosmos nestled in the quaint town of Dranouter, Belgium. Once a vibrant hub of recreation, this family park boasted a hotel, restaurant, youth hostel, and a bustling swimming pool, captivating visitors since the 1980s.
The roots of this historic site trace back to 1889 when a watchtower was erected atop a hill in the nearby Westouter area, offering panoramic views of the picturesque surroundings. However, the ravages of the First World War led to its destruction, necessitating a reconstruction post-Second World War. In 1934, the iconic Hotel-Restaurant Kosmos Dranouter emerged on another hill, beckoning tourists to experience its charm. The 1960s saw the addition of an open-air swimming pool, further enhancing the park’s allure.
Families and school outings
During its heyday in the 1980s, the park flourished with additional buildings catering to families and school outings. Generations of students embarked on educational trips, finding respite in the comfort of the youth hostel adjacent to the hotel-restaurant. However, in 2002, the outdoor swimming pool, once a cornerstone attraction, fell silent due to safety concerns. It was the beginning of its decline.
Protected monument
Efforts to rejuvenate the park through renovation were thwarted when the hotel attained protected monument status, halting any further alterations. By 2005, the once-thriving complex lay abandoned, its structures echoing with memories of bygone days. Today, the protected hotel stands as a silent sentinel, its windows boarded up, awaiting a new purpose, while the remnants of other buildings have been reclaimed by nature or demolished.
In 2007, I ventured into this forgotten realm, capturing the haunting beauty of the deserted family park and hotel through my lens. Each photograph tells a story of a place frozen in time, offering a glimpse into its rich history.
