Abandoned Military Base from the First World War

The Abandoned and Haunted Military Base Tour was one of the most fascinating and atmospheric experiences I've ever had. I went in expecting a few spooky stories and crumbling buildings—but what I got was a hauntingly beautiful journey through history, mystery, and decay that stayed with me long after it ended. The guide struck the perfect balance between storytelling and historical context, giving life to the eerie silence of the base without relying on gimmicks or clichés. Walking through overgrown barracks, rusted towers, and pitch-dark tunnels, I felt both the weight of forgotten stories and the strange peace that comes from places left to nature and memory. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, there’s something undeniably powerful about standing in a place where time has stood still. This tour wasn’t just about chills—it was about atmosphere, imagination, and connecting with a past that still lingers in the air. I appreciated how respectful the experience was—no jump scares, no theatrics—just an honest, immersive look at a site full of layers. If you enjoy off-the-beaten-path travel, abandoned architecture, or moody, cinematic environments, this tour is a must. It’s haunting in the best possible way.

As a couple, we have a shared interest in military history. We have been to several privately owned and government owned locations in our search of history world-wide. Many had restricted areas or limit how close you can get to the actual history…Not this place. We were picked up by Catalin in downtown Bucharest (right on time, I might add). He drove us about 45 minutes (give or take, depending on traffic) to Chitila Fort (Fortila #1 - Chitila), one of 18 abandoned World War I Bucharest fortifications encircling the city. During the trip, Catalin provided an overview of what we could expect to see. Upon arrival, Catalin showed us a map of the area, and verified we were prepared for the tour. Why? Because this is not a pristine, well maintained exhibit…This is truly an abandoned military fortress. Though hazards are minimal with a guide such as Catalin, you should wear sturdy footwear, come with a bit of water (unless you are with Catalin, who was very prepared for our comfort) and possibly a light jacket or sweatshirt if you cannot handle 16° - 20° (61° F - 68° F). If you think about it, bring a flashlight (lantern, torch or lamp), though Catalin had us covered with a couple of headlamps to use. The terrain is uneven with the occasional obstacle to climb over. Your footwear may be a little soiled, so do not wear your high-end street shoes. The virtually complete access to the fortress was awesome. With a guide like Catalin, you will not have any problems finding your way though. He was very knowledgeable of the past military and recent uses of the facility. We HIGHLY recommend this tour and Catalin! We had a great time! However, if you are one of those who cannot put your cellular telephone down or have to be online 7/24 (cellular service is not available in such a facility), cannot climb over a hip-height wall, are scared of the dark, or cannot brush by a bush, you might want to just go shopping instead.

Our tour of the abandoned Chitila Fortress with Sebastian was nothing short of incredible! He took us deep into the eerie underground tunnels of this First World War military base, where history, thrill, and adventure collided. A word of caution, this is not for the faint of heart. If you’re claustrophobic or afraid of darkness and somewhat tight spaces, you might find the deeper levels challenging. You could walk through any 'tight' spaces comfortable but there are some areas where you do need to duck to get through, but the darkness makes everything feel smaller. At one point, we turned off our lights to see if any natural light seeped in. Absolutely nothing. It was the deepest darkness I’ve ever experienced, and it was epic. Beyond the spine-tingling atmosphere, Sebastian made the tour both educational and fun. His deep knowledge of Chitila’s history, combined with his relaxed, humorous personality, made for an unforgettable experience. We were running late and starving before the tour, and he was kind enough to wait for us, so we shared our pizza with him. He was such a chill and funny guy, making even the creepiest parts of the fortress light-hearted with his stories. If you’re in Romania and up for a thrilling, off-the-beaten-path experience, this tour is a must. An incredible blend of history and adventure. Highly recommend!