Chatillon Car Graveyard - Belgium

This post is a part of the A-Z April Challenge

World War II. The war was nearing its end and the US troops who were stationed in Chatillon, Belgium were given withdrawal orders. The officers were obviously elated to be able to get back home, but there was one dilemma that was kind of troubling them. What to do about their cars?

Lots of the American troops had managed to acquire cars for themselves (How is a different question). Now that they were being sent back, it was going to be tough and expensive for them to ship the cars. Though it was common to have all their goods boarded, there were some 500 cars to be shipped and the logistical costs were too high to be manageable. So, the Officers decided to leave the cars in Belgium. The cars were driven up a hill and parked along the forest, oblivious to the outside world. 

Once in US, the Officers who wanted to ship the cars back home had to do it on their own expenses. Most of them, in fact all of them weren’t willing to part with cash and not a single car was retrieved. Nearly 70 years down the line, the cars are still there. Welcome to the Chatillon Car Graveyard.

Zombie Apocalypse begins with the Cars

Currently, there is just one graveyard which is home to about 100-150 vehicles, some of which are among the oldest car models made while others were added by soldiers in the later years. There used to be 4 graveyards in and around Chatillon with nearly 500 cars, but over time the locals and car collectors have laid it bare.

The spot looks extremely creepy, but appealing at the same time. It is a hit among photographers and explorers. Though the decomposed cars lying together and intertwined with the forest is a grievous reminder of what happened across Belgium and Europe in course of the World War II, it exhibits a surreal beauty which is quite unparalleled. The forest has over the years devoured and gnawed on the cars, while they lie there almost embracing their slow death. Somber, yet an astonishing view.  

The spot would also make a perfect movie set, especially for the paranormal movies. Or it could also be a villain’s abode. Or just to be different, maybe shoot a zombie love duet.

There are a few other similar car cemeteries around the world, including an underwater car graveyard in Legrena, Greece. Must visit one of these sometime. An addition to my bucket-list.  

Check this out for a whole range of creepy pictures of the graveyard.