The Story Of The 100-Year-Old Abandoned Ghost Town In Lebanon

Easy Guide

The Story Of The 100-Year-Old Abandoned Ghost Town In Lebanon

The Story Of The 100-Year-Old Abandoned Ghost Town In Lebanon

Bjerrine Abandoned Village, Lebanon: History, Mystery, and Hiking Guide

Bjerrine is an abandoned mountain village in the Jbeil District of Lebanon, located between Hsarat and Gherfine. Once a thriving Maronite community, Bjerrine is now a forgotten town accessible only by hiking, as the original road has completely vanished.

Today, Bjerrine attracts hikers, explorers, photographers, and history lovers searching for hidden places and abandoned villages in Lebanon.

Where Is Bjerrine Located?

Bjerrine is situated on a remote mountainside in Jbeil (Byblos) District, Mount Lebanon, between the villages of Hsarat and Gherfine. The village lies off-road and requires a moderate to challenging hike through natural terrain to reach.

Key facts:

  • District: Jbeil, Mount Lebanon

  • Access: Hiking only

  • Environment: Mountainous, green, historical ruins

Why Is Bjerrine Abandoned?

Bjerrine was abandoned around the time of World War I, during the Ottoman rule of Lebanon. According to oral history, the villagers fled due to:

  • Severe famine and starvation

  • Political oppression under Ottoman control

  • Lack of resources and safety

The exact reason remains uncertain, contributing to Bjerrine’s enduring mystery.

History of Bjerrine Village

More than 100 years ago, Bjerrine was a flourishing Maronite village known for:

  • Silk production, supported by a local silk factory

  • Agriculture, including wheat and tobacco crops

  • Abundant water, drawn from deep wells

Stone houses, terraces, and factory ruins still stand today, offering insight into village life during Mount Lebanon’s silk-trade era.

What Happened to the People of Bjerrine?

No written records confirm the fate of Bjerrine’s residents. Local stories passed down through families suggest two possibilities:

  1. The villagers attempted to flee by sea, and their boat sank

  2. They reached the United States or Brazil, like many Lebanese emigrants of that era

Neither story has been officially verified.

Is Bjerrine Worth Visiting?

Yes. Bjerrine is considered one of the most fascinating abandoned villages in Lebanon, especially for those interested in:

  • Hiking off the beaten path

  • Exploring historical ruins

  • Discovering forgotten Lebanese heritage

Visitors can walk among roofless stone houses, collapsed walls, and overgrown pathways that tell silent stories of the past.

Bjerrine Hiking Experience

Reaching Bjerrine requires a guided hike, as the area is remote and unmarked.

Hiking highlights:

  • Scenic mountain views

  • Historical ruins and abandoned buildings

  • Quiet, untouched nature

  • A sense of mystery and exploration

The hike is best done with experienced guides familiar with the terrain.

Why Bjerrine Remains a Hidden Gem in Lebanon

Bjerrine is not just an abandoned village—it is a living legend. With no clear ending to its story, the village continues to spark curiosity and imagination. Its isolation has preserved its authenticity, making it a rare destination untouched by mass tourism.

For hikers and explorers seeking unknown trails and lost places, Bjerrine stands as one of Lebanon’s most intriguing hidden gems.

Back To Guides