‘Apocalyptic amusement park’ that nature has reclaimed after abandonment one decade ago 

PICS BY BOB THISSEN / CATERS NEWS

Eerie photographs show an 'apocalyptic' amusement park that has been reclaimed by nature after lying abandoned for a decade.
Once an intriguing German-inspired attraction, Glück Kingdom now looks more like an end of the world set than a tourist destination.

PICS BY BOB THISSEN / CATERS NEWS

The rides have rusted over, trees have reclaimed the tracks and in the midst of summer, much of the funfair cannot be seen through the land's engulfing forestry.  
The theme park in Hokkaido, Japan, was opened in 1989, to draw more visitors to the island.

PICS BY BOB THISSEN / CATERS NEWS

But ten years ago, it powered-down all rides and shut its doors for the final time.
Photographer Bob Thissen, 31, captured images at the abandoned theme park and described the site as 'from the end of the world.'

PICS BY BOB THISSEN / CATERS NEWS

Bob, from Heerlen, the Netherlands, said: "It really has the 'Life after people' or 'apocalypse' feeling.
"You see what happens when no humans are around, nature reclaims all like an unstoppable force.
"The park is totally overgrown, in summer you almost can't see the attractions. 

PICS BY BOB THISSEN / CATERS NEWS

"Thick trees are growing everywhere even through the rollercoaster tracks. 
"Some attractions are totally enclosed by trees, which makes it hard to photograph.
"For me it's way nicer to see a totally decayed, overgrown amusement park rather than a recently closed one. 

PICS BY BOB THISSEN / CATERS NEWS

"They have attractions like the Sea Dragon, Reindeer Coaster, Merry-go-round, Balloon flight, Ferris Wheel, Pirate Ship, Train, Games Hall, and more.
"It's pretty rare to see, because amusement parks in Asia get demolished pretty fast."
As well as the theme park, there is also an arcade and small village based on Germany.

PICS BY BOB THISSEN / CATERS NEWS

It's believe the park was built to allow Japanese visitors to see other parts of the world without leaving their own country.
Bob, who has been an urban explorer for over 10 years, said it was beautiful to see that Gluck Kingdom was left to be reclaimed by nature and was unspoiled by vandalism.

PICS BY BOB THISSEN / CATERS NEWS

He added: "There isn't a single tag or sign of vandalism in the park while the rides are falling apart. 
To see more of Bob's work visit www.bobthissen.com.