15 Incredible Places to Explore In Russia
In this article, you will learn about 15 Incredible places to explore in Russia. The word “diversity” holds great eminence when it comes to describing Russia. Huge mountains, deserts, beaches, geyser fields, heritage sites, palaces, icy lakes, gorgeous art, and architecture; the country is a museum on its own.
This communist nation has also given birth to some internationally reputed artists and political figures. If that weren’t enough, how could one stay away from Russia’s differently delicious cuisine!
1.Sochi
Referred to as the “beach resort”, Sochi is a coastal town situated on the black sea at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains. Although the place became attractive only after hosting the 2014 Olympics, Sochi had previously been the favorite vacation spot of the Russians.
During summers, travelers enjoy swimming in the sea whereas the winters provide adventurous activities such as skiing. Some of the famous attractions in Sochi include Stalin’s Dacha (holiday home), Mount Akhun, Vorontsovka Caves, Rosa Khutor Ski Resort, Olympic Park and Riviera Dolphinarium (largest aquarium in Russia)
2.Lake Baikal, Siberia
Apart from being the deepest lake in the world, Lake Baikal is also the prettiest and serene spot in Russia, thanks to the fascinating landscapes and the clean atmosphere.
One of the best Russia tourist attractions, it is situated in the Siberia forests.It has a few resorts making it a marvelous holiday destination. If you can beer low temperatures, a visit during the winters is favored since once the lake freezes it forms glittering patterns due to the presence of a high amount of oxygen.
Apart from ice skating and skiing, travelers also enjoy their day relaxing in the natural hot springs.
3.Krenitsyn Volcano, Kurlis Islands Of Onekotam
Onekotan island is undamaged by civilization. The Krenitsyn volcano is located in a lake which is at the center of the island. This volcano had detonated way back in the 50s but has ever since remained Inactive. There are no activities available and travelers will need to get a permit from the government in order to make a visit.
3.Red Square, Moscow
Red Square is at the heart of Moscow and one of the most charming things to witness in Russia. In older Russia, the word ‘red’ also meant ‘beautiful’ and hence it got the name Red Square which means beautiful square.
This mesmerizing square has beautiful cathedrals, museums, and government buildings. This is visited by millions of tourists from everywhere because it is rich in cultural and historic heritage.
5.Manpupuner Rock Formations
Among the most mind-boggling places to see in Russia, Manpupuner Rocks initially look like the work of aliens (or maybe they really are, who knows!), these distinctively shaped pillars would remind one of the Easter Island Heads.
Nobody knows about its origin, but these seven pillars are nothing short of a mystery. Some say they took place due to some activities of nature, whereas others say that these were built by ancestors for spiritual reasons. Some even say this place to be a meeting point of the spirits.
6.Altay
Broadening into Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and China as well as into Russia, the Altay Mountains are wrapped away in a remote area of southern Siberia.
The area has a plethora to keep adventure-lovers engaged including horseback riding, glacier climbing, white water rafting, and mountain trekking, but visitors looking for a more leisurely experience can chill in a traditional Russian steam bath or take a drive through the stupendous scenery.
Guided outing and group tours are available for almost every activity you might like to do and many of them include overnight accommodation in a canvas or at a campground.
7.Suzdal
Suzdal is an antique Russian city and the government has taken care to keep its historic charm. Travelers can witness the best works of Russian architecture in this city. The city is lacking any modern buildings and most of the people live in small wooden houses.
From onion shaped colorful domes to intricately designed cathedrals and monasteries, Suzdal provides a glimpse of what Russia might have looked like in the olden days. The historic past, marvelous landscape along with the peaceful atmosphere, make Suzdal a place worth visiting.
8.Kazan
Similar to most Indian metros, Kazan too is a cosmopolitan destination where people of various religions and culture co-exist in peace. Travelers visit Kazan to see the Kazan Kremlin which has been announced as a historical site by UNESCO.
The major attractions include watchtowers, museums, and cathedrals. The famous street in Kazan is pedestrian-friendly Bauman Street, which has restaurants, bookshops, bars, and boutiques.
9.Karelia
The beautiful piece of land was formed by a glacier and it broadens from the White Sea coast all the way to the Gulf of Finland. Two of the largest lakes in Europe, Lake Onega, and Lake Ladoga found in Karelia.
From wide lakes to alluring hills, Karelia is one of the best marvels of nature. The huge outdoors make this destination a great place for fun activities such as white water rafting, hiking, biking, swimming, sailing, and horseback riding.
10.Volga River
By now you would have observed that Russia has a number of water bodies, both big and small. The 3700 km long Volga River is Russia’s ultimate glory since it is the largest river in the world. This river is responsible for prospering a lot of communities who lived along its banks.
Volga River also played a vital role in the growth of Russia’s foreign trade with the rest of the world in earlier days. A cruise along this splendid river will give you a taste of its vastness and beauty.
11.St. Petersburg
One of the most famous and best places to visit in Russia is Saint Petersburg. It is similar to Red Square and absolutely a place of architectural beauty. Gigantic parks, noble churches, museums, monuments, and palaces decorate this city. The place is also well-known for hotels, restaurants, pubs as well as peculiar dance bars.
12.Golden Ring
The Golden Ring is a ring of small historical towns curled up in the countryside to the northeast of Moscow. Many of the towns were crucial centers of trade and business during Gothic times, but today they’re better known for their exquisite traditional food, their charming domed white churches and odd little gingerbread-like cottages that dot the countryside.
13.Irkutsk
The Cossacks established Irkutsk in the 1660s to aid as a trading post and it remained a vital center of trade well into the 19th century. Today, the city is a famous destination for travelers keen in exploring the Sayan mountains of eastern Siberia and the nearby Baikal Lake.
There is also the abundance of things to witness in the city itself, including a central market filled with fresh fish caught in Baikal Lake, few mesmerizing museums of art and history and a compilation of monasteries and churches that is present for more than 300 years.
14.Kaliningrad
Due to its location on the Baltic Sea between Lithuania and Poland, Kaliningrad is an often-missed piece of Russia. However, it’s a spellbinding destination for anyone able to include it into their itinerary. Earlier, The city was the capital of Prussia and because of this, most of the major historical sights are German in origin.
There is a wonderful selection of wartime museums and monuments, but once you’ve had your fill of historical sights, you can visit to the nearby resort town of Svetlogorsk or to one of the gold-colored mines or workshops that the area is known for.
15.Kamchatka
Easily one of the most picturesque areas in Russia, Kamchatka is a 1,250-km-long peninsula situated in the easternmost part of Russia. The wilderness is almost unharmed and the area is very geologically active; there is an excellent number of volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, and even an extraordinary acid lake.
