🏔 Summer is the best time to discover the mountains in Russia!

Russia boasts breathtaking mountain landscapes that will leave you in awe: approximately 30% of the country’s territory is covered by mountains. And summer is the perfect season to explore them!

Below, we highlight the largest mountain ranges:

🌋 Caucasus Mountains

The youngest mountains in Russia (and some of the youngest in the world) are in the Caucasus - they were formed 28 million years ago. In terms of mountains, they have a lot of room to grow. And by the way, they really do grow - by several millimeters per year.

The northern part of the Russian Caucasus contains the most of the glaciers, as well as the highest point in Europe - Mount Elbrus (5,642 meters).

Other highest mountains in Russia are also located there - Dykhtau (5,204 m), Koshtan-Tau (5,152 m), Pushkin Peak (5,100 m).

🌋 Ural Mountains

The Ural Mountains are not very high (the highest point is Mount Narodnaya, 1,895 m), but they are among the oldest on the planet - they are about 350 million years old!

In the Southern Urals, there is Mount Karandash, which is many times older than the mountain range. On its slopes there is a rock called ‘israndite’, a remnant of a supercontinent that existed in the Archean era two billion years ago. There is such an abundance of copper ore, minerals and gemstones in the Urals that these mountains are often referred to as the country's treasury.

🌋 Altai Mountains

The Altai Mountains are one of the most popular destinations for tourism in Russia. One of the most picturesque roads in the country, the Chuisky tract, passes there and the high-mountainous Katun River, which changes colour from azure to gray. It is also home to Mount Belukha, a sacred place for the Altai people and the highest point (4,506 meters) of this mountain range.

Three of their most picturesque sections are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List under the name ‘Golden Mountains of Altai’.

🌋 Sayan Mountains

The Altai Mountains in Southern Siberia are bordered by another huge mountain range, the Sayan Mountains, consisting of the Western and Eastern Sayan Mountains. They are almost at right angles to each other. Almost all glaciers are located in the Eastern Sayans. Their highest point is Mount Kyzyl Taina (3,121 m).

The protected part of the Eastern Sayan Mountains is located on the outskirts of the city of Krasnoyarsk - this is the Krasnoyarsk Pillars National Park, famous for its bizarre rocks.

🌋 Putorana Plateau

This is a giant mountain range above the Arctic Circle with fantastic landscapes. Its area is about 250,000 square kilometers, which is comparable to the size of Great Britain.

The Putorana Plateau is a mountain range without peaks, which are cut by waterfalls and deep canyons. There is a huge number of places where no man has ever set foot.

The geographical center of Russia - Lake Vivi - is on the plateau, which is covered with ice most of the year. It is the largest freshwater lake in this region (its total length is 90 km), the inhabitants even call it the “local Baikal”.

📸 Yuri Ufimtsev, Alexander Ermolitsky, Fyodor Laskov, Alexander Yusupov, Vladimir Lyapin, Andrey Podkorytov

#DiscoverRussia #UpToTheMountains

Top 5 industrial sites to visit in Russia!

Ever dreamed of exploring the heart of Russia’s industrial prowess? It is your chance now! You will witness a rocket launch into space, attempt to climb onto the wheel of a giant coal hauler and literally see how steel is born!

🌊 Oil & gas extraction on Sakhalin Island

Sakhalin Island is among first places in Russia to see the sun rise. It is said that the whole country's working day starts there. The region is interesting not only for this: you can see untouched wild nature, picturesque lighthouses and even whales and sea lions.

There's plenty for the industrial tourist to enjoy, too. Russia's first liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant, the ‘Sakhalin-2’ project, was built on the shore of the ice-free Aniva Bay. Russia's first offshore oil and gas production platforms were installed there in the 'Prigorodnoye' complex. And, from there, LNG is supplied to the world market.

By the way, excursions are free of charge. You only need to get to Sakhalin.

🚀 Vostochny Cosmodrome in Amur Region

The main place of attraction here is the world's “youngest” cosmodrome, ‘Vostochny’. The place for it was not chosen by chance. Amur Region has low seismicity, good weather conditions and high stability of the atmosphere.

There are a lot of empty and safe fields for the re-entry of launched rockets; besides, they can go into two orbits at once - geostationary (parallel to the equator) and polar (at an angle of 90 degrees in relation to the equator). Industrial tourists can see the launch pad, from which rockets head off to space, as well as the no less interesting technical complex of the cosmodrome with a variety of substations, communication stations and refueling blocks.

🔥 Metallurgy in the Urals

The Urals city of Magnitogorsk in Chelyabinsk Region is dubbed the “steel heart” of Russia. The first pig iron from the blast furnace of the Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works was produced in 1932. Now known throughout the world, this plant was the first in Russia to become a giant of ferrous metallurgy.

The iron ore collected is mainly turned into steel for cars, icebreakers, household appliances and coins. On a tour of the famous Magnitogorsk plant, a very spectacular route complete with active blast furnaces and splashes of burning metal awaits the industrial tourist (of course, safety is taken care of with special attention).

⛰ Coal quarries of Kuzbass

The Kuznetsk coal basin (Kuzbass) in the south of Western Siberia is one of the largest coal deposits in the world. An expedition to study and develop local deposits was organized for the first time under Peter the Great back in the early 18th century. Today, the ‘Kedrovsky’ coal mine operates in the city of Kemerovo.

Industrial tourists can admire the section, take selfies in front of vast coal “horizons”, as they are nicknamed, and climb the 220-ton ‘BELAZ’ dump truck, which has transported more than 8 million cubic meters of rock mass since 2011.

🐌 Snail farming in Crimea

People who visit Crimea see it as a seaside resort with ancient wine cellars. But, there are also unusual industries.

For example, a large snail farm. It was opened by locals and soon became a mecca for gastro-tourism on the peninsula. On a tour of the farm you will visit a snail farm, a terrarium for keeping snails, learn interesting facts about them (for example, did you know that they contain more protein than chicken eggs?) and try “Crimean-style snail”.

Don’t miss out on a chance to explore the industrial heart of Russia!

#DiscoverRussia #VisitRussia

6 Most Beautiful Russian islands

From the Arctic glaciers to tropical forests of the Far East, from the “Whale Bone alley” under open sky to ancient island monasteries – here are six amazing Russian islands that may transform your world.

🌊 Sakhalin island

Discover Sakhalin Island, just a two-hour flight from Tokyo and nine hours from Moscow. Known as the island "at the edge of the world," Sakhalin is home to half a million people, with Yuzho-Sakhalinsk as its largest city. Winter spans 5 to 6 months, while short, cool summers characterize the rest of the year. Despite this, Sakhalin attracts global tourists with its pristine wildlife sanctuaries and eco-friendly resorts, perfect for ecotourism enthusiasts.

🌊 Iturup island

Explore Iturup Island, the largest in the lush Kuril Islands archipelago stretching from Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula to Japan. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk, Iturup offers breathtaking landscapes of blue lagoons, cascading waterfalls, and active volcanoes – a true paradise for the adventurous spirit.

🌊 Wrangel Island

Wrangel Island, one of Russia's most remote reserves, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004. This journey to what a 19th-century visitor called the "end of creation" is a rare opportunity. Visitors must secure special government permission, and reaching the island is no small feat – winter travel requires a helicopter, while summer sees adventurers boarding icebreakers.

🌊 Olkhon island

Explore Olkhon, Lake Baikal's largest and only inhabited island. In the language of the indigenous Buryat people, its name means "dry," despite being surrounded by one-fifth of the world's fresh water – yet, remarkably, there are no rivers or creeks. Khuzhir, with approximately 1,350 residents, humorously dubbed the "capital," is the island's largest settlement.

🌊 Kizhi island

Discover Kizhi Pogost, nestled on one of Lake Onega's 1,650 islands, a highlight of northwest Russia. Over twenty years ago, it earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Church of the Transfiguration, adorned with 22 domes stacked without nails on a wooden base, is iconic in Russian medieval wooden architecture. Kizhi Pogost laid the groundwork for Russia's first open-air museum of wooden architecture.

🌊 Franz Joseph Land

Franz Joseph Land: an archipelago of 192 islands, as close to the North Pole as Northern Greenland. It's among the northernmost territories of Russia and the world, part of the Primorsky District in the Arkhangelsk Region. Inhabited only by researchers, border guards, and military officers, the island hosts special expeditions studying polar bear populations in the Russian Arctic. These efforts aim to understand their migration patterns and habitat to support their survival. Beyond polar bears, seals, walruses, and beluga whales thrive in this remote region.

#DiscoverRussia #RussianIslands

5 most accessible lighthouses in the European part of Russia

There are hundreds of lighthouses in Russia that assist ship navigation. The most picturesque ones are often located in inaccessible places, but there are some exceptions. We’ve highlighted them below!

🌊 Bolshoi Volga Lighthouse - nestled near Moscow, this lighthouse stands where the Moscow Canal meets Ivankovo Reservoir. Built in the 1930s, it reflects Soviet constructivist architecture. It's not just a beacon but a symbol of history in Central Russia.

🌊 Osinovetsky Lighthouse - a landmark near St. Petersburg, this 70-meter-tall structure towers over Lake Ladoga's Vsevolozhsky district. Its scenic location on a sandy beach makes it a favorite for photographers and tourists alike, offering panoramic views of the lake and surroundings.

🌊 Wooden Lighthouse in Kronstadt - built in 1888, this wooden lighthouse in Kronstadt, near St. Petersburg, is one of Russia's oldest. Surrounded by historical cannons and naval artifacts, it serves as a reminder of Kronstadt's rich maritime heritage and is a popular spot for history enthusiasts.

🌊 Sochi Lighthouse - a historic beacon in southern Russia, the Sochi Lighthouse dates back to the late 19th century.
Originally constructed during the Russo-Turkish War, its unique French-designed optical system once illuminated the Sochi embankment with a changing beam colour. Today, it continues to be a symbol of the city, though access to its interior is restricted.

🌊 Stirsudden Lighthouse - located near St. Petersburg on the Gulf of Finland, the Stirsudden Lighthouse stands on an active military base, making it inaccessible up close. Its striking red-and-white tower is a picturesque sight, especially during sunset when its powerful lamp with a crystal lens casts a glow over the gulf's shores.

Explore the maritime history and beauty of these lighthouses that have guided ships and captured imaginations for generations!

#DiscoverRussia #BestOfRussia

Discover the Magic of Crimea’s Art Park!

Ever since Catherine the Great, when Crimea became a part of the Russian Empire, the peninsula became not only a popular resort, but also a destination for creative people. Famous artists, poets and musicians went there to improve their health and be inspired by the local scenery: the mountains and the Black Sea.

⚓️ Today, Crimea is still a mecca for people of arts and, in 2015, the ‘Tavrida’ (‘Taurida’ is Crimea’s ancient name) art cluster opened there, attracting thousands of creative young people from all over the country. They take part in educational forums, art residencies, as well as young art festivals.

In 2019, the art scene in Crimea expanded with the creation of the ‘Tavrida’ art park in Kapsel Bay, near Sudak. Spanning 30 hectares, this dynamic space features ever-evolving art installations by talented young designers and artists.

👉 Here are some highlights:

‘A Man Staring at the Sea’: A 15-meter-high installation by Sergei Pauker-Bravin, symbolizing the quest for inspiration before a new creative journey.

‘Assol’: Reimagined in 2020 as a 13-meter-tall sculpture, this character from the Soviet novel ‘Scarlet Sails’ stands alongside ‘A Man Staring at the Sea,’ symbolizing hope and dream fulfillment. Both pieces are beautifully illuminated at night.

‘Masks’: Giant masks of Apollo and Venus by the ‘DAP’ art group mark the entrance to the park, celebrating art and beauty.

‘Sun of Tavrida’: A mesmerizing light installation by Gleb Ivanov and Alexander Funtov, resembling the radiation of astrophysical pulsars, guiding visitors like a lighthouse.

‘Time’: A nine-meter clock face created by Sergei Pauker-Bravin and his workshop team, depicting the entire history of the universe from its origins to the present day.

‘Tower’: Designed by the ‘Megabudka’ bureau, this structure blends industrial aesthetics with ancient Kemi-Obin cultural elements from the Early Bronze Age, discovered in Crimea in 1957.

#DiscoverRussia #Tavrida

🌙 Where Are the Longest White Nights in Russia?

Experience the magic of the White Nights, a captivating natural phenomenon where twilight reigns supreme from sunset to sunrise, with no darkness in between. This enchanting display occurs at latitudes above 60°34’ and can last from a few days to several months.

💫 St. Petersburg: Renowned for its summer allure, St. Petersburg offers an extended White Nights season. Officially from June 11 to July 2, the city’s nights are bathed in twilight from late May to mid-July, creating a mesmerizing summer ambiance.

💫 Yakutsk: Situated at 62.0°, Yakutsk enjoys its White Nights from mid-May to July. Despite this extended twilight, summer here is fleeting, with the occasional snowfall even in June.

💫 Arkhangelsk: Located at 64.5°, Arkhangelsk revels in its White Nights from May 17 to July 26, offering a prolonged period of enchanting light.

💫 Arctic Latitudes: In regions above 66°33’, the White Nights merge into the polar day, a phenomenon where the sun never sets below the horizon. For instance, Norilsk (69°20’) experiences White Nights from late March to late April, with the polar day lasting from May to August.

Feel the atmosphere of Russia's White Nights through our selection of pictures, capturing the beauty of these twilight marvels.

#DiscoverRussia #VisitRussia #BestOfRussia

✨ Today we would like to tell you about one of the most ancient Russian cities, located in the Republic of Dagestan.

Derbent is a city where sights with a thousand-year history fit laconically into the landscape of modern urban life.

🪶 Derbent was founded as a Persian fortress back in the V century and served as a ‘’barrier gate‘’ against foreign conquerors. A monumental testimony to that era is the citadel ‘Naryn-Kala’, situated on a picturesque hill. The Dag-Bary (or Great Caucasian Wall) runs from it high into the mountains, and it is considered to be one of the three largest fortifications in the world, along with the Great Wall of China. In 2003, the Naryn-Kala site was included in the “World Heritage Sites” list of UNESCO.

🪶 Not far from the fortress there is the House of Peter the Great. With the strengthening of the Russian Empire in the 18th century, the significance of the East Caucasus increased, therefore, Derbent due to its geographical position, was a link between Europe and Eastern civilisations. Economic and political interests forced Peter the Great to take into consideration the ‘Eastern question’ and so he started preparations for his “Persian campaign”.

🪶 On 27 July 1722 Peter I and his troops landed on the northern coast of Dagestan and moved towards Derbent that they entered on 23 August. The naib of the city presented Peter the Great with the keys to the city gates. This is how, thanks to Peter the Great, Russia strengthened its position in the Caucasus.

#DiscoverRussia #VisitRussia

What types of leopards live in Russia?

That's right, real leopards do live in Russia – and not just one type, but several. Where are their habitats, and how do they differ from one another?

🐆 Far Eastern Leopard: This northernmost leopard prefers the snowy taiga of the Maritime Territory. It's smaller than its African cousins, with around 120 in Russia, mostly in Land of the Leopard National Park. Sadly, it's critically endangered due to past poaching.

🐆 Asia Minor Leopard: Also known as the Caucasian leopard, this type roams the Caucasus and was nearly extinct by the 1950s. Reintroduction efforts since 2006 have helped repopulate areas like Sochi and North Ossetia. It has lighter, brown spots and is slightly larger than the Far Eastern leopard.

🐆 Snow Leopard: The elusive snow leopard, or irbis, lives in Siberia's Altai and the Tian Shan mountains. This high-altitude cat is incredibly rare, with only a few thousand left. It's known for its agility and long tail, which it often carries in its mouth.

✨ Bonus: Meet the Amur leopard cat, a small, leopard-like predator found in the Maritime Territory. The chances of seeing a cat like this in the wild are minimal, since they are also very rare. Nevertheless, they are capable of visiting humans if they think they have a surplus population of geese and chickens! Most importantly, never attempt to domesticate one.

Which of these leopards intrigues you the most?

#DiscoverRussia #BestOfRussia

Who lives in the Russian Arctic?

#DYK, that about 20 percent of Russia is located beyond the Arctic Circle and this area is the home for 2.3 million people - more than half of all Arctic-dwellers in the world? Most of them are Russians, but there are also 40 indigenous peoples of the North. Each has its own language, culture and traditions. Only a quarter of them are nomadic, with the rest preferring urban life these days: the largest Arctic cities are Murmansk (280,000 inhabitants), Norilsk (about 180,000), Vorkuta (over 50,000) and Salekhard (over 50,000).


🇷🇺 The Sámi

About 2,000 Sámi live in Murmansk Region's Lapland, the area spanning Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Traditionally reindeer herders and fishers, modern Sámi also work in urban jobs. Their cultural center is Lovozero.

🇷🇺 The Izhma Komi

The Izhma Komi, a subgroup of the Komi, number around 16,000, with over 1,000 residing near Lovozero. They primarily practice nomadic reindeer herding and speak a unique Komi dialect.

🇷🇺 The Nenets

The Nenets, numbering about 45,000, are the main nomads of the Russian Arctic, mostly in Yamal. Around 17,000-20,000 are reindeer herders, fluent in both Nenets and Russian. They blend traditional lifestyles with modern technology, even blogging about their nomadic life.

🇷🇺 The Enets

The Enets, with only around 200 individuals left, live in small Arctic settlements on the Taimyr Peninsula. They engage in hunting and fishing, and their language is closely related to that of the Nenets and Nganasans.

🇷🇺 The Nganasans

The Nganasans, the northernmost people of Eurasia, number fewer than 900. They live in the northeast Taimyr Peninsula and adopted an urban lifestyle in the 1930s. Their language is nearly extinct, spoken by only about 125 people.

🇷🇺 The Dolgans

The Dolgans, a Turkic people numbering around 8,000, live in Taimyr and Yakutia. Their language is closely related to Yakut, and while traditionally nomadic, many now live in Arctic settlements and engage in fishing.

🇷🇺 The Evenks

The Evenks, with around 40,000 in Russia and a similar number in China, inhabit Eastern Siberia from the Yenisei River to the Sea of Okhotsk. They are reindeer herders and live in various types of dwellings, including traditional and modern.

🇷🇺 The Evens

Relatives of the Evenks, the Evens number just over 20,000, mainly in Yakutia and Chukotka. They focus more on fishing and use reindeer primarily for transport. Around 6,000-7,000 speak their language.

🇷🇺 The Yakuts

The Yakuts, the most populous northern people with about 500,000 members, primarily live in the Republic of Sakha-Yakutia. Although many are urban dwellers, some continue traditional reindeer herding.

🇷🇺 The Yukaghirs

Once the largest group in Eastern Siberia, the Yukaghirs now number about 1,500 and live in the Kolyma River basin. Few speak their language today, and many Yukaghirs have assimilated with neighboring peoples.

🇷🇺 The Chukchi

With around 16,000 people, most Chukchi live on the Chukchi Peninsula. They are known for traditional reindeer herding and sea hunting, though they also embrace modern technology in their yarangs (tents).

#DiscoverRussia #ArcticDwellers

🍂 Before heavy colds and piercing wind, Russians face a miraculous, albeit usually short, golden fall, probably the most “instagrammable” time of the year.

Golden autumn takes over the whole of Russia for an almost elusive time of the year. Somewhere it arrives earlier, somewhere later, marvels with its splendor and disappears with the first leaf fall.

We have compiled a selection of picturesque places in Russia, where one may observe the golden autumn. Enjoy!

🍁 Plyos, Ivanovo region

Urbanization has not affected the charm of Plyos despite the status of a city. It remained practically the same as it was a hundred - two hundred years ago. You may admire the golden autumn there late September - early October. It is worth to stroll along the ancient streets, look into the House-Museum of Isaak Levitan and try “angles” with bream - that's the name of local fish pies. For memorable photos you should go up to the Cathedral Hill. Here you can often see artists who paint Volga landscapes.

🍁 Samarskaya Luka, Samara region

Samarskaya Luka is a national park in the Samara region. Here, the Zhigulev Mountains rise above the Volga, such a landscape is atypical for the East European plain. The highest point is the 381-meter high Observer Mountain. The place attracts not only hiking enthusiasts, but also rock climbers. The boundaries of the Samarskaya Luka include the Kuibyshev Reservoir, which is often compared in scale, picturesqueness and purity with lake Baikal.

🍁 Kronstadt, St. Petersburg

Nowadays Kronstadt is becoming more and more attractive for tourists. In particular, the “Island of Forts” with strolling alleys, panoramic swings, a rock garden, a beach, a food court and cafes has appeared here.

In the fall, there are fewer tourists and the sea waves are stronger than usual due to the winds, which makes an impression. In the Summer Garden and Petrovsky Park, the trees are colored in dozens of shades.

Do not miss such a beautiful period in Russia with mild weather and scenic views!

#DiscoverRussia #VisitRussia

✨ Our latest publication on the indigenous peoples of the Russian North has garnered great interest and positive feedback! Let's continue exploring this mysterious region and its ancient sanctuaries, which still draw visitors seeking spiritual support.

🔮 Sacred Lake Lama

Located in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, Lake Lama is uninhabited but serves as a base for tourism. Its eastern end is considered a site of ancient power, with Evenk wooden idols found there. Local lore suggests that the last Evenk shamaness lived there in the late 1930s. The lake’s waters are sacred to northern peoples, believed to grant wishes, and ancient bronze artifacts from the 18th century B.C. have been discovered.

🔮 Whale Bone Alley, Chukotka

Yttygran Island, an ancient settlement of Eskimo hunters, features the Whale Bone Alley, discovered in the 1970s. Dating back to the 14th-16th centuries, this impressive structure consists of rows of gray and bowhead whale bones, believed by some to be a sacred site, while others think it was used for drying boats.

🔮 Idols of Vaygach Island

In the Nenets Autonomous Area, Vaygach Island houses approximately fifteen surviving stone idols, once used for spiritual offerings by northern peoples. Although uninhabited until the 1930s, it became a mining settlement named Varnek, primarily worked by prisoners. Today, around one hundred residents remain.

🔮 Stolb Island, Yakutia

Stolb Island, in the Lena River delta, is sacred to the Yukaghir people. Local legend holds that it was created by a shaman grieving his daughter. Visitors traditionally leave offerings like candy or coins, a practice that continues among rare tourists.

🔮 Labyrinths of the Russian North

The largest stone labyrinths, known as "Babylons," are found on the Solovetsky Islands and elsewhere in the Russian North, often near water. Systematic reports began in the 19th century, but mentions date back to the 16th century. Their exact purpose remains unclear, though many believe they had ritual significance.

#DiscoverRussia #VisitRussia #BestOfRussia #RussianNorth

Discover Russia from a bird's-eye view!

Explore the 5 most scenic cable cars in Russian cities! With hundreds of cable cars operating not just at ski resorts but also as urban transport, these routes offer breathtaking views and unique experiences.

Here are our top picks:

🏔 Mount Mashuk, Stavropol Krai

Climb to one of Pyatigorsk's most popular spots! Take a scenic cable car ride that whisks you to the top in just five minutes. Built in 1971, these cabins hold up to 20 people and offer stunning panoramas of Pyatigorsk and the Caucasus Mountains.

🏔 Ai-Petri, Crimea

This cable car ascends to the Ai-Petri plateau at over 1,000 meters above sea level. It's a must-visit for breathtaking views of the Black Sea and the majestic mountains surrounding it.

🗻 Rosa Khutor, Krasnodar Krai

Experience the thrill of 32 ski lifts at Rosa Khutor! While they mainly operate during ski season, you can still reach Rosa Peak (2,320 m) and explore mountain routes year-round.

🗻 Vorobyovy Gory, Moscow

Connect the scenic Vorobyovy Gory and Luzhniki sports complex in just 10 minutes. Get ready to see Moscow from a whole new perspective!

🗻 "Gorny Vozdukh," (“Mountain Air”), Sakhalin Island

Located in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, this eastern ski resort features a cable car that offers stunning views of Sakhalin Island. The route spans 1.5 km and connects two stations in each section.

❓ Which cable car will you ride first? Share your thoughts in the comments!

#ExploreRussia #DiscoverRussia #VisitRussia #BestOfRussia

🍂 6 Fall Trip Ideas to Russia

Explore stunning castles, visit Siberia's only preserved kremlin, and drive along the country’s most picturesque roads – all during the most beautiful months of the year!

🍁 Karelian Waterfalls

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Karelia’s blue lakes, marble canyons, and towering forests. Don't miss the Kivach waterfall, the second-largest flat waterfall in Europe, and the mystical Girvas paleovolcano, with its rocky landscapes and serene lakes.

🍁 Vologda: The Heart of the Russian North

Famous for its exquisite lace, creamy butter, and intricate woodwork, Vologda is the unofficial capital of the Russian North. With roots as old as Moscow, this historic trading city features a mid-16th-century kremlin and the beautiful St. Sophia Cathedral. Don’t miss the local museum dedicated to lace-making.

🍁 Plyos: A Painter's Paradise

This charming town in the Ivanovo Region, beloved by artists, served as inspiration for Isaac Levitan. In autumn, the vibrant golden and red foliage transforms it into a living painting. Stroll through historic merchant estates and ancient churches – time seems to stand still here.

🍁 Tobolsk Kremlin: Siberia's Unique Gem

Nestled in the forests of Tyumen Region, Tobolsk enchants visitors with its cobblestone streets and cozy cafés. It’s home to the only white-stone kremlin in Siberia, dating back to the 17th-18th centuries. Inside, you’ll find the Sophia-Assumption Cathedral, the Prikaznaya Chamber, and a bell tower that once announced the tragic death of Tsarevich Dmitry.

🍁 The Chuysky Tract

Considered the most beautiful road in Russia, the Chuysky Tract follows the ancient Silk Road to China. Beginning in Novosibirsk, this stunning 1,000-kilometer route winds through the Altai region all the way to the Mongolian border.

🍁 Bridges & Lighthouses of Vladivostok

Often called the “Russian San Francisco,” Vladivostok boasts stunning views from its iconic bridges, including the Zolotoy (Golden) and Russky (Russian) bridges. Visit Tokarevsky Lighthouse, one of Russia's oldest, situated on a charming embankment island connected by a narrow causeway.

👉 Ready to explore the magic of #Russia this fall?

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#DiscoverRussia #RussianFall

Discover the 6 Must-See Attractions of the Russian Far East

From volcanoes and geysers to stunning cliffs and majestic bridges, this remote Russian region is a treasure trove of natural beauty and man-made wonders. Stretching from Lake Baikal to the Pacific Ocean, the Russian Far East is vast yet sparsely populated, with only eight million residents across 11 regions. Life here is marked by a harsh climate, but the breathtaking landscapes are truly unparalleled!

Here are six must-see attractions:

Klyuchevskaya Sopka Volcano

Kamchatka is home to nearly 200 volcanoes, with 30 still active. Klyuchevskaya Sopka, the highest active volcano in North America, stands at 4,800 meters and has erupted 10 times in the past 20 years. Climbing it is a popular adventure for thrill-seekers!

Valley of Geysers

Accessible only by helicopter, this cosmic wonder in the Kronotsky Reserve features an 8 km long canyon dotted with about 40 geysers and thermal springs. The valley is alive with steam and the distinct scent of sulfur!

Jack London Lake

Located in the Magadan Region, this stunning lake is surrounded by majestic mountains and small islands. Despite the harsh climate, ice floes can still be spotted in the summer!

Russky Island

Once a naval outpost established in 1860, Russky Island in Vladivostok is rich in history. Recently opened to the public, visitors can explore its historic fortifications and beautiful landscapes.

Land of the Leopard

For big cat lovers, the Land of the Leopard National Park in Primorye is a must-visit. Home to the rare Amur leopards and tigers, the park uses nearly 500 photo traps to monitor these magnificent creatures.

Island of White Cliffs

Iturup, the largest of the Kuril Islands, features the stunning White Cliffs—unique formations of pumice and volcanic glass that rise dramatically from the sea, remnants of ancient volcanic activity.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a nature lover, the Russian Far East offers unforgettable experiences!

❓ Where would you like to go first?

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#DiscoverRussia #RussianFarEast

The Golden Ring is considered the main tourist route of Russia. It includes eight main cities: Sergiev Posad, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Rostov Veliky, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Ivanovo, Suzdal and Vladimir.

✨ To travel around all the cities on the Golden Ring, you will need at least a week!

And if you look at the small cities along a way, even a month is not enough.

🗺 This route was "drawn” on the map by Soviet journalist Yuri Bychkov in 1967. He came up with the idea that you could get from Moscow to Yaroslavl and Kostroma one way, through Vladimir and Suzdal, and return by another - through Rostov and Pereslavl-Zalessky.

#discoverrussia #visitrussia #goldenring

🤍💙❤️Where to stroll in St Petersburg in the fall? Travel tips.

▪️ The Summer Garden was Peter the Great's favorite creation and a triumph of landscape design at the time. Marble sculptures, slender alleys with gazebos, a colorful variety of fall foliage – the park looks especially bright in this season. And, if you get cold, there are many cafes along the way, where you can hide from the weather.

▪️ Mikhailovsky Garden. Near the Mikhailovsky Palace (Russian Museum), in the very center of the city, there is also a cozy garden. From there, you can enjoy views of the Church of the Savior on the Blood, the Griboedov Canal and the Ethnographic Museum. In the garden itself, the Rossi pavilion from 1825 with columns and a terrace has been well preserved.

▪️ The views of St. Isaac's Cathedral are impressive, both inside and out. And, if you climb the colonnade, you'll see the whole city in fall colours.

▪️ The Peter and Paul Fortress is the first structure of St. Petersburg. Today, it is a UNESCO monument and one of the most interesting museums in the city. And, every midday, the traditional noon shot is fired from the Naryshkin Bastion.

▪️ Yelagin island. This island in the northern part of St. Petersburg belonged to statesman Ivan Yelagin in the 16th century. There, he built a luxurious palace and laid out a park in the English style. However, already in the 19th century, the palace passed to the Imperial Romanov family and the park was opened to all comers. The park is divided by many ponds, channels and canals and you can walk around it all day long.

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🌅The First Ministerial Conference of the #RussiaAfrica Partnership Forum is to take place on 9-11 November in Russia’s Sochi. This southern coastal city is beautiful at any time of the year and gives travellers unforgettable experiences. For those who will participate in the conference we reveal how to spend 3 perfect days in #Sochi.

🇷🇺 Day 1
Visit the Sochi Arboretum. It is interesting not only for hundreds of species of subtropical trees and plants. It is also an original garden and park complex, where you can ride a cable car to the upper station, observe the mountains and the sea.
Take a taxi or a carsharing service (they are everywhere in the city, it's very convenient!) and head to Stalin's dacha in Matsesta, one of Sochi's districts.
Have a dinner at a restaurant on the seafront, listen to street musicians and go dancing after a glass (or two) of local sparkling wine.

🇷🇺 Day 2
Take a walk to the seafront. Admire the Marine Station building in the Soviet art deco style. Stroll on the promenade along the sea, popping into mini cafes and stores.
Sochi often hosts various other sporting events, as well: marathons, triathlons, tennis tournaments and many more. Attend a soccer match at the Fisht Olympic Stadium, where the 2018 FIFA World Cup was also held, or watch an ice hockey game at the neighboring Bolshoy Ice Dome.
Visit Sochi Park and take a ride on the amusement rides and Ferris wheel.
From 7 pm to 8 pm, a spectacular performance is waiting for you by the Olympic flame – the Singing Fountain Show.

🇷🇺 Day 3
Head to the mountains. You can get there by train, bus, taxi or carsharing, as there are convenient parking lots even high up in the mountains.
Buy a ticket and ride to the top of Rosa Peak (2,320 meters). Take a swing over the abyss, ride chairlifts to waterfalls or just enjoy the view of the Caucasus Range. Remember to dress warmer, as, even in summer, it's quite windy and cool up there.
In the evening, you can check out the Krasnaya Polyana Casino. There are only a few authorized gambling zones in Russia and this is one of them.

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The Moscow Metro subway system continues to grow rapidly. In 2023 alone, 14 new stations were opened and, in the last five years, more than 40! Each has its own, unique design. And Muscovites voted for the most successful ones.

🚝 Elektrozavodskaya

This ‘Big Circle Line’ station opened in 2020. You can transfer from it to the station of the same name on the ‘blue’ Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya line. On one of its walls is a huge glass panel called ‘Battle of Heroes’ depicting a historical plot and the image of the defender of Old Russia. An interesting view of the image opens from the large round openings of the pedestrian gallery.

🚝 Michurinsky Prospekt

This ‘Big Circle Line’ station was opened in 2021. You can transfer from it to the station of the same name on the ‘yellow’ Solntsevskaya line, opened earlier, in 2018. The main feature of the design of this station are the red columns and ceiling panels with LED lighting. Some of them depict Chinese ornaments symbolizing the “friendship of nations”.

🚝 Nagatinsky Zaton

This ‘Big Circle Line’ station opened in 2023. When going outside, passengers get a picturesque view of the Moskva River. Therefore, the station was decorated with huge mosaic panels depicting fish.

🚝 Filatov Lug

This station on the ‘red’ Sokolnicheskaya line was opened in 2019. It’s an above ground station and its large panoramic windows let in daylight all year round. The designers were inspired by the stations of the 19th century: Waterloo in London, Pennsylvania Station in New York and Kievsky railway station in Moscow. Hence the abundance of glass and high vaulted ceilings.

🚝 Airport Vnukovo

This station on the ‘yellow’ Solntsevskaya line was opened in 2023. It is absolutely unique not only for Moscow, but also for the whole of Russia, as it is the first (and, so far, the only) subway station that leads directly to an airport! That is why its design is reminiscent of the civilian airplanes by the Tupolev Design Bureau, which the airport is dedicated to.

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