How a Swiss man ended up driving tourists around Siberia in his own KAMAZ
After settling in Ulan-Ude, Lucas Ackermann bought a ‘KAMAZ’ truck and now takes tourists to the most inaccessible places, including Lake Baikal.
Mechanical engineer Lucas Ackermann, who originally is from Lucerne, Switzerland, first visited Lake Baikal 20 years ago. The world's largest lake literally magnetized him and Lucas began traveling back to it every year. Seven years ago, he decided to move to the neighboring city of Ulan-Ude, the capital of the Buddhist Buryatia republic.
Now, the Swiss man has his own business there, taking tourists in his ‘KAMAZ’ truck through the picturesque and challenging Siberian terrain. And he half-jokingly, half-seriously warns every tour group: be careful, you might get magnetized, too!
Dashi Choinhorling dastsan in Buryatia
“Right now, I'm waiting for a couple of Australians to visit again; they're traveling in a motorhome. I warned them about Baikal's magnetism, but they didn't believe me. This morning, they told me over a video call that they've never found it so hard to leave any place as they did from Baikal.”
How Siberia lured a Swiss man
“Back in my school days, I saw Siberia on the world map. I read about it: vast expanses, tundra, taiga, snow. This hidden land fascinated me. I grew up, studied, served in the military, worked as a mechanic and, one day, a friend and I decided to embark on a big six-month journey in a motorhome.”
Their destination was Lake Baikal. The friends traveled through Turkey, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia.
“When we reached Baikal, it was a profound moment… It's hard to describe in words. And it's not just about the beauty or the scale… You know, I've seen a lot. I've driven trucks across Europe and been a driver on a three-month tour in Africa. Yes, the nature and culture there are very interesting, but, as it turns out, my place is here.”
The amazing power of Baikal
“After that first trip, I kept coming back again and again and, each time, I was amazed that the places I hadn't seen yet seemed endless. Breathtaking, incredible!”
Luсas's KAMAZ on the shore of Lake Baikal
Europeans know very little about Siberia, especially Buryatia, so it was important for Lucas to show them his new homeland. Ten years ago, he started his tourism business. For the first three years, he split his time between Switzerland and Russia, but, then, he finally decided to move.
Many tourists come not only for the natural beauty, but also for spiritual enlightenment. Lucas knows some shamans and many foreigners ask to meet with them. He also advises tourists to bring milk, grains and rice as offerings to the spirits at sacred sites.
“I'm not very religious, but I respect others' beliefs. And when we visit power places where people have left offerings for centuries, we follow the rules. There are many such places in Buryatia: datsans and Buddhist temple complexes. No matter which direction you go, you'll definitely encounter one.”
Sacred sculptural composition "Taban khushuun Mal" near the Atsagat datsan, a Buddhist temple complex. The camel, horse, goat, bull and ram symbolize the five jewels of the nomadic people.
Tourists often say they feel such a surge of energy that their legs go weak or their head spins. And, after the trip, they feel drawn back to it.
The Swiss man in a ‘KAMAZ’
Before the pandemic, there were many tourists from Europe, but, now, Lucas has adapted his programs for Russian tourists.
“There are weekend tours and longer journeys lasting two to three weeks around Baikal, covering hundreds of kilometers of extreme off-road terrain. Through mountain passes and rivers. I call it 'a road like a washboard'. The maximum speed is no more than 35 km/h (22 mph), but the beauty around is breathtaking! You can't get there by car or bus, but in my ‘KAMamAZ’ you can!”
Lucas's best friends: Kamaz and Stella the dog
The Swiss man had dreamed of a ‘KAMAZ’ since childhood. But, in Switzerland, you can't buy a truck for personal use, while, in Russia, there are no such strict rules.
“My ‘KAMAZ’, which is important for Siberia, heats up well. I've installed comfortable seats, a TV and an audio system inside – it's absolutely beautiful!”
The ‘Siberia-zation’ of a Swiss man
Lucas now lives on the outskirts of Ulan-Ude with his German Shepherd, Stella, who accompanies him on all his travels. He has a sturdy house, garage and banya.
Lucas and his co-traveler Stella
“I have a bathroom in the house, but in Siberia, you can't do without a banya. My friends, both Buryats and Russians, helped me build it.”
Over the years, Lucas has himself become somewhat Russian: He always follows superstitions, like sitting down for a moment before a journey. He also says he cooks local dishes quite well.
Four years ago, he celebrated his 50th birthday with a big gathering, unlike anything he'd ever experienced before. “Buryat friends, Russians, my German neighbor came and a Belgian from Irkutsk visited. We had a great time – fun, heartfelt… and very Russian!”
Lucas and his dog, Stella
The full version of the interview (in Russian) can be found on the ‘Nation’ magazine’s website.
