From the Arctic to Siberia: A Frenchman's travels in Russia
Erwann Pensec lived in Russia for almost seven years, regularly traveling through its vastness. In this article, he shares his discoveries, from the foothills of the Caucasus and the steppes of Kalmykia to Lake Baikal.
1. Siberian village Arshan: A vacation in nature
Lush green mountains, healing springs and Buddhist temples make Arshan an ideal destination for travelers seeking solitude and tranquility. Despite the fact that a mudslide hit this Buryat village in southern Siberia in the middle of the last decade, Arshan survived and still welcomes tourists to this day.
2. Karelia: A fall journey to a forest kingdom
The picturesque fall landscapes found there can't be compared to anything. Isn't it a reason alone to go on a trip? If you want to find yourself in a real fairy tale, go to Karelia, a region of Russia located in the northwest of the country. This forest kingdom is home to some 60,000 lakes and 27,000 rivers!
3. Khanty-Mansiysk, the petroleum heart of Russia
When the first snowflakes appear in the Moscow sky, the best way to prepare for the upcoming harsh winter is to fly to Siberia for a few days. With tickets in hand, we set off on a trip to the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous District. It’s an underrated tourist destination and this icy land will melt your heart. Read more here.
4. Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve: An enchanting architectural mosaic
When the summer heat and the hustle and bustle of Moscow become unbearable, there is nothing better than to retreat to one of its countless parks. Kolomenskoye is the former royal residence, where time seems to have stopped. Read more here.
5. Kyzyl: The geographical center of Asia in Russia
While traveling through the Republic of Tyva, located in the south of Siberia, you may catch yourself thinking that you have been transported to another country. The language, religion, landscapes and architecture have nothing reminiscent of Central Russia. Find out more about this authentic corner of Russia here.
6. Kalmykia: Europe's only Buddhist site
The Republic of Kalmykia, bordering the Caspian Sea, is a real paradise for lovers of contrasts and diversity. The only Buddhist region on the European continent welcomes tourists with endless steppes and sand dunes, among which the ornate roofs of datsans can be spotted. The feeling of novelty is guaranteed! Read more here.
7. Baskunchak Lake: The Russian sister of the Dead Sea
The white water surface and the silhouette of a red mountain towering over it. Such a striking sight opens up to the tourists' eyes on the shore of Lake Baskunchak, Astrakhan Region. The precious salt mined in these places was once transported along the Silk Road.
8. Ivolgа Datsan: An echo of Tibet in Siberia
Located in Siberia, the Republic of Buryatia resembles a small Mongolia. Its vast steppes and Buddhist temples evoke a sense of peace among tourists, especially since the Ivolgf Datsan, the spiritual center of Russian Buddhism, is located there. Take a short pilgrimage to the many temples of this religion here.
9. Nikola-Lenivets: An open-air art gallery
When summer comes to an end and the frantic rhythm of Moscow life becomes unbearable, there is nothing better than going to nature. One of the most promising destinations in this regard is the Nikola-Lenivets Art Park, located just 200 kilometers from the city in Kaluga Region.
10. Olkhon Island: A pebble thrown into the waters of Lake Baikal
One of the biggest dreams of tourists who find themselves in Russia is to visit Lake Baikal, which amazes with its immensity. This body of water, stretching over 640 kilometers in length and 80 kilometers in width, is rightfully called “sacred sea” by local shamans. Olkhon is the largest island in its waters and the famous rock near which shamanic rituals have been held since time immemorial.
11. The ‘City of the Dead’ in North Ossetia
Located in the Caucasus Mountains, North Ossetia, is small in size, but boasts a centuries-old heritage shrouded in legends and secrets. The impressions of a trip to this corner of the country are multiplied by the breathtaking mountain scenery.
12. A walk along the hills of the Bashkir city of Ufa
Although little known, Ufa, the capital of the Russian Republic of Bashkortostan, boasts many tourist attractions and a welcoming population. Head to this South Ural city to explore its unusual urban landscape with Erwann.
13. An unforgettable Arctic journey to the Kola Peninsula
Did you know that the area of Russia is more than 1/9 of the world's total landmass (and exceeds the surface of Pluto)? It’s no wonder that everyone can find a tourist destination to his taste in such a huge country: mountains, plains, forests, deserts, jungles and volcanoes. But, this time, we are going to the Far North of Russia, beyond the Arctic Circle, to get acquainted with the Kola Peninsula.
14. The charm of the Russian Middle Ages in Pskov & its surroundings
In the summer, when crowds of tourists flock to the beaches of Crimea, the Altai Mountains and the shores of Lake Baikal, it's a great idea to pay attention to some of the underrated, but still charming destinations. The 1,000-year-old Pskov, located in the northwest of the country, is one of them.
15. Tsaritsyno: A green haven of tranquility in the south of Moscow
This museum-reserve, spreading its woodlands around an ancient palace and park complex, is a rare corner of wild nature that has survived in Moscow. Originally conceived as a symbol of the greatness of the Russian Empire, it was abandoned and then restored a few years ago – to the great joy of lovers of fresh air and greenery. Check out photos and detailed story here.
16. Traveling through the old towns of central Russia
Having lived in Russia for several years, Erwann had time to visit many remote regions of the continent, but had put off exploring the central part of the country until the last minute. Finally, he decided to correct this mistake and explore several ancient Russian cities, which are easy to reach from Moscow: Rostov Veliky, Yaroslavl, Vologda, Veliky Novgorod.
17. Vyborg: The most Scandinavian of Russian cities
Borderlands inevitably become places where different cultures mix. And situated just 50 kilometers from the Finnish border, Russia’s Vyborg is no exception. This city, full of architectural contrasts, welcomes visitors with cobbled streets and countless historical monuments.
