6 thermal springs in Russia's permafrost (PHOTOS)

1. Lorino thermal springs, Chukotka

Several hot springs have been discovered on the Chukchi Peninsula, but the most famous and accessible location is 15 km from the village of Lorino. It’s the largest village in eastern Chukotka, with a population of about 1,500. The water in the springs is naturally heated to 40°C (104°F) and, in some places, up to 60°C (140°F). Radon, which has a range of powerful therapeutic properties, was discovered in the water back in the mid-20th century. Bathing areas have since been set up there. The recommended soaking time is, however, no more than 15 minutes!

2. Senyavin springs, Chukotka

These powerful thermal springs also containing radon are located in the Senyavina Strait area in southeastern Chukotka. They were first described in detail in the 1960s-1970s, during geological surveys in the region. Over 150 water outlets with temperatures ranging from 20 to 80°C have been discovered there. There is a specially equipped pool for tourists.

3. Oymyakon, Yakutia

This is the legendary ‘Pole of Cold’ in the depths of Yakutia, where a temperature of -67.7°C (-89.86°F) was once recorded. But even there, thermal springs can be found near the Indigirka River. Even at -60°C (-76°F), they do not freeze and thick steam continuously hangs over the water. Taking a dip in these waters is a popular activity for travelers. The name of the village, Oymyakon, translates as "the land of unfreezing streams".

4. Nahot, Yakutia

During the Soviet era, thermal mineral waters were discovered in southern Yakutia, 30 km from the city of Neryungri, during the Soviet era. The deposit is divided into ‘Small’ (‘Achchygy’) and ‘Large’ (‘Ulakhan’) Nahot, which are tributaries of the Gorbyllakh River. Near the geothermal spring, there is a popular ‘Nahot’ resort, where you can even take a dip in an open-air pool filled with hot water from an artesian well in winter. The water temperature never drops below 32°C (89.6°F).

5. Pym-Va-Shor on the border of Komi and the Nenets autonomous okrug

The Pym-Va-Shor thermal tract is located not just on permafrost, but also beyond the Arctic Circle, above the 67th parallel north. Translated from the Komi language, the name means "warm water" and that's exactly what it is! The temperature of the eight warm springs remains constant year-round, between 20.3°C (68.54°F) and 28.5°C (83.3°F), despite the Arctic winds and snow!

6. Talsky spring, Magadan Region

‘Talaya’ is a well-known balneological resort in the Russian Far East. Its history began with an Even peoples legend about the miraculous healing of those who drank water from this spring. Talaya water was sold for its medicinal properties as far back as the mid-19th century. In 1940, a sanatorium was opened in the settlement of Talaya, where residents from nearby areas would come to restore their health. The spring's waters are known to treat musculoskeletal disorders and many other ailments.