10 ideas for the most UNUSUAL trips across Russia (PHOTOS)
1. To the North Pole on an atomic icebreaker
This is a completely unique journey that can only be made in Russia! In winter, the nuclear-powered ‘50 Let Pobedy’ icebreaker operates along the Northern Sea Route and, in summer, it gathers tourists and takes them to the harsh northern waters. This is your chance to visit the North Pole, photograph wild polar bears and spend time on a real atomic icebreaker! And the bravest will even be able to take a dip in the Arctic Ocean. Brrr!
The prices are steep, but it’s literally a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so it's worth it! And bookings for Summer 2026 are already open!
2. Ice-floating in the northern seas
The Arctic city of Murmansk and the coastal village of Teriberka on the Barents Sea have long been popular tourist spots. There, you can do pretty much everything: watch whales, eat crabs, “hunt” for the Northern Lights and spend the night in a glamping site with a transparent dome roof.
But, now you can also feel the icy water of the Arctic in a special insulated drysuit. Just lie back on the water and meditate! The most important thing: choose a reputable guide company for such extreme activities and make sure you're floating in a bay with no current! Yikes!
3. Thermal springs in Siberia
While some like freezing in the northern seas, in Siberia, you can warm up in natural hot springs. Surprisingly, it's Tyumen that’s most famous for its thermal baths. Locals have even dubbed it Russia's thermal capital. The water temperature is 36°C-48°C (97°F-118°F) and it's rich in natural minerals, so bathing in these pools is also beneficial. There are over 20 springs in and around the city, all surrounded by pleasant infrastructure with spa centers and hotels.
4. A luxury trip on the world's longest railway
The Trans-Siberian Railway needs no introduction. But, if the journey (almost 7 days!) was once associated with hardship and discomfort, these days, it’s much different. We suggest traveling on the VIP-class train, the ‘Golden Eagle’, whose carriages and compartments will transport in the atmosphere of Agatha Christie's ‘Orient Express’ (just without the crime!).
5. Ice diving in lake Baikal
Lake Baikal is no less a popular destination, interesting both in summer and winter. Observing dozens of ice formations, skating on the endless frozen surface, having a mind-blowing photoshoot with a view of the cliffs of Olkhon Island… This is just a small list of things a tourist can have fun there!
But, it's never enough, so, now, you can scuba dive right to the bottom of the planet's deepest lake, explore the amazing underwater world, as well as encounter endemic animals that live only there, like the cute Baikal seal. And the best visibility is guaranteed from February to April.
6. Hiking through impassable swamps
This activity already has its own name: ‘swamping’. Tourists are invited to trek the paths of the protected Vasyugan Swamps (their size, by the way, is larger than the entire area of Switzerland!). It's certainly not a survival experience, but it's no easy walk in the park, either. Difficult trails, patches of quicksand, wild animals, snakes, biting insects… Civilization is miles away and you'll have to sleep in a tent.
7. Sandboarding in the world's northernmost desert
The Chara Sands are located in the Zabaykalsky Krai. It's hard to get lost here, as the desert is only about 10 km long and 5 km wide, which means you can literally cross it on foot in a day.
You can slide down a sand dune on a snowboard; the thrill is no less intense. However, you won’t avoid some difficulties, as you'll have to climb back up without any lifts! It's also best to bring clothing for all occasions, as the temperature swings are very dramatic. Gnarly dude!
8. Surfing on a volcanic beach in Kamchatka
Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia’s Far East is a preserved corner of the Earth and any traveler's dream. It has volcanoes, geysers… and bears! You can ride off-road vehicles in summer and, in winter, a helicopter can drop you on a mountaintop, so you can embark on the most unforgettable off-piste descent slope.
And guess what? You can surf here all year round! In summer, it's more pleasant, of course, and there are many surf camps that will teach you and help with equipment. But, true extreme seekers also surf in the winter! The water temperature at the famous Khalaktyrsky Beach with its black sand is 2°C-5°C (35°F-41°F). A warm wetsuit, an experienced instructor and off you go! Hang ten!
9. Horseback & jeep tours in the Altai Mountains
Everyone who has been to Altai says it's a true place of natural power and the Russian ‘Shambhala’. In recent years, even Russian celebrities have flocked there, so many hotels and glamping sites have appeared. You can travel along Russia's most scenic road, the Chuisky Trakt, roam off-road in jeeps and explore the completely impassable forest trails on horseback! Yee-haw!
10. Yachting around the Kuril volcanoes
Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands are the most remote eastern regions of Russia. Getting there, while not overly difficult, is quite expensive. However, if you do overcome the price and the several-thousand kilometer journey, you'll discover all the riches of completely untouched nature.
You can sail between the islands on a yacht and admire the amazing coastal landscape with its curved cliffs. And on the islands themselves, you can go hiking and walk in the crater of a dormant volcano!