Russia’s railways: From permafrost to a salt lake (PHOTOS)
Cozy vintage trains, stylish city commuter trains and rails at the edge of the earth: photographer Slava Stepanov captured some unique images of the country's main railway arteries.
1. The legendary Obskaya–Bovanenkovo line (572 km!) in Yamal holds the title of the world's northernmost railway. It lies above the Arctic Circle, in the permafrost zone, and operates year‑round, despite the permafrost and harsh climate.
2. Yakutia is Russia's largest region. It spans three time zones! The railway in Yakutia traverses difficult terrain, crossing numerous rivers and other natural obstacles.
3. Moscow greets travelers with its austere architectural aesthetic. Belorussky Station is one of the most beautiful in the capital.
4. Winter in Yamal is not just cold; it's a true test for infrastructure. In Novy Urengoy, the railway looks like a well‑oiled machine against the backdrop of endless snow.
5. The road to Ruskeala Mountain Park in Karelia is a thrilling adventure in itself. After all, the ‘Ruskeala Express’, styled after the early 20th century, runs there.
6. Samara, meanwhile, is home to the tallest railway station building in Europe. Its height, including the spire, exceeds 100 meters!
7. Perhaps the most unusual railway landscape can be seen by Lake Baskunchak in Astrakhan Region. Rails run right across the shimmering surface of the salt lake, along which freight trains look like they are gliding.
8. Novosibirsk is Siberia's largest transport hub. There, you can ride both suburban lines and the great Trans‑Siberian Railway.
9. Many locomotives in Russia are made at the Novocherkassk Electric Locomotive Plant in Rostov Region. There, you can also see them being tested in action.
10. The Museum of Technology in Verkhnyaya Pyshma, Sverdlovsk Oblast. The largest open‑air museum in Russia. Rare diesel locomotives, railcars and legends of railway engineering stand there, in eternal anticipation of their passengers.
