sreeMountains, lakes, deserts, ethnic settlements, majestic volcanoes, and glaciers abound in Russia and the former Soviet Union. Making it one of the world’s most scenic countries. However, even Russians often underestimate Russia’s natural beauty due to inconsistent advertisements and a lack of investment expenditure in the growth of these areas. This guide will show you ten breath-taking travel destinations in Russia that you should visit whether you are a travel addict or enjoy active vacations. Best places to visit in Russia.
Moscow and St. Petersburg, two of Russia’s oldest cities, maintain their colonial splendor. Which can be seen not only in their architecture but even in their splendid parks, shopping malls, and even metro stations. Other cities and countries, such as Siberia and the Far East, promise opportunities to see stuff like the breath-taking scenery of the tundra and the Northern Lights, volcanoes, and more skiing than you might imagine. Lake Baikal is difficult to top when it comes to breaking records. With a maximum depth of 1,642 meters and an approximate age of 25 million years, this huge high-altitude rift lake in Siberia is the world’s largest and deepest lake. Baikal is also the world’s largest freshwater lake, containing over 20% of the world& freshwater.
Here are the 10 most beautiful and Best places to visit in Russia.
1. Lake Baikal
About the fact that much of Lake Baikal’s surface freezes over for up to five months of the year, it is one of the clearest lakes in the world during the winter, when it is possible to see up to 40 meters down into the water in some places. The lake water temperature can hit about 16 degrees Celsius for about a month in August, making it ideal for swift dips or fast swims. Throughout the remainder of the year, though, the temperature seldom rises above five degrees Celsius. In the summer, kayaking, boat cruises, and island hopping to explore shorelines and beaches are common activities on Lake Baikal. Visitors will cross-country ski around parts of the lake and explore the frozen Tazheran Steppes caves in the winter as the lake freezes over. 10 Best places to visit in Russia.
2. Moscow
Since most international flights arrive in Moscow or at least stop there, you can schedule your travel so that you have at least a few hours to explore the area. Russia’s capital is a beautiful combination of lush greenery, breathtaking buildings, and many architectural relics from a bygone era. Visitors to Moscow typically begin their explorations in the city center, which includes the Kremlin, Red Square, and the colorful St. Basil Cathedral. The shopping mall GUM, with its glass and steel roof, is also a popular destination—even among visitors who cannot afford the high-end brands on offer—and a perfect place to try authentic Russian cuisine.
3. St. Petersburg
While smaller than Moscow, St. Petersburg has so much to offer that seeing it all in one day is always impractical. St. Petersburg, in comparison to Moscow, has a more European feel, with fine art and elegant architectural features mingling with tradition at any turn. You should walk around on foot and appreciate the architecture up close and personal, or take a cruise to see part of the imperial city 300 kilometers of canals. Visit Moika Palace (most notable for being the site of Rasputin assassination) and the Neoclassical, 19th-century St. Isaac Cathedral, which is now a Russian Orthodox museum, for a dazzling overdose of white and gold colors.
4. Altay Mountains
From Russia to China, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia, the Altay Mountains pass through Siberia. It is a popular tourism destination for both locals and visitors. It was traditionally populated by various ethnic groups engaged in horse husbandry and forestry. The Altay Mountains are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has a host of natural parks and lakes. Altay has a lot of unspoiled scenery, with frozen rivers and snowcapped mountains attracting cross-country skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts in the winter, as well as cyclists, kayakers, and climbers in the summer.
5. Sochi
Sochi is a summer beach resort town on the Black Sea that offers long stretches of pebble and sand beaches, imposing examples of Stalinist architecture, the Kinotavr summer film festival, and a plethora of spas and outdoor markets to fit both budgets and tastes. Mzymta, Russia’s longest river, runs through Sochi before emptying into the Black Sea and is a popular rafting destination. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Caucasian State Nature Biosphere Reserve, just 50 kilometers from Sochi, is home to a host of rare species of flora and fauna, including the endangered Persian leopard. Best places to visit in Russia.
6. The Russian tundra
The tundra is a one-of-a-kind ecosystem found only in or around the Arctic Circle. Only moss, shrubs, and some varieties of grasses will survive the winter here because the temperatures are too high for trees to grow. The tundra is usually associated with permafrost, which means the earth is indefinitely frozen. Marshes and streams form over the land in regions. Where the top layer of ground melts during the summer, resulting in spectacular patches of vivid ice water. During the breeding season, the Russian tundra is home to polar bears, whales, grey wolves, and a diverse range of birds. Ecotourism has grown in popularity in tundra areas in recent decades, especially the Great Arctic State Nature Reserve near Krasnoyarsk Krai, where tourists can explore a variety of environmental paths, go bird-watching, or visit as part of an educational tour.
7. Peterhof
The Peterhof Palace is the city’s claim to fame. Also, beyond the fact that it is home to a university and a major Russian watchmaker. The palace grounds occupy about 4000 hectares and were planned and constructed in the early 1700s for Tsar Peter the Great in a style that resembles the Palace of Versailles. In the palace, there are 173 garden fountains, some of which, including the Grand Cascade fountains, have unique features that cause water jets as people approach them. Marble monuments shaded walking paths, and even an aviary pavilion can be found in the lower gardens, which are built in a French formal style.
8. Olkhon Island
The island is located in Eastern Siberia and has a small permanent population made up mostly of local Buryats. A Mongolic indigenous people regard the island as a powerful sacred site. Visitors come to discover areas like the coastal sand dunes. And the deserted Peschanaya Village and former Soviet labor camp nearby. And tourism has become a growing industry on Olkhon Island. Strong winds expose tree roots on the sand, giving them the impression of a standing human.
9. Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky
Firstly, the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, located in Russia Far East. Is surrounded by volcanoes (including the active, snowcapped Koryakskaya Sopka volcano and is not accessible by rail. Many that accept the mission and make it here will find a bustling city center. Filled with monuments, squares, and churches. Secondly, the city is located directly on Avacha Bay, which is a perfect spot for a waterside walk. Or a whale watching trip. If you come here, tours of the volcanoes should be at the top of your list. But skiing on Krasnaya Sopka mountain and a visit to the world’s only Museum of Salmon should also be on your list.
10. Vladivostok
Vladivostok is Russia’s largest port city. Located between the Chinese and North Korean borders and just across the ocean from Japan. The settlement, which is a major stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway route. It was once off-limits to foreigners during the Soviet Union. But, now attracts a large number of international tourists eager to see it. Sportivnaya Harbor, with its stunning beach and promenade. And the Eagle Nest overlook at the top of a cliff, are only a few of the city parks and public spaces. Moreover, the Russky Bridge in Vladivostok is a beautiful architectural masterpiece and the world’s longest cable-stayed bridge at 1,885 meters. The bridge links Vladivostok and Russky Island, where Philippovsky Bay and its lovely sandy beaches await tourists.
To know more Best places to visit in Russia, please follow us on our social pages Facebook Group. Instagram.
