Covering almost the entire continent, Russia is abundant in natural wonders. From the Northern Lights to high mountains and volcanoes, this country has a lot to offer. Pack your backpack and go see the natural attractions of the largest country.
Northern Lights, Karelia
Winter in Karelia is a real fairy tale. Snowy landscapes going beyond the horizon, meter-long snowdrifts, pines, fluffy snowflakes and frozen waterfalls are all worth visiting. But the most attractive phenomenon of Karelia is the Northern Lights. The best time to see it is from mid-September till March, from 10 pm till 3 am. It is better to go out of the city where the sky is clearer (if you see stars clearly you will most likely see the Lights). The best places are Paanajärvi National Park, the Nilmilakši village, the Valamoi island, the Kontokkiyarvi lake, Koštamuš, and others. Tour organizers recommend checking the sun activity and taking a 3-4 day trip to ensure you catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Interesting facts: the Northern Lights can make noises similar to hands clapping or branches cracking. Whats more, there are a wide range of activities to do in Karelia (so you definitely will not be bored) – go on a day trip of skis or snowmobiles, go dog sledging, and after an active day, relax in a typical Russian banya.
The White Nights, Saint-Petersburg
The White Nights are nights during which natural light never gets too low, so the whole night consists only of twilight. In St. Petersburg, the peak of the white nights falls on June 22, and officially the white nights last from June 11 to July 2. Of course, you can observe the brighter and longer nights in the cities farther north than St. Petersburg (for example, Arkhangelsk or Murmansk). But Saint Petersburg is famous for various celebrations and festivals dedicated to this phenomenon. The Stars of White Nights Festival presents the famous ballet and opera of Saint Petersburg troupes. The Scarlet Sails Festival consists of a lot of shows, performances, and fireworks all over the city dedicated to graduates.
You can also observe all the 22 bridges across Neva River which open to let ships pass in and out every night. The only thing to remember is that you will not be allowed to cross the river before the morning so it is important to plan your way home.
Natural attractions: Lena Pillars, Yakutsk region, Saha republic
The natural park “Lena Pillars” is a huge territory that stretches for 220 km along the banks of the Lena River. Lena Pillars are limestone rocks. Their height ranges from 100 to 200 meters and all together form a unique natural complex that resembles a real stone forest. Hundreds of millions of years ago, this place was the bottom of a prehistoric sea, but the geological changes taking place on the planet led to the rise of the Siberian plate. And about 400 years ago, this mountain range turned into the very Lena Pillars that we can observe now. In addition to the Lena Pillars, similar natural objects are found in the Krasnoyarsk region (Stolby National Park) and the Republic of Komi (Man-pupu-ner).
Stolby National Park, Kransoyarsk
Thanks to the pillars, Krasnoyarsk is known all over the world. Many tourists come to explore the ecological trails. Take a tour to see the majestic cliffs rushing into the sky, their bizarre shapes and learn about the famous pillars “Ded”, “Babka”, First pillar, Second pillar and the most famous attraction of the park – “Perya”, and how they all got their names.
During trekking, you will climb natural observation platforms with stunning views of the reserve and Krasnoyarsk. And, of course, along the entire route, you will admire the surrounding taiga – its dense forest, paths, coniferous aromas and local animals.
Natural attractions: Man-pupu-ner, Republic of Komi, Ural
The Man-pupu-ner is called the most inaccessible natural attraction of Russia – it is located about 200 km to the nearest settlements. That is why all the tours begin and end with a helicopter trip over the endless taiga forests of the Komi Republic. Only 2,000 tourists a year can visit the attraction.
These are the largest forests in Europe, untouched by human activity and preserved in their primeval state – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mount Elbrus, Caucasus
The two-headed Mount Elbrus, located on the very border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia, just north of the Main Caucasus Range, is the highest point in Russia.
The mountain is a cone of an extinct volcano that erupted for the last time at the beginning of our era. The height of the western peak of Elbrus is 5642 meters, the eastern one is 5621 meters, the peaks are separated by a deep saddle (5325 meters). According to legend, the titan Prometheus was chained on Elbrus for daring to bring fire to people.
Dombay, Caucasus
Dombay is one of the natural attractions of the Teberda State Reserve. It has an area of 85 hectares and the highest point of 1650 meters above sea level. Thousands of tourists and climbers not only from Russia but also from foreign countries visit this unique place. Since the beginning of the 20th century, Dombay has attracted climbers with its inaccessible peaks.
Dombay is not just a popular ski resort in Russia, but also a unique reserve. The developed infrastructure of the tourist facility allows it to receive hundreds of thousands of guests per year. In the winter season, Dombay is attractive for skiers, but in the summer it is a tourist and climbing center. People come here not only to relax but also to train and compete.
The name of the resort Dombay means “bison” in Karachai since in ancient times these largest animals lived here in herds. Nowadays, bisons brought from North America again live on the territory of the reserve of the city of Teberda.
Natural attractions: Kamchatka
Kamchatka is a unique region well-known for its nature. The Valley of Geysers, Dead Forest, active volcanoes, natural reserves – all of it stretches for hundreds of thousands of kilometers.
The Valley of Geysers itself is known for its gushing geysers. It is a natural attraction that is unique not only for Russia but also for the world. Tourists are brought by helicopter to the hot springs, in the caldera of the Uzon volcano and the picturesque valley. It is recommended to take a swimsuit with you on your trip because you can get into the healing waters of the hot springs.
The Dead Forest appeared during the eruption of the Tolbachik volcano in 1975. Erupted ashes and lava turned a blooming area of 40 square meters into the scorched desert. The earth is still mixed with slag and ash, and the tree trunks are lifeless.
Klyuchevskaya Sopka is the largest and active volcano in Kamchatka with a depth of almost 350 meters. It is one of the main natural attractions of Kamchatka. The last time it erupted was on March 2021. Tourists can climb to the top of the hill and see the entire untouched nature of Kamchatka.
Mount Elbrus, The Manpupuner rock formations, The Valley of Geysers are some of the 7 miracles of Russia along with The Baikal Lake, Mamayev Kurgan with The Motherland Calls statue, Petergof, Saint Basil’s Cathedral.
