Top Travel Destinations in Russia that will Make Your Vacation Sizzle

As one of the largest countries in the world, Russia is known for providing tourists with a wide range of experiences, from amazing walks on its glacier-capped mountains, to unforgettable moments spent on the shorelines of the oldest lake in Europe. Besides, Russia is home to several cultural activities and historical sites that make it perfect for tourists in search for a great travel destination. Your moments in Russia will be unforgettable, whether you spend your time exploring the Kremlin Wall in Moscow or wandering through Mongolia’s outstanding steppes.

If you’re planning to spend your vacation in Russia, you will definitely enjoy visiting the following tourist attractions.

Trans-Siberian Railway

The railway is included in the world’s longest railway system and connects Moscow with Vladivostok, a city located near the borders between Russia, North Korea and China. The construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway began in 1891, at the orders of Tsar Alexander III and lasted until 1916, when the country was ruled by his son, Tsar Nicholas II. That being said, it’s no surprise that this railway is also referred to as “the tsars’ route”. Travelers who want to admire this amazing railway can travel by train from a destination to another, while enjoying a good night sleep in a first class sleeper provided with private shower and bathroom.

Mount Elbrus

Mount Elbrus is situated in Southern Russia, being part of the Caucasus Mountain Range. Having a maximum altitude of 5,642 meters, this mountain is included in the Seven Summits, which comprise the highest summits located on the seven continents. This is one of the reasons why Mount Elbrus is crowded with both novice and experienced climbers who want to embark upon an unforgettable adventure. The mountain was once a volcano, but is now considered to be dormant, featuring no risks of eruption. Visitors who cannot make physical effort can be taken to an altitude of 3,800 meters thanks to a modern cable car system.

Kizhi Island

This island is located in Northwestern Russia, in a region called Karelia, which actually borders the White Sea and Finland. Kizhi Island is famous for its outstanding open-air museum, which attracts millions of visitors annually. The people who inhabited this area in the 13th century were known as Karelians, because they were actually torn between the Eastern and Western cultures. The open-air museum is also famous for the “Church of the Transfiguration of Our Savior”, a 120-foot high structure consisting of 22 domes. Tourists also enjoy admiring the chapels, barns, windmills and wooden houses that can be found in the area where locals offer all types of craft demonstrations, as well as folk ensembles.

Lake Baikal

If you’re thinking about exploring the Trans-Siberian railway, you should definitely stop to admire Lake Baikal. It is located in Siberia, being the oldest and deepest lake on Earth. In case you didn’t know, over 20% of the global fresh water comes from Lake Baikal, which was formed over 25 million years ago. Surrounded by amazing mountain ranges, the water found in Lake Baikal is known for having a great clarity, being one of the reasons why the lake is also known as “Siberia’s Pearl”. Tourists who visit Lake Baikal are charmed not only by the beauty of this lake, but also by the resorts found nearby.

Moscow – The Kremlin

Tourists who visit Moscow shouldn’t miss The Kremlin, a must-see attraction of the entire nation. The walled enclosure hosts not only the main Russian governmental offices, but also four exquisite cathedrals built between the 15th and 16th century and several museums. The surface of the ground exceeds 250 acres and includes the “Diamond Fund Exhibition” (a famous jewelry collection, including Catherine the Great’s 190-carat diamond) and the Armory, where tourists can admire different sorts of royal treasures of the past.

Hermitage Museum

The Hermitage Museum was founded in 1764 at the orders of Catherine the Great and it is located in Saint Petersburg. It attracts a large number of art enthusiasts from all over the world with its outstanding collection that comprises more than 3 million items. The exhibition is so large that it actually occupies an enormous complex formed by six historic buildings, the most famous one being the Winter Palace, the place where several Russian emperors lived.

All in all, Russia is a great destination for tourists, as it features a wide range of attractions and activities. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an art lover or a typical adventurer in search of mind-blowing locations, the country will still dazzle you with its plethora of incredible places of interest.