10 lesser-known travel destinations in Russia

Where is Russia? Are you wondering what continent is Russia in? Well, Russia, a country that stretches over a vast expanse of eastern Europe and northern Asia. Incredible mountains, beaches, deserts, ethnic villages, spectacular volcanoes, and glaciers make Russia one of the most stunning countries in the world. However, due to the lack of budget for the development and recognition of these places, Russia’s natural beauty is underestimated, even by the Russians. Thus, here you can find ten stunning travel destinations during your travel to Russia.

1. The Valley of Geysers

The Valley of Geysers, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Russia, was discovered a hundred years ago. Located inside the Kronotsky State Biosphere Reserve, the Valley of Geysers is one of the world’s largest geyser sites and the only one in Eurasia. It has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Abnormally high biodiversity and high climate contrast had been observed in this area. You will come across mud pots of different colors, hot springs, geyser outputs, and lakes everywhere. The Valley of Geysers was publically voted one of the Seven Wonders of Russia in 2008. You will understand the reason if you travel to the valley and witness this natural miracle. 

2. Lake Seydozero

At 189 meters altitude, Seydozero is located in the Murmansk Region on the Kola Peninsula in the Lovozero Tundra. The lake has a length of about 8 kilometers and a width of 1.5 to 2.5 kilometers. The mountains surrounding the lake on three sides protect it from the wind and hide this treasure from the world. Legends say that the place witnessed many inexplicable phenomena such as UFOs, Bigfoots, etc. One of the myths is about Kuyva, which can be seen on the rock Kuyvchorr near Seydozer. There are rumors that the villain Kuyva punished those who disturbed him. The locals attribute the strange deaths of some people who wanted to explore this mountain to this villain. But, do not be scared; it will be invaluable to discover and learn the secrets of this unique mystical place in the world.

3. Dargavs

Dargavs is the third one on the list of tourist destinations in Russia list. Often called the City of the Dead, Dargavs is considered one of the most mystical, mysterious, and best places to visit in Russia. The area is full of many graves since locals buried their relatives here for unknown reasons in the past. Archaeologists have also found wooden burial boats here. There are many legends run about the village. There are almost no locals in the town. There is a hypothesis that the city was abandoned as the locals thought the dead bodies might rise from the grave. According to some sources, the region was abandoned due to a plague. Be sure to visit this area when you travel to Russia to witness the village’s secrets and the vibes it spreads.

4. Solovetsky Islands

Located in the north of Russia, the White Sea shall be probably called a mysterious world with its dark and deep waters. The White Sea, surrounded by the Kola Peninsula, has many islands. Solovetsky Archipelago is one of them. There are six months of night and six months of day on the island, which makes it so exciting and mysterious. So if you want to experience endless days and nights, you shall definitely include this place on your travel bucket list. You may be surprised to know that there is accommodation in such a remote and mysterious place. The owner of the island, the monastery, offers you two days of free housing. Solovetsky Islands is considered as one of the essential places protected by UNESCO in Russia.

5. Lena Pillars

Siberia has many places to see that have not been affected by humans. One of them is the Lena Pillars, located on the Lena River banks in Yakutia’s Khangalassky district, about 104 km from Pokrovsk. Rocks are the perfect result of ancient geological processes and were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List on June 2, 2012. The National Park is also home to rare species of animals and plants.

6. Lake Baikal

With 1642 meters of depth, Baikal is the deepest lake on Earth. Located in the south of Eastern Siberia, this lake of tectonic origin is believed to have formed about 25 million years ago. The region offers excellent holiday opportunities for tourists, including living in small wooden houses and sitting on the shore of Lake Baikal in a deck chair, and fishing. The pure, clear water of Lake Baikal calls people to plunge into its waters. Moreover, you can see stone fragments and various objects at a depth of 40 meters. This purity is usually more noticeable in the spring - when the water turns blue. There are 27 islands in Lake Baikal. Olkhon Island is the most touristic and the largest one. If you decide to travel to Russia, make sure to visit this deepest lake in the world.

7. Avacha Bay

Avacha Bay is the main gateway to the Kamchatka Peninsula. With 24 km in length, it is one of the largest bays in the world. It is so big that maybe all the ships in the world can have a room at the same time. The volcanoes such as Koryaksky, Avachinsky, and Vilyuchik are visible from the bay. The mysterious three adjacent rocks rising from the sea at the bay entrance are called Tri Brata or Three Brothers. These rocks are considered a natural treasure and have become symbols of Avacha Bay and the nearby city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy. 

8. Lake Onega and Kizhi Island

Located in the northwest, Lake Onega is the second largest freshwater lake in Europe. The lake has a vast diversity of fish, including sturgeon, salmon, trout, whitefish, eel, and others. Fishing here will be an excellent experience for you. Lake Onega’s principal attraction is Kizhi Island, where the 89 monuments established between the 15th and 20th centuries are situated. At the center, you will see the Church of the Transfiguration, the Church of the Intercession of the Virgin, and the belfry and other architectural wonders. Kizhi is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. 

9. Stolby Nature Reserve

It is a reserve located in the north-western spurs of the Eastern Sayan Mountains, bordering the Central Siberian Plateau in the territory of Krasnoyarsk Krai. The sanctuary was founded in 1925 on the initiative of locals who wanted to preserve the natural system around the picturesque syenite residual outcrops - pillars. The flora of the reserve includes about 740 vascular plants and 260 species of algae. Taiga forests, typical of the middle mountains of the Eastern Sayan, are widespread in the area. The reserve is one of the best places to visit in Russia for rock climbing enthusiasts. You will be amazed by spectacular views on top of the volcanic pillars during the day or night hiking trips.

10. Krasnodar Krai

Krasnodar Krai is one of the travel destinations for lovers of spas, beaches, and gastronomic tourism. The region is bordered by the warm Azov Sea in the north and the Black Sea to the south. The Azov Sea beaches are sandy, whereas the Black Sea beaches are mostly pebble. Here you can enjoy water sports, diving or sunbathe. The Krasnodar region is the best provider of spa and treatment resorts in Russia, including the famous mineral waters in Matsesta and therapeutic mud baths near Sochi. The area is also an excellent holiday destination for active individuals since it is rich with various natural attractions, including Mount Akhun in Sochi, the Agura Falls, the Vorontsovka Caves.