Khanty-Mansiysk | Yugra
Preview
A city in the north of Siberia, lying on seven picturesque hills.
„Young, bright, interesting, truly northern city! The city, which preserved the customs and traditional crafts of indigenous people of the territory. The city, which combines modern infrastructure facilities, modern culture and nomad camps with herds of reindeer.“
„There are no tall buildings, no crazy nightlife in Khanty-Mansiysk. It is a compact, low-rise, charming city surrounded by a fascinating nature and atmosphere of mystery!“
Sights of Yugra
Preview | Transport | Hotels | Night life | Activities
Archeopark
Is one of the main attractions of Khanty-Mansiysk. "Archeopark" includes a geological monument and a park of sculptures depicting animals of Pleistocene time and encampment of Paleolithic people. The idea of "Archeopark" embodied the continuity of the geological, biological and human history and its different scales of time periods.
First at the foot of the mountain the first sculpture group of seven figures of mammoths was installed, in two years Archeopark was opened. It appeared the next sculptures: Mammoths (group of 11 animals), pack of wolves, encampment of prehistoric men and their habitation, primitive bisons, woolly rhinoceroses, cave bears, cave lion and large-horned deer. The figures of various animals are scaled in different proportions - made from a full-size (rhinos) increased to 2-3 times (for example, bison). The height of the largest sculpture of a mammoth is 8 m.
Getting here
Transportation in city by public transport: Bus: № 5, 5A; 4: Shuttle bus № 16 Stop: "Ice Palace" From the Airport: Bus: №5, 5a, 9, 9a. Shuttle bus № 16: Stop: "Ice Palace " From the bus station / river port: Bus: 5, 5a. Stop: "Ice Palace ".
The Resurrection Church
Is one of the main attractions of the city - a beautiful Orthodox complex built in honor of the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Christ. The temple is located on top of the mountain. The height of the temple is 59 meters, and located next to the bell tower - 62 meters. Because of this, the temple can be seen from many parts of the city. Built in the tradition of Russian architecture of the 19th century. Up to the temple is a beautiful staircase with cascading fountains, and cast in bronze the biblical precepts in the center of fountains. At the stage - a monument to Cyril and Methodius, in their honor the chapel is called next to the church. From the temple open splendid views.
Nearby is the first Russian park of Slavic Writing and Culture. In it you can see small architectural forms on the subject of ten tables. There are pairs of monuments to Cyril and Methodius, and the first churchmen of Ugra - metropolitans of Tobolsk Philotheus and John. The park of about 1.5 hectares.
Getting here
Location: Khanty-Mansiysk, 17 Gagarin St.
Monument dedicated to the Pioneers of the Yugra land
Stele is located on a hilltop. Made in the form of a three-sided pyramid height of 62 meters. Inside is a museum, a restaurant and an observation deck which opens incredible views of the Irtysh River and the city at the foot of the mountain. Stella is surrounded by a marvelous forest, which there are wooden pathways for walks, as well as there is a descent to the city by a wooden staircase. This place is especially remarkable with its views - here you can make beautiful, unique photos and, of course, just have fun.
Getting here
1 Discoverers avenue, Khanty-Mansiysk
The theatre of Ob-Ugrian peoples
Theatre of Ob-Ugric Peoples was established in 2002. The main purpose of theater is to develop the professional art of indigenous peoples inhabiting the area especially the Khanty and Mansi, satisfaction, and the formation of the spiritual needs of the audience in the performing arts of Khanty and Mansi; popularization and promotion of national and traditional culture, folklore and literature. In the face of the theater district purchased two professional teams - the first folk-music group and the national multi-genre theater, focuses on all age, social and ethnic groups.
Not far from the theater - the central square of the city, the Victory Park.
Getting here
Address: 11 Karl Marx Street, Khanty-Mansiysk, web: http://toun.ru/
Ob and Irtysh Fountain
Unusual Fountain, in which composition sculptures of birds, wolves, bear, elk, deer and other animals symbolic for Yugra were used.
The fountain is situated in a beautiful park, where it is pleasant to walk at any time of the year. In walking distance from this fountain there are interesting sculptures, museum, cafes, menu with diverse national cuisine.
Getting here
The park is located in the city center between World, Loparev and Chekhov streets. Nearby also is Victory Park, dedicated to the military victories of Russia.
The house-museum of the artist Igoshev
Igorshev - People's Artist of the USSR. Artist Igoshev lived in Moscow, but regularly came to Ugra to paint portraits and landscapes. The exhibition of artworks, personal belongings, restored interiors of office and studio. An interesting exterior of the building in the style of "Russian modern" with mosaics and stucco.
Not far from the museum - the Museum of Geology, Oil and Gas, the Museum of Nature and Man.
Getting here
Address: 7 Loparev st. , Khanty - Mansiysk, tel. +7 (3467) 320-222 Working hours: from 10.00 to 18.00, except Monday and Tuesday.
Torum Maa Ethnographic Museum
Ethnographic Museum Park Open Air "Torum Maa" - a museum of traditional culture of Khanty and Mansi. The park is in a beautiful location in the hills of Samarovsky Chugas Nature Park. The museum has more than 6000 exhibits, revealing the material and spiritual culture of the indigenous peoples of the north.
The museum exposition is represented by architectural constructions "Summer camp of Khanty near the Agan River ", "Winter village of the northern Mansi", "Ob-Ugric Sanctuary." The museum is the center of various events, folk festivals, performances of folklore ensembles. The territory of the park-museum regularly holds folk festivals.
Getting here
Address of the ethnographic park-museum: 2V-2 Machine operators St, Khanty-Mansiysk, tel. +7 (3467) 32-67-15
Khanty-Mansiysk Art Gallery
In the Khanty-Mansiysk Art Gallery (or as it is called, the Art Museum) there are a few types of works - Old Russian art, painting, drawing, sculpture, engraving and more. All genres are presented separately from each other, allowing visitors to better navigate here. In the gallery you can find the works, obtained at the biggest auctions, of such great painters as Aivazovsky, Repin, Surikov, Levitan, Rokotov and other prominent artists. Also for the convenience there are three separate sections: the ancient iconography of XV - XVI centuries, Russian painting and drawing, arts and crafts. Gallery meets all international standards.
The first permanent exhibition of the collection was opened in a small room of the School of Arts, where only gifted children of the North studied. Opening of the first exhibition was held in June 1998. It is considered to be the date of the beginning of work the National Art Gallery Foundation generations. Art Gallery was opened with the financial support of the district authorities. In September 2005, the official and ceremonial opening of the gallery was in a new building. By the way, the building was designed by the leading Russian architect V. Kolosnitsyn.
Generally, National Art Gallery Foundation generations - the first and only gallery in the district, meeting the requirements of world standards. The base of collection, presented the audience, is the Fund's generation works. The positive publicity art gallery received during the exhibition at the State Museum in Moscow. This event took place in the summer of 2007. Today Art Gallery and its collections continue to evolve.
Art Gallery is located nearby the city centre and is surrounded by recreational areas and parks. In the same building is the State Library of Yugra. Opposite the Art Museum is a fountain "Faberge", a branch of the University of Culture and Arts and the Center of Arts for Gifted Children of the North.
Getting here
Address: 2 World St.; Khanty-Mansiysk, tel. +7 (3467) 33-20-29
Faberge Fountain
Located in front of the Center of Arts. The fountain is designed as a Faberge egg. It’s especially interesting for sightseeing in the dark thanks to the original illumination.
Associated by UNESCO the Centre of Arts for Gifted Children of the North, situated behind the fountain is interesting to visit to get acquainted with the works of young talents of Yugra. The concept of creation of the Center of Arts for Gifted Children of the North includes, on the one hand, the creation in Russian Siberian province of the educational institution for gifted children that meets the best educational criteria of modernity, on the other hand, the organization of work to find talented children in remote and inaccessible locations , definition of the level of their talent, followed by an invitation to study at the Centre of Arts.
Also not far from the cozy square, where a fountain is, scenic trail begins through the wild forest-park zone on the hill.
Getting here
Location: 1 Piskunov St., Khanty-Mansiysk
Monument to the Conquerors of Space
The monument is an abstract model of the Earth surrounded by the atmosphere, on the surface of which satellites are flying. The surface of the "Earth" covered by the text. It is a monument to the Conquerors of the Air and Space.
Located on a high pedestal, on the giant globe there are signs about Leonardo, the Wright brothers, Gagarin and others, over the globe - models of airships and airplanes.
Another name of the monument is "Atmosphere".
Getting here
Location: 19, Students street, an area of the District Exhibition Centre "Yugra-Expo".
Outdoor sculptures and monuments of Khanty-Mansiysk
A special place in the street space of Khanty-Mansiysk have street sculptures. There is a multiplicity of them in the city and many of them are of interest for guests of Khanty-Mansiysk. The most interesting are:
The sculptural composition "Resting Khanty family." It is a sculptural group representing the residents of the north with deer, dogs and sleds in full size. It located near the terminal building.
Monument to Alexander Pushkin and Natalia Goncharova. Figures of Alexander Pushkin and his wife Natalya Goncharova cast in bronze, in full size. A monument is near the theater-concert complex "Ugra-Classic", one of the main streets. The composition is arranged according to the rules of photo salon decorative background: low pedestal, greeting outstretched hand of the great Russian poet, the free space on a bench next to Natalia Nikolaevna.
The sculpture "Bronze symbol of Yugra". It is a female figure on a pedestal. At the foot there are sculptural groups of local residents of all ages and professions. Located on Karl Marx Street.
The sculptural composition "The Four Seasons." This 4 steel composition, "Autumn", "Winter", "Spring" and "Summer", which are located along the perimeter of the main street. The sculptural composition "Autumn" is like steel shapes hiding under umbrellas out strong gusty wind. This is the embodiment of how people of the North overcome adversity, obstacles and discouragement.
Sculpture "Assol". "Assol Nautical" is set on the River Station square. A bronze girl looks into the river and stream a handkerchief helding in her hand. A feeling like the heroine of the novel by Green A. "Scarlet Sails" - meets and sees ships off. It is a symbol of girl Assol, waiting and seeing ships off.
Sculpture "New Life". Ambiguous, but at the same time one of the most expressive sculptures adorning Khanty-Mansiysk. The composition is made of bronze and is the baby lying in the cabbage. The monument stands at the entrance to the county hospital of Khanty-Mansiysk and can serve as a descriptive theory of the germ of life.
The sculpture "Horses". Monumental sculpture is a bronze figure of 2 horses.
Biathlon centre
Biathlon Center - a world-class facility, one of the best venues for winter sports in Siberia. There are major sports competitions in summer and winter biathlon, cross country skiing and many other sports. Biathlon center has a favorable geographical position, as it is located in the central part of the city. Since 2005, there are major, world, significant competitions here, with participating of famous sports figures from around the world. Biathlon center was built in the 60s, but since that time it is constantly evolving. Today, biathlon center is the largest sports facility, which is open all year round.
In 2000, the stadium received a license "A" category from the International Biathlon Union, which gives the right to host the most prestigious competitions in biathlon.
The stadium of the center can accommodate up to 15,000 spectators at a time. Stands viewers are located in the immediate vicinity of the shooting range, next to which there are two demo screens, the size of a volleyball court and an information board, which area is 32 square meters. Trails of the center run through the most picturesque places in Khanty-Mansiysk - the hillsides of Natural Park, covered with centuries-old cedars.
Getting here
11 Karl Marx Street, Khanty-Mansiysk
Settlement reindeer herders
One of the most interesting sites to visit in Khanty-Mansiysk of course is settlement reindeer herders. Reindeer breeding - is one of the main traditional crafts of the indigenous population in these Siberian lands and it still exist.
In the taiga zone not far from the hotel "Ugra Valley" is a mobile winter camp of Khanty. Anyone will be able to ride a reindeer sleigh; learn how to throw a rope loop on a pole, imitating the hunt for deer; visit the tent, taste national dishes. At the request of the guests in the village of herders can try on national costumes, learn greetings in Khanty language, get an amulet.
In camp it is possible to take part in competitions: cooking shurpa or sliced frozen venison, weaving a basket of cedar root to collect mushrooms, making a herder’s tent.
Transport
Preview | Sights | Hotels | Night life | Activities
Khanty-Mansiysk Airport
Khanty-Mansiysk International Airport is the main airport in Yugra. It is the most convenient for those who travel to the northern Siberian regions. The major airline here is Utair.
A hotel in Khanty-Mansiysk airport is 500 meters away from the terminal. The hotel offers two room categories: "standard" and "luxury". The rate includes breakfast, free Internet, laundry service. Cookware sets are available at the guests' request. The business lounge in Khanty-Mansiysk airport is on the first floor of the terminal. In the business lounge you can watch TV, use free Internet access, visit a bar wth a variety of snacks and alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, and rent a room for negotiations. The airport also has many cafes and bars, located both inside the terminal and outside, on the forecourt, just 200 m away. In addition, in Khanty-Mansiysk airport you can relax in the waiting lounge, passengers with kids can visit the baby care room, and when all the preflight formalities are completed, you can pop into the local Duty Free store.
When planning the departure from Khanty-Mansiysk, it is worth keeping in mind that the check-in begins here 3 hours prior the flight, not 2 hours (as in most other airports). The road to the airport takes about an hour, so you better leave your hotel 3-3.5 hours before the departure.
The bus routes 5 and 5A (Airport – Expocenter) depart from the "Airport" bus stop, located a 3-minute walk from the terminal. Journey time - 80 minutes, fare - 18.5 RUB, headway - 10 minutes. Also, you can get from the airport to the city by the shared taxi 11 and 16, which duplicate the bus routes 5 ad 5A correspondingly.
- Comfortable
- Business lounge
- CIP hall
- Information in English
River port
The river systems have long served as important transport routes linking the localities within the Siberian region and connecting the South and North Siberia in general. The river fleet performs this function until today. Usually, an intraregional river transport trip is not very comfortable, as opposed to the long river journeys where you can select cabins of different categories of comfort.
On the other hand, this is the only way to move around Siberia while seeing the picturesque Siberian nature from this perspective, enjoy a clean air and a leisurely movement on the water.
Tickets for the river transport can be purchased at the box office in the river station building. The long-term, multi-day tours on the rivers can also be purchased at travel agencies that organize these trips. To purchase a long tour, you will need a passport.
In the river transport, it is generally forbidden to smoke and drink liquors. This rule does not apply to the boats for the multi-day trips, as there are special facilities on board.
- Easy transport access
- Comfortable
Bus Terminal
Buses in Siberia are a convenient way of transportation within the region or to the adjacent regions.
Bus tickets can be purchased at the bus station or in the special booking-offices. You can also buy an e-ticket on the website. To buy an intraregional ticket, there are no special requirements. If you buy a ticket to travel outside of the region, you will need to show your passport at the bus station counter; you may also be required to show it while boarding the bus.
While traveling in the winter, you will need to remember that due to the bad weather conditions the bus can be delayed or even canceled. Also, most buses don’t have a toilet, which also should be considered before going on a long journey, if you want it to be not painful but pleasant. Remember that the distances in Siberia are quite long.
- Easy transport access
City bus
Regular shuttle transportation.
Buses run along the special routes and are marked with corresponding numbers. But for the passengers’ convenience, on each bus, there's also a list of the key stops on the route, for an easier navigation.
The fare is paid directly in the bus to the conductor and only in cash.
In Russia, it is believed that if the sum of the first three digits of the ticket number is equal to the sum of the last three digits, then you need to chew and eat the ticket, which is supposed to bring luck to you. We can only recommend that before eating the lucky ticket, you make sure that your insurance covers the risks of such undertakings.:)
- Easy transport access
Minibus (marshrutka)
Regular shuttle transportation.
Minibusses run along the special routes and are marked with corresponding numbers. But for the passengers’ convenience, on each bus, there's also a list of the key stops on the route, for an easier navigation.
The fare is paid when entering the minibus, directly to the driver, and only in cash. The fare depends on the length of the journey; the details are always displayed in the cabin.
It is very common that the passenger closest to the driver is asked by the others to pass the money on to the driver. So, if you sit in that place, it would really help if you’re able to count quickly (and are quite familiar with the local money to pass the change back to everyone). Minibusses stop on demand, so in order not to pass your stop, you should exactly know its name and ask the driver to stop, loudly and in advance.
On the street, you can stop the minibus by raising a hand, just like a taxi, but only at the stopping sites.
- Easy transport access
Taxi
You can use the taxi to move around the city or region. You can order a cab by calling a special service or you may just stick your hand out and stop the taxi when you see it. We don’t recommend using any kinds of an illegal taxi (a regular car with no signs of a taxi service on it).
Don’t be surprised if a car stops, that is not marked as a taxi – anyone can give you a ride. But it is important to agree on the cost of the trip before getting into the car. Sometimes you can even get it for free.
The cost of a trip from the airport to the city center or vice versa should not exceed 400 rubles. It is paid mostly in cash (some taxi companies also accept major credit cards, but you better check it before the ride).
Hotels
Preview | Sights | Transport | Night life | Activities
Night life
Preview | Sights | Transport | Hotels | Activities
Activities
Preview | Sights | Transport | Hotels | Night life
Husky and reindeer safaris
The dogsled is a traditional mode of transport for most of the northern peoples. Until very recently it was the only winter vehicle. Today, this is an exotic kind of outdoor activities and even sports.
Steering the dogsled is a real art; it is a mystery, known only to the initiates. And you can learn this art yourself. You can always count on the assistance of professional mushers, who will accompany you in your trip.
Also, you can see the unique Siberian breeds of sled dogs and reindeer. Interaction with these animals gives a great mood. And the photographs with them will be envied by all your friends!:)
Besides that, riding the dogs or reindeer is one of the most exciting ways to connect with nature! If you make a contact with these amazing animals, you will get a chance to discover the secrets of the nature of the North.
Snowmobile tours
A snowmobile is a driven vehicle designed to travel on snow. No matter what the Canadians say, but the first snowmobiles drove across the expanses of Russia, on the banks of the Neva River at the beginning of the last century. This fact is recorded in the documents as the tests of "Russo-Balt". Naturally, the first snowmobile developed a speed of only 40 kilometers per hour and it looked very much different as compared to the modern snowmobiles.
Snowmobiles have long been an integral part of winter recreation in Siberia, whether snow safaris, ice fishing, or just a ride between the mountain slopes. Snowmobiling gives a lot of impressions both to the seasoned drivers, and to those who is behind the wheel for the first time. Snowmobiling is a fun and a rush of adrenaline brought up by the speed, freedom of movement, the ability to see the pristine beauty of wild Siberian land, and to look into the hidden corners of the taiga.
Today, snowmobiling tours are among the most interesting components of active recreation in Siberia. Test the new machines, explore new routes, conquer new heights - savor the taste of freedom that’s brought to you by this winter miracle of technology!
Ski trips
Participants of the ski trips and photographers that make amazing shots of winter scenery somewhere in the mountains or wild forests are not mythical characters, who love the crazy adventures. Everyone can see the beauty of winter nature and, moreover, there are special clubs for this, organizing these unforgettable tours. Winter trips are almost always about ski tourism, and you will not have to walk waist-deep in the snow and plow the snow drifts with your body. The only difficulty in the winter trip is the ability to ski. But at the same time, it does not require a lot of time to learn how to ski, a few hours or a total of one day will be enough, not only to learn how to slide but also not to fall when descending by the slope.
The landscapes, most fantastic in their beauty, when everything sparkles and shines, and the day is sunny and clear, usually happen at a temperature of -30 to -40 Celsius. But if you are dressed properly, the cold won’t scare you. And, considering the sunny weather, you can even forget about the cold at all.
However, you need to keep in mind that ski tourism is one of the most difficult sports. Low temperatures require you to make decisions quickly and accurately and to move actively along the route. Great attention is paid to the outfit: outer clothing, and especially ski because without it you will not be able to make a single step on a snow cover. But the most important thing is that ski trip is only possible if lead by a professional athlete; no other options, like instructor-guide, will be suitable here. Each route must be coordinated with EMERCOM at its start and finish, and all participants of the trip must be insured in case of emergencies.
Ski tourism is extremely good for your health. It is a true, pure and undiluted elixir of health. Active movements in winter conditions provide an excellent tonic effect because it activates the endocrine system and improves metabolic processes. In the cold, the defense mechanisms of the body start working, which increases immunity and resistance to colds and viruses. Furthermore, the cold air, as opposed to the hot one, is several times richer in negative ions, which are more biologically active. There are less dust and gas impurities - they are successfully absorbed by the snow. Add to this the healing phytoncides of conifers – and voila, your health cocktail is ready. Skiing provides an excellent exercise, develops flexibility and coordination. In just three hours of skiing, a person makes almost three thousand repetitions of abdominal exercises! Cardio develops endurance, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Your mind also unloads, exhausted by the everyday office life and multi-level tasks. You just go and admire the wonderful pictures of the sleeping winter nature. Eyes get free from the blur, and you start to notice the details - the traces of animals on the snow, the frost pattern on the branches. Depression, stress, melancholy, and a feeling of hopelessness all go away. You get a new taste for life!
Bicycle tours
Biking can be divided into two categories: amateur rides and pro biking tours. While the amateur ride is simple to just arrange with your friends in search of adventure, the professional bike tour is a serious route under the guidance of experienced instructors. Biking tours are the paid trips, i.e. trips, where you can buy a ticket to join. The bike tour routes are repeatedly explored and inspected by the guides of travel agencies, hotels are booked, first aid kit contains the necessary medications, and all the necessary wrenches are in the repair kit. Often there is also a support vehicle. You will only need to spin the pedals, see the sights and socialize with new people. In a word – have fun.
The 2 or 3 days long trips often gather up to 30 people. If you join such bicycle trip, you will meet the people you will love to talk to and to plough the wild Siberian nature together.
Hunting
Siberia has always been famous for its hunting and fishing. It has everything you may need – thick taiga with bears, wild boars, deers, fur-bearing animals, and various birds; rivers full of all kinds of fish. Hunting enthusiasts can experience all the excitement and bring out the best properties of a trapper when hunting wild boar or elk, when at any moment they can get one on one with the beast. By the way elk, one of the largest animals found in the hunting grounds in Siberia, has an average of about 250 kg, although there are considerably larger specimens. Wild boar’s body may have a length of 2 meters, the height at withers of 1.5 meters, and body weight of 270 kg. One of the most popular kinds of hunting is fowling – shooting duck, woodcock, goose, partridge and other birds.
There are various ways of hunting, but of course, every hunter has his own way that brings him more luck. You will have the opportunity to learn a lot about hunting in Siberia, as well as personally plunge into the primeval impassable Siberian taiga.
Cities of Siberia host many exhibitions, forums and other sites where hunting, fishing and sports tourism professionals can meet. These are: The International Tourism Fair "Yenisei", exhibition "World of Sports. Hunting. Fishing”, All-Russian Fair "National Hunting and Fishing", "Tourism. Sport. Recreation" and "Hunting. Fishing".
Winter fishing
What can be peculiar about winter fishing in Siberia? You don’t have to be an expert to say – the climate, of course. Siberia is primarily associated with heavy frosts and huge snowdrifts. Depending on the region, the winter temperature in Siberia can drop below fifty degrees centigrade. But that is not a trouble for real fishermen because a huge variety of all kinds of fish are splashing in the lakes and rivers of Siberia. That is why neither frost nor serious distances nor the almost complete absence of roads in the forest are not hindrances for the avid fishing fan. Taiga hunting cabins, bass, pike, rudd, Siberian pelmeni – these are just some of the features of Siberian fishing, which attract anglers from all over the world.
The winter fishing has a lot of advantages as compared to the summer one. The first is a complete absence of mosquitoes and gnats. Because in summer it really hassles even the local fishermen, not to mention those who come from other places to go fishing in this wonderful region. The second advantage of the Siberian winter fishing is the accessibility of many spots because everything is frozen. So, the areas that in summer can only be reached by helicopter, in winter can be driven to by a snowmobile. And, which is equally important, you can drive almost straight forward. In winter, you will need much less gear (unlike the summer), which simplifies the transportation.
Picking berries and mushrooms
Although most people associate Siberia with permanent frost, the experienced mushroom and berry pickers know that the local forests are rich with mushrooms and berries. Nature of Siberia, unlike that of any other region, is generous with gifts. It makes mushroom and berry picking in Russia an exciting adventure for individuals and groups, which also can be combined with a picnic or a simple recreation in the fresh air.
For those who are going into Siberian taiga searching for the forest berries for the first time, an advice of the locals will be extremely useful – always stay close to the banks of the bodies of water. Near every stream, several kinds of berries can always be found. In the meantime, if you move along the bank, it’s almost impossible to get lost. The mixed forests are the richest in berries, and the coniferous forests are the poorest.
Of course, in every case, the tourist must be confident that the trophy is quite edible, digestive and can bring him pleasure. Mushroom picking requires specific knowledge and skills. After all, the book descriptions alone will not teach you to distinguish edible mushroom from inedible; you need some practice under the guidance of an experienced mushroom picker, otherwise you run a serious risk of heavy poisoning. In order to avoid such a risk, each group of tourists should always include someone who has an extensive experience in mushroom and berry picking.
Russian bath
The story of the bath is very interesting, because the tradition of bath sweating has ancient roots and is still popular. In Russia, bath has always been highly respected and esteemed. There’s an idea that the Russian bath is the most ancient one. References to it can be found in the works of Slavic oral lore, as they were pagans, and attached great importance to the forces of fire and water. Many peoples of Siberia, the Urals and the Volga region had their steam houses. In our days, for example, you can find hunters’ houses in the forests which are built according to the steam houses principle.
It is worth noting that the Russian baths have always impressed foreign visitors. They never could understand why someone would pour kvass or ice water on himself, why people would beat each other with brooms, why someone would sponge himself down with snow. The invitation to the bath sweating was always like a voluntary torture to all visitors. However, after going to the real Russian bathhouse the guests felt fine; and the impressions were so strong that the rumors about the miraculous effect of the procedure quickly spread throughout the world.
Today, everyone knows Russian baths. They are popular in our country and abroad. And their beneficial properties and health-improving effects are recognized by the whole world. In fact, many health-improving properties largely depend on the correct broom steaming, so stop hesitating – it is time to go straight to the bath. See you there :)