Tomsk | Tomsk region

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Preview

One of the most beautiful and distinctive cities in Siberia.

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Sights of Tomsk region

Preview | Transport | Hotels | Night life | Activities

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Voskresenskaya mountain 

Voskresenskaya Mountain it is a vast historical district of Tomsk, that located on a natural hill and which includes several places of interest; among them are the place of foundation of the city, Voskresenskaya Church and the White Lake. The boundaries of the historic district are streets Bolshaya Podgornaya, Zagornaya, Srednekirpichnaya, Yakovleva and the Solyanoy lane. Active settlement of this mountain has begun in the XVII century, when Tomsk fortress was founded, was built followed Voskresenskaya church. The mountain was named in honor of the abode and eventually grew a whole city on it. Active building began in the XIX century. At the top of the mountain was built a fire tower, for order to be the first to notice and rush to the rescue in case of fire. Now there is no this watch-tower, and in the building is located the Museum of Tomsk.

In the same XIX century next to the fire brigade was built the church of the Catholic community Holy Virgin Protection of the Queen of the Holy Rosary, that extant to our days. And in the next century on the site of Tomsk fortress was installed the memorial stone in honor of the founding of the city.

Today, to the top of the Voskresenskaya Mountain are leading three streets - Bakunin's, Kuznechniy vzvoz and Octyabrskiy vzvoz. Climbing the Voskresenskaya Mountain is traditionally takes place by the Bakunin's street,in the beginning of which is located "Toyan" hotel and Andreev's apartment house (XIX century). The beginning of the Bakunin's street which is climbing up to the hill, has paved with stone it is a preserved part of the ancient pavement of Tomsk. At the top of the Voskresenskaya Mountain, on its southern cape is situated Tomsk fortress. Throughout the whole XVII century it has reflect raids Kirghiz and Kalmyks. Inside the fortress were located the House of the warlord, the Trinity Cathedral Church, mandative house, monetary and powder treasury and granary. Up to nowadays these buildings have not been preserved. The fortress was rebuilt several times, and the 400th anniversary of Tomsk that was celebrated in 2004, was reconstructed fragment of the fortress, including the Spasskaya Tower and part of the fortress wall.

Near the fortress is located a fire-tower, on which is on duty around the clock is the only sentinel firefighter Athanasius. At the moment, it is the only one fire-tower that equipped with a viewing platform in the city. The most striking sight of the Voskresenskaya Mountain is the magnificent Church of the Resurrection, which is memorable by its slim strict silhouette. This church is a unique example of the Siberian baroque. The church was built from wood in 1622. The modern building was laid in 1789. In the period from 1936 to 1995 the church was closed. Currently, the church operates.

Virgin-Alexis monastery

Virgin-Alexius monastery in Tomsk it is one of the iconic sights of the city. The monastery was founded in 1605 on the river Big Kirghizka, in the nine versts (miles) from the city of Tomsk. Early it was called Ust-Kirghiz monastery. Despite the fact that the monastery had a very well fortifications and was surrounded by defensive moats, it is constantly was exposed to attacks of the Tatars and nomadic Kyrgyz. In the XVII century has burned down in a fire the wooden church of the monastery and the abode was moved to a new location: the Yurt Mountain, Tomsk jail. On the monastery's territory was built church of Our Lady of Kazan. The monastery was one of the oldest temples of Siberia in 1681, and the king Feodor Alexeevich took him under his private patronage. In 1698 the first school in Tomsk, the city's first hospital and poorhouse were opened at the monastery. The first stone of the modern monastery's temple laid in 1776. The Kazanskiy temple was built in the architectural tradition of the Siberian baroque school and becoming the first stone structure of the city. One of the oldest graveyards in Tomsk located on the territory of the Virgin-Alexius Monastery.

In 1830-ies around the monastery built stone walls and towers-chapels. The author of the project was architect Turskiy from Tomsk. At the monastery there were summer cells , the lake, a garden and a cemetery, and to the south - the monastery's grove, which persisted until the beginning of XX century. In 1922 the monastery was closed. In 1941-1945 it was used as a military hospital. After a while, the monastery buildings including a partially disassembled Kazan church were transferred to Tomsk Pedagogical College. After the Soviet period of Russian history the monastery rebuilt practically from the ruins. Today the Virgin-Alexius monastery is one of the oldest active Orthodox monasteries in Siberia.

Epiphany Cathedral

Epiphany Cathedral in Tomsk is the oldest temple of the city. His story began with a small Church of the Epiphany, built on the same site in 1630. After the founding of the Tomsk Department in 1666 this temple received the status of a cathedral. The church has repeatedly suffered from fires, but each time was restored again. In December 1776, local authorities decided to build on the site of the ramshackle wooden church stone. New two-storey stone church was founded in 1777 west of the old wooden one. In November 1784 the work was completed and the church was consecrated. Finished stone church in Siberian baroque style was two stories, four patronal, with a bell tower and sacrarium. In 1892, at the Epiphany Cathedral was opened trusteeship of the poor, and a parish school in 1898. In addition, In addition, at the church was a library in which there were 400 volumes of books. In 1920 the church was nationalized in November and in 1929 it was shut down. During World War II building of the temple was converted to the needs of Moscow factory "Red warrior" that was evacuated to the city of Tomsk. From 1947 to 1994 here worked a plant of rubber shoes.

Half-destroyed temple was returned in the late XX century. Worships in it resumed only in 2000. The ceremonial consecration of the cathedral took place in January 2003. At the Orthodox cathedral functioning a youth club and children’s and adult Sunday school.

Tomsk regional Museum of local lore

Tomsk Museum of local lore is located in the heart of the city of Tomsk, in a house previously owned by owner of gold mines Astashev. The Museum introduces Tomsk citizens and visitors of the city with the history, culture and traditions of the past. The initiator of the foundation of the Museum was the urban intelligency, at the insistence of which local authorities and decided to open a regional Siberian Scientific Art Museum named after Alexander II in 1911. However, implementation of the planned was interrupted by military and revolutionary events. In February 1920, the Commission decided to open here a "museum of antiquity and the revolution." Highly educated intelligent architects, artists and teachers of the University on particles collected items that had historical and artistic value. The opening of the first museum exhibition was held in March 1922. About six months after, the institution was given the status of a regional museum.

The main aim of the museum was research of the region and enlightment of local people. In August 1941 the museum was closed, after that its premises was used for accommodation of evacuees to the city of Tomsk military schools. Tomsk Regional Art Museum was opened in 1979-1983. Since 1985 to October 1997 the institution was closed again, but this time to repair. In October 1997, Museum was returned to Tomsk citizens and tourists.

Today the Tomsk regional museum has more than 141 000 storage units, of which 130 000 are objects of main fund. Visitors can see a unique collection of bronze cult metal plastic Kulayskaya Culture V - II art. BC, Eastern collection, ethnographic collection of indigenous peoples of Siberia, a collection of Old Believers homestead of first half of the XX century, a unique collection of early printed books and manuscripts, numismatic collection, collection of furniture and much more.

Tomsk regional art Museum

Tomsk Regional Art Museum is located in the center of a two-story stone building built in 1903, which was built by the project of famous Siberian architect Lygin. The museum was founded in October 1979 by a decision of the Tomsk Oblast Executive Committee. In 1982, beautiful building was transferred to the institution in which it is located today.

The museum collection consists of masterpieces of Russian and Western European art, icon painting, and works of contemporary authors: sculpture, graphic and pictorial works, as well as objects of decorative art. In the Tomsk Regional Art Museum is presented the biggest in Siberia collection of local artists of XIX - early XX centuries. Formation of the museum's collection began in the 1920s when a specialized committee on protection of monuments of culture transferred to the balance of the Art department of the Museum of local lore more than 50 paintings, among them works Konchalovsky, Surikov and other famous paintings Siberian artists. A little later, the State Museum Fund and the Tretyakov Gallery museum gave great works of Western masters - D. Gigante "Kind of the Bay of Naples," M. Geyssera "Dispute of scientists" and B. Galofre-and-Jimenez "Throwing swords". In 1932, from the Museum of Fine Arts was received works of I. Mathijsen "School of thieves", D. Teniers the Younger "Sacrifice of Isaac", paintings by G. Van Donk, F. Vervlut and many others. At the same time were received watercolors and drawings, among them works by Lentulov and F. Malyavin. The basis of the collection of the art department of local history museum was formed by the end of 1930. In the following years the collection was replenished fairly modestly.

Currently, the museum has such departments as exhibition, scientific-research, educational, administrative-managing, storage and accounting of funds, the museum and the educational, library, and restoration workshop and maintenance department.

Wooden architecture

Architecture of Tomsk it is a magnificent artistic heritage. Extant works of wooden architecture have now become tourist attraction. They are part of modern Tomsk and impart to its image traits of individuality, identity. Wooden architecture of Tomsk is a unique phenomenon, in the deliberate stylization of which clearly manifested features of Russian folk architecture. Some architectural masterpieces became the unofficial symbol of the city. Wooden architecture is considered one of the most interesting sights of Tomsk. It decorates old streets of the city and it attracts tourists from all over Russia and abroad.

There is even a museum of wooden architecture in Tomsk. This is one of the few museums of its kind on the territory of Siberia. House, which houses the museum, is an architectural monument. The building was built in 1910 in Art Nouveau style and belonged to architect Andrew Kryachkov. According to the fire safety standards of the time, a wooden house could have only two floors, but the architect decided to get a three-story mansion. From the first time the project was not approved. But after some time, the Commission authorized the construction, at the same time putting forward his claim, which consisted in the installation of cast-iron stoves in the kitchens. Thus, in the city of Tomsk has its first well-maintained wooden house with en-suite bathrooms, bathrooms on two floors and the boiler room in the basement. The architect thought that in Siberia is necessary to build only wooden houses. For the walls of his mansion Kryachkov chose pine. The ground floor is built of bricks and larch.

In 1995, local authorities decided to open the Museum of Wooden Architecture in the Kryachkov house. However, the opening of the permanent exhibition took place only in May 2009. Visitors can learn all about the history of wooden architecture. The museum houses fragments of house: frames, cornices, pilasters and other examples of carved decoration. Here visitors can see an exhibition of work performed by masters of the art wood processing.

Wooden architecture of Tomsk is divided into several areas: Voskresenskaya Mountain - Beloozyorje, Tatar Sloboda, the Transfiguration zone, Noble area, Elanskaya area Zaozyorje, Psychiatric Clinics, Monastery of John the Precursor.

Memorial Museum Remand prison of the NKVD

Memorial Museum "remand prison of the NKVD" is a subdivision of the regional Tomsk Museum of local lore. The museum occupies the basement of the building where from 1923 to 1944 housed the internal prison of Tomsk city department of the OGPU-NKVD. Adjacent to the building area it is a former prison courtyard, where today is the square of Memory. Today Square Memory and Memorial Museum is a historical and architectural complex, which occupies an important place in the architectural and historical museum space of the city of Tomsk.

The museum was founded in November 1989. In 1996, thanks to the initiative of the former prisoners of GULAG, in the museum opened its first exhibition "Creativity in the Gulag." This exhibition narrated about tragic fate of some of the residents of the city that previously were in the camps of the Gulag.

Permanent museum exhibition consists of the reconstructed cabinet of the investigator, the prison corridors and chambers for remand prisoners. The four halls for the review of the visitors presented topics such as "The Great Terror", "underground prison tunnel", "Belostok tragedy", "Chronicle of repression in the Tomsk land", "The fate of the priest", "family members traitors of the Motherland", "Kolpashevsky yar" and others, as well as stands with documents and biographical materials of the philosopher G. Shpet, poet Nikolai Klyuev and many other prominent figures. Among the exhibits you can see the original documents and copies of the investigation files, playing cards, pictures, photo albums, embroidery and various crafts from stone and wood.

The museum has a library and an exhibition hall. The collection of articles in periodicals and archive documents, as well as photo and video archive allows researchers and visitors of the museum explore more deeply the tragic events of Russian history.

Getting here

44 Lenina avenue, Tomsk

Tomsk beer Museum

One of the most interesting and unusual sights of the city of Tomsk is the Museum "Tomsk beer." The museum was opened in November 2004 and was timed to the 120th anniversary of the plant. Presented to the gaze of visitors exhibits tell about the history of Tomsk brewery, from the time of its foundation to the present day. The museum is very popular among visitors. Guests of the museum attracts caring attitude of the enterprise to its history and to the people who are directly related to its construction and work on it, as well as unique exhibits, interesting information about the history of beer, the opportunity to visit the factory floors, to see the latest equipment, to feel the rhythm of enterprise. The founder of the museum and its designer was G.I. Klein.

The main aim of the Museum is to preserve the rich history of the oldest company in Siberia. The museum houses a rich collection of unique documents, photographs, objects of factory life XIX-XX centuries and the XXI century, as well as models of the enterprise, diplomas, awards, documents and personal belongings of the employees of the brewery, various items of war, and instruments of factory laboratory, vintage mugs and bottles since the founding of the plant, and unique collection of beer labels of the plant since its inception.

The museum has three separate expositions which are devoted to the ancient village life and the family of R. Kruger. At the enterprise territory near the entrance to the new brewhouse located the Open-air museum.

Getting here

46 Moscovskiy Trakt street, Tomsk

Street sculptures

Streets and pedestrian areas of Tomsk decorate a variety of monuments and sculptures. Their diversity is so great that they have become one of the sights of the city. TripSib team chose the brightest of them.

Monument to A.P. Chekhov. The two-meter bronze monument to Chekhov was established in 2004 on the waterfront in honor of the 400th anniversary of the city of Tomsk. The writer is depicted in a caricatured and grotesque form: in a ridiculous hat, coat, glasses are misaligned to one side, and barefoot and with quite disproportionate legs. Behind him placed umbrella, and below you can see the inscription on the pedestal: "Chekhov in Tomsk through the eyes of a drunken man lying in the gutter and do not read "Kashtanka"! Thus the city made a sort of "revenge" to Chekhov, who, having been here for a week on his way to Sakhalin in 1890, noted about him in rather unflattering way. Opinions differ about this monument. Some say that it offends the memory of the great Chekhov and require it to carry, but for others it serves popular tourist attraction: guests and local citizens of Tomsk come to him to be photographed, and the students believe that if you rub the nose of the sculpture before the exam, you will certainly get luck in it passing. Address: Tomsk, embankment of Tom', [N056 29.119, E084 56.700]

Monument to happiness. In Tomsk, on the street Shevchenko established a monument to wolf from cartoon "Once lived a dog." Established in 2005, it became one of the most unusual and the most memorable sights of the city. Authors of the idea have chosen the image of a wolf from the well-known cartoon as the most vivid example of the state of happiness. Therefore, a monument to the wolf is called - Monument to happiness. You need to pat wolf on polished round belly and he'll talk. Address: 19/1 Shevchenko Street, Tomsk

Monument to slippers. One of the most extraordinary monuments in Tomsk is sculpture of modest slippers next to the main train station. Near the bronze pair of these slippers has a small label which reads, "Make yourself at home." The monument is a symbol of hospitality and comfort which are renowned for locals. To trying on slippers can be anyone. Their length is 32 cm; therefore they can enter any size leg. Address:65 Kirov Avenue, Tomsk,

Monument to the ruble. On Novosobornaya square of Tomsk located an original monument to the Russian currency - two meter wooden ruble weighing 250 kg. The monument was established June 12, 2008 to Tomsk carnival that held annually. The choice of wood as a material for the monument is due not only winged Russian phraseologism a "wooden ruble", but also features of local nature - the local region is rich in timber. Tomsk carnival organizers have already requested to add the monument in the Guinness World Records as the largest wooden ruble in the world. Address: Novosobornaya square. Tomsk

Monument of Tomsk student body. The sculptural composition consists is not from a group of young students as one might think. The dominant of the monument is St. Tatiana, patroness of students. Petite fragile woman executed by sculptors Nikolai and Anton Gnedykh. Besides the female figure, composition includes a marble column, on top of which is an open book and sitting two children. Communication student with the name of St. Tatiana began in the 18th century, when Empress Elizabeth signed the "Decree on the establishment of the university in Moscow, and two high schools" on the day of the Great Martyr Tatyana. Address: Novosobornaya area, east of the fountain

Monument to a pregnant woman. The monument decorates Tomsk since the summer of 2005. The monument is symbolic. Almost transparent figure of a woman made up of metal rods, looks like a vessel in which life arises: metal embryo is clearly visible in her womb. Despite its avant-garde style, the monument is not without elegance and adjusts to philosophical reflection, undoubtedly. Best Tomsk obstetricians helped to sculptor "placed" an embryo correctly. Address: The angle of Moscow Trakt, and Lenin Avenue, in front of the Siberian State Medical University

Monument to the newborn. Another sculpture on the theme of the continuation of life is a monument to the newborn. The sculpture looks like a head of cabbage with a diameter slightly less than a meter. And a tiny bronze baby appears from it, moving apart the cabbage leaves. The sculpture is symbolically joking over the habit of Russian parents talk to their young children, that they found them in the cabbage. Address: Lenin Avenue and the corner of the street Herzen

The monument to Brownie. Monument to Brownie - 80-centimeters old man made of bronze and mounted on a pedestal height of 1 meter. If you rub heel of old man, he will ask to step away first, and then will say: "Dear Tomichi, buy bricks." Locals already have come up a name to him. During the opening ceremony was a competition, and it determined that the "old man's" name is Larionych". Location: Michurina Street, Tomsk

Monument to muse. The monument is made in Art Nouveau style and represents a stone, turning into a lyre-butterfly from bronze. The upper part of the monument is made of bronze; the base of the monument is made of solid granite. A new sculpture weighs 5.5 tons. Sayings of famous philosophers engraved on the stone basis of the sculpture. Address: Lenin Avenue Theatre Square, Tomsk

Talovskie Bowls

Talovskie bowls, or also Talovie or Lime - limestone depressions filled with water, is a unique natural monument of the Tomsk region. Lime formation, shaped like a bowl up to 1 m in height, consisting of limestone sinter formed through the exit to the surface of waters, saturated with lime. Talovskie bowls are located on a small overgrown clearing in the forest, an area of approx. 300 sq. m. The big bowl approx. 2 m in width and approx. 3.5 m in length, its walls reach half a meter and their thickness increases to the base; Three others in a diameter of not more of 1 m. Bowls constantly increasing due to the overflowing water, which puts new layers of salt.

Each bowl has an outfall, from which flows out excess fluid, the main source is the rate of about a liter per second. At that in one of the bowls of the water does not stop to flow through a limestone chute over ten meters, and not on lowland, but on the dais. Water is slightly mineralized and in a liquid state even in winter. Locals say that this water helps with diseases of the eyes and skin.

Its temperature is approximately + 5-6 degrees Celsius.

Based on the results of archaeological, linguistic and historical research of scientists Talovskie bowls associated with the mythology about bowl of Grail, legends about which came with Germanic Goths, appeared in Europe during the Middle Ages. Some researchers are inclined to believe that the origin of bowls can not be explained by natural processes and that these bowls is the result of activity of technologically advanced civilization.

Getting here

40 kilometers south-east of the city of Tomsk, at the outfall of Berezovaya River (Birch River), Tomsk region

Vasyugan swamps

Only in the Siberia there are swamps, the area of which exceeds the land occupied by some States. For example, Vasyugan swamps, area of which currently stands at 53,000 square kilometers, more than the territory of Switzerland. Vasyugan swamps is the largest swamp in the world, they are located in Western Siberia, between the rivers Ob and Irtysh, in the borders of Tomsk region and also in the Novosibirsk, Omsk and the Khanty-Mansiysk region. Emerged more than 10 000 years ago, the swamps is the natural defense against the greenhouse effect They absorb carbon and toxic substances from the atmosphere, preventing them from air pollution, and flora fills the air with oxygen, for which these marshes called giant natural filter. Swamp contains huge reserves of peat and is a major source of fresh water to these areas, from it many rivers originate; in the territory Vasyugan marshes are about 800 thousand lakes. Because of its wildness and unrestrained serious danger Vasyugan marshes also called "Siberian Amazonia" by its wealth and size of the natural system is not inferior to the famous South American river. This complex landscape reserve planning to include in the list of World Natural Heritage by UNESCO.

A variety of flora and fauna are presented in Vasyugan swamp. In these places there are handsome reindeer and moose; wolverine hunts; otter, mink and sable are growing their young’s; airspace are subdued white-tailed eagle, peregrine falcon, golden eagle, osprey and grey shrike. Flora paints the swamps with wild cranberry; also here grows blueberry and cloudberry, and medicinal plants that can be found in the marsh, have great value.

Travel Vasyugan swamps is extreme and very responsible adventure, which should be prepared thoroughly, the round trip without adequate training is unsafe. Locals call this land bearish because of the abundance in these areas of this large predator. Apart to the bears here are often found snakes, hornets and other dangerous animals and insects. Most Vasyugan marshes is impassable swamp, in which could easy to sink even buses and military transport. In addition, in this area there are more than hundreds of abandoned villages in which local workers of peat and gas extraction companies are afraid to even go because of the abnormal phenomena occurring in these areas. Another complicating factor in this journey is a horrible dimensions of the area of the marshes. Shoot down from the road in these areas is equivalent to death.

Getting here

The best way is to get from Tomsk by private car (required the SUV), by the road M 53 to the Orlovka village. You must have maps, satellite communications, GPS and a local guide.

Mogochino village

The Mogochino village is situated at a bend Ob river on its right bank, 18 km from the confluence in the Chulym River. Near the village are many water objects: Sleeves of Ob - Krivaya (Curve) Luka. Near the village is "greenbacks" island formed by Krivaya Luka and Ob. In the 60's people lived on the island, it was two streets at the same time on the island was not the shop and a primary school, so residents had to constantly cross the channel in boats, in order to get into Mogochino. Mogochino village in the Tomsk region located on the right bank of the Ob River. There is a bigger island behind the "greenbacks" island, which has no special name and simply referred to as "The Island", it was formed by the Ob and Krivaya Luka; there was no permanent population and locals use it as mowing and also collects currant and other berries there. The island has a small river - Pine Kuria, it flows into the Ob.

It would seem unremarkable village in the province, if it were not famous for all Russia female monastery. St. Nicholas Monastery is the main attraction of these places. An impressive sight! It is just a giant structure for a small settlement.

St. Nicholas Monastery was founded in October 1, 1989. Construction of the monastery was carried out without any centralized funding through donations from benefactors. The cause of this spiritual center in the province is closely linked to feat of innocently exiled here during the repressions, as well as a spiritual cleansing of these ancient heathen places.

Another sight of this area is fishing. Right bank of the Ob River downstream is good for fishing in Mogochino. Differences depths and coastal snags are good places for spinning and trolling. There are many lakes around the village, but more interesting places for fishing in the lakes are located at a distance from the village. To pass from these lakes to Kamen' (The Stone) through the Malaya (Small) Korta is very difficult even on off-road vehicle. For it needs a long and stable dry weather. And if this is possible, it is not until the begining of August. In the mid and late September travel is no longer possible because of the rains. About delivery to the remote lakes, you can negotiate with Mogochinsky rangers.

Getting here

Tomsk region. On the route Tomsk-Kolpashevo to the Tungusovo village, then turn to Narga and in Narga take the ferry to the right bank. The ferry runs 1-2 times per hour from 7 am to 22 pm

Transport

Preview | Sights | Hotels | Night life | Activities

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Bogashevo Airport

Bogashevo airport is the largest airport in Tomsk region and one of the key airports in Siberia.

The Information Desk is in the main waiting lounge, on the ground floor of the passenger terminal. The smiling consultants will be happy to answer all your questions about the beginning of registration, the free and paid services available at the waiting lounge, where the storage area, newspaper stalls, and cafes are located; they will also tell you about the major landmarks of Tomsk. The guidance is free of charge. VIP lounge in Bogashevo airport is on the first floor of the terminal, in its left part. In the VIP lounge, every passenger can relax in two recreation rooms with Wi-Fi and satellite television, order a food delivery from the airport's cafes or visit a small bar, rent a conference room for up to 10 people, check-in for the flight and go through the preflight inspection without standing in a queue. The baby care room is on the ground floor of the terminal. In the baby care room you can take a shower, cook and eat (all the necessary appliances are there in the kitchen), relax with your child in the specially equipped rooms with changing tables and beds of different sizes, take your kids to the playroom and read a book the the local library while they play. All services in the baby care room are free of charge. In addition, in the passenger terminal of Bogashevo airport you will find a medical center, a coffee shop, a snack bar, and luggage storage area.

Bogashevo airport is especially famous with excursions that are given here daily. During the excursion, a group of tourists visits the aviation history meseum, listens to the story of an experienced pilot, and at the end every visitor can sit in the chair of the aircraft first pilot. The tour start time can be specified with the information service, and its price depends on the number of people.

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Railways

Travelling by train, you can get to such cities as Krasnoyarsk, Abakan, Tomsk, Kemerovo, Omsk, Tobolsk, Tumen, Barnaul, Irkutsk, Chita, Ulan-Ude and other. The Siberian rail system is also a part of the Transsiberian Railway. Taking the Transsib is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Russia and Siberia. Imagine travelling for a week, still being in the same country and seeing it all from the window of your train (still, we recommend to make some stops and spend a couple of days in some major cities along the way or see the wonderful nature of Siberia in Altai mountains or at Baikal lake).

Trains in Russia are divided into 5 categories depending on their comfort and fares: (1) the cheapest and the least comfortable are the seating carriages (they are mostly used for the interregional connections); (2) economy class (‘platskart’)is the most wide-spread category (and the cheapest among sleeping car options), although not very comfortable, as each block consists of 6 berths; (3) compartment cars are very comfortable sleeping cars with 4 berths per closed block; (4) premium is a very comfortable type of car, equipped with working areas, showers, etc.; (5) first-class sleeping cars are the most comfortable and the most expensive category with maximum of 2 berths per compartment. In every car, there is a steward, who at any time of the day is ready to offer a hot tea or coffee, snacks, newspapers, and board games. These can be included in your ticket price, or the extra payment may be required. Each train has a restaurant car that works 24 hours a day. You can also buy some food and drinks in the station shops in the large cities.

Train tickets can be bought at any railway station. Tickets for most routes can also be bought electronically on the web-site. At the boarding, you will only need to show your passport to the steward.

It is good to remember that in Russia, a train ride is a good reason for a new acquaintance and an interesting conversation; you should also be ready to be treated to a meal by your companions.

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Local railways 

The Local railways can take you to any place within Novosibirsk region and also to Barnaul, Tomsk and Kemerovo. For more information please check the map above or contact us.

Tickets for the local trains can be purchased at the special counters in the train station buildings. You will need to pay extra attention to check if the train actually stops at the desired destination point.

A regular ticket entitles you to travel on any local (electric) train current direction except the high-speed (express). To ride the express train, you will need to buy a special ticket.

The ticket shall be kept until the end of the journey. It can be checked by inspectors along the way, and you will also need it to exit the station at the destination point.

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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.

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Tomsk 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.

There are also international routes from Novosibirsk to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

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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.:)

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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.

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Trolleybus

Regular shuttle transportation. 

Trolleybuses 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 trolleybus 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.:)

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Tram

Regular shuttle transportation. 

Trams 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 tram 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.:)

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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 1000 rubles. It is paid mostly in cash (some taxi companies also accept major credit cards, but you better check it before the ride).

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Hotels

Preview | Sights | Transport | Night life | Activities

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Night life

Preview | Sights | Transport | Hotels | Activities

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Activities

Preview | Sights | Transport | Hotels | Night life

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Offroad car trips

Off-road trips are a kind of leisure activity and sports that involves crossing the off-road on a four wheel drive vehicle. The vehicle crew consists of at least two people: a pilot and a navigator. Navigator is in charge of the navigation; he determines the route and directs the actions of the pilot at the off-road route. The pilot is driving; he should have good skills of off-road and extreme driving. The off-road trips include off-road expeditions, raids, festivals, which often take place in remote Siberian taiga.

In Novosibirsk, there are two clubs which are the most actively engaged in off-road trips. They have the necessary vehicles, which are duly tuned and upgraded, and are professionally engaged in this activity.

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ATV tours

ATV is a unique vehicle, specially designed for the off-road driving. There is nothing more exciting than traveling with friends by ATV through the rugged areas of the wild, primitive Siberian nature.

Driving the ATV Riding ATV does not represent any special difficulty, even for a beginner. One or two hours spent behind its wheel are enough to feel confident. Bright emotions, thrill, and an indescribable excitement before the start of a trip are guaranteed!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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Horseback riding and equestrian tours

Equestrian tours will make you forget all the hassle of city life. Plunge in the days of nomadic tribes, feel at one with nature – travelers can experience it all in the equestrian tours. After all, horseback riding lets you feel like you fly above the ground without taking off from it. The Altai horses will become your faithful companions in this exciting journey. These amazing, noble animals, impressively sturdy and rugged, are the best means of transportation in the mountain-taiga paths of Altai midlands.

Escape from the color monitors into the ‘unreal world’ of nature! The equestrian tourism routes, offered by Siberian horse riding clubs, are designed for people with different backgrounds and are perfectly suited to fit both beginners and experienced horse-riders. The equestrian tour is always led by an instructor guide assisted by a groom. The tour routes run through different climatic zones: along the way you can meet the mighty cedar trees, dwarf birch, colorful flower meadows, wild forest, hills and steppes. There are routes of medium and high complexity for experienced riders. Before the trip, participants are instructed on riding a horse. During the tour, the guides will let you into the secrets of communication with the horse, as well as the stories and legends of the places which you will ride through. Equestrian tourism is a great chance to make new friends or share some interesting stories with your companions. All the way through the tour, the food is cooked at the campfire, and the accommodation is in tents.

Equestrian tourism in Siberia is waiting for you! Have a nice trip!

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Skiing & snowboarding

Someone is waiting for a summer to go to the sea, someone would rather take a trip in the desert, but there are people who are looking forward to the winter, preferring to rest at ski resorts. For the true fans of this type of relax, for those who love snowboarding and skiing, Siberia is one solid skiing area where you can enjoy your ski or a snowboard almost anywhere. In Siberia, there are trails of various difficulty levels, surrounded by beautiful nature and unique landscapes. The infrastructure is presented with excellent ski bases and resorts, whose recreation conditions and level of service are not inferior to many well-known European resorts.

Beginners, professional skiers and snowboarders, heli-ski fans, freestylers, back country skiers, freeriders – everyone will find perfect facilities in Siberia. They meet the highest international standards not only for snowboard and ski, but also for half-pipe, big cross-country, cross-board, slalom, biathlon. Siberian nature is striking for its beauty, it helps forget about the stress and problems, feel a surge of strength and get loaded with life energy, which is carried in a real winter recreation.

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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".

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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.

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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 :)

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