Tyumen | Tyumen Region

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Preview

Tyumen is the first Siberian city to welcome the traveler, moving from west to east.

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Sights of Tyumen region

Preview | Transport | Hotels | Night life | Activities

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Tsvetnoy Boulevard 

One of the most famous sights of Tyumen and the favorite leisure area of citizens and visitors is Tsvetnoy Boulevard. This pedestrian boulevard appeared in 2004, when the Tyumen region celebrated its 60th anniversary. It was designed by architects from Ekaterinburg. Earlier (in the XIX century), there used to be the Commercial Square here.

The boulevard connects the Ordzhonikidze and Pervomayskaya streets. Initially, it didn’t have its own name. Its name, “Tsvetnoy Boulevard” came later than the boulevard itself, only in 2007. At the beginning of the boulevard, an entrance arch is erected. Tsvetnoy boulevard includes five squares: Square of Arts, Fountain Square, Lovers Square, Circus Square, and Sports Square. Each of them has its own peculiarities.

Multiple shopping centers, restaurants, cafes and entertainment facilities are gathered here. Tsvetnoy Boulevard is where Tymen Circus and a huge sports complex “Central” are located. The life-size bronze sculptures of famous Russian clowns are installed nearby the circus. It also has many rides, including the ferris wheel, from which you can see the boulevard from a birds eye view. The Central sports complex is also located here. In the center of the boulevard is the largest fountain in Tyumen. It is decorated with stone, bronze and colored glass. It is very beautifully illuminated at night time. And the Lovers Square on Tsvetnoy Boulevard is decorated with the ‘Tenderness’scuplture. It depicts a naked girl with her head thrown back. The local take says that if the lovers lock her in their arms, the long and happy family life is guaranteed.

In summer, Tsvetnoy Boulevard often hosts large city celebrations and festivals, and an ice town is built here in winter.

Getting here

Tsvetnoy Boulevard is in the center of Tyumen, between streets Lenina, Pervomayskaya, Ordzhonikidze and Herzen.

Znamensky Cathedral

Among the churches of Tyumen, the especially distinctive in terms of architecture is Znamensky Cathedral. Its exterior, multi-layering and the beautiful ornament make the cathedral look really unique. This stone temple was built in the XVIII century. The history of Znamensky Cathedral begins in the first half of the XVII century (1624 — 1659), when the first prayer house was built here. Since then, the cathedral had been reconstructed many times and was built in its final form in 1786. In 1929, Znamensky Cathedral was closed. Since 1930 to 1944, the cathedral building was used as a transit prison.

Today, Znamensky Cathedral is a complex but a holistic and harmonious structure in the Russian Baroque style, so rare for Siberia. The main shrine of the cathedral is the icon of the Mother of God “The Omen”, which is revered as miraculous. Several years ago, the cathedral dean has returned four bells to the bell tower, which earlier had been taken out to the far-eastern lighthouses of Primorsky region.

Znamensky church was one of the first (after the Holy Trinity monastery school) to establish the theological education in Tyumen and its rural parishes. A parish church school was founded in 1820, and by 1917 Znamensky parish already had a female grammar school, a higher primary school, and a parish school.

Getting here

Znamensky Cathedral is located in the Central district of the city, on Semakov street.

Tyumen drama theatre

The first drama theater appeared in Tyumen in 1858. That was a very pompous and important event for the region. For the locals, it was surprising that in this commercial region, where the cards have long been the only entertainment, enough people turned up not only to establish the first theater but also to set up the main cast. It is worth noting that the first actors and directors of this drama theater were the teachers from the district school, prominent citizens, and merchants. The first patron of the theater was merchant A. I. Tekutyev. So the theater initially entered the city history under the Tekutyev’s name. This merchant, who adored the drama performance, has been supporting the theater for 26 years. In 1916, before his death, he bequeathed the theater to the city. The city council accepted the gift, and newspaper announcement started to inform about the performances of the city theater named after Tekutyev, not of Tekutyev theater as it used to be before. The first theater performances were initiated by merchant Kondratiy Sheshukov. The purpose of the amateur performances was raising the funds for a girls’ school. The first performance took place on January 9, 1858, in the premises of the district school. The performance had great success, and throughout the year the artists were playing to a full house.

The theater is a five-storey palace with a front facade and beautiful columns. The floor space is 36,000 sq. m. The theater is the largest Russian drama theater in terms of size. The Large Hall accommodates about 800 people, and the Small Hall capacity is 200. This building is unique because it was built in record time — 1 year and 8 months, and it is standing on a hill, under which there is an underground car parking.

Over the years, the theater has changed its name many times; it was Tekutyev’s, Theater named after Lenin, and Chamber Theater. But regardless of the name, Tyumen drama theater has always cultivated all genres of performing arts. The theater staged historical dramas, plays by Russian classic authors, revolutionary performances, and musicals. In 1935, a new building was opened, which is still a theater’s residence. Setting up a permanent troupe and the highest level of performances very soon allowed the theater to gain the status of a regional theater.

The lovers bridge

The Lovers Bridge is one of the most romantic sights of the city and one of its major landmarks. This cable-stayed pedestrian bridge in the Central district of Tyumen connects the banks of picturesque river Tura. It was built in 1987 to replace the wooden bridge that existed here before. The modern bridge was built even with the high right bank of Tura, and it was made inclined to avoid making too high embankments on the left bank. Its total length is 250 m. The grand opening of this pedestrian bridge took place in July 1987.

The bridge used to be banally called “The Pedestrian bridge”. But in 2003, it became a place where “The longest unusual kiss” contest was run. After that, the city mayor decided to give this bridge a new, romantic name “The Lovers Bridge”. This significant event was united to the celebration of the City Day, which is held on July 26 every year. Today, the Lovers Bridge is the unofficial symbol of Tyumen and a favorite rendezvous for the loving couples. Newlyweds and couples hang the engraved locks of love onto the bridge railings and then throw the keys into the river as a sign of eternal love. In the daytime, the Lovers Bridge just connects two banks, and at night it has a special illumination that creates a romantic feeling. There’s a clock on the bridge, that was installed here for a time check and to count the minutes until your best half comes. The clock is a perfect complement to the modern image of the Lovers Bridge.

Going down from the bridge to the right bank of Tura, you get onto a promenade. This area is really conducive to quiet walks along the river and relaxation. Almost three dozen sculptors, architects, and artists took part in designing and building the promenade and embankment. This place is unique due to the fact that Tura embankment became the only four-level embankment in Russia. Its total height in its final form will be 25 meters, and the length is 4 km. A special emphasis is added to the promenade by the stair railings, carved wave-shape out of granite and originally illuminated by lanterns. The free space between the tiers is filled with trees. Also, there is a beautiful waterfall fountain on the promenade.

Holy Trinity monastery

Holy Trinity Monastery is an orthodox monastery in Tyumen, one of the first stone buildings in the city. The monastery is one of the oldest architectural ensembles in the city. It is located in a scenic location on a high Zatyumensky cusp of the elevated right bank of Tura. It consists of Trinity Cathedral and the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. The monastery was founded by Nifont, a monk from Kazan, in 1616 and was initially called Monastery of Transfiguration. In 1715, Trinity Cathedral was built in the monastery, since then the monastery was also called Trinity. In 1761, a seminary was founded near the monastery. In 1923, the monastery was closed. During the Soviet period, its premises were used as dormitories, military unit, offices, workshops. Its doors were reopened to the congregation only in 1995, and the seminary started working again in 1999.

Architecturally, Holy Trinity Monastery includes all major types of temples of its time: refectory (the Forty Martyrs shrine), traditional cubic (Holy Trinity Cathedral) and crosswise (temple of St. Peter and St. Paul). The architectural dominant of the monastery, the Cathedral of the Trinity (1715) is built in somewhat unexpected in Siberia style of Ukrainian Baroque. It is characterized by three domes, southern location of the main facade, octagonal “garlic” shape of the domes. The influence of Ukrainian architecture on Siberian Baroque, noted by many researchers, is mainly explained by the large-scale deportations and migration of Ukrainian population to Siberia in the XVII-XVIII centuries.

The restoration works are still ongoing in the Holy Trinity Monastery. Together with the temples, a vicarious building and a monastery church are being restored, which were badly damaged during the Soviet period of Russian history. Unfortunately, a part of the monastery is occupied by the urban services. At the same time, the monastery is a favorite place of city residents and tourists. Every year, thousands of travelers arrive here to enjoy the magnificent views of churches and take part in religious services.

Spassky Church

Spasskaya Church is one of the most beautiful temples in Tyumen, as well as one of the major architectural monuments. The first church was wooden, and it burnt down in a fire. Construction of the stone church began in 1794 and ended in 1819. The church was built in Siberian Baroque style. Once, there was an icon of Christ Not Made by Hands here, that helped stop the loss of cattle and cure the most dangerous human diseases. It was made specifically for this church, hence the name Spasskaya (Of the Saviour). Currently, the icon is lost. Spasskaya church is the only one in the province of Tobolsk, which has been crowned by 13 crosses.

During his visit to Tyumen, Emperor Alexander II, first of all, went to Spasskaya Church and was pleasantly surprised by the luxury of its interior decoration. So, in the interior of the summer church, located on the first floor, there are fragments of murals, made by the master of goldsmith workshop Peter Belkov, a citizen of Tobolsk.

In the Soviet era, the church was used as a dormitory, then as a library and as a storage of the regional history museum. Today the church is being partially reconstructed.

Getting here

Corner of Lenin str. and Chelyuskintsev str. Address: 43 Lenina str., Tyumen

Siberian cats Park

In Tyumen, there is an unusual Park of Cats, where twelve various sculptures of these animals are installed. They are made of cast iron and coated with a special golden paint. At first this architectural monument may seem to only have an artistic value, but in fact, it is dedicated to real historical events. The monument to Tyumen cats was installed for their military service to besieged Leningrad. The fact is that during the Great Patriotic War there was not a single cat in Leningrad, they all were eaten. And when the cats were gone, the city was flooded with rats. The witnesses recall the rats moving in huge packs through the streets, posing a considerable threat, even for the adults. The most terrible were the nights when these huge rodents were gnawing the faces of sleeping people. That is why in the very first days after the breach of Leningrad blockade, not only the delivery of food was arranged, but also the special trains with cats. The first to be sent to Leningrad were the four carloads of smoky cats from Yaroslavl region, which were considered the best rat-catchers in the country. The witnesses say that the cats were snapped up in a moment, and the crowded queues were lined up. In January 1944, the price of a kitten in Leningrad was 500 rubles, whereas a kilogram of bread cost 50 rubles, and the average salary was 180-200 rubles.

The second shipment of cats was already sent from Siberia. Tyumen cats were specifically recruited to protect the priceless repositories of Hermitage and other palaces and museums of Leningrad. Only in Tyumen, 238 male and female cats were gathered, aged from 6 months to 5 years. The very first volunteer from Tyumen was the black-and-white cat Amur, whose owner brought him personally and wished him to “contribute to the fight against the hated enemy”.

It should be noted that the park has an interesting design. There are granite pedestals and lanterns along the park. There are also monuments across the park, depicting the famous “golden” cats. The memorial plate attached to the monument describes the history of the salvation of the Hermitage. Currently, the park is one of the most visited places in Tyumen.

Getting here

The Siberian Cats Park is located on the odd side of Pervomayskaya street, between the Republic and Lenin streets.

Tobolsk

Tobolsk is a city with almost 500-years history, located in Tyumen region. In the XVI-XIX it was the capital of Siberia. The city was founded in 1587, near the Tatar settlement Isker (the capital of the Siberian Khanate), downstream the Irtysh river. According to legend, the location was not chosen by chance. This cape is where Ermak’s soldiers landed during the famous battle, that was decisive for the accession of Siberia to Russia. Indeed, since 1590 Tobolsk becomes the center of Russian colonization of Siberia, which was formalized by the 1708 reform of Peter I when Tobolsk was announced an administrative center of the Siberian province, the largest province in Russia, that included the territory from Vyatka to Russian America. The first city building was the Trinity Church, and the cape was also called Trinity.

Tobolsk was also a place where the famous “Siberian exile” used to start. For the exiled, Tobolsk was a transit point that opened the further Siberia. Especially notorious was the Tobolsk convict prison, which at various times was a transit point for Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Vladimir Korolenko, Alexander Solzhenitsyn and other famous people. In the XX century, the city was known only as a place of exile of the last Russian tsar Nicolas II and his family, and also as the epicenter of the largest in Russian history people’s revolt against Bolsheviks – the peasant uprising of 1921-1922 in Siberia.

Besides carrying out the important administrative functions, Tobolsk also made a significant contribution to the development of national culture. So, the news about the first theater performances in the city are dated 1705, when Peter I was only intending to restore the theater in the capital. And the Tobolsk Drama Theater building, constructed in 1899, was an architectural masterpiece as the only wooden theater building in the USSR. In 1789, a literature magazine appeared in Tobolsk, one of the first outside of the capital and the first in Siberia. It was called “Irtysh, turning into Hippocrene”. Tobolsk boy’s high school, founded in 1810, also was one of the first in Russia.

Today, Tobolsk is one of the most interesting touristic destinations. Besides that, the city is one of the three major Orthodox centers of Russia, along with Moscow and St. Petersburg. The city delights visitors with the splendor of Tobolsk Kremlin and the ancient temples, with a variety of historical monuments and sculptures, with beauty and naturalness of Irtysh embankment, with a comfort of the old narrow streets, unique works of local crafts and the tranquility of life of the locals.

Getting here

Tobolsk is 247 km northeast from Tyumen, at the confluence of Tobol and Irtysh rivers.

Hot springs

Siberian nature is very unpredictable and varied, and not everyone is aware that bathing, for example, is possible not only in summer, in one of numerous Siberian rivers and lakes, but also in winter — in hot mineral springs. Around Tyumen, there are hot springs, which are very popular both among the locals and among the tourists. They even became a kind of a city’s feature.

A hot spring is an open-air swimming pool with chloride-sodium-bromine mineral water. The water temperature in such a spring reaches 45 degrees Celsius, so it is always open. According to experts, bathing in this water has a positive effect on your body and is especially beneficial for people suffering from cardio-vascular and nervous system diseases. And open-air bathing in winter in the hot water is an extremely fascinating experience! In general, the visiting season starts in November and ends in March.

One of the most convenient for visitors hot springs is located in the “Verkhny Bor” (”Upper Forest”) recreation center. It is a pool of about 400 sq. m. which is divided into several areas: hot tub, children’s area, swimming area with a variety of spa devices and facilities. The temperature in the pool is always kept at the optimum level, from +39 C to +40 C. The depth is 1.5 m, the children’s area is 0.7 m. The water purification system is unique because it purifies the mineral water without destroying its structure. It also disinfects the water and controls its level. Near the pool, there is a comfortable recreation complex, including lounges, changing rooms and showers. There are also café, medical center, massage room, and equipment rental service.

Not far from Tobolsk, there is another well-known natural hot mineral spring. It looks like a piece of metal pipe sticking out of the ground, about 2 meters high, which throws water high up under the great pressure. Around the spring, a small shallow pond formed. The spring doesn’t have any signs of infrastructure and is completely uncivilized. Although it doesn’t bother a lot of people who come here to spend their free time. Besides that, there is absolutely no fee to assess the spring. Everyone visiting this place will have a unique opportunity to merge with the wild Siberian nature in its almost pristine form. The spring is very picturesque in winter when a huge ice block freezes over it.

Getting here

“Verkhny Bor” recreation center is located not far from Tyumen, 11 km along the Salair highway, on the shores of picturesque lake Krivoye (Curve) in a pine forest.

The wild hot spring is about 40 km north of Tobolsk along the P404 highway.

The Abalak

A small village of Abalak near Tobolsk (Tyumen region) is widely known for its two major landmarks, Abalak men’s monastery, and a remarkable tourist complex.

The village of Abalak is very ancient. It was founded long before the Russians arrived. Traditionally, the Tatars used to live here. And the very name of the place comes from the name of a Tatar prince. Abalak was his name. The village of Abalak stands on the high bank of the Irtysh River. It offers a beautiful view of the river and surrounding area. The guests of the Abalak tourist complex can completely immerse themselves in the era of medieval Russia. You can also stay overnight here. You will be offered to sleep in “Governor’s Chambers”, a real log tower. The interior of the rooms is also decorated in the old style: wooden furniture, patchwork rugs, pictures made of beads, antique cuckoo clock, and oven. The rooms are quite comfortable. Overnight stay will cost at least 5 or 6 thousand rubles.

The Abalak tourist complex also has many catering facilities. One of them is the “White Owl” restaurant. It is also styled antique and decorated with hunting trophies. It is easy to guess that the menu consists of traditional Russian dishes. In winter, the complex features a ski trail. In 2008, Abalak tourist complex was named the best tourist project in Russia and received the national award of Yuri Senkevich. In early July, the tourist complex hosts spectacular reconstruction games “Abalak field”. And by the New Year holidays, the residence of the Siberian Father Frost is opened here. The residence is located in a high wooden tower with carved windows.

Abalak tourist complex will provide great memories to all visitors, due to its great location and many interesting attractions. A tour to Abalak will be a great weekend adventure. One day is usually enough to see the Abalak monastery and tourist complex.

Abalak tourist complex phone no.: +7 (3456) 33-12-79, +7 912 9213560, web: http://www.abalak.su. You can also call this phone no to book a room in advance.

The admission fee is charged in the complex. It is a good idea to combine the tour to Abalak with a trip to Tobolsk.

Andreevsky lakes

Andreevskie lakes is a large lake system, consisting of more than 6 lakes. These are very scenic lakes, surprising with bizarre shapes and varying sizes. The lakes snuggle among dense forests. These are the favorite holiday destination for the residents of Tyumen region as well as for travelers since the lakes are not too deep. Bolshoe Andreevskoe lake is suitable for a beach holiday on its sandy shores, as well as for a more active holiday – you can swim here or ride a boat, a catamaran, and a jet ski, or play some active games on the shore. In the pine forest nearby, there is a lot of mushrooms, strawberries, and herbs. On Bolshoe Andreevskoe lake, there is a yacht club ‘Rubin’, with pavilions and cabanas installed, as well as tables, barbecues, swings and benches; for children, there are swimming pools and attractions. The rental service provides rowing boats, catamarans, inflatable wheels, aqua skipper, badminton sets, etc. If you wish, you can also sail on a yacht here. In the area around, there are a lot of other well-equipped beaches, belonging to recreation centers and campings, which will gladly welcome tourists for a fee of 200-500 RUR.

Water in some lakes is crystal clear, thanks to the many springs that feed them. It makes the lakes extremely popular among the holidaymakers and diving enthusiasts. It is very often that swans come to the lakes.

The other lakes are wilder and more suitable for fishing, hunting, and sports. In summer, the shallow waters of these lakes are overgrown with reeds and cattails, which is why fishermen and hunters love these places. Besides that, the lakes are rich in fish and crayfish.

The Uvat village

Uvat is an old village that has been known since the XVII century. Today, it attracts tourists with its local history museum “The Legends of Silver Irtysh”, open-air wooden sculptures, parachute club, biathlon center, and a wooden church.

“The Legends of Silver Irtysh” museum became a true landmark of this area. Its original exposition areas are located in eight rooms on the 3rd floor of the village administration. One of the most interesting and unusual expositions is dedicated to the legendary Golden Maid. You can also see here a copy of the famous idol, reproduced by the chronicles. In the other rooms, you can familiarize yourself with nature and natural riches of the region, with a history of area development and the former way of life. The museum also covers the contradictory XX century with all its upheavals. The visitors may learn a lot about the episodes of the Civil War and the uprising of 1921, about the political repression, and about the life of this area during the Great Patriotic War. For a greater effect, the visitors going through the expositions are accompanied by a special topic-specific soundtrack.

Biathlon Center named after A. Tikhonov is another achievement of the outstanding Soviet biathlete, four-time Olympic champion Alexander Tikhonov. The center is equipped with racing tracks, a shooting range and all the facilities necessary for this sport. For several times it hosted the Russian biathlon championships. Besides that, other kinds of ski and ski-roller contests, cyclocross, cultural and entertainment events can be held here. There is also a sports school working in the center. The center is also a home to the A. Tikhonov museum.

In Uvat, there is also something for the fans of extreme sports. Club of aviation and sports “Height” (”Vysota”) located here is ready to organize skydiving experience for everyone (both solo and in tandem with instructor). Those who prefer a more relaxing stay can enjoy a great fishing. Rivers and lakes of Uvat district are very rich in big fish. In Summer, Uvat hosts an international festival of the wooden park sculpture. Masters of woodcarving art arrive here from many places, including the foreign countries. The works of the festival participants, always on a certain topic (each year different), remain forever in Uvat and remarkably decorate the village.

Getting here

Uvat village is 116 km north from the main tourist mecca of Western Siberia, the city of Tobolsk, and 380 km from Tyumen. Uvat is located on the left bank of Irtysh. It is best to combine a trip to Uvat with a tour to Tobolsk and visiting Abalak.
The museum is open to visitors every day except Saturday, 09:00 to 17:00. Сlosed for cleaning on the last Friday of the month.
Address of the local history museum “The Legends of Silver Irtysh”: 77 Lenin str. Uvat village.
Phone no.: +7(34561)2-20-72
Tikhonov museum is open Monday to Thursday, 13:00 to 20:00
Tikhonov museum address: 15 Sportivnaya str. Uvat village
Phone no.: +7(34561)2-20-72

Museum of Rasputin in the Pokrovskoe village

Heading from Tyumen to the main tourist attraction behind the Urals, the city of Tobolsk, it is definitely worth to swing by the village of Pokrovskoye. Here, in the homeland of Grigory Rasputin, there is a memorial house dedicated to this legendary man. Grigory Rasputin was born in Pokrovskoye in 1869. Having lived here for 28 years, he went traveling across Russia for several years, looking for a spiritual peace. Once in the capital, Rasputin was able to get close to the Romanovs (it is believed that he was able to help a young Tsarevich Alexey, suffering from hemophilia) and spend 11 years next to the royal family. Rasputin had a great influence on the royal family, which trusted him infinitely and often asked for his advice. But at the same time, Rasputin had many enemies at court. Not everyone liked the influence he had on a Tsar. As a result, in 1916, Rasputin was brutally murdered. The murder was sophisticated. First, he ate several poisoned pastries, then drank to glasses of wine with potassium cyanide. When, to the awe of the murder plotters, the poison had no effect, they shot the old man twice. But even after that Rasputin remained alive. To finish him, they threw him into the ice hole. The public opinion about Rasputin is ambiguous. Some think he was a prophet and a healer, while the others believe he was a drunkard and a debauchee. His image is overgrown with various legends.

Grigory Rasputin memorial house in Pokrovskoye is a private museum, created by the efforts of a family, Vladimir Smirnov and Marina Smirnova. They started it as early as 1990 when they got interested in the personality of Grigory Rasputin. At that time, a few old-timers were still alive who remembered Rasputin. The private museum, created by the pure enthusiasm of this couple, became on of the first in Russia. As the decades passed, the Smirnov collected tons of information on Rasputin and have found some items related to him. They also act as guides in their museum, surprising visitors with some interesting facts and dispelling some myths. The museum looks like an ordinary-looking farmhouse. Unfortunately, this is not the house where Rasputin lived. His house was standing in front of this one and it was demolished during the Soviet era.

In the museum, you can find many items that Rasputin was using: a dressing table with a cracked mirror, vintage forged chest, spoon and dish with a personal monogram of Alexandra Romanova, an icon of Simeon of Verkhoturye, in front of which Rasputin was praying. All items related to Rasputin are said to possess mystical properties. But the most famous item in the museum is the old bentwood chair of Rasputin. The popular legend says that the chair has healing properties. It cures male diseases, increases the sexual vigor, helps against infertility. Many people from distant places come here on purpose, just in order to sit on this chair and get rid of diseases. The founders of the museum managed to find and buy the photos of Rasputin and his family with inscriptions, as well as his personal notes. One of the museum’s exhibits are the goods released under the brand name ‘Rasputin’. Next is a large collection of books about this man, not only in Russian.

The museum entrance fee with a guided tour is 200 RUR per person. To take photographs, you will need to pay extra 100 RUR. To visit the museum, you will need to book it in advance by the phone: 8-904-494-03-14; 8-904-492-58-39, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Getting here

Rasputin museum is in Tyumen region. From Tyumen, you need to go about 80 km to Tobolsk and then turn off the highway at the sign pointing to the village of Pokrovskoye. There is also a pointer informing about the museum of Rasputin located in the village. The museum address is 79 Sovetskaya str.

Transport

Preview | Sights | Hotels | Night life | Activities

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Roshchino Airport

Tuymen International Airport ‘Roshchino’ is one of the main airports in Siberia. It is is the airport of the international class. It's better idea if you have a plan to trip to the North of the European part of Russia and in the Northern Siberian regions, such as the Yugra (Khanty-Mansiysk). Also the Roshchino Airport offers regular flights within Russia and abroad.

Roshchino Airport is located 13 km away from the railway station. And it has easy transport access.

There are a regular buses (№10, №141) from the airport to the city, operating from 6:00 till 21:30. It can take you to the railway station, bus terminal and to the city center. Estimated journey time about 40 minutes. There are also shared taxi vans from the airport.

The airport complex includes hotels, car rentals and long-term parking, shopping areas, duty-free stores and food courts.

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Railways

Travelling by train, you can get to such cities as Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Abakan, Tomsk, Kemerovo, Omsk, Tobolsk, 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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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.

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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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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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Hot springs

The Hot Springs of Verkhny Bor have long been a hallmark of the city of Tyumen. Due to the year-round swimming season and the healing properties of mineral water, Verkhny Bor became well-known not only in Tyumen but also in the adjacent regions. Usually in the winter, when the outdoor swimming amid the pine forests and huge snowdrifts gets most exotic, the number of tourists coming here increases manifold.

The recreation center, where the hot springs are located, is in the city of Tyumen, at the 11th-kilometer mark of the Salair highway, in a pine forest on the shore of Krivoye Lake. There is a free bus to the springs. Transfer can also be organized for individuals and groups.

The recreation center boasts one of the best beaches in the city, equipped with piers, summer cafes, trampolines and various amusements. In the summer season, vacationers are invited to enjoy: boats, catamarans, scooters, badminton, bicycles, rollers, etc. In the winter season, the following is available to visitors: a skating rink on the lake, about 7000 square meters, the ski trails through the snow-covered pine forest.

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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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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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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.

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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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