Russia is a vast country with much to offer tourists. From its rich history and culture to its natural beauty, there is something for everyone in Russia. If you’re planning a trip to Russia, be sure to add these 10 top tourist attractions to your itinerary:
The Kremlin
1. The Kremlin
The Kremlin is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Russia. Located in the heart of Moscow, the Kremlin is a complex of buildings that served as the former residence of the Russian tsars. Today, the Kremlin is home to the President of Russia and serves as a symbol of national power. Visitors can explore the Kremlin grounds, which include several cathedrals and palaces, and view the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Red Square
Red Square is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Russia. The square is located in the center of Moscow, and it is home to many important landmarks, including the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Visitors to Red Square can also enjoy views of the Moscow River and the city skyline.
St. Basil's Cathedral
1. St. Basil's Cathedral
The magnificent St. Basil's Cathedral is one of the top tourist attractions in Russia. The cathedral, which is located in Moscow, was built between 1555 and 1561 on orders from Tsar Ivan the Terrible to commemorate the capture of Kazan from the Tatars.
St. Basil's consists of nine churches that are arranged around a central ninth church, which is dedicated to the Intercession of the Theotokos (the Virgin Mary). Each of the churches has its own distinct architectural style, and the exterior of the cathedral is decorated with colorful onion domes.
Inside, the cathedral is equally impressive, with beautiful frescoes and icons adorning the walls and ceilings. Visitors can also climb to the top of one of the towers for stunning views over Red Square and Moscow.
The Hermitage
The Hermitage is one of the largest and most renowned museums in the world. Located in Saint Petersburg, the Hermitage houses over three million items, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Michelangelo. Visitors can explore the museum's six buildings, which include the Winter Palace (the former home of the Russian tsars), and see some of the most famous paintings in history.
Lake Baikal
As the world’s deepest lake, Baikal boasts an impressive array of plant and animal life. The best way to experience the lake is to take a boat tour, which will allow you to appreciate the scale of the scenery and get up close to the wildlife.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot one of the elusive Baikal seals which call the lake home. Other highlights include visiting the abandoned Soviet-era resort town of Listvyanka and taking a dip in one of Baikal’s many hot springs.
The Siberian Tigers
The Siberian tigers are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Russia. These massive cats are native to the Russian Far East and Siberia, and they are the largest felines in the world. Visitors to Russia can see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat at the tiger reserve near Vladivostok.
Mount Elbrus
Elbrus is the highest mountain in Russia and in Europe, with an elevation of 5,642 metres (18,510 ft). It is located in the western Caucasus mountain range, about 100 kilometres (62 mi) south-southwest of the capital city of Moscow.
It is a dormant volcano that last erupted approximately 2,000 years ago. The mountain consists of two peaks: Greater Elbrus (5,642 metres (18,510 ft)) and Lesser Elbrus (5,621 metres (18,442 ft)).
The Caucasus mountains were formed as a result of the collision of the Arabian plate with the Eurasian plate. The Elbrus massif is composed of three distinct geological formations: an inner core composed of granite; an outer ring composed of sedimentary rock; and a volcanic cone composed of lava and ash.
The summit of Mount Elbrus can be reached by a number of different routes. The most popular route is via the cable car which takes tourists from the town of Terskol to Garabashi Station at an elevation of 3,800 metres (12,500 ft). From there, it is a 6-hour hike to the summit.
Other popular routes include the southern Approach via Priyut 11 hut or Azau station; the Barrels route which follows a series of abandoned Soviet military tunnels; and the North Face route which is considered to be one of the most challenging climbs in the world
The Valley of the Geysers
The Valley of the Geysers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Russia's top tourist attractions. The valley is home to over 100 geysers, making it the largest concentration of geysers in the world. Visitors can explore the valley on foot or by taking a boat ride through the geyser basin.
The Valley of the Geysers was discovered in 1941 by a Russian scientist who was studying the area's seismic activity. The valley gained international attention in 1971 when scientists from the United States and Japan visited to study the geysers. Today, the Valley of the Geysers is a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors.
Kamchatka Peninsula
The Kamchatka Peninsula is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Russia. The peninsula is home to many volcanoes, including the active Volcano of Fire, and is a popular destination for hiking and trekking. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, rafting and other outdoor activities in the region.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a place to travel that is full of history, culture, and beauty, then Russia is the perfect destination for you. From the stunning architecture of St. Petersburg to the magnificent palaces of Moscow, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this amazing country. We hope our list of the top 10 tourist attractions in Russia has inspired you to start planning your next adventure.