Top 5 Russian cities where it is better to go in winter than in summer

If you associate traveling exclusively with summer, we’ll change your mind! In the cold season, vacations can be bright too. It’s worth making a wish under the northern lights or taking a photo on the top of a mountain under the clouds. Let us tell you where to look for Russian winter.

co-founder of Naturalist.travel

It’s hard to find a territory on the planet where winter is better than summer. Either it’s Antarctica, where winter doesn’t differ from summer, or deserts (like Sahara), where it’s impossible to survive in summer and comfortable 20-25 °C in winter. We have a “northern” country. Traditionally, we vacation in the south, where it is warm. We do not have such a place as Harbin in China. However, there are some very interesting ones that are definitely worth visiting.

We have collected five Russian cities that are better to visit in winter, not in summer. Let’s prove that snowy corners are no less beautiful!

Veliky Ustyug

The place of Russian winter. The town in the Vologda region is famous for the residence of Santa Claus. The wooden terem in the snowy forest, although it works all year round, but it is more beautiful in winter.

In the cold season, there are advantages for outdoor recreation. For example, there are no annoying mosquitoes, gadflies and other insects.

What to do?

Coming here in winter, you can spend time interestingly, useful and comfortable. It is absolutely necessary to hunt for the northern lights. For the New Year’s atmosphere you should definitely come here even after the holiday. You can walk around the winter garden, blacksmith shop, visit the holiday show. In addition, go skiing among the picturesque mountains. The average temperature here is -13 °С.

Murmansk

The city beyond the Arctic Circle. One more place where you can see the northern lights. It happens here from September till April. And the polar night is from December 2 to January 11. So, the chances of seeing the glow of the upper atmosphere of the planet increase.

The temperature is at least -10°C. This is due to the influence of the warm North Atlantic current.

What to do?

Ski and snowboard, watch numerous festivals and take part in northern rituals. Check out Five Corners Square, where the main Christmas tree stands. Live in a Finnish lodge and experience the peculiarities of the polar night.

Sochi

In winter, this city is quiet, cozy and warm in its own way. In the cold season, the main center of attraction is Krasnaya Polyana. There are the best ski resorts in the country. And the most beautiful views for photos. Who can leave indifferent mountains, snow-white slopes and walks under the clouds?

What to do?

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can go for a walk along the trails of national parks, to see the Olympic venues. The city is suitable both for lovers of active and quiet kind of rest. The average temperature is +10 °С.

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

The city, which will definitely surprise with a variety of entertainments.

What to do?

General Director of hotel and apartment booking service Tvil. Ru

Go skiing and snowboarding on the ski track “Gorny Air”. Local mountains – Bolshevik and Krasnaya – are equipped with 19 tracks of different difficulty level. Master snowmobiling, go to bays and capes. Go winter fishing right in the middle of the sea. But the most unusual occupation will be crab fishing. Gastronomy is developed here. It is rich in a variety of local seafood. The average temperature ranges from -5 °C to +1 °C.

Arkhangelsk

A city with ancient buildings against a background of white snow. The oldest buildings are the Novodvinsk fortress and the Gostiny Dvor of the 17th century. Arkhangelsk is famous for the only algae factory in our country.

What to do?

Here you can witness the northern lights. In the region you should visit the unique park of wooden architecture Malye Korely. You will be taken for a ride on horses and sledges, fed with homemade pies with sbitnem. There is also the House of Santa Claus. It is important to take into account that the average temperature is from -6 to -16 ° C.