No need for a passport: 5 ideas for winter travel in Russia

Winter is already in full swing, but the coronavirus pandemic is not yet over. This means that it is worth looking for a place to vacation in Russia rather than abroad. To get to beautiful and amazing places, it is not necessary to have a passport and cross half of the globe. We have compiled a list of interesting destinations for winter travel.

Crystal clear ice of Lake Baikal

Many people have a dream to visit the legendary Baikal at least once. But in winter the deepest lake in the world can not only be seen. Every year it turns into a huge skating rink, where everyone can skate and look into the depths through a layer of ice and kilometers of water.

You will need special tourist skates and warm clothes. The air temperature in Baikal sometimes drops to -30°C. Make sure the ice is firm beforehand!

Winter fairy tale with dog sledding in Karelia

In winter, the nature of the Russian north becomes even more grandiose and majestic: coniferous forests wrapped in snow cannot help but mesmerize. There are many wonderful places to visit in Karelia. But the most unforgettable adventure you can take part in is a dog sledding trip. An experienced instructor will help you enjoy riding and socializing with the friendly and intelligent husky dogs.

Swan Lake in Altai Krai

In the Altai Territory you can see quite unexpected for winter: hundreds of swans floating on the surface of the lake. Quite expected questions arise: how the birds are not cold? Why doesn’t the surface of the water freeze?

The reason is that in November warm springs start flowing from the bottom of Lake Svetloye, which warm the water. Every year swans gather there to raise their young. Special observation platforms are installed around the lake for the convenience of tourists.

The natural attraction is located an hour’s drive from the city of Biysk. This is a great place to relax with family or friends.

Getting to know reindeer in Yamal

See firsthand the lifestyle of reindeer herders in the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District. They live the same way as they did several centuries ago: far from scientific and technological progress, they build homemade dwellings. Their whole way of life is centered on reindeer herding.

For any Russian, a trip to the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District will be an unforgettable experience and a great opportunity to see reindeer not in a zoo, but in natural conditions. The destination is the city of Salekhard, from where tours to reindeer herders’ villages are organized.

Northern Lights in Murmansk

To see the incredibly beautiful northern lights, it is enough to come to the Murmansk region. Before your trip, you should check the forecast of solar activity – it depends on whether you will be able to see the northern lights.

This natural phenomenon is a real magic, from which not only children, but also adults are delighted.