5 most comfortable and scenic cycling routes in Russia

President of Pro-Vision, author of the Vinogradov.story community

“How many of you are fans of bicycle travel? I, for example, have always enjoyed traveling to interesting places on two wheels. Moreover, every year it becomes easier and easier: the technique is improving, and in the infrastructural plan we can see a noticeable progress. I have collected for you several routes across Russia, with which the summer cycling season can be closed on the brightest note possible.

From Yakhroma to Dubna, Moscow Region

There are many interesting cycling routes in the capital and the region, but I would recommend paying attention to an ambitious project called “Velo1”. This is the name of a well-maintained bicycle highway that will run through the Moscow, Tver, Novgorod and Leningrad regions to eventually connect Moscow and St. Petersburg. Now the first 56 km section is open – along the Moscow Canal from Yakhroma to Dubna. The route is perfect for those who want to try their hand at bicycle tourism, but who like to ride as comfortably as possible and are not yet ready to overcome long distances.

The route starts in the town of Yakhroma, which you can reach with your bike by train from Savelovsky station. If you do not have your own equipment, there are bicycle rentals at the start of the route (as well as in Dmitrov). Even on rented equipment it is easy and pleasant to move around – there are practically no strong height differences on the bicycle path, besides, on the way you will regularly meet rest stations and cafes where you can take a break.

“Velo1” – the route is simple but rich in impressions. The ride along the water calms you down and sets you in a dreamy mood, and when you get to Dmitrov, be sure to walk around the beautiful, seemingly miniature Dmitrovsky Kremlin. The final point of the route – Dubna – is also of undoubted tourist interest. The panoramic crossing of the canal, street art on Dzhelepov Street or the monument to B. M. Pontecorvo and V. P. Dzhelepov are worth a visit. P. Jelepov (one of the scientists, by the way, is immortalized in bronze next to a bicycle).

Ladoga Coast, Leningrad Region and Karelia

One more picturesque and not very extreme route that opens before travelers all the beauty of Karelia. First of all, such an adventure should appeal to those who feel comfortable on automobile roads.

The distances here are large (you will need to travel something around 170 km, at a leisurely pace it is 4-5 days), but it is by no means a monotonous road. Start your way in Priozersk, not forgetting to look at the Korela fortress and admire the church, which was built by the Finns, and then move along the Ladoga to the north. The road to the next point – the town of Lahdenpohja – is surrounded by forested rocks and large water, so there will be no lack of “postcard” views. You can stay overnight in Lahdenpohja, as there are hotels and cafes with authentic local cuisine.

Further on – through Sortavala permeated with Scandinavian aesthetics (be sure to visit the park “Vakkosalmi” with magnificent observation platforms) to the Karelian pearl – Ruskeala mountain park with the marble canyon known throughout Russia.

Ruskeala

Golden Ring, Vladimir and Yaroslavl Regions

Even if you have already been to Vladimir, Suzdal, Rostov and Yaroslavl, and in general have traveled the Golden Ring along and across, during a trip on a bicycle long familiar routes begin to play with new colors. Besides, it is a great opportunity to switch from ancient Kremlin walls, churches and local history museums to other sights hidden from the eyes of eternally bustling tourists.

Yaroslavl

All cities of the Golden Ring are connected with each other by routes, quite suitable for traveling by bicycle, so you can start your trip from anywhere. For example, from Vladimir, which is convenient to reach by train from Moscow. But be sure to include Suzdal in your route! The city with a measured provincial life and quiet traffic is literally created for cycling, and now, when the first trees are slowly beginning to turn yellow, it is especially beautiful. I also advise you to ride along Rostov-Suzdalsky tract, where on some parts there are remnants of ancient paved road. And drive along the embankment in Yaroslavl – where without it?

Suzdal

From Bakhchisarai to Sevastopol, Crimea

Sea, mountains, ancient monuments and untouched nature – all this is in abundance in Crimea. Another thing is more difficult: the peninsula is so original and so well suited for bicycle travel that it will be extremely difficult to single out a single route.

For my part, I can recommend the route Bakhchisarai – Sevastopol. Not too short (you will have time to see a lot), but also not “eating” the whole vacation – the route length of 125 km in a leisurely rhythm with stops can be overcome in three days.

Bakhchisarai

From Bakhchisarai head towards Kachi-Kalon – Crimean medieval cave monastery, one of the oldest on the peninsula. The cult construction is located not far from Bashtanovka village. Those who have a binoculars with them will get breathtaking views of the mountains Syuren-Tau, Kurban-Kaya and Pugu-Kaya. You can stop for a night stay a little farther away – in Malom Sadovoye village. After gaining strength and moving further through Zalesye, you will be able to admire the Chardaklyk mountain massif. If you and your equipment are not afraid of “uncomfortable” unasphalted paths, make a small detour and visit local grottoes. You will have an opportunity to pass through the through grotto in the dome of Teshik-Koba (Hole Cave) and look into the eyes of a “demon” in the grotto of Dziva-Koba (Demon’s Cave).

The next big stop I advise you to make in Chernolesye. The village is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful places in Crimea. People come here to admire the mountain valleys with steep slopes, wooded ridges and rivers running between the rocks. In addition, there are burial places of the Taurians and sites of people of the Bronze Age.

Along the Chuyskiy Tract, Altai

Altai is considered a real paradise for cyclists for a reason. Firstly, the region is quite compact – in order to get from one interesting location to another, you will not have to ride for a week through the same forests. Secondly, thanks to the peculiarities of the landscape Altai attracts cycling tourists of all colors. Here you can leisurely wheel along good roads through the passes, knead mud on off-road far from civilization, descend from the mountains on mountain bikes or just make a day trip to the nearest attractions.

The key transportation artery of Altai is the Chuisky trakt. The road has an excellent asphalt surface, but this is far from its main advantage. It is much more important that from the Chuisky tract to a lot of natural and historical-cultural sights is literally a short walk away. For example, the famous Geysernoe Lake is located only 500 meters from the highway, petroglyphs of Kalbak-Tash tract – 100 meters, Denisova Cave, which is a unique archeological monument of Altai, – 80 meters. And the Altai Mars – mysterious colored mountains, where every stone seems to have come to Earth from outer space – is only 7 km away from the Chuisky highway on a good dirt road.