How to visit “abroad” without leaving the country: a traveler’s choice

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

“Russia is an amazing country. Unique and original. But sometimes it is also very similar to its European neighbors. Sometimes natural and architectural sights remind Europe so much that you start to doubt where you are. How to visit “abroad” without leaving the country, I will tell you below – in the selection of places that have found European analogs.

Ust-Koksinsky district, Altai Republic

Ust-Koksinsky district is located in the south-western part of the Altai Republic. The flooded meadows, snow-capped mountains and purest lakes make it a twin of the Austrian Alps. You can start getting acquainted with the amazing nature of the region from the village of Ust-Koksa, which due to its location is considered to be the most suitable transit point of the district.

From here you can go to the foot of the highest point of the Altai Mountains – Mount Belukha (4506 m), looking at which it is impossible not to remember Mont Blanc – the main peak of the Alps (4810 m). Continuing the journey, it is worth to visit cascading Multinskoye lakes, Uymonskaya valley, millennial glaciers, waterfalls and ridges. The feeling of European deja vu will only intensify.

St. Petersburg suburbs and Vyborg

Pavlovsk, Peterhof, Gatchina, Shlisselburg… How much aesthetics, poetics, beauty and sublimity in the names of St. Petersburg suburbs! Some resemble Versailles, some remind of Renaissance Italy, others – Scandinavian fortresses.

Vyborg stands out in this row – although not the closest (the distance is 140 km), but an incredibly interesting suburb of St. Petersburg. Coming here, you instantly get into medieval Sweden. The castle on the island, Monrepo Park with the Island of the Dead, the bizarre Round Tower, the Town Hall and the marketplace definitely deserve to stay here longer.

Kabardino-Balkaria

Those who have been to both the republic and the countries of the Balkan Peninsula will confirm the similarity of the regions. Which is not surprising, because they are located at approximately the same latitude on opposite shores of the Black Sea.

The “rhyme” of the Republic with Croatia deserves special attention: both regions have their own Blue Lakes. Croatian Blue Lake is located near the town of Imotski, and the Blue Lakes of Kabardino-Balkaria – 30 kilometers from Nalchik. The water bodies are distinguished by emerald-blue shades of water and delightful pristine coastal nature. However, a walk along the lakes is far not the only reason to come to Kabardino-Balkaria.

In the fall you can go to the mountains on horses or jeeps, taste Balkar khychin, visit the Malka Gorge. And in winter you can explore Chegem waterfalls, swim in hot springs and go skiing at the Chegeta ski resort.

Kaliningrad Region

Many people agree that Kaliningrad region is similar to Poland, Lithuania and Germany at the same time. Getting off the ramp in Khrabrovo, you can immediately immerse yourself in the atmosphere of old Prussia, if you start the route with an organ concert in the Cathedral, then look at the Fish Village and the Amber Museum, and in the evening take a promenade through the old German district of Amalienau. Picturesque mansions and winding streets, small parks, paved paths and quaint sculptures instantly transport you to Germany.

And having finished with the capital of the region, you can drive to the seaside Svetlogorsk and Zelenogradsk – the most picturesque suburbs of Kaliningrad with a thousand-year history.

Blue Abyss, Krasnodar Region

The Blue Abyss lagoon near Gelendzhik is reminiscent of the Lycian Trail in Turkey. The places are similar not only by fabulous names, but also by breathtaking panoramas. Blue Abyss is a wild beach with large white pebbles and turquoise-transparent water, located under a steep cliff. The way to it lies through a grove of legendary Pizunda pine trees.

In summer, tourists come to this beach for the cleanest water, peace and privacy, and in the fall and winter you can go here to breathe the healing sea air, soaked with tart pine aroma. The atmosphere is so reminiscent of Tolkien’s fairy tales that it seems as if hobbits are hiding somewhere in the pine roots.