Russia is one of the most mysterious countries in the world for tourists. Let Russia complicate the situation with a visa regime for some countries, visiting the largest country in the world is an adventure that will be remembered for a lifetime and fill the camera with photos. The word “Russia” itself is directly associated with snowy winter, and below are the places worth visiting during the cold season.
Yekaterinburg
The Ural capital of Russia is the third most visited city in the Russian Federation. It is rich in its history and attractions available to tourists at any time of the year. History lovers will be especially interested in Yekaterinburg: here the imperial dynasty of the Romanovs ended, and it was here that the first president of Russia, Boris Yeltsin, lived most of his life. Without leaving the city, where high-tech is mixed with Soviet buildings and multi-level buildings, tourists can appreciate the view of the snow-covered slopes and try their hand at skiing. There are several complexes in Yekaterinburg, therefore it is easy to combine business with pleasure. You don't have to be a professional skier to do this: beginners are also welcomed in Uktus and on Mount Yezhova.
Esto-Sadok
The small town of Esto-Sadok is located in the picturesque Krasnaya Polyana. Stunning views of the mountains open up to guests of all hotels, and for a good time, you don't have to go to nearby Sochi. The town boasts a small infrastructure that includes gourmet restaurants, cozy lodges, historic sites and the largest casino in the region with regular events such as ComedyClub stand-up stand-ups and the PokerStars-sponsored European Poker Tour. in March 2019.
Krasnodar
Winter in Krasnodar is definitely not a standard picture that a person accustomed to huge snowdrifts would imagine. Let the rain not be an obstacle: in winter in Krasnodar, you can equally enjoy the festive lighting, Christmas trees, the lavishly decorated historical center and traditional fairs. A walk along Krasnaya and Sovetskaya streets will leave good impressions of the hospitable southern city. Krasnodar also boasts its own Red Square and the popular ice rink located on it.
Kaluga
The city of Kaluga, a regional center and a major engineering center, is located 200 kilometers from the capital of Russia. In addition to a large number of historical monuments, the city boasts an active cultural life. In winter, anyone can stroll along the main street and admire the lights that adorn Teatralnaya Square. There you can also buy a couple of souvenirs at the New Year's fair, stroll along the Kaluga Arbat and go to the theater opened by Catherine II. Fans of outdoor activities should go to the Kvan sports center, where anyone can be taught to ski and snowboard professionally “without mountains and long flights”.
Kaliningrad
The capital of amber has long been loved by all visitors for its fabulous houses and European atmosphere. To visit the city, it is worth stocking up on warm clothes, and all because of the northerly winds and mostly open areas. In the city, it is definitely worth a stroll through the Fisherman's Village and look at the Cathedral on the island of Kant, which is beautiful both in winter and in summer. The snow-capped city is one big attraction in itself. The districts of Hufen and Amalienau, in particular, framed with New Year's garlands, will surely come to the taste of all fans of the European style.
Kazan
Kazan, successfully combining east and west, attracts tourists with its unusual combination of new buildings and old buildings. In winter, the combination of Europe and Asia takes on an extra charm. Tourists and locals usually stroll near the Kazan Kremlin and along the Kremlin embankment, which in winter also turns into the longest city skating rink in Russia, or admire the light show at the Spasskaya Tower. Those who want to get away from the bustle of the city and enjoy nature should look into the Gorky Park of Culture and Rest - an ideal place for hiking or skiing.
Sochi
The resort town is famous for its beaches and attractions such as the Arboretum and Riviera Park, but the popularity of winter sports has increased significantly since the Winter Olympics 2014. The Olympic Park opens its doors to all adherents of a healthy lifestyle and simply fans of mountain sports. "Fisht", "Rosa Khutor" and other iconic objects function fully, and in the evening tourists can admire the singing fountains and their beautiful illumination. For those who wish to see the famous waterfalls, excursions are conducted even in winter: the weather at this time of the year in Sochi is spring by Russian standards.
Nizhny Novgorod
Nizhny Novgorod opens the top three cities. The city, full of history, attracts tourists at any time of the year and boasts mesmerizing winter views of the Volga and Oka. Anyone can walk and admire the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin, a Christmas tree on Minin Square, and also ride on the longest cable car in Europe. This road is famous for its unsupported flight of 880 meters, which will definitely impress anyone. The cable car has only two stations, and the journey between them costs only 100 rubles. Those wishing to capture all the sights in the photo should go to the Fedorovsky embankment.
Saint Petersburg
The northern capital is rich in winter views for every taste and color, just like in a fairy tale. Cobbled streets, palaces and bridges are combined with flat snow cover, lights and sculptures that adorn the center of St. Petersburg. Although the wind from the Gulf of Finland sometimes does not create ideal conditions for a walk, it is definitely worth taking a walk along Nevsky Prospekt to Palace Square and the Admiralty. All the main sights of St. Petersburg take on a completely different look and give a special atmosphere to the city in winter.
Moscow
The honorable first place is taken by Moscow, the capital of Russia and an endless source of entertainment and beauty. In winter, in Moscow, everyone becomes for a short time a tourist, looking at Moscow for the first time: it is so beautifully decorated. The must-see list includes the notorious Red Square with its annual fairs and lights that adorn GUM. Fire lovers should also take a walk along Nikolskaya Street, which became famous during the 2018 FIFA World Cup for its hospitality. For beautiful natural views, it is not necessary to travel outside the city. Anyone can go to the Vorobyovy Gory metro station and admire the Moscow panorama from the snow-capped hills, as well as photograph one of the majestic Stalinist skyscrapers. Those who want to go in for sports should look into the Sorochany ski resort, or, as it is popularly called, “Switzerland near Moscow”. Skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing with professional instructors will give an unforgettable experience for both experienced skiers and those who decide to try themselves in it for the first time. And in the city center, skating rinks located in different parts of Moscow are suitable for active recreation. The most popular are on Red Square, VDNKh and Gorky Park.
