Discovered by Cossack explorer Vladimir Atlasov in 1697 yet off limits to foreigners during the Soviet period, Kamchatka is easily Russia’s most enigmatic and surely its most compelling region. This eastern frontier once played a key Cold War strategic role…
If you’re looking for an add-on to your Moscow and St Petersburg trip, perhaps you might consider the Ukrainian capital Kiev. Though some parts of the country are currently off limits to visitors, notably Eastern Ukraine and Crimea, Kiev is…
Visiting the coldest reaches of Siberia in the depths of winter takes some preparation and I don’t just mean packing a thick coat. Temperatures in this part of Russia can fall so low that if you usually wear metal spectacles…
Given its location in the far northern republic of Karelia, you could be forgiven for thinking that the UNESCO-listed museum on Kizhi Island would be off-limits to visitors during the winter months. Actually, the museum is open year-round. The museum…
On the first weekend in September, Moscow has traditionally celebrated its city day. This year, the festivities have been moved to the weekend of 10th and 11th September in a bid to separate the celebrations from the commemorations of victims…