Russia, with its vast landscapes and diverse regions, offers a plethora of adventure activities, outdoor adventures, and unique experiences that will leave you breathless. Here are some to consider:
Adventures Like No Other in Russia:
- Long Journeys: Trains and river cruises provide a unique an often exhilarating way to see Russia’s lesser known regions.
- Extreme Sports: Mountain hiking, heli-skiing, snowmobiling and sledding are just some of the amazing outdoor activities in Russia. Come in winter to be able to experience adventure tourism in Russia at its best.
- Wildlife Watching: Russia has rightly earned its reputation as the land of bears, but did you also know that it has the world’s largest reindeer population?
- Natural Wonders: The world’s deepest lake, a valley where all animals perish and a mountain that towers over all of Europe; these are just some of the gems that make Russia a global destination for adventure tourism.
Once in a Lifetime Journeys
Trains
Stretching nine time zones, travel takes on a whole new meaning in Russia. People talk of travel times in days, not hours. Whereas in Europe weekend city breaks are the norm, in Russia it could take as long as a week simply to get to the destination. The journey itself becomes an adventure. Due to the impressive railway lines that were laid down under the imperial rule, to this day train travel is the main form of long-distance transport. Indeed, so central is it to Russian life that train travel has become part of the culture. Though tourists tend to take the Trans-Siberian, which is the longest and perhaps most famous train journey in the world, there are hundreds of other rail routes for the intrepid traveller to take.
Outdoor sports
Heli-skiing
When people think of Russia they think of snow, but fire is as plentiful as ice in Russia’s most remote eastern region; Kamchatka. With over 300 snow-capped volcanoes rising above jagged bays, skiing here is not for the light-hearted. But, for the true adrenaline seeker, being dropped by a helicopter onto perfectly powdered slopes stretching down to the Pacific Ocean is an experience like no other
Hiking
Europe’s highest mountain is not in the Alps, but rather in the Caucasus on the border between Russia and Georgia. At 5,642 meters it is a mammoth climb. Thankfully, one doesn’t need to be Hercules to appreciate its height; a train and ski-lift carry visitors up to almost 4,000 meters.
Sledding
Troikas aren’t only found in fairytales. As soon as the snow is thick enough, horse-drawn sleighs heaped in lavish furs trail along many a park in Russia’s suburbia. Less well-known, but no less fun are the vatrushkas (doughnut-shaped sleds) that zip down dizzyingly high, traditional wooden slides during the New Year’s holidays. For families whith young children, Russia in winter is the perfect destination for an adventure holiday.
Snowmobiles
Feet don’t get you far in Russia’s vast land. This fact becomes painfully true when the snow gets meters deep. Though most ordinary Russians opt for cross-country skis to get around, it isn’t the most exciting or indeed effective way to explore Russia in winter. Instead, try a snowmobile tour and hear your soul sing as the engine roars. If you go far enough North, you may be lucky enough to see polar bears or the Northern lights.
If you are looking for the best holiday destinations, Viva Voyages offers worldwide holidays to some of the most fascinating parts of the globe.