Russia might not be at the top of everyone’s travel list, but it is truly one of the world’s most extraordinary countries with an enormous depth of cultural riches, stunning landscapes and wildlife, and a fascinating history. With one in four Russians being retired, you may find yourself toasting some new, likeminded friends in your new favourite holiday destination. Here are 10 things to do for a uniquely Russian experience.
Once upon a time the Soviet space program was top secret, but now it’s open to visitors to not only learn about space exploration, but to also experience what it’s like to be weightless. The perfect activity after a big lunch.
Perhaps the only place in Russia where you can’t blame the vodka for making you see double, the Twin Stars Diner’s staff is made up entirely of identical twins performing identical duties and wearing identical clothes. The concept of the diner was inspired by the 1964 Soviet film Kingdom of Crooked Mirrors where the protagonist sees a twin of herself in an alternate reality. As you can see from the image it’s a pretty kooky film.
Forget the spandex and make-up, the Moscow Cat Theatre performs with human actors as well as 150 furry artists that walk tightropes and climb poles.
Read more: 5 countries where animals reign supreme
Russia loves its train travel because it’s a convenient way to get around a massive country without flying (think the Transiberian Railway). Travellers can take a journey on the Circumbaikal railway, getting on at Listvyanka Station, which will take you around the largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Baikal.
Russia’s Dancing Forest is known for its unusually twisted pine trees, bent into rings, heart shapes and convoluted spirals, with many creeping towards the ground. It’s unknown why the trees grow in such formations but one theory is that it’s due to a particular species of moth. To add an extra eerie factor, before the trees were planted in 1960, the land was used as a Nazi German gliding school.
Moscow’s train stations are hiding a big secret. While we may imagine them to be similar to dull or even grimy undergrounds like those of New York, they are in reality like walking through palaces. Superbly decorated in art deco, flamboyant styles complete with art installations, they’re possibly the most beautiful train stations in the world.
Read more: The big secret Moscow’s train stations are hiding
In Oymyakon, the average winter temperature is around -50ºC, making it the coldest permanently inhabited place on the planet. Located in the Sakha Republic, Siberia, it’s home to 500 people who live off reindeer and horse meat as nothing grows. If you thought outhouses as a child in Australia were bad, many buildings here still have outdoor toilets.
Beluga whales are small and joyful creatures that are friendly to humans. Their habitat is the Arctic Circle, and there are many tours off the coast of Russia that will take you right into the icy waters for a swim with these friendly animals.
Considered a masterpiece of Orthodox art, St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow’s Red Square is utterly captivating. It was built in the 16th century by Ivan the Terrible to commemorate his victory over the Tartar Mongols. Inside the church are painted scenes of history.
If you’ve ever wanted to experience what life was like under Soviet rule in St Petersburg you can dine in a restaurant that is in fact an apartment from the Soviet era. Blogger Grassroots Nomad described the experience like truly being in someone’s home with dated décor and old Russian TV shows blaring. Expect to eat real Russian food – beef stroganoff, pelmeni (Russian dumplings) and stuffed cabbage. Cheers! здоровье!
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