Top 10 Places to Visit in Russia

Introduction

• Presenter: Ryan Shirley
• Purpose: Share favorite places in Russia
• Highlights: Stunning landscapes, intriguing history, peculiar places

1. Kamchatka Peninsula

• One of the wildest and most beautiful places in Russia
• Over 160 volcanoes
• Comparable to Iceland and Alaska
• Wildlife: Bears, killer whales
• Largest active volcano in Eurasia
• Capital: Petropavlovsk, dwarfed by volcanoes
• No road access from mainland Russia, best reached by plane

2. Siberia

• Massive region: 3/4 of Russia's land, only 25% of population

Lake Baikal

• Location: Southern Siberia
• Largest freshwater lake in the world, 20% of world's fresh water
• Deepest lake: 1642m
• Home to freshwater seals
• Winter: Ice thickness up to 2m, hoverboat or ice skating
• Icon: Shaman Rock, vibrantly colored ritual poles

Altai Mountains

• Nicknamed 'Switzerland of Siberia'
• Extends to Mongolia, China, Kazakhstan
• Tallest peak: Beluka Mountain (4509m)
• Great shore lake, Actreu valley

Ergaki Nature Park

• Location: Western Sayon Mountain range
• Resembles Dolomites
• Brothers rock formation: parabolic shape

3. Vladivostok

• Location: Southeastern tip of Russia, near China and North Korea
• Green, coastal city
• Largest Russian port on the Pacific Ocean
• End of Trans-Siberian railway
• Surrounding wildlife: Amur leopard, Siberian tigers

4. Moscow

• World's northernmost and coldest megacity
• Europe's 2nd most populous city: 12.4 million residents
• Iconic landmarks:
  • St Basil's Cathedral: Built 1561, colorful onion-shaped domes
  • Moscow Kremlin: Fortified complex, official residence of Vladimir Putin
  • Moscow State University: Stunning building

5. Golden Ring

• Loop of picturesque, historical towns
• Start in Moscow, 12-hour journey visiting 8 towns
• Notable towns:
  • Suzdal: Founded in the 11th century, Cathedral of the Nativity
  • Kostroma: Farthest from Moscow, home to Epiphany Monastery

6. Caucasus Mountains

• Stretches from Black Sea to Caspian Sea
• Home to Mount Elbrus: Tallest mountain in Europe, 5642m
• Dormant volcano, last eruption 50 AD
• Swiss Alps-like scenery
• Summit: Cable cars and normal route

7. Sochi

• Location: Eastern coast of the Black Sea
• Sub-tropical climate
• Winter Olympics 2014 host
• Main attractions: Olympic park, ski resorts within 40 minutes drive

8. Saint Petersburg

• Location: End of the Baltic Sea
• Founded 1703, captured from Swedish
• Thriving city with millions of tourists
• Resembles Amsterdam and Venice
• Notable sites:
  • Peter and Paul Fortress: Original citadel finished in 1740
  • Lakhta Center: Tallest building in Europe (462m)
  • Palace Square, beautiful gardens

Conclusion

• Russia has many beautiful places; potential for a Part Two
• Presenter’s social media: TikTok & Instagram: shirley.films
• Additional content: Relaxation channel with nature films