Siberia: A Land of Mystical Beauty, Festivals, and Must-Visit Destinations

 

Siberia, a major region in Russia which is renowned for its vast area, remoteness, extreme cold and untamed wilderness, is what generally comes to head when Siberia is mentioned.

Yet, beyond its icy reputation, Siberia is a land of vivid culture, deep traditions and impressive natural wonders.

Regardless of whether you’re an adventure seeker or a traveler looking to experience something new, history buff or history hater, Siberia has a great many unforgettable sights and festivals for you.

Festivals of Siberia

Though Siberia is a region plagued by a harsh climate, the land is fertile ground for the lively festivals of its people and indigenous cultures.

Maslenitsa or Butter Week is one of the most famous festivals. This is an ancient Slavic festival held in late February or early March when winter ends and spring begins.

Blini (pancakes), traditional games, folk performances, and burning of straw effigies symbolizing the end of winter are enjoyed by people.

The Yakut New Year, Ysyakh Festival, is another unique celebration that takes place in late June. 

This event with shamanic roots is celebrated to mark the summer solstice, performances of ritual dances, traditional throat singing, and the drinking of kumis (fermented mare’s milk). 

The Sakha (Yakut) people deeply connect the event with spirituality and culture.

Open to anyone with an interest in indigenous cultures, the Reindeer Herders’ Festival in Siberia’s crown region is an extraordinary experience. This festival is celebrated between March and April and it represents the lifestyle of the Nenets people featuring reindeer races, fur clothing and the traditional nomadic rituals.

The Baikal Ice Festival will mesmerize those who are lovers of the winter. This festival held on the frozen surface of Lake Baikal from February to March has incredible ice sculptures, dog sledding and action like ice biking, ice diving as well as other fun activities!

Must-Visit Destinations in Siberia

A land of dramatic landscapes, historic cities and natural beauty unmatched in the world is Siberia. This is perhaps among the best tourist destination in Siberia in here:

And the world’s deepest and oldest freshwater lake is often referred to as the ‘Pearl of Siberia’, namely Lake Baikal. 

In summer, the crystal clear waters are great for exploring, and visitors can soak up the lush trails, as well as visit the sacred Buryat people’s Olkhon Island. 

During winter, ice caves, frozen methane bubbles, and endless skating can be experienced across the frozen lake, which turns into a surreal wonderland.

The Altai Mountains offer some of the most stunning landscapes in Siberia. It is a heaven for nature lovers with turquoise lakes, like Lake Teletskoye, ancient petroglyphs and great hiking trails. 

Nomadic cultures live there in the Altai region and preserve centuries old traditions.

For those who are interested in extreme living conditions, Yakutsk, which is the coldest inhabited city on Earth, is a must visit. 

This city is located in the Sakha Republic and in winter it can go as low as -50°C. It is possible to visit permafrost museums, meet the Yakut people and see their way of life living in one of the harshest climates on the planet.

No Siberia trip can be complete without making a Trans-Siberian Railway trip, one of the world’s longest and most iconic train journeys. 

This legendary route stretches over 9,000 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok and its passengers can admire Siberia’s vast landscapes, from dense forests to endless tundras.

Outdoors are just a dream to outdoor enthusiasts visiting Krasnoyarsk Pillars (Stolby Nature Reserve). 

Famous for towering rock formations, scenic hiking trails and breathtaking panoramic views this nature reserve is renowned with all the above features. Rock climbers and photographer’s favorite.

For history buffs, Tobolsk, the former capital of Siberia, with gorgeous white stone Kremlin buildings looking over historic cathedrals and rich Cossack heritage is a must. 

It will give you an idea of what Siberia’s history was as a major eastward expansion point of the Russians.

Why Visit Siberia?

Siberia is a land of extremes: harsh winters and warm-hearted people, ancient traditions and modern cities, emptiness and abundance of wildlife. 

If you have a thing for rich cultural festivals, incredibly beautiful nature or you are looking for an off the beaten path adventure, Siberia will not disappoint you.

Siberia is undoubtedly the best destination on earth if you desire a place that will overwhelm you with its history, excitement, and phenomenal scenery.