Western Siberia Travel Guide
Discover the culturally and naturally significant attractions, activities, food, accommodations, and logistics of Western Siberia in this comprehensive travel guide.
- Introduction to Western Siberia
- List of Places to Visit in Western Siberia
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Western Siberia
- Best Things to Do in Western Siberia: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Western Siberia
- Food and Drink Scene of Western Siberia
- Where to Stay in Western Siberia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Western Siberia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Western Siberia
- Best Time to Visit Western Siberia
- Do’s and Don’ts of Western Siberia
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Western Siberia: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Western Siberia
- Where to Go Next from Western Siberia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Western Siberia
Western Siberia is a region in Siberia, Russia, located in the eastern part of Europe. It covers a vast area that stretches from the Ural Mountains to the Yenisei River. It is characterized by stunning natural beauty, diverse cultures, and a rich history. The region serves as a gateway to the vast wilderness beyond, with many scenic sites, vibrant cities, unique museums, distinctive cuisine, and lively festivals.
List of Places to Visit in Western Siberia
There are many incredible places to visit in Western Siberia. Below is a list of some of the must-see destinations:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Novosibirsk: Russia’s third-largest city and home to several renowned museums, including the State Art Museum, the State Museum of Local History, and the Museum of Transportation and Communications.
- Tomsk: A beautiful city that served as the center of Siberian culture and education since the 19th century. It boasts numerous architectural landmarks such as the wooden houses, the Tomsk State University, and the Tomsk History Museum.
- Omsk: A city with a rich cultural heritage, including the Omsk State Museum of Regional Studies, the Dostoevsky Museum, the Peasant Museum and the Sobornaya Square with its magnificent orthodox cathedral and the Assumption chapel.
- Tyumen: The oldest Russian city in Siberia with numerous noteworthy attractions like the Tyumen Regional Museum of Local Lore, The House of Merchant Klyuchi zemli, and the Tyumen State Drama Theater featuring performances in both Russian and Tatar language.
Natural Attractions of Western Siberia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Altai Republic: This mountainous area offers spectacular views, breathtaking landscapes, and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, skiing, and kayaking.
- Lake Baikal: The deepest and oldest lake in the world, with 20% of the world’s freshwater. Visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery, wildlife, and unique Siberian flora.
- Kazym River: A popular destination for fishing enthusiasts looking to catch grayling, whitefish, and pike.
- Manpupuner rock formations: A unique attraction located in the Pechora-Ilych Nature Reserve, featuring seven impressive stone pillars, each over 30 meters high, that are the result of the erosion of ancient salt domes.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Western Siberia
Western Siberia offers a diverse range of hiking and biking routes that take you through scenic landscapes.
- The Great Siberian Way: A bike route that stretches from Moscow to Vladivostok, covering over 10,000 kilometers.
- The Baikal Trail: A hiking trail that circles Lake Baikal, stretching over 200 kilometers and provides an incredible opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of the lake and its surroundings.
- The Altai Mountains: A range of mountains that offer some of the most scenic and challenging hiking trails in Siberia, with routes covering several hundred kilometers in length.
Best Things to Do in Western Siberia: Activities and Tours
There are a variety of exciting activities and tours to experience in Western Siberia.
- Dog Sledding: Explore the wilderness of Western Siberia by dog sled tour, a unique way to experience the natural beauty of the region.
- Cultural Events: Western Siberia hosts several cultural events throughout the year, including the Trans-Siberian Marathon, the Baikal Ice Marathon, and the Grelka Fest.
- Hot Springs: Western Siberia is home to many hot springs, such as the Sheregesh Hot Springs, which offer visitors the chance to relax and soak in the unique natural thermal waters.
Week-Long Itinerary for Western Siberia
Here’s a week-long itinerary for exploring Western Siberia:
| Day | Destination | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Novosibirsk | Visit the State Art Museum and the Museum of Transportation; explore the city center |
| 2 | Tomsk | Visit the Tomsk State University and the Tomsk History Museum |
| 3 | Altai Republic | Hike in the Altai Mountains |
| 4 | Lake Baikal | Explore the lake and surrounding area |
| 5 | Tyumen | Visit Tyumen Regional Museum of Local Lore and Peasant Museum |
| 6 | Omsk | Visit Omsk State Museum of Regional Studies and Dostoevsky Museum |
| 7 | Kazym River | Fishing and relaxing in the countryside |
Food and Drink Scene of Western Siberia
Western Siberia offers a unique culinary experience that reflects its diverse cultural heritage, flavorful ingredients, and traditional cooking methods.
Must-Try Dishes
- Pelmeni: Dumplings filled with meat, usually beef or pork.
- Shuba: A salad made from layers of beetroot, salted herring, and onions.
- Bliny: Thin pancakes that can be filled with anything, from smoked salmon to caviar.
- Solyanka: A soup made from meat, vegetables, and pickled cucumbers.
- Kvas: A refreshing beverage made from fermented bread.
Local Beverages
- Vodka: A famous Russian beverage that has been produced and enjoyed for centuries.
- Baikal Beer: A delicious local beer brewed near Lake Baikal.
Where to Stay in Western Siberia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Western Siberia provides various accommodation options that cater to different travel budgets. Here are some top recommendations:
- Novosibirsk: Park Inn by Radisson Novosibirsk or DoubleTree by Hilton.
- Tomsk: Hotel Tomsk or Kota 3 Hostel.
- Altai Republic: Altai Village or Altai Resort.
- Lake Baikal: Hotel Baikal or Baikal Eco-hostel.
- Tyumen: In Tumen Hotel or Sheraton Tyumen.
- Omsk: Hilton Garden Inn Omsk or Ibis Sibir Omsk.
What to Buy in Western Siberia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Western Siberia boasts a wide range of unique souvenirs and products that visitors can take home as a reminder of their fantastic trip. Some of the must-buy items are:
- Fur Hats: Made from the highest-quality fur, these hats keep warm during the coldest Siberian winters.
- Matryoshka Nesting Dolls: These elegant hand-painted dolls are stacked inside each other in decreasing size.
- Birch Bark Products: These include handmade boxes, baskets, and home décor items made from birch bark.
- Amber Jewelry: World-famous for its excellent quality and unique design.
- Altai Honey: This natural honey is made from the nectar of wildflowers in the Altai Mountains and is considered a delicacy.
Local Culture and Customs of Western Siberia
Western Siberia has a rich and vibrant cultural heritage shaped by its diverse ethnic groups, including ethnic Russians, Tatars, and other indigenous people. Visitors should show respect for local customs, such as removing shoes before entering a home or religious establishment. It is also customary to give small gifts when visiting someone’s home.
Best Time to Visit Western Siberia
The best time to visit Western Siberia is during May to September, when the weather conditions are mild and provide excellent outdoor activities. If you plan to visit Lake Baikal and the surrounding areas, the best time would be from January to March when the frozen lake becomes an ice-skating paradise.
Do’s and Don’ts of Western Siberia
Do:
- Show respect for the local culture and customs.
- Try the local cuisine and drink the traditional beverages.
- Take a dip in the hot springs.
- Enjoy the scenic views and landscapes.
- Learn some basic Russian phrases.
Don’t:
- Disrespect religious customs.
- Speak loudly in public spaces.
- Leave litter in natural areas.
- Ignore safety precautions while exploring the wilderness.
- Enter someone’s home without permission.
Safety and Health
Safety in Western Siberia
Western Siberia, like anywhere else, can pose some safety concerns. However, the region is relatively safe for tourists. Visitors should still take precautions while exploring the wilderness, such as wearing appropriate clothing and carrying emergency supplies in case of unexpected weather changes.
Health in Western Siberia
Visitors should be aware of the potential for altitude sickness while hiking in the high-altitude areas. It is also essential to drink only approved, bottled water, to avoid any waterborne illness.
Getting to Western Siberia: Transportation Options and Logistics
Western Siberia is accessible by air, rail, or road.
Airports Near Western Siberia
The primary airports serving Western Siberia are:
- Novosibirsk - Tolmachevo Airport (OVB).
- Krasnoyarsk - Yemelyanovo International Airport (KJA).
- Omsk - Tsentralny Airport (OMS).
- Tyumen - Roshchino International Airport (TJM).
Bus Stations Near Western Siberia
There are several bus terminals across the region, connecting smaller towns and villages. Buses are an affordable and convenient way to travel around Western Siberia, but they can take longer than trains or planes.
Other Options
The Trans-Siberian railway connects Moscow with several Siberian cities and provides a fantastic travel experience. For those traveling from China or Mongolia, the Trans-Mongolian railway is an excellent option that connects Beijing and Ulaanbaatar with Siberian cities.
How to Get Around in Western Siberia
Getting around in Western Siberia in an affordable and convenient way is by using public transportation, especially when exploring the larger cities. Taxis, buses, trams, and trains are all easily accessible and affordable options to get around. Car rental is also a choice, but visitors should be aware of the sometimes-challenging road conditions caused by heavy snowfall.
Where to Go Next from Western Siberia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Western Siberia provides an excellent base to explore nearby destinations:
- Krasnoyarsk: A city that offers dramatic views of the Stolby Nature Reserve and plentiful hiking and cycling trails.
- Irkutsk: A cultural hub and the most significant city near Lake Baikal.
- Yakutia: A vast, remote area in northeastern Siberia, with a unique culture and geological attractions.
- Moscow: The capital city of Russia, a cosmopolitan city full of museums, galleries, theaters, and vibrant nightlife.
Conclusion
Western Siberia is a vast and beautiful region that offers something for every traveler. From natural wonders to cultural experiences, outdoor adventures to city attractions, the region contains something for every travel style. With its unique culture, friendly people, and fascinating history, Western Siberia is a destination not to be missed.
