10 national parks in Russia that are worth seeing with your own eyes
Miscellaneous / / September 02, 2023
You are waiting for the Caucasian mountain slopes, Karelian lakes, dunes on the Baltic coast and not only.
There are more than a hundred nature reserves in Russia and more than forty national parks. Moreover, the number of natural areas protected by the state, increases. They told about the ten most beautiful national parks, which are located in different regions of the country.
1. Elk Island National Park
It is located not far from Moscow, and part of its territory is included in the city boundaries. This is one of the first national parks in the country: it was based in 1983. Here you can see a wild forest and beautiful meadows overgrown with herbs, admire the seagulls, look for mushrooms and berries. Part of the territory of the park is occupied by swamps - it is better not to go there.
Here live about 45 species of mammals and 160 species birds. This is a huge variety, and it's great that it has been preserved near the metropolis. For tourists here created
thematic eco-centers. They organize excursions, hiking along elk and deer trails, and ecological quests.Ethnographic excursions are also held - they are organized in the environmental and educational centers "Russian Life" and "Tea in Mytishchi". In addition, visitors are happy to go on mini kayak trips - tourists available multiple routes.
The borders of the park can be reached by the Moscow metro - the stations "Medvedkovo" and "Babushkinskaya" are located nearby. All information for tourists is on official website national park.
2. Lake Pleshcheyevo National Park
Located in the Yaroslavl region, near the city of Pereyaslavl‑Zalessky. The park is often visited by tourists who travel along the Golden Ring. This natural and historical complex was taken under guard state in 1988 - also one of the first in the country. The main park object is Lake Pleshcheyevo. Pereyaslav vendace is found in it - a local species of valuable fish.
Tourists love to visit the dendrological garden. In it, they can see plants from different geographical latitudes. Here meet landscapes characteristic of North America and Central Asia, the Far East and Siberia, Western Europe and the Caucasus. Cozy and beautiful alleys of the garden attract photographers and connoisseurs of beautiful views. For lovers of long hiking hiking along ecological paths is organized - these routes pass through the forest.
Tourists need design permission to visit the national park. Its cost in 2023 is 318 rubles. All the necessary information is on official website.
3. National Park "Samarskaya Luka"
The park is located in the Samara region, near the city of Zhigulevsk. Its territory is formed by the Volga bend and the Zhiguli mountains. The park's mascot is the red fox. These animals a lot in local forests. But visitors can see other forest dwellers here as well.
Tourists are attracted by the unique landscapes of the "Samarskaya Luka": dense forest, picturesque mountain terraces and ledges, wide water surface. Visitors can go hiking along eco-trails or walking tours to local natural attractions. Or choose cycling and horseback riding. In the park, tourists will see Mount Camel and Witch's Lake, Monastery Hill and Molodetsky Mound.
To visit the "Samarskaya Luka", you need design permission. The entrance ticket costs 200 rubles. Other relevant information can be found at official website parka.
4. National Park "Curonian Spit"
Located in the west of the country. It is a long peninsula stretching along the coast of the Baltic Sea. On one side are the salty waters of the Baltic, on the other - the fresh Curonian Lagoon. The main feature of the local nature is the sand dunes along the sea coast. The sea, light sand and pine trees with powerful branches - a landscape that attracts many lovers of northern nature. And in the arboretum of the Curonian Spit, researchers collected plants from the Far East, Japan and China.
Tourists love hiking along eco-trails, as well as walking tours to local attractions. Particularly popular enjoy Curonian lighthouses. The park also has many activities for adults and children who are interested in environmental education and the history of a unique natural area in the Baltic.
You can get here from Kaliningrad or Zelenogradsk. All information for tourists is on official website Curonian Spit.
5. Kislovodsk National Park
The border of the park runs through the center of the city of Kislovodsk. A huge protected natural area is located on the slopes of the mountains. Here you can see the most beautiful grottoes and rocks, visit high-altitude observation platforms, admire interesting fountains and cascading pools. And also learn about the history of the region and see interesting architectural structures: a colonnade, openwork bridges, stairs and beautiful gazebos.
One of the most popular tourist attractions narzan gallery. This is one of the main architectural monuments of Kislovodsk. It was built in 1848. It was here that in the 19th century the whole world came to resort, "to the waters". Today, visitors can also try healing narzan from an active source.
Through the surrounding mountains laid Hiking health trails - health paths. And after the hike, you should relax in the Valley of Roses. Here you can enjoy the aroma of hundreds of beautiful flowers, as well as admire the unique park landscapes. roses bloom from late June to late September.
Entrance to the park is free. Excursion routes are paid and cost 200-300 rubles. All information about the park is on official website.
6. Sochi National Park
Here you can admire the mountains, waterfalls and unique landscapes of the Greater Caucasus. The park is located along the Black Sea coast. The status of a protected natural area received in 1983 and became the first national park in Russia.
Here you can also admire the most beautiful mountain landscapes, visit the arboretum, see elegant gazebos and colonnades. Tourists choose various walking and educational routes, make excursions to numerous waterfalls, photograph picturesque rocks and reservoirs.
Tourists need design pass or buy tickets. An excursion to the arboretum costs 320 rubles. You can find all the information guests need at official website Sochi National Park.
7. Teberda National Park
Another beautiful piece of mountain nature. It is located in Karachay-Cherkessia, in the north of the Main Caucasian Range. The height of the mountains in the park reaches 4,000 meters, and here you can see both forest vegetation and most beautiful mountain meadows, and white snow-capped peaks.
Guests of the park can go on excursions to the sources of healing mineral waters or to mountain waterfalls. Many people tend to visit the Epchik pass, which is located at an altitude of about 3,000 meters. In such trips, you must be prepared for serious physical exertion, as well as observe safety precautions.
You can get to the park by bus from Cherkessk. Entrance to the territory is paid, ticket costs 200 rubles. Answers to all questions about the visit can be found at official website parka.
8. Vodlozersky National Park
Located in Karelia and the Arkhangelsk region. Its center is the most beautiful freshwater Vodlozero. But there are also many smaller reservoirs. In lakes and rivers found fish: pike, bream, zander, perch, whitefish, burbot. Forest thickets spread along the banks - a classic taiga with coniferous, deciduous and mixed forest areas. Bears, foxes, martens, badgers and other animals live here.
Lovers of northern nature go to Vodlozerye. And also those who are interested in history: there are many historical temples, bell towers and chapels, there is a functioning monastery.
many tourists are sent on water excursions or prefer walking along the eco-paths of the park. In winter you can wander across the untouched white plain on snowshoes.
You can get to Vodlozero from Petrozavodsk or from the city of Onega in the Arkhangelsk region. All the details about the national park are on official website.
9. National Park Krasnoyarsk Pillars
Located close to Krasnoyarsk, on the northwestern spurs of the Eastern Sayan. The main feature and visiting card of the park are stone pillars. These are the rocks that remind outlines of powerful giants, fairy-tale heroes, wild animals or characters of epics.
Tourists are waiting for several routes laid past the most interesting pillars. Many rocks have their own names: Grandmother, Grandfather and Granddaughter, Lion's Gate, Elephant, Chick, Feathers, Big and Small Golden Eagles. Visitors can book a tour, and those who come from afar can even put up a tent on the territory of the Narym scientific and educational building. There is a camp here for them. Can stay and in the guest town - a double room costs from 3,500 rubles.
It is convenient to get here from Krasnoyarsk, more information about the park and services for tourists can be found at official website.
10. National Park "Land of the Leopard"
Located in Primorsky Krai. The nearest city is Vladivostok. A park createdin order to stop leopard hunting in this area, as well as to preserve the necessary natural conditions for the life and development of this graceful predator.
Ecotourism is developed here. Visitors on excursions get acquainted with the nature of the Far East, and also learn everything about the life and habits of wild spotted cats, which are considered the main inhabitants of these lands. But besides leopards, other wild animals also live here - for example, spotted deer. A separate tour is dedicated to them.
To get to the national park, you need get there to the village of Barabash, Khasan district - it is located not far from Vladivostok. Tourists need to buy a ticket or issue a pass. The ticket price depends on the chosen excursion - from 200 to 6,000 rubles. All information is on official website parka.
Tell us which national parks you have been to and which ones you recommend visiting.
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