Olkhon Island
11 Best National Parks and Island in Russia. The Olkhon Island, located in Lake Baikal, Eastern Siberia, Russia, spans an impressive area of 730 square kilometers. It stretches 71.5 kilometers in length and 20.8 kilometers in breadth, making it the largest island on Lake Baikal and the third-largest lake island worldwide.
Situated on the southwestern margin of the Academician Ridge, Olkhon Island offers a picturesque retreat for nature enthusiasts to relax and immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring panoramic views of the lake. The island’s eastern shore is adorned with steep mountains, among which Mt. Zhima stands as the highest peak, towering approximately 2,684 feet above the water level of Lake Baikal.
Kamchatka
Located in the northeastern region of Russia, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Okhotsk Sea, and the Beringovo Sea, lies the picturesque Kamchatka Peninsula. This stunning peninsula is renowned for its breathtaking views and majestic volcanoes.
The Kamchatka Volcanoes have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, adding to the allure of this remarkable destination. Among the notable volcanoes found on the peninsula are Kronotsky, Klyuchevskaya, Koryaksky, Avachinsky, and Ichinskaya. Additionally, Kamchatka is home to a multitude of beautiful rivers, including Avacha, Shumnaya, Kamchatka, and Malinskaya Bystraya.
Situated in the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia, this captivating region offers a truly unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Kenozersky National Park
Situated approximately 550 miles from the bustling city of Moscow, the Kenozersky National Park boasts picturesque villages, rugged hills, historic wooden chapels, and tranquil lakes. This enchanting national park is surrounded by awe-inspiring taiga forests and expansive wetlands, enhancing its allure.
In recognition of its ecological significance, the Kenozersky National Park was designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2004. To truly appreciate the splendor of this national park, embarking on a boat excursion is highly recommended.
Russian Arctic National Park
The Russian Arctic National Park, located in Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia, provides a unique combination of invigorating breezes, frigid temperatures, and expansive isolated landscapes. Within this park, visitors can encounter a diverse array of Arctic wildlife, awe-inspiring glaciers, and breathtaking scenery. Additionally, the park serves as a sanctuary for various endemic species, such as the majestic Bowhead Whales.
Furthermore, the Russian Arctic National Park offers opportunities to observe ivory gulls, kittiwakes, guillemots, and walruses. It also showcases fascinating natural formations, including sandstone balls, petrified trees, and enigmatic hardened lava, transforming it into an outdoor museum of geology and geomorphology.
Vasilyevsky Island
Vasilyevsky Island, the largest island in St. Petersburg, was originally planned by Peter the Great to be the focal point of the capital. Throughout history, this island has been the site of numerous significant construction projects.
Today, Vasilyevsky Island is a well-known historical destination in Russia and houses several prominent institutions in the city of St. Petersburg. These include the Stock Exchange, the Passenger Sea Port, St. Petersburg State University, and the LenEXPO exhibition center.
Situated in the Gulf of Finland, Saint Petersburg, Russia, Vasilyevsky Island continues to hold its significance as a cultural and architectural landmark.
Sakhalin island
Sakhalin Island, located at the edge of the world, is easily accessible with a three-hour plane ride from Seoul and a nine-hour plane ride from Moscow. Its unique cultural heritage is influenced by its connections to Korea, Japan, and Russia. In the past, Sakhalin was divided between Japan and Russia after the Russian-Japanese war of 1905. However, after World War II, the entire island became part of the Soviet Union.
Presently, Sakhalin is the largest island belonging to the Russian Federation. With a population of approximately half a million people, Sakhalin’s largest city, Yuzho-Sakhalinsk, is home to one-third of the island’s residents. The island experiences a long winter lasting for 7 to 8 months, while the short summers are typically cool and windy. Sakhalin boasts abundant natural resources such as oil, gas (including the largest offshore oil and gas projects), gold, and coal. Despite its industrial development, the island also preserves its pristine wildlife sanctuaries and offers environmental resorts that cater to ecotourism.
Iturup island
Iturup, the largest island in the Kuril archipelago, is a breathtaking oasis nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk. With its vibrant greenery and captivating landscapes, Iturup offers a paradise for those seeking adventure. The island boasts stunning blue lagoons, majestic waterfalls, and a collection of active volcanoes, making it a haven for the young at heart.
Unlike other islands in the Kuril chain, Iturup possesses a unique feature known as the “lava country,” which provides a glimpse into the archipelago’s ancient past. This area allows visitors to envision what the islands looked like millions of years ago, showcasing the remnants of volcanic activity.
Iturup is home to nine active volcanoes, adding to its allure. Additionally, the island boasts Russia’s tallest waterfall, Ilya Muromets, which stretches an impressive 141 meters (459 feet). For those seeking relaxation, hot springs and hot lakes offer a soothing respite after a day of hiking.
Although Iturup is currently inhabited by just over 6,000 people, the Kuril Islands remain a contentious issue between Russia and Japan. Following the Kuril Landing Operation in 1945, the Soviet Union annexed Iturup and the entire archipelago from Japan at the end of World War II. This territorial dispute has prevented the two countries from signing a peace treaty, keeping tensions high.
While the beauty of the Kuril Islands is unparalleled, reaching Iturup requires determination. Heavy fog often causes delays, and solo trips are not recommended. However, for those willing to embark on this extraordinary journey, the rewards are boundless.
Wrangel island
Wrangel Island, situated on both sides of the 180th meridian, is renowned as one of Russia’s most remote reserves. Its exceptional status was recognized in 2004 when it was included in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. However, embarking on this extraordinary journey to what a 19th-century visitor described as the “end of creation” requires significant effort. Firstly, visitors must obtain special government permission, underscoring the exclusivity of this experience. Secondly, reaching the island is no easy feat. In winter, tourists rely on helicopters, while in summer, they embark on icebreakers to navigate the challenging terrain.
Despite its harsh climate, Wrangel Island thrives as a federally managed reserve, serving as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife. It proudly holds the title of the world champion in polar bear lairs, boasting the largest population of Pacific walrus, and hosting the sole Asian nesting colony of white geese. Moreover, paleontologists have uncovered fascinating evidence that Wrangel Island served as the last refuge for woolly mammoths. Even 6,000 years after their extinction in other parts of the world, a dwarf species of mammoths persisted here, leaving behind twisted mammoth tusks that still captivate visitors to this day.
Big Diomede island
The Big Diomede Island, situated in the middle of the Bering Strait, serves as the easternmost point of Russia. As per the Russian Federation’s directive, this island falls under the jurisdiction of Chukotka. However, it no longer has any indigenous inhabitants, but rather houses a Russian border guard base. In the past, the majority of the island’s population consisted of Eskimos who eventually relocated to Chukotka’s mainland or the American island. Notably, The Big Diomede Island is home to one of the region’s largest bird sanctuaries, boasting over 4 million specimens.
The Solovetsky islands
The White Sea’s northern air may not be the main draw for tourists, but rather the Solovetsky Islands’ grim history and haunting, awe-inspiring beauty. It was here that the first prison of the Gulag was established, marking the beginning of a network of concentration camps that emerged during Stalin’s Great Terror. In World War II, the authorities of Solovki took in social orphans and trained them as cadets for the Northern Fleet. Today, this island on the White Sea has undergone another transformation, with many monks now residing there. It has gained significant popularity as one of Russia’s top tourist destinations, particularly after UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage site.
Valaam is one of the 11 Best National Parks and Island in Russia
Valaam, situated on Lake Ladoga in Northwestern Russia, is renowned for the extraordinary talents of the Valaam Brethren Choir and the distinctive lifestyle of the Orthodox cloister. The Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior, accompanied by its grand bell tower, is visible from afar. The resurgence of religious fervor over the past twenty years has led to an influx of visitors, pilgrims, and the restoration of monasteries and chapels. Scholars believe that the monastery, initially established in the 12th century, showcases remarkable engineering accomplishments such as rocky wells, navigable canals, and drainage systems.
Beyond the monastery, the island boasts imposing rock cliffs and dense pine forests. Numerous artists sought inspiration here, including landscape painters Ivan Shishkin, Arkhip Kuindzhi, Nicholas Roerich (who has a small museum on 107th street in Manhattan), and Tarrytown artist and author Rockwell Kent.
Valaam is the largest island within the Ladoga Lake archipelago. Its distinctive geological composition creates a microclimate that ensures the island remains consistently warmer than its surroundings. To experience Valaam, embark on a cruise across the Ladoga Lake.
