KRASNOYARSK

The largest city in Eastern Siberia with an almost 400-year history. A city of incredible combinations: the central part with ancient merchant houses, the largest factories and wildlife – all of it harmoniously coexists together. Stunning north bridges, many fountains and one of the longest streets in the world.

One of the vast region's oldest settlements, the city was founded by Cossacks in 1628 with the establishment of the fortress of Krasny Yar on the river's left bank. With the arrival of the famed Trans-Siberian Railway in the 1890s, the city boomed and spilt onto the river's right bank. While here, take in this interesting city with its welcoming residents, multicoloured musical fountains, romantic imperial timber mansions, enduring bridges, dynamic restaurant scene and national park – located unusually within the city limits. Cited as a cultural centre of Eastern Siberia, you might consider a visit to the Surikov Museum-Estate to see works by the famed 19th-century Realist history painter Vasily Surikov – one of the city's most renowned sons. In 2019, for the first time in Russia, the World Winter Universiade was held in Krasnoyarsk, and Siberians are very proud of it.

Begin your journey with Vodohod in the mercantile city of Krasnoyarsk. It's a perfect place to start your languid voyage from Siberia's past to present along the currents of the mighty Yenisei river. Spend your today exploring this million-some-strong city, which sits on the same latitude as Sitka in Alaska and Scotland’s Isle of Jura. There is something here for everyone. The young and young-at-heart will relish in a visit to the Beaver Log fun park. Nature lovers will marvel at the famed pillars (or stolby) of volcanic rock that were formed millions of years ago and still stand proud about the treetops in the Stolby Nature Reserve, right across the river from the city centre. Head to the Tsar Fish observation point on Sliznevsky hill to enjoy the arresting view of the river and the landscape shaped by its ceaseless flow. The Tsar Fish commemorates another local legend – Viktor Astafyev, who wrote stark novels of rural 20th-century Russia. Stop at the Krasnoyarsk Hydroelectric Station to see an engineering feat and its famed ship elevator. With all this sightseeing, you’re sure to work up an appetite. The Taiga Master restaurant, named for a Soviet film of the same moniker, showcases the region’s cuisine. The Siberian soups with garlic paste and dishes of sturgeon, venison and wild boar are warming, hearty meals well suited to the environs.