In Russia there are more than a hundred nature reserves and more than forty national parks. Moreover, the number of natural areas protected by the state increases. We talked about ten most beautiful national parks, which are located in different regions of the country.
1. Losiny Ostrov National Park
It is located near Moscow, and part of its territory is included within the city boundaries. This is one of the country’s first national parks: 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 park’s territory is occupied by swamps – it is better not to go there.
Here live about 45 species of mammals and 160 species of birds. This is a huge variety, and it’s great that it has been preserved close to the metropolis. For tourists here created thematic eco-centers. They organize excursions, hikes along elk and deer trails, and environmental quests.
Ethnographic excursions are also conducted – they are organized in the environmental educational centers “Russian Life” and “Tea Party in Mytishchi”. In addition, visitors are happy to go on mini-trips on kayaks – tourists available several routes.
The borders of the park can be reached by the Moscow metro – the Medvedkovo and Babushkinskaya stations are located nearby. All information for tourists is available at official website national park.
2. Lake Pleshcheyevo National Park
Located in the Yaroslavl region, near the city of Pereslavl-Zalessky. The park is often visited by tourists who travel along the Golden Ring. This natural-historical complex was taken into custody state in 1988 – also one of the first in the country. The main park object is Lake Pleshcheyevo. It is home to Pereslavl vendace, 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. The cozy and beautiful alleys of the garden attract photographers and connoisseurs of beautiful views. For lovers of long walks, hikes along ecological trails are 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. Samara Luka National Park
The park is located in the Samara region, near the city of Zhigulevsk. Its territory is formed by the bend of the Volga and the Zhiguli Mountains. The park’s mascot is a red fox. There are a lot of these animals in the local forests. But visitors can also see other forest inhabitants here.
Tourists are attracted by the unique landscapes of the Samara Luka: dense forest, picturesque mountain terraces and ledges, and a wide expanse of water. Visitors can go hiking along eco-trails or on walking excursions to local natural attractions. Or choose cycling and horseback riding. In the park, tourists will see Mount Camel and Witch Lake, Monastery Hill and Molodetsky Kurgan.
To visit the Samara Luka, you need design permission. The entrance ticket costs 200 rubles. Other necessary information can be found at official website parka.
4. Curonian Spit National Park
Located in the west of the country. This is a long peninsula stretching along the coast of the Baltic Sea. On one side there are the salty waters of the Baltic, on the other there is 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 Curonian Spit arboretum, researchers collected plants from the Far East, Japan and China.
Tourists love hiking along eco-trails, as well as walking excursions to local attractions. Particularly popular enjoy Curonian lighthouses. The park also has many events 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 available at 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 beloved tourist attractions is 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 the resort, “to the waters.” Today, visitors can also try the healing narzan from the active source.
Along the surrounding mountains laid walking recreational routes – 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 available at 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 is received in 1983 and became the first national park in Russia.
Here you can also admire the most beautiful mountain landscapes, visit the arboretum, and see elegant gazebos and colonnades. Tourists choose various walking and educational routesmake excursions to numerous waterfalls, photograph picturesque rocks and ponds.
Tourists need design pass or buy tickets. An excursion to the arboretum costs 320 rubles. You can find all the information your guests need at official website Sochi National Park.
7. Teberda National Park
Another beautiful corner of mountain nature. Located in Karachay-Cherkessia, in the north of the Main Caucasus Range. Height of mountains in the park reaches 4,000 meters, and here you can see forest vegetation, beautiful mountain meadows, and white snow-capped peaks.
Guests of the park can go on excursions to springs of healing mineral waters or to mountain waterfalls. Many people strive to visit the Epchik Pass, which is located at an altitude of about 3,000 meters. On such trips, you must be prepared for serious physical exertion, as well as follow 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 your visit can be found at official website parka.
8. Vodlozersky National Park
Located in Karelia and Arkhangelsk region. Its center is the beautiful freshwater Vodlozero. But there are also many smaller bodies of water. In lakes and rivers common fish: pike, bream, pike perch, perch, whitefish, burbot. Forest thickets stretch along the banks – classic taiga with coniferous, deciduous and mixed forest areas. Bears, foxes, martens, badgers and other animals live here.
Lovers of northern nature come to Vodlozerye. And also those who are interested in history: there are many historical churches, bell towers and chapels, and there is a functioning monastery.
Many tourists are sent on water excursions or prefer walking along the eco-routes of the park. In winter you can wander around across the untouched white plain on snowshoes.
You can get to Vodlozerye from Petrozavodsk or from the city of Onega in the Arkhangelsk region. All details about the national park are available at official website.
9. National Park “Krasnoyarsk Pillars”
It is located near Krasnoyarsk, on the northwestern spurs of the Eastern Sayan. The main feature and calling card of the park are the stone pillars. These are the rocks that remind outlines of powerful giants, fairy-tale heroes, wild animals or epic characters.
Tourists will find several routes leading past the most interesting pillars. Many rocks have their own names: Grandmother, Grandfather and Granddaughter, Lion Gate, Elephant, Tsypa, Perya, Big and Small Golden Eagles. Visitors can book an excursion, and those who come from afar can even pitch a tent on the territory of the Narym scientific and educational building. A camp has been set up for them. Can stay and in the guest town – a double room costs from 3,500 rubles.
It’s convenient to get here from Krasnoyarsk; more information about the park and services for tourists can be found at official website.
10. Land of the Leopard National Park
Located in Primorsky Krai. The nearest city is Vladivostok. A park createdin order to stop leopard hunting in this territory, 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 live here – for example, sika deer. A separate excursion is dedicated to them.
To get to the national park you need get there to the village of Barabash, Khasansky 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.
Read also ⛰🌎🏞
