Best attractions in Kamchatka: Top 30
Content
After reading this review, you will learn about the sights of Kamchatka, which made this region famous all over Russia. We will tell you about what every tourist should see in Kamchatka.
What to see in Kamchatka in the first place
It would be really long to list all the attractions of Kamchatka. Therefore, we have included in our rating only those interesting places in Kamchatka, which can be seen most often, reading reviews and recommendations for a trip to the peninsula:
1. Valley of Geysers
Like many other tours in Kamchatka, this one is held by helicopter. Tourists are dropped off at the hot springs, Uzon Volcano’s caldera and the picturesque Valley. The Valley of Geysers is also famous for its gushing geysers, a unique natural phenomenon not only in our country, but also in the world. It is recommended to take swimsuits with you on the trip: you will be able to take a dip in the healing waters of the hot springs.
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2. Volcano Klyuchevskaya Sopka
One of the best options for what to see in Kamchatka in 1 day: the volcano, almost 350 meters deep, is active. It last erupted just a year and a half ago. From the height of the sopka you will see all the unspoiled nature of Kamchatka.
3. Avacha Bay
It is believed that Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky was founded in the 17th century by Cossacks. They built an outpost and fortress on the coast of Avacha Bay. According to experts, the second largest and the first deepest in the world, this bay is able to accommodate the entire merchant fleet of the Earth. It is also famous for its unique biome. In winter, the waters do not freeze, and more than three dozen different species of birds, including those listed in the Red Book of Russia, fly to them.
4. Stele “Here begins Russia”.
Tour guides in Kamchatka often recommend that you begin your tour of the Kamchatka region with this monument, which is located near the airport. The monument itself is made of natural stone and has three plaques with the inscription “Here begins Russia.” At the monument you will see animals: a bear cub and its mother, which are made in full size. The bear cub has a mouth full of red fish, called “Kamchatka gold”. The stele is not only a visiting card of Kamchatka, but also a symbol of the whole Russia.
5. Avachinskaya Sopka
As well as many other interesting places in Kamchatka, this is located in the south of the Eastern Range. The cone-shaped volcano, over 2,700 meters high, is active. On its territory, covered with cedar shrubbery and stone birches, you can also see many holes and cracks.
Feel the atmosphere of Kamchatka in this beautiful video!
6. Karymsky volcano (Karymskaya sopka)
The sight is situated at an altitude of about 1500 meters (the highest point of this active volcano) on the Eastern Ridge. The top is presented in the form of a truncated cone. Karymsky volcano last erupted four years ago. The ash from it flies for hundreds of meters.
7. Mutnovsky volcano
If your trip to Kamchatka is long, set aside a few days to see this volcano and its “neighbor,” the Gorelaya Sopka. The ascent to the Mutnovsky crater is considered an easy and short (about two hours) activity. You will be able to admire overhanging glaciers, mountain slopes covered with unusual flowers, mud pots and fumarole fields. Along the way you will meet a giant canyon with a waterfall, Vilyuchinsky pass, and unique Martian landscapes. In general, you will see everything, for which Kamchatka peninsula is only famous.
8. Russkaya Bay
The cove with avalanche-prone and high shores is located in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. A large number of rivers flow through its hollows. In addition to its beauty, the bay is known for its drinking water - crystal clear and healing.
9. Kronotsky Biosphere Reserve
The best option for where to go in Kamchatka with the whole family. The area is home to a huge number of animals, including many brown bears. Their neighbors include wild deer, beavers and foxes, martens and sable. Thanks to the ecologically clean and comfortable environment, even those animals that do not like the seaside climate live here: snow leopards, lynx, moose and squirrels. There are no fewer birds here, including hawk owl and waxwing. If you are interested in the best natural sights of Russia that you should visit in Kamchatka without fail, you now know.
Official site: http://kronoki.ru/
10. Holy Trinity Cathedral
The construction of the church, which stretched over many years, began in 2001. A capsule with the remains of several great martyrs was placed in the foundation of the building. The cathedral was consecrated in 2010 by Patriarch Kirill himself. During the renovation, necessary due to a major fire in 2012, the iconostasis and icons were restored and the wooden ceilings restored.
Official website: http://pravkamchatka
11. Kamchatka Svyato-Panteleimon Monastery
The most eastern monastery in Russia. Erected on the Sopka Svyazi. A few years after the completion of construction work, one of the icons began to myrrh (on the surface appeared oily moisture).
Official website: http://obitel.pravkamchatka.ru/
12. Monument to the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul
Not only can you find the best hotels in Kamchatka, but also this famous monument to the patrons of the peninsula on the city’s waterfront. The names of Paul and Peter in former years were awarded to ships.
13. Monument to Vitus Bering
Symbolic monumental composition in the form of a gun barrel, arranged vertically. On top of the trunk is a lotus flower, on the plinths of the monument are wreaths of laurel.
14. Nikolskaya Sopka and the monuments of the defense of 1854
Coming to the city center, you can see the best sights of Kamchatka, including the bay, from the strategic height of Nikolskaya Sopka. This area was the site of a battle with Anglo-French troops during the Crimean War in 1854. In memory of the heroic defense of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky a necropolis and a chapel of stone were built. The site is surrounded by a fence, designed in the form of cannons.
15. Kamchatka Regional United Museum
The museum complex began its work back in 1911. The exhibits (documents, books, art and household items) demonstrate the history of the local population and the Kamchatka Territory itself. The separate exposition is devoted to nature.
Official site: http://kamchatka-museum.ru/
16. Paratunka
When listing the main sights of Kamchatka, this resort village is also worth mentioning briefly. It is worth visiting Paratunka, for example, for its mineral thermal springs. There are several health resorts, hotels and a huge sanatorium with the same name as the village.
17. Hot springs of Kamchatka
Located in the southern part of the peninsula, and gushes out of the ground, filling natural baths for bathing. The maximum recorded temperature of the liquids was over 85 gr. Celsius. All the hot springs (about 20 pieces) have their own composition of water. You can stay for a vacation in a hotel or in a tent. The area of about 6 hectares is protected by UNESCO.
18. Acid Lakes of Kamchatka
Ten years ago, there were several beautiful acid lakes on the peninsula. However, one of them has lost its color. The waters of the other still have a toxic blue hue, and spill out onto a rich black beach. Despite the fact that both acid lakes are located on mountain peaks covered with snow, they do not freeze even in winter.
19. Dead Forest
The landmark appeared during the eruption of the volcano Tolbachik. Emissions of ash and lava turned a blooming 40-square-meter area into a scorched desert. The ground here is still mixed with slag and ash, and the tree trunks are lifeless.
20. The valley of death
A mysterious place where not only birds and animals, but people die. For what reason? This terrible mystery has not been discovered yet, despite numerous attempts. The reserve, developed in the mid-20th century, has several geysers. There are hiking trails along it. In 1975, biologists, conducting a study of the area, found more than two hundred bodies of fauna, including the remains of eagles, foxes, bears, small rodents. The list continues to grow today.
Sights of Kamchatka. What else can I visit in Kamchatka?
In addition to the above attractions and sites, you should see:
21. Vilyuchinsky waterfall
Located in the south of Kamchatka, on a volcanic slope. The waterfall appeared as a result of a melting glacier. Its current height is about four tens of meters. Be prepared for the fact that to get to the waterfall is partly on foot - on a low, but sometimes dense thickets of the forest. The trip is rather difficult for unprepared person.
22. Karaginsky Island
A landmark in the Bering Sea, separated from the east of the peninsula by a beautiful strait. Karaginsky Island, known for its unspoiled beauty, was named by the local basalt rocks and cliffs.
23. Commander islands
The total area of the 65 islands is about 3.5 million hectares. The area is home to all kinds of flora and fauna, including the most rare: the gyrfalcon, white-fronted goose and others. On one of the islands there are the remains of the famous traveler Bering.
24. Kuril lake
If you want to see brown bears (guided by an experienced inspector for safety) from a distance of several meters, come to Kuril Lake. During the spawning season, several hundred animals gather here. Helicopter tours are offered to the site: in addition to the lake, you can visit the thermal springs and swim in them, as well as the caldera of the volcano Xudach.
25. Natural parks of Kamchatka
There are several natural park zones on the territory of Kamchatka. For example, the eastern Kluchevsky park. There are more than 20 volcanoes of different origin, one of them is the most active on the planet. Fauna is not numerous, and vegetation is low. The Bystrinsky Nature Park, which is protected by UNESCO, also has a dozen volcanoes. Guests are offered rafting on the river, horseback riding, travel through meadows. There is a museum of history on the territory. There is no economic activity in the South Kamchatka Park, and you cannot drive through it on vehicles. The forests of the park zone are different types of vegetation. Due to the absence of “man”, the number of animals, such as bears, is high here.
Official website: http://www.vulcanikamchatki.
26. Pimchach ethnographic complex
When you come to Kamchatka, you can learn about how the indigenous peoples of the peninsula lived for many years. Tours of national villages, which include the Pimchah Eco-Park, are offered everywhere. The complex of international level is a giant outdoor museum, and is located a few tens of kilometers from the city: the territory reproduces the buildings of 500 years ago. The staff of the park tells about the ancient customs and life of the natives.
27. Koryaksky reserve
The complex includes three diverse objects at once: a bay, a cape and a dol. If you want to admire all the richness and grandeur of nature, you will not find a better option. On the rocks year-round nesting birds. It is recommended to visit the site with a companion.
Official website: http://oopt.info/koryak
28. Esso village
The village was founded about 80 years ago, and is located in a beautiful valley. The indigenous inhabitants of the settlement are the Evenks. When you come here, you can visit the museum of ethnography, learn more about the life of the people, look at their traditional dwellings, objects of art (carved figures on the themes of mythology). The outdoor museum is open all year round. You should spend at least a day to get to know the territory.
29. Beringia
Beringia is the name of a traditional Kamchatka entertainment and a beautiful area where dog sled races are held every year. “Athletes” - people and animals, overcome hundreds of kilometers: the mushers are driven by special sleds (narts). During the whole month, while the races are going on, there is an incredible atmosphere of fun. The mushers must show strategic skills: correctly place animals in the sled. Distance varies every year: on average, it is about 2 thousand kilometers. The first competitions were held about 30 years ago.
Official website: http://beringiakam.ru/
30. Cape Lopatka
The southernmost tundra part of Kamchatka, home to a weather station and a border outpost. Settlements that used to be inhabited are now in disrepair. The number of sunny days is minimal. When choosing clothing for a trip to Lopatka, be prepared for the fact that the cape is constantly raining and the strongest winds are blowing.
We hope that the attractions of Kamchatka, the photos with names and descriptions of which we have given, will help you to compose the best tour itinerary.
