🤩 Dear friends,

Forget standard sightseeing – Russia’s true magic lies hidden in its most unusual corners. From cozying up in a traditional wood-burning izba to wild swamp trekking and scanning Arctic skies for distant galaxies, we are diving into the ultimate slow-travel escapes.

🇷🇺 If you are ready to trade crowded tourist traps for an authentic retreat, discover the top 10 niche leisure activities in Russia that redefine the art of winding down:

Part I

🏡  ‘Izba-ing’

Enjoy a traditional countryside getaway elevated by modern luxury. Stay in an authentic log izba, complete with wood-burning stoves, samovars, and nature walks with goats, while leaving the water-hauling and cooking to the hosts. Originating in Plyos, these premium rural retreats are now open across Tula, Vologda and Kostroma.

⛺️ Glamping

All the adventure of camping, none of the hassle. Welcome to glamping! Escape to the forest and stay in stylish tents, dome yurts or modular cabins with your sleeping arrangements completely sorted. It is the perfect blend of nature and comfort, featuring plush beds, delicious breakfasts and proper bathroom amenities

🦌 Visiting nomads

Experience where ancient tradition meets the digital age. Around 20,000 nomadic reindeer herders call the Russian Arctic home, balancing modern technology with centuries-old family customs around the hearth. Locally guided tours in Yamal and Chukotka now offer a rare chance to experience this unique lifestyle firsthand and stay in traditional chums and yarangs.

🌠 Astro-tourism

From city observatories to the Arctic wilderness, Russia is a haven for stargazers. While urban planetariums offer an incredible look at the cosmos, nothing compares to heading north. Witnessing the spectacular winter aurora borealis dance across the night sky with your own eyes is a bucket-list experience you will never forget.

🥾 Bog trekking

Trade the city noise for a unique wetland hiking adventure. Guided bog tours – ranging from a few hours to several days – let you track wildlife, discover rare plants, and learn to safely navigate quagmires. It is the ultimate way to unplug and recharge in picturesque destinations like Karelia, the Moscow Region or the Tula Region.

#DiscoverRussia