Russia is a unique country with wooden churches defy architectural norms, ancient mountains play host to Europe’s highest peak, valleys that hide the world’s largest lakes, and one of the most scenic volcanoes in the world. But this isn’t even the top of the iceberg. Venturing into the world’s largest country offers a kaleidoscope of experiences that you can find only in Russia and nowhere else and in this article, we’ll focus on them.
The Hermitage Museum’s Art Collection
The Hermitage is a colossal treasure trove of art, with a collection that’ll make your jaw drop. It’s home to over three million artifacts, making it one of the world’s largest collections of art. Every corner you turn inside the museum, and bam! Another masterpiece- paintings, sculptures, jewels, ancient artifacts – you name it; if it’s artsy and fancy, chances are, it’s in there and the building itself is a real masterpiece too.
Only In Russia- The World’s Longest Railway Line
This list of things you can find only in Russia can’t be complete without mentioning the Trans-Siberian railway. Spanning a mind-boggling 9,289 kilometers (5,772 miles), it stretches across the vast expanse of Russia, connecting the Russian Far East with the Far West passing by different corners of Russia along the way. Taking the train from Moscow to Vladivostok (which by the way takes about 2 weeks), isn’t just a mere journey; it’s a whole adventure on its own.
The Deepest And Oldest Freshwater Lake
Lake Baikal is like the Everest of lakes. It’s so deep, at 1,642 meters, you could stack the Eiffel Tower, the Empire State Building, and still have room for a submarine to wave at them from below. But depth isn’t its only mind-boggling feature, it’s also one of the world’s oldest- 25 million years old to be more specific.
The Annual Night Of The Ad Eaters
In a world where most of us zip through ads as fast as possible, The ‘Night of the Ad Eaters’ in Moscow is an annual event dedicated to commercials. It’s basically a marathon viewing session where people gather not for the latest blockbuster, but for a parade of advertisements from around the globe. But why, you might ask, would anyone subject themselves to hours of ads? Well, it turns out, ads can be pretty entertaining when they’re not interrupting your favorite show.
Traditional Russian Banyas (Steam Baths)
This only in Russia list couldn’t be complete without mentioning the traditional Russian banyas. In rest of the world, baths are more about relaxation but in Russia, they’re a whole cultural experience that literally takes your breath away – and not just because of the hot steam. In a banya, the air is so thick with steam, that you’d think you could cut it with a knife. But wait, there’s more. After you’ve steamed and been tenderized with foliage, it’s time for the grand finale, the plunge into ice-cold water, which is something you find only in Russia.
Mammoth Ivory Crafts In Siberia
Did you know that as the permafrost melts in the frosty stretches of Siberia, people are discovering ivory from ancient mammoths trapped under the ice for thousands of years? Yes, you heard that right. When the ice thaws, it occasionally coughs up a woolly mammoth, tusks and all. It’s the new prehistoric pachyderm gold with many local artists creating ivory crafts out of it and it’s the new favorite obsession of extravagant rich people.
The Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow
The Bolshoi Theatre is like the heavyweight champion of the theatre world, with a name (‘Bolshoi’) that literally translates to ‘grand,’ and it’s not kidding around. The Bolshoi is the Colosseum of theatres, it’s where prima ballerinas and tenors come to prove their mettle in the theatre where only the best of the best get to take a bow. The building itself is of course a showstopper, with a beautiful neoclassical façade and even more classy interior.
Closed Cities
Russia is also probably the only country in the world that has closed cities. The concept of closed cities in Russia was developed during the Cold War when entire cities were created to boost Russia’s nuclear and military power. These cities were not marked on the map and were given military names, and were closed to everyone except the people living there who were forced to guard the secrets of what was happening there for their entire lives. Today, many of these cities are open to the public but there are still a few of them (like Seversk) where visitors are not allowed.
The Annual Polar Bear Plunge In Siberian Waters
Let’s talk about the annual ‘Polar Bear Plunge’ in Siberia, where the term ‘chill out’ takes on a whole new, literal meaning. Every year, scores of brave (or perhaps bonkers) souls line up to take a dive into Siberia’s icy waters, in a ritual that makes a cold shower seem like a steamy sauna. Participants cut holes in the ice (because of course, the water’s not just sitting there waiting), often in the shape of crosses for the Orthodox Epiphany, and take the plunge to cleanse themselves from their sins.
The Fabergé Eggs
Created by Peter Carl Fabergé for the Russian Imperial family, these eggs are like the Bentleys of the decorative egg universe. Back in the day, the royals would gift each other these lavish trinkets that could easily pay off a small country’s debt with its value. Only 69 of these were ever made and only 57 are still intact. And where can you find them? Only in Russia.
The ‘White Nights’ Phenomenon In St. Petersburg
During the ‘White Nights’ of Saint Petersburg, a few weeks each summer, the sun decides it’s not in the mood to set, and voila, you’ve got daylight at midnight and the beautiful city of St. Petersburg turns into a twilight zone of endless day.
The Russian Space Dog Memorial
The Russian Space Dog is a memorial to Laika, the Russian dog that was sent into space which was the only such occurence in history. Even though the act can certainly be classified as animal cruelty it’s at least something that the dog has become a national hero and got its own memorial. Again, only in Russia, folks.
The Unique Sport Of Bandy
Bandy, ever heard of it? Think of it as hockey’s long-lost cousin who decided to play by its own quirky rules. It’s played on a frozen pitch roughly the size of a soccer field and with 11 players on each team instead of 6. The ball is also different, it’s pink and it bounces which definitely makes it easier to spot in the snow.
The Tsar Bell And Tsar Cannon
In the heart of Moscow, nestled within the Kremlin’s fortified complex, you’ll find two colossal symbols of Russia’s grandeur; the Tsar Bell and Tsar Cannon. The Tsar Bell the king of bells, a massive bronze behemoth that has never rung because it cracked during casting, and the Tsar Cannon, according to Guinness, the world’s largest bombard by caliber (but it was never used in battle).
The Russian Tradition Of Maslenitsa
Maslenitsa is a unique Russian festival that lasts for a week where pancakes reign supreme, and “carb-loading” is a cultural imperative. But jokes aside, it’s actually a religious festival that is the Orthodox Russian version of Western Christian Carnival and it’s the last chance for Russians to get their bellies full before the 40-day fasts going into Easter.
The Soviet Arcade Games Museum
This is one of the most ‘only in Russia’ moments ever. The Soviet Arcade Games Museum in Moscow is the ultimate retro arcade experience from the USSR era. I’m sure that if you were born in the 70s, 80s, or 90s, you have seen these arcade games but I bet you wouldn’t think that they had versions of them in Soviet Russia too.
Permafrost In Yakutia
Technically, we already mentioned the permafrosts when we were talking about ivory crafts but it’s another thing you can find only in Russia so it doesn’t hurt to mention it on its own. The ground here has been frozen solid for thousands of years and as the ice melts, Russian archaeologists have begun to discover many ancient artifacts that keep shocking the scientific world.
Walrus Ice Swimming
Walrus Ice Swimming is another uniquely Russian phenomenon. What basically happened was a group of people who one day decided to go for a swim in the ice cold waters of Siberia. The people indulging in this ritual are called morzhi (walruses) and they even have whole clubs dedicated to this quirky activity.
Beluga Caviar
There are many different kinds of caviars in the world but only in Russia, you’ll find the so-called black gold of the culinary world. This variety of caviar is very rare (and therefore very expensive) because it’s made of eggs from the beluga, a small toothless whale that lives up to 100 years and grows as large as an average small car. The eggs have a shade of grey that gives them an elegant appearance, and once you try them, you’ll understand that their flavor is certainly deserving of its extreme price tag.
The Annual Victory Day Parade
Victory Day in Russia, celebrated annually on May 9th is a spectacle of national pride commemorating Russia’s victory in the Great Patriotic War (you probably know this war under a slightly different name- World War II). The celebration includes thousands of soldiers marching through the heart of Moscow, tanks rumbling and fighter jets roaring overhead, synchronized fire drills, and the ‘Immortal Regiment’ march, where people parade the streets holding photos of relatives who gave their lives in the war.
The Oymyakon Pole of Cold
Head to Oymyakon in Siberia, and you’ve hit the jackpot if you’re looking for cold. Not just any cold, though. We’re talking about the Pole of Cold, where the thermometer practically gives up and stops working. Oymakon is one of the most isolated cities in Russia and also probably the coldest inhabited place on Earth with temperatures that dip below -50°C (-58°F). It’s so cold here, cars are left running all day because if you turn them off, good luck getting them to start again.
The Peterhof Palace’s Grand Cascade
Located in St. Petersburg, the Grand Cascade is like the Russian version of Versailles, designed to impress and, let’s be honest, show off a bit. At the heart of it all is a series of 60 cascading fountains, tumbling down a terraced hill like a waterfall and at the top, you can find a golden statue of Samson wrestling a lion, because why not?
The Kunstkamera’s Cabinet Of Curiosities
Founded by Peter the Great in the 18th century, it’s Russia’s first museum and a quirky window into the mind of a ruler who was as eccentric as he was visionary. What sets the Kunstkamera apart, and cements it as a uniquely Russian experience, is its original collection, which Peter the Great himself began. He had a fascination with the unusual and the extraordinary, which is pretty evident once you step inside and discover the Cabinet of Curiosities- a collection full of anatomical anomalies and rarities that make you question the boundaries of nature.
The World’s Largest Collection Of Russian Art
Moscow’s Tretyakov Gallery is famous for being home to the world’s largest treasure trove of Russian art but also history because every piece in this massive collection is somehow tied to Russian culture and history, from ancient icons that seem to stare right through you, to avant-garde masterpieces that tilt your perspective.
The Ancient Architecture Of The Golden Ring
Sorry if this sounds corny but visiting Russia’s Golden Ring feels like a journey back in time (I’m not kidding nor exaggerating). I have read this phrase so many times but I actually felt it when visiting The Golden Ring. In case you’re not familiar with the term, the Golden Ring is a group of Rusian towns famous for their well-preserved historic architecture that features, Russia’s iconic onion domes, a lot of neoclassical architectures, and breathtaking monasteries. Every stop on this journey, from the spiritual serenity of Sergiev Posad to the timeless streets of Suzda offers a unique slice of Russia’s glorious past.
The Meteorite Crater In Popigai
Heading out to the wilds of Siberia, you’ll find the Popigai Crater, a wonder of nature with a story that could rival any blockbuster movie. Around 35 million years ago, a massive space rock crashed into Earth and left behind this gigantic crater (it was one of the largest known meteorite impact sites on Earth) but the pressure and heat of the impact created thousands of diamonds.
Russian Old Believers Communities
In the vast expanse of Russia, tucked away in corners where the modern world seems like a distant rumor, you can still find a few communities of the ‘Old Believers’. For centuries, they have been guardians of ancient Russian customs and religious practices. In the 17th century, the Russian Orthodox Church made certain changes to the ways rituals and liturgies were performed after the reforms of Patriarch Nikon of Moscow. A small part of Russia’s population rejected this new way of doing things and they’ve been keeping to their old ways ever since.
The Road of Bones
This list of things you can find only in Russia wouldn’t be complete without the Kolyma highway in Siberia, one of the most dangerous roads in the world. The builders were prisoners of the Gulag, the Soviet labor camps, and if we say that the working conditions were brutal that wouldn’t even begin to cover it. In the harsh Siberian climate, many didn’t survive, hence the name ‘Road of Bones’.
Ice Sculpture Festivals
Only in Russia, you’ll find these fascinating winter festivals devoted to ice sculptures where artists from around the country and the world come to showcase their skills. There are several such festivals that are worth visiting including the one in Saint Petersburg, the one in Perm, since recently, the one in Sochi, but the real highlight is The Snow and Ice Festival in Moscow that’s held every year in Gorky Park from January 2nd to February 28th.
The Mother Motherland Statue
One of the first things that pops into my mind when talking about things you find only in Russia is the gigantic statue of the Mother Motherland in Volgograd. The statue is part of the Mamayev Kurgan memorial complex, commemorating the Battle of Stalingrad, and no other event in history showcases the defiance, resilience, and “never-say-die” spirit of Russians like this gruesome battle. Just to give you a glimpse of its size, the statue is 85 meters tall (279 feet) and that’s not counting the sword, which by itself is about as long as a blue whale.
The Russian Troika Sled Rides
Let’s talk about something quintessentially Russian – the Troika sled rides, or how I like to call them, the Formula 1 of sleds, powered by three horses arranged in a unique formation – one in the middle, and two on the sides, wings spread out. It’s fast, it’s exhilarating, and, let’s be honest, it’s kind of stylish.
The Kamchatka Peninsula’s Volcanic Activity
We can’t complete this list of things you find only in Russia without mentioning Kamchatka. Kamchatka is like Disneyland for volcanologists, it’s home to over 300 volcanoes, 29 of them very much active. Among some of the volcanoes in Kamchatka, you’ll find Klyuchevskaya Sopka, the highest in Eurasia, and Sheveluch, one of the most notoriously active and temperamental ones in the world.
The Annual Scarlet Sails
If you’re ever in St. Petersburg during the White Nights of summer, the Annual Scarlet Sails is one thing you won’t want to miss (but even if you want to don’t worry, you’ll see it happening because you can see it from pretty much everywhere in the city and it’s something everyone talks about).
Scarlet Sails, or ‘Alye Parusa’, is like the senior prom for the entire city, originally celebrating high school graduates, but now it’s a party for everyone. The highlight of the celebration includes a majestic ship with scarlet sails gliding along the Neva River with a majestic white night background.
Petroglyphs Of Lake Onega
The Petroglyphs of Lake Onega are ancient rock carvings depicting life thousands of years ago. These petroglyphs aren’t behind glass in a museum; they’re out in the open, exposed to the elements, still standing the test of time.
The Kizhi Pogost Wooden Church
This list of things you can find only in Russia couldn’t be complete without the imposing Kizhi Pogost. This architectural marvel is a wooden wonder that doesn’t include a single nail in its structure. It’s entirely made of wood and has some of the most beautiful domes you have ever seen and was built using only the limited tools of the 17th century. So, it should come as a surprise to no one that the Kizhi Pogost is one of Russia’s 30 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Europe’s Highest Peak
Standing at a whopping 5,642 meters (about 18,510 feet), Mount Elbrus is home to the highest peak(s) in Europe. But that’s not where the story ends; Elbrus is one of the rare mountains of its height to have two almost equal mountaintops and between them- a dormant volcano.
The Curonian Spit Sand Dunes
When you think you find only in Russia, sand dunes might not be the first thing that pops into your mind, but the Curonian Spit in Kaliningrad Oblast is here to flip that script and once again demonstrate the incredible natural diversity of the world’s largest country.
Nestled between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon, this 98-kilometer-long spit that’s home to dunes the size of skyscrapers, some reaching up to 60 meters high. The dunes are an ecological wonderland of its own and are home to a unique mix of landscapes – from its whispering sands to lush pine forests.
The Eurasia Border
Last but not least, we conclude this list of things you can find only in Russia with the Eurasia border. Even though technically the Eurasia border stretches across hundreds of kilometers, there’s a specially designated landmark near the city of Yekaterinburg that’s the only place in the area where you can have both of your feet on different continents. How’s that for a bucket-list achievement? Oh and by the way, if you’re planning to visit this interesting city, make sure to check out this list of the best hotels in Yekaterinburg.
Lastly, you didn’t think we’d complete this list of things you find only in Russia without a few wtf images from the world’s largest country…
How did you like this list of things you can find only in Russia? Did you ever experience any of them? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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