About Russia:
The largest of all the Eastern European countries, Russia lives up to its grand historical reputation. Everywhere are remnants of this country’s past—either in the Eastern Orthodox churches, the monuments to poets and tsars, or even the Soviet-style apartment buildings. Russia doesn’t let itself forget its past, nor does it let the visitor ignore it. This is, in part, what makes Russia so attractive for travelers. Embrace it.
Facts about Russia:
- Covering 17,075,200 square kilometers, Russia is subject to a variety of climates and boasts all types of terrain.
- Bordered by 14 countries, Russia has numerous ethnic populations thatinfluence regions culturally.
- Prevailing religions include Russian Orthodox and Muslim, but Russia also has its fair share of other religions as well as Atheism.[/li
Siberian Russia:
As vast as its wilderness is, the cities of Siberia can get swallowed up and forgotten in the kilometers of steppe and taiga. But if you want a break from the glittering Russia of the West, you need to cross the Urals and visit various locations to the East. Lake Baikal is beautiful, though distant from larger cities, like Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, and Tomsk.
Russia's Cultural Centers:
Most visitors to Russia concentrate their efforts in two cities: Moscow and St. Petersburg. Though Moscow's history is much older than St. Petersburg's, both cities have come to represent concentrations of Russia's culture through art, music, food, architecture, literature, and more.
Russia's Folk Traditions:
Russia's folk traditions live on in its food, holiday celebrations, and in other cultural elements.
View the Russia Culture Photo Gallery and learn about Russian traditional foods.
Russia's World Heritage Sites:
Russia's World Heritage Sites encompass major tourist centers, like St. Petersburg and Moscow, but also protect wilderness and historic sites in the far reaches of the country. Some of these sites are accessible to travelers; others require an adventurous spirit to see.
Russia's Trains:
Russia's famous train system can take you from side of the country to the other, or simply from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Taking a train between Russian cities is a cultural experience in itself.
Follow these pointers for train travel in Russia and bring some worthwhile reading.
- Flights to Moscow (Sheremetyevo): Compare Prices
- Map of Russia
