Beauty of Krasnoyarsk
Krasnoyarsk is considered one of the largest economic and industrial centers of the Russian Federation, but it is also famous for its unique attractions. You have seen several of them: on the 10-ruble bill is the Paraskeva Friday Chapel, as well as the Communal Bridge that spans the Yenisei. This is a unique city, the eastern millionth of Russia. The beauty of its nature makes the heart beat faster. Let's tell you about the famous places of Krasnoyarsk, what they are worth seeing, where to go and where to stay.
Paraskeva Friday Chapel
If Krasnoyarsk has a business card, then it is certainly the Chapel of Paraskeva Friday. Her silhouette can be seen on a ten-ruble bill, but in reality - on top of Karaulnaya Gora, offering a breathtaking view of the city.
The history of this place goes back centuries. In the 17th century, there was a watchtower here, and even earlier, there was an ancient Khakass temple. In 1805, the merchant Novikov erected a wooden chapel on the mountain, which was replaced by a stone one a few decades later. The new building was built at the expense of gold miner Peter Kuznetsov.
The chapel is a striking example of Russian architecture of the 19th century. The octagonal snow-white building with a height of 22 meters has become not only a cult object, but also a symbol of Krasnoyarsk. At various times, the artist Vasily Surikov, who painted his landscapes from here, and the inventor of the radio, Alexander Popov, who observed the solar eclipse, climbed here.
In addition to its architectural and historical value, this place attracts tourists with its panorama of the central part of the city. And you can also hear it — every day, at noon, a cannon shot is heard from Karaulnaya Hill. The tradition was revived in 2001, when a howitzer was installed here in memory of the Cossacks who founded the city.
Kingfish Viewing Platform
It is located near the Sliznevsky cliff — in a beautiful place created by nature itself. The view of the Yenisei River from a height of 300 m is breathtaking and makes you think about the eternal.
In the center of the site stands a monument to the "King Fish", the heroine of the literary work of the same name by Viktor Astafyev. The fish is made of metal, 4 meters tall and 300 kilograms in weight. This is the famous Yenisei sturgeon, which was found in abundance in these places in the 1970s. It was at this time that the site was laid, and the monument was erected only in 2004. But today there are not so many sturgeons in the Yenisei waters.
The writer himself was quite skeptical about the improvement of the observation deck. He claimed that this man-made cliff was too good to be damaged by human intervention.
Stolby Nature Reserve
Every year, tens of thousands of travelers visit the Krasnoyarsk Territory to see the taiga, learn about the history of Siberia and rafting on the Yenisei. But the main attraction of Krasnoyarsk, which attracts guests, is, of course, the bizarre cliffs of the Stolby reservation.
The beautiful mountainous area, surrounded by a magnificent forest of pines, deciduous and cedar trees, has been exposed to torrential rains and winds for millions of years, until the pillars of enormous size have acquired unique outlines.
Stolbism, an amateur rock climbing technique that is carried out mainly without insurance, has become a sociocultural phenomenon. The Pillars inspire many poets, writers, and artists. Outstanding rock climbers and mountaineers were brought up here. About 100 rocks rise among the taiga. No one can reliably say when a person saw these rocks for the first time.
Among the native plants, 7 species are listed in the Red Book of Russia, and of the representatives of mammals in it: balaban, golden eagle, black stork, osprey, peregrine falcon, burial ground.
Levoberezhnaya Embankment and Kommunalny Bridge
A walk along the embankment of the left bank of the Yenisei is an opportunity to see Krasnoyarsk in all its glory. Almost three kilometers of footpath along Dubrovinsky Street lead through the iconic places and beauties of Krasnoyarsk. Here you can visit the Museum of local lore, take a photo at the monument to Viktor Astafyev or admire the panorama from the river station.
The main architectural dominant of this route is the Communal Bridge. When it was built in 1956, it was the longest in Asia. The unique technology of installing reinforced concrete arches has earned the building a place in the UNESCO directory "Bridge Construction of the World". The image of this particular bridge adorns the ten-ruble bill.
The embankment is especially beautiful in the evening, when the city lights are reflected in the waters of the Yenisei, and the Communal Bridge is illuminated with warm light.
Tatyshev Island
This is the green heart of Krasnoyarsk and the best place for outdoor activities. In summer, people walk here, ride bicycles and roller skates, have picnics and even feed ground squirrels. And in winter, the island turns into the main center of winter entertainment: the largest skating rink in the city is flooded here and ski trails are laid.
Tatyshev is the largest island on the Yenisei within Krasnoyarsk. Its territory is not just a park, but a real recreational complex. The beach area, apple orchard, arboretum, children's playground, outdoor library, sports grounds, concert stages — it seems that everything is here.
The island is connected to the city by two bridges: the Oktyabrsky automobile bridge and the cable-stayed pedestrian bridge. The latter was originally named after the founder of Krasnoyarsk, Andrei Dubensky, whose detachment of Cossacks landed in 1628 on the arrow of the Kacha and the Yenisei. Later, the bridge was renamed Vinogradovsky in honor of the architect-builder.
Theater Square
This is a must for those who are thinking about where to go in the center of Krasnoyarsk. Concerts, festivals and folk festivals are held here. The center of the square is the Krasnoyarsk Opera and Ballet Theater, named after Dmitry Hvorostovsky, the famous baritone who began his career here.
The history of opera art in Krasnoyarsk began in the 19th century, when the first symphony orchestra appeared in the city. Back then, operas were staged on the stage of the city theater, and today the Krasnoyarsk Opera and Ballet Theater hosts international festivals and pleases the audience with large-scale productions.
But the theater is not the only attraction of the square. There is a modern light and music fountain, the jets of which move to the beat of the music. In the evening, its illumination turns the square into a bright and fascinating sight.
There is another fountain nearby, the Rivers of Siberia. It symbolizes the Siberian waterways: six mountain rivers flowing into the Yenisei. The main figure is the Yenisei River itself, and its tributaries are depicted in the form of graceful sculptures of girls. This is one of the most photogenic places in the center of Krasnoyarsk, combining history, art and nature.
Dream Gardens Park
What places to visit in Krasnoyarsk to take a break from the hustle and bustle? Go to the "Gardens of Dreams". This is a corner of nature in the city, where you can enjoy the atmosphere of comfort. Everyone will find something to do here: children play on swings and carousels, adults walk along shady alleys, and nature lovers watch ducks on a picturesque pond.
One of the highlights of the park is a small zoo where rabbits and pheasants live. Visitors can not only admire the animals, but also feed them.
A walk in the park is sure to whet your appetite, and this is taken care of here: a cozy cafe offers pancakes, pizza and sweet donuts. And if you just want to enjoy the silence, you can sit on a bench and watch the surrounding nature.
Special attention in "Gardens of Dreams" is paid to landscape design. There are 300+ species of Siberian plants growing here, so the walk will be especially fascinating for connoisseurs of flora.
Beaver Log Fanpark
If you are looking for interesting places in Krasnoyarsk for young people, be sure to visit Bobrovy Log. The fanpark is suitable for outdoor enthusiasts, as well as for those who prefer leisurely walks or picnics. It is located near the center of Krasnoyarsk and occupies 80 hectares of picturesque territory.
In summer, you can take a cable car up here and admire the panorama of the city from the observation deck. For fans of extreme sports, there is a Ziprider, an attraction that allows you to fly over the slope at a speed of 90 km/h. After that, take a dip in the pool or ride a bike along the equipped trails.
In winter, Bobrovy Log turns into a ski recreation center. There are trails for skiers and snowboarders, an ice rink is being flooded, and professional instructors will help beginners. All necessary equipment can be rented.
There are cozy cafes on the territory of the fanpark where you can have a snack and relax. It's easy to get here: a city bus runs from the railway station, and the right stop is called the Bobrovy Log Fanpark. This location is one of the top places in Krasnoyarsk where it is worth spending the whole day to enjoy nature and recharge your batteries.
V. I. Surikov Art Museum and the museum-estate of the great painter
For those who choose where to go alone in Krasnoyarsk, we recommend enjoying the painting. Visit the Krasnoyarsk Art Museum, which is named after the great Russian painter Vasily Surikov. This is one of the largest museums outside the Urals, where a rich collection of works of art is presented — from the XVIII century to the present day. Located at 36 Karl Marx Street.
Here you will see Russian paintings, Western European art and magnificent examples of decorative and applied craftsmanship. The icon collection, which includes both Central Russian and late Siberian designs, deserves special attention. Folk art lovers will appreciate the exhibition of crafts — elegant khokhloma patterns, delicate gzhel painting, rare products by Siberian craftsmen.
The pride of the museum is the collection of Surikov's own works. The exhibition features 78 of his works, including sketches of famous historical paintings. You can also see the works of avant-gardists Kazimir Malevich and Vasily Kandinsky, as well as paintings by artists from the Krasnoyarsk Territory.
And on Lenin Street, 98, in the center of Krasnoyarsk, there is a wooden house, as if descended from the pages of history. It was here that the future great artist was born, grew up and began his career. He lived in this house before entering the Academy of Fine Arts, and later came here again and again. His family lived there until the end of his days, then the artist's daughters handed over the estate to the city.
The atmosphere of the 19th century has been preserved inside the museum: household items of the Surikov family, documents, personal belongings, antique photographs. The exhibition introduces the artist's life and the history of the Yenisei Cossacks, to which his family belonged. Plein-airs, museum lessons and educational quizzes are also held here.
Stone Town in Ergaki
One of the most unusual places in Krasnoyarsk. It is hidden in the heart of the Ergaki Nature Park, where the rocks take on fantastic shapes. This place is impressive at first glance and remains in the memory forever.
The stone City is a maze of majestic stone walls, towers and mysterious figures resembling silhouettes of people, birds and animals. Looking at these gigantic creations, it's hard to believe that they were created by nature, and not by human hands.
This natural monument is often compared to the Krasnoyarsk Pillars, but in miniature. The area of the Stone Town is about 3 km2, and each corner of it keeps its own legend. The place attracts not only tourists, but also photographers, artists, and researchers. There is a special atmosphere here — silence, the grandeur of the rocks and the spirit of antiquity.
The Stone Town can only be reached by an all-terrain vehicle or an all-wheel drive SUV. It is located about 600 km from Krasnoyarsk.
Historical Quarter
The list of interesting things to see in Krasnoyarsk for tourists includes this architectural gem of the city, which has preserved the atmosphere of the past. Here you can find houses built more than 100 years ago, they tell about the rich history of the city. The Telegin Manor with an outbuilding, the manor of Doctor Glantz and the Koroleva wing will take you back to the era when Krasnoyarsk was just beginning to develop.
In Soviet times, these mansions were converted into small apartments where people lived until the early 2010s. Over time, the buildings fell into disrepair and turned into two-story barracks, losing their former beauty. But in the 2010s, the authorities decided to transform this part of the city, and a new, restored "Historic Quarter" with a pedestrian zone appeared in place of dilapidated housing.
The restoration work began in 2017 and has become a true example of architectural heritage preservation. The buildings were restored according to archival documents and drawings, which allowed them to return to their original appearance. Shutters, architraves and window fittings were partially preserved in the original, and some houses were dismantled and reassembled — this method of restoration, in which log cabins are completely rebuilt, is considered a rarity in modern Russia.
Instead of the old road, cozy benches, flower beds and flowers have appeared here. Wooden mansions look like new, attracting attention with their unique details and the atmosphere of antiquity. The facades of the houses were restored, and the courtyards were landscaped. The interiors of the buildings have also been brought back to life, and the room layouts and wall finishes are as close to the original as possible — even the wallpaper used in the restoration resembles those in the houses in the photos from the archives of the early 20th century.
How to get to Krasnoyarsk
There are several options, depending on your location and transportation preferences.
By plane
Krasnoyarsk Airport named after D. A. Hvorostovsky is located about 30 km from the city. It has an international status. Regular flights are operated from many major Russian cities: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk. The journey time from the capital is about 4 hours.
By train
Krasnoyarsk is located on the Trans-Siberian Railway, and it can be reached by train from Moscow, Novosibirsk or other major cities. The travel time from Moscow will be about 3-4 days.
By bus
Bus service is also available, but it's quite a long way. Buses run from major cities, and the journey will take several days.
By car
If you prefer to travel by car, you will have to cover a distance of about 4,000 km from Moscow. It will take several days on the way. It is important to take into account the road conditions, as well as the availability of gas stations and places to rest on the highway.
Where to stay
If you are going to Krasnoyarsk, we advise you to take care of your accommodation in advance. Our hotel Novotel Krasnoyarsk Center is located in the heart of the city and offers comfortable rooms at affordable prices. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant, which overlooks the Theater Square and the picturesque landscapes of the Siberian city of contrasts. We are waiting for you to visit!
