Places you need to visit in life. The most interesting places on the planet. Central Highlands, Iceland

We couldn't help but include Venice on this list with its picturesque canals, grand basilicas, colorful houses and cozy wine bars. There is no other place like it on Earth.

2. Seville, Spain

Seville is the pearl of imperial Spain, where tourists can enjoy strolling through the narrow streets of the city with orange blossoms, Moorish castles and the famous Spanish snacks - tapas.

3. New York, USA

It's no wonder that New York is often called the "crossroads of the world." Nowhere else will you find such a mind-blowing concentration of art, culture, cuisine and business.

4. Lhasa, China

Lhasa is the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism in the immutable Himalayas. Incense-filled monasteries and palaces lie against the backdrop of magnificent scenery.

5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

From the world-famous Carnival to iconic sites, Rio de Janeiro is an experience for all five senses. And here are the two most famous beach on the ground!

6. London, England

Prestigious museums, famous street markets and a vibrant financial center help ensure that London remains one of the most visited cities in the world.

7. Marrakech, Morocco

You will never forget visiting the Medina of Marrakech. Endless labyrinths of streets full of vibrant bazaars, stunning architecture and tagines on every corner.

8. Petra, Jordan

Petra stands out among all the majestic ancient cities of the world. These epic, windswept monumental buildings carved into the rocks have to be seen to be believed.

9. Rome, Italy

Walking around Rome is like exploring a huge museum under open air. No place on Earth can accommodate such abundance. visual arts, kitchens and masses ancient history like the Eternal City.

10. Varanasi, India

Varanasi is one of the holiest cities in India. Watching the sunrise on the ghats along the banks of the Ganges along with devotees, pilgrims and locals will forever remain in your memory.

11. Florence, Italy

Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and boasts an incredible collection of art, not to mention magnificent cathedrals, delicious Tuscan cuisine and rich, enchanting architecture.

12. Havana, Cuba

A walk through the streets of Old Havana is a journey into the past, into a world of majestic pre-revolutionary buildings and classic cars, into an atmosphere filled with the smell of home cooking mixed with the sea breeze.

13. Kyoto, Japan

Once upon a time, the city of Kyoto was the capital of Japan and the main residence of the emperors. Visiting the elegant tea houses, gardens and local castles is the best way to experience the true essence of the traditions of the land of the rising sun.

14. Jerusalem, Israel

Jerusalem is a true crossroads of cultures, cuisines and beliefs. The most striking confirmation of this can be found on the streets of the Old City associated with the greatest people and events in history.

15. Paris, France

This is the city of lights, which is considered the most romantic place on Earth. Here you can get carried away by visiting museums and strolling through amazing squares with many cozy cafes.

16. Beijing, China

Beijing - historical and cultural capital China, famous for two of the most impressive monumental complexes on Earth: the palace complex Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China.

17. Lalibela, Ethiopia

Lalibela is one of Ethiopia's greatest holy cities, famous throughout the world for its unique and stunning collection of monolithic churches carved directly into the rock.

18. Granada, Spain

Granada is filled with magic, from the Alhambra itself to the narrow cobbled streets of the Albaicin district. Such charm cannot be found even in some big cities Europe.

19. Athens, Greece

The Acropolis of Athens ranks first as one of the most recommended sites to visit. But Athens is much more than just ancient ruins. The city offers sun-drenched streets, flower-filled squares and incredible museums.

20. Bagan, Myanmar

Perhaps here you will see the most beautiful sunrises in the world. Just imagine: creeping fog, the first glimpses of light and the almost endless plain of the ancient pagodas of Bagan.

21. Kathmandu, Nepal

For many, Kathmandu is the gateway to the majestic Himalayas. It is one of the most colorful cities on Earth, populated by ascetic sadhus and monks in saffron robes chanting cult prayers.

22. Vatican

The Vatican is a city-state and the center of the Roman Catholic Church. Even if you are a non-religious tourist, one look at the columns and dome of St. Peter's Square is enough to take your breath away.

23. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon truly has it all: sun, sea and an enchantingly decadent atmosphere, along with colorful city neighborhoods like Chiado and Alfama.

24. Tokyo, Japan

Once in Tokyo, you will feel transported to the future. This glittering metropolis of 13,000,000 inhabitants has become a mecca for shopaholics, foodies and partygoers. And at the same time, there is still room for tranquil gardens and shrines.

25. Istanbul, Türkiye

In this city, East meets West. Istanbul, with its thousand-year history, monumental mosques and bustling bazaars, is more relevant today than ever before.

26. Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An (Hội An) is a historical Vietnamese port that is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This unique old town reflects Japanese, Vietnamese and European influences. Oh, and the local cuisine is something special.

27. Amsterdam, Netherlands

The quality of life in Amsterdam is one of the highest in the world. This fact attracts millions of tourists, enchanted by its famous Red Light District and the stunning Van Gogh Museum.

28. Luxor, Egypt

Luxor is the most beautiful of the ancient cities of Egypt. It is located on the banks of the Nile near the cities of Karnak and Thebes, and is also not far from the Valley of the Kings, making it a must-visit if you love history.

29. Berlin, Germany

Few cities have played such an important role in modern history like Berlin. Plus its legendary nightclubs and vibrant restaurants make... german capital in one of the most interesting cities modern Europe.

30. Jaipur, India

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan with spectacular palaces and gardens. This Big City It is part of the famous Indian “Golden Triangle” along with Agra (location of the Taj Mahal) and Delhi.

31. Lyon, France

The ancient part of Lyon is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the history of the city dates back to Roman times. Try to visit during the “Festival of Lights” (Fête des Lumières), when the cathedrals, gardens and streets are illuminated with thousands of lights.

32. Oia, Greece

Oia is the most famous town in greek island Santorini. Its stunning white and blue houses cascade down to the sea, looking like they came straight out of a postcard!

33. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Most travelers flock to this country to visit the stunning ancient complex Angkor Wat, but Siem Reap, with its laid-back bohemian vibe and delicious food, is also worth a look.

34. Vienna, Austria

Vienna - majestic imperial city With beautiful palaces, manicured gardens and elegant cafes. It has been voted one of the most livable cities in the world more than once - just icing on the cake.

35. Cusco, Peru

As well as being the main base for exploring the Andes and Machu Picchu, the World Heritage city of Cusco is full of historic temples, monasteries and magnificent colonial houses.

36. Cartagena, Colombia

The colonial city of Cartagena on the Caribbean coast of Colombia has a history of explorers, pirates and kings. The old town is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is as charming as you can imagine.

37. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar is one of the most popular ancient cities in Africa, famous for its white sandy beaches and the mixture of African, Arab and Portuguese culture in the historical area - Stone Town.

38. Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City offers a delightful mix of sights, sounds and colors. A city of over 20 million people, beautiful colonial architecture, close proximity to ruins and solid cuisine.

39. Singapore

Whether it's a holiday or a business trip, when you're in Singapore, be sure to visit its Little India neighbourhood. Here you will find the best street food in the whole world.

40. Las Vegas, USA

Sin City is a favorite destination for Americans and tourists from all over the world. A place with an incomparable combination wonderful hotels, famous restaurants, as well as the largest casinos. Viva Las Vegas!

41. Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Samarkand – ancient city The Great Silk Road. Its mosaic and monumental Registan Square with the Ulugbek, Sherdor and Tillya-Kari madrassas is one of the most beautiful examples of Islamic architecture in the world.

“Three things make a person happy: love, interesting work and the opportunity to travel...” said Ivan Bunin. We hope everything is fine with your love and interesting work. But we will help you with travel! After all, it’s already spring, and you can feel it most clearly on the road. PEOPLETALK offers you a small guide to the most beautiful places on our planet that you might want to go to.

Colored rocks of Zhangye Danxia, ​​China

It seems that these mountain ranges are the creation of an artist who generously painted the canvas with bright colors. According to many researchers, the rocks acquired this color due to the fact that this area was under water for approximately 100 million years. After the drought, the water evaporated, and the remaining silt gave the rocks a riot of colors. In 2010, Zhangye Cliffs were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

"Sea of ​​Stars" on Vaadhoo Island, Maldives

This place is the dream of all romantics. The shore is strewn with thousands of glowing lights, as if reflecting the starry night sky. This phenomenon is easily explained: flickering is created by single-celled organisms - phytoplankton. This sight is worth a sleepless night!

Great Chinese Wall, China

One of the largest architectural monuments in the world, with a length of 21,196 km, undoubtedly deserves attention. About 40 million tourists visit this place every year. This incredible structure is also included in the list of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Northern lights, Iceland

Everyone should see this magical phenomenon at least once in their life! The lights can be observed from many parts of our vast northern country, for example in Murmansk. But in Iceland you can kill two birds with one stone: northern lights You will see on clear nights from October to April, and from February to March you can see the largest mammals in the world - whales and killer whales - from the shores. Agree, the trip is worth it.

Taj Mahal, India

People from all over the world come to see one of the most famous landmarks in the world. different countries. In a year alone, the Taj Mahal is visited by 3 to 6 million people. The incredibly beautiful structure was built by Emperor Shah Jahan after the death of his third wife Mumtaz Mahal. More than 22 thousand craftsmen worked on the creation of this architectural masterpiece. The Indian Pearl is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Park Shinjuku-gyoen, Japan

The very place where beautiful sakura blooms every spring! The incredible beauty of natural wild cherry blossoms in Japanese gardens is called Hanami. This holiday is national tradition, admiring the flowers lasts from 7 to 10 days. Shinjuku Gyoen Park has become one of the most visited places in Japan due to its beauty. So, when going to the Land of the Rising Sun, choose the end of March and the beginning of April.

Venice, Italy

Venice is one of the most beautiful cities not only in Italy, but in the whole world! The city literally stands on the water: it is built on 122 islands and connected by 400 bridges. Venice has its own amazing atmosphere that attracts tourists and forever sank into the heart of everyone who has been there.

Mountain river cave Hang Son Dung, Vietnam

This cave, by the way the largest in the world, was discovered in 2009. On this moment it has been explored only 2.5 km in depth. Width giant cave reaches 100 m and a height of 250. This underground kingdom is filled with incredible beauty. Inside there is a river whose depth reaches 200 meters! This place is a real find for tourists, photographers and lovers of unforgettable experiences. Hang Son Doong is unlikely to leave anyone indifferent!

Angel Falls, Venezuela

One of the most beautiful and high waterfalls world is located in Venezuela. The scale of this creation of nature is difficult to imagine! The total height of the waterfall reaches 1054 m, and the height is 807 m. Angel is located in the Canaima National Park, and in 1994 UNESCO included it in the World Heritage List.

Antelope Canyon, USA

Surely you have encountered more than once amazing beauty the canyon in photographs, film stills and music videos. The canyon is located in the southwestern United States. The tawny-red walls are naturally formed giant crevices in the sandy rocks. Its length is just over 100 m. If you decide to visit this magical place, know that it is best to observe the beauty of the canyon when the sun is at its zenith.

Lake Ritsa, Abkhazia

Another magical place that is not so far away, but will definitely delight you with its beauty, is the high-altitude Lake Ritsa, surrounded by majestic mountains. This is one of the most important attractions of Abkhazia. Its length reaches almost 2 km, its depth is about 150 m, and the height of the surrounding mountains is 3200 m. The spectacle is so beautiful that it is difficult to believe that it is real! We recommend!

Salt Flat of Uyuni, Bolivia

It’s quite possible to walk across the sky if you visit a dried-up salt lake in the south of the Altiplano desert plain, in the departments of Oruro and Potosi. This most unusual lake in the world, with an area of ​​10,582 km2, is one of the largest salt marshes in the world. But thousands of people come here not for the salt, but for the incredible beauty!

Mount Ararat, Türkiye

Despite the fact that the mountain itself is located in Turkey, an extraordinary view of it opens from Armenia. For the Armenian people, the mountain is a symbol of the state, and, according to biblical legend, it was here that Noah’s Ark landed. famous mountain consists of two vertices − Greater Ararat(5165 m) and Maly (3925 m). Ararat amazes with its beauty and majesty and is definitely worth seeing with your own eyes!

Tianmen (Heaven's Gate), China

China is a country with a rich culture and incredibly beautiful nature, and one of its most popular attractions, of course, is Tianmen Mountain. Its height is 1518.6 m. To get to the top, you need to overcome a breathtaking path along the world's longest cable car, the length of which is 7455 m. This route is called the “heavenly highway”. So if you dream of touching the heavens, then this is the place for you!

We present the most beautiful places in our country, which should be seen not only by every photographer and traveler, but also by every resident of our vast Russia. Read our material and you will see: we all have something to be proud of!

Natural parks, reserves

Lena Pillars, Yakutia

Lena Pillars is a natural park in Russia, located on the banks of the Lena River in the Khangalassky ulus of Yakutia, 104 km from the city of Pokrovsk. Stretching for many kilometers, the complex of vertically elongated rocks, intricately piled up along the banks of the Lena, cutting through the Prilenskoye Plateau with a deep valley, never ceases to attract photographers and travelers. The pillars reach their greatest density between the villages of Petrovskoye and Tit-Ary.

The height of the rock formations reaches 100 meters. Scientists believe that the formation of rocks began 560–540 million years ago, and the formation of the Lena Pillars as a landform began about 400 thousand years ago.

Natural Park“Lena Pillars” was organized on the basis of the decree of the President of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) dated August 16, 1994 No. 837 and the government decree of February 10, 1995 and is subordinate to the regional Ministry of Nature Protection. The area of ​​the park is 485 thousand hectares, the park consists of two branches - “Stolby” and “Sinsky”.

Valley of Geysers, Kamchatka

The Valley of Geysers, one of the largest geyser fields in the world and the only one in Eurasia, is located in Kamchatka in the Kronotsky State Biosphere Reserve, which is on the list world heritage UNESCO as part of the natural complex "Volcanoes of Kamchatka".

The valley represents deep canyon of the Geysernaya River, on the sides of which an area of ​​about 6 square meters. km there are numerous outlets of geysers, hot springs, mud pots, thermal areas, waterfalls and lakes. In this area there is an abnormally high biodiversity and high contrast natural conditions and microclimate. The ecosystem of the Valley of Geysers is unique throughout the country. The territory of the valley is protected by a reserve regime.

Since 1992, under an agreement with the reserve, helicopter excursions have been organized here, and there is a strict system of rules for organizing excursions in order to maintain the balance of the ecosystem. In 2008, based on voting results, the Valley of Geysers was included in the list of seven wonders of Russia.

Weathering pillars, Komi Republic

Weathering pillars (Mansi logs) are a geological monument located in the Troitsko-Pechora region of the Komi Republic on the territory of the Pechora-Ilychsky Nature Reserve on Mount Man-Pupu-ner (“ Malaya Gora idols" translated from the Mansi language), in the interfluve of the Ichotlyag and Pechora rivers. Many legends are associated with this extraordinary place. The pillars are considered one of the seven wonders of Russia.

The weathering pillars are located quite far from inhabited places. Reaching them is in some sense a feat. To do this, by the way, you need to obtain a pass from the administration of the reserve. From the Sverdlovsk region and Perm region there is walking route, from the Komi Republic side - automobile, water and walking routes.

About 200 million years ago, there were high mountains in place of the stone pillars. Rain, snow, wind, frost and heat gradually destroyed the mountains, and especially weak rocks. Hard sericite-quartzite shales were less destroyed and have survived to this day, while soft rocks were destroyed by weathering and carried by water and wind into relief depressions.

One pillar, 34 m high, stands somewhat apart from the others. Six others lined up at the edge of the cliff. The pillars have bizarre outlines and, depending on the place of inspection, resemble either the figure of a huge man, or the head of a horse or ram. It’s true: this place is ideal for a photographer’s imagination! In past times, the Mansi deified grandiose stone sculptures and worshiped them, but climbing Manpupuner was considered the greatest sin.

Curonian Spit, Kaliningrad region

The Curonian Spit is a sand spit located on the coast of the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon. It is a narrow and long saber-shaped strip of land separating the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea and extending from the city of Zelenogradsk Kaliningrad region to the city of Klaipeda (Smiltyne) (Lithuania). The name of the spit comes from the name of the ancient Curonian tribes who lived here before the colonization of Prussia by the Germans.

The length is 98 kilometers, the width ranges from 400 meters (in the area of ​​​​the village of Lesnoy) to 3.8 kilometers (in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bCape Bulviko, just north of Nida).

The Curonian Spit is a unique natural-anthropogenic landscape and a territory of exceptional aesthetic value: the Curonian Spit is the largest sand body, included, along with the Hel and Vistula, in the Baltic complex of sand spits, which has no analogues in the world. High level biological diversity due to the combination of different landscapes - from desert (dunes) to tundra (raised bog) - provides insight into important and long-term ecological and biological processes in evolution.

The most significant element of the spit's relief is a continuous strip of white sand dunes 0.3 - 1 km wide, some of them approaching the highest in the world (up to 68 m). Thanks to his geographical location and orientation from northeast to southwest, it serves as a corridor for migratory birds of many species flying from the northwestern regions of Russia, Finland and the Baltic countries to the countries of the Middle and Southern Europe. Every year in spring and autumn, from 10 to 20 million birds fly over the spit, a significant part of which stop here to rest and feed.

Favorable climatic conditions allow you to relax on the Curonian Spit from May to November. In 2000, the Curonian Spit was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Nature reserve "Stolby". Krasnoyarsk region

The reserve is located on the northwestern spurs of the Eastern Sayan Mountains, bordering the Central Siberian Plateau. The natural boundaries of the protected area are the right tributaries of the river. Yenisei: in the northeast - the Bazaikha river, in the south and southwest - the Mana and Bolshaya Slizneva rivers. From the northeast, the territory borders the city of Krasnoyarsk; the border of the reserve can be reached by bus. The reserve was founded in 1925 on the initiative of city residents to preserve natural complexes around the picturesque syenite outcrops - “pillars”. Currently, its area is 47,219 hectares. Submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Lakes

Lake Baikal, Eastern Siberia

It is unlikely that Baikal needs any descriptions, but still... Baikal is the most deep lake on the planet, the largest natural reservoir of fresh water. The lake and coastal areas are distinguished by a unique diversity of flora and fauna. Locals and many in Russia traditionally call Baikal the sea.

The maximum depth of the lake - 1642 m - was established in 1983 by L. G. Kolotilo and A. I. Sulimov during hydrographic work. The average depth of the lake is also very large - 744.4 m. Besides Baikal, only two lakes on Earth have a depth of more than 1000 meters: Tanganyika (1470 m) and the Caspian Sea (1025 m). One of the visiting cards of Russia, a place that you need to see with your own eyes at least once in your life!

Lake Seliger, Tver and Novgorod regions

Another place that needs no introduction. By the way, Seliger has another name - Ostashkovskoye Lake, after the name of the city of Ostashkov, located on the lake shore. The area of ​​the lake is 260 sq. km, including about 38 sq. km. km there are islands (there are more than 160 of them on Seliger). The largest among them is Khachin Island. The area of ​​the entire pool is 2275 sq. km.

Seliger receives 110 tributaries. The largest are the Krapivenka, Soroga and Seremukha rivers. Only one river, Selizharovka, flows out of it. The lake lies at an altitude of 205 meters above sea level and is of glacial origin. This explains its peculiar shape - it is not a lake in the usual concept, but rather a chain of lakes stretching from north to south for 100 km and connected by short narrow channels. The coastline, more than 500 km long, is rugged - forested headlands, deep picturesque bays jutting into the land, and islands of various shapes.

The water in Seliger is clear, transparency reaches 5 meters. On the shore of the southern part of Lake Seliger are the city of Ostashkov and the New Yeltsy estate.

Lake Kezenoy-am, Chechen Republic

Kezenoy-am is a lake on the border of the Vedeno region of the Chechen Republic and the Botlikh region of Dagestan. This is the largest and deepest lake North Caucasus, located at an altitude of more than 1800 meters above sea level. The surface of the lake is 2.4 sq. km.

The depth of the lake reaches 74 m. The length of the lake from north to south is 2 kilometers, and from west to east - 2.7 kilometers. The maximum width is 735 meters. Length coastline- 10 kilometers.

Lake Baskunchak

Akhtubinsky district, Astrakhan region

Baskunchak - salt Lake, having an area of ​​about 115 sq. km in Akhtubinsky district Astrakhan region, approximately 270 km north of the Caspian Sea, and 53 km east of the Volga. Lake Baskunchak is part of a unique natural complex that includes Mount Big Bogdo. In 1997, the Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky natural complex was declared a nature reserve (Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky Nature Reserve), where a special environmental regime was established on an area of ​​53.7 thousand hectares.

On the coast of the lake there are deposits of medicinal clays. In June-August, tourists come to the lake to bathe in brine and take mud baths. There is no need to talk about the beauty of these places. There are no fewer photographers here than people who want to improve their health.

Jack London Lake, Magadan Region

Located in the upper reaches of the Kolyma River in the Yagodninsky district of the Magadan region, it lies among the mountains, at an altitude of 803 meters, the length of the lake in the northwest direction is 10 kilometers, depth is 50 meters.

There are many small lakes around Jack London Lake. The most prominent in size are lakes Mechta, Anemone, Gray Chaika, Nevidimka, Neighboring, and Kudinovskie lakes. One of the most beautiful and exotic lakes Far East. Old-timers say that the lake got its name thanks to an unusual find made by the “discoverers”. When the lake was discovered, researchers found Jack London's book "Martin Eden" on the shore.

Lake Elton, Volgograd region

Elton is a salty, drainless, self-sedating lake in the Pallasovsky district of the Volgograd region, located near the border with Kazakhstan. It is considered the largest in area mineral lake Europe and one of the most mineralized in the world. They say that the name of the lake comes from the Mongolian word “Altyn-Nor” - “golden bottom”.

Lake area - 152 sq. km. Until 1882, salt was mined on Elton; in 1910, the Elton medical sanatorium was founded on its shores (moved to a new location in 1945). In 2001, the lake and the adjacent territories of virgin steppes (106 thousand hectares) became part of Government institution“Natural Park “Eltonsky””.

Blue Lakes. Cherek-Balkarian Gorge, Kabardino-Balkaria

A group of five karst lakes in the Chereksky region of Kabardino-Balkaria is located at the foot of the rocky ridge, where Cherek-Balkarian Gorge. Located at the entrance to the gorge, Blue Lake is a unique a natural phenomenon, interesting not only for Kabardino-Balkaria, but also on a national scale. The Lower Blue Lake has several names: Chirik-kel (bulk) - rotten (smelly) lake; Sherej-ana (kab.) - Cherek’s mother; Psykhurey (kab.) - round water (lake), natural artesian well.

The uniqueness of Nizhny blue lake is that with a relatively small surface (only 235×130 m), its depth reaches 258 meters. The surface water temperature in winter and summer is about +9 degrees. Not a single stream or river flows into the lake, but about 70 million liters flow out every day. The lake level remains unchanged, which is explained by powerful underwater sources. The blue color of the water is due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide and the refraction of light rays in the deep pool.

The nature here is quite picturesque: green hills, dense beech forests on steep slopes, and in the distance, in the blue haze, peaks sparkling in the sun. Closer to Babugent the greenery becomes brighter and juicier. Near the village of Babugent there is a fork in the road. At the beginning of the road to the lake in the rock there is a cave in which traces of an ancient parking lots V-X centuries AD. Now many bats live there, and sometimes, in bad weather, shepherds with flocks of sheep take shelter.

Seydozero, Kola Peninsula, Murmansk region

Lake in the Lovozero tundra on Kola Peninsula. "Seid" translated from the Sami language means "sacred". The lake is located at an altitude of 189 m above sea level. The length of Seydozero is 8 km, width is from 1.5 to 2.5 km.

According to a number of science fiction writers and ufologists, one of the supposed places of existence hyperborean civilization. Seekers of the unknown have been exploring these places since 1922.

Lake (reservoir) Zyuratkul. Chelyabinsk region

Zyuratkul is located in Satka district Chelyabinsk region on the territory of the same name national park. One of the highest (724 m above sea level) reservoirs in the Southern Urals. The reservoir is surrounded mountain ranges, covered with dark coniferous forests. To the southwest is the Nurgush ridge - the highest ridge in the Chelyabinsk region. The main river feeding the reservoir is the Bolshoi Kyl. Near the source of the Satka River and the dam there is the small village of Zyuratkul, connected by bus to the city of Satka.

Previously, Zyuratkul was a natural lake. Now it is a reservoir formed by a dam built on Bolshaya Satka. A giant geoglyph was found in the lake area. About forty stone tools made of quartzite were also discovered. The technique of stone chipping makes it possible to date the tools to the Neolithic and Chalcolithic (VI-III millennium BC). Researchers are still inclined to the Copper-Stone Age (IV-III millennium BC). It is noted that at that time Southern Urals There were practically no forests (they appeared only 2,500 years ago), so the figure was easy to construct and then view from the neighboring ridge until it was covered with a layer of soil.

Until the winter of 2012, another popular attraction was located on the shore of Lake Zyuratkul - Whale Pier, which was also called the “Ural Disneyland”. But in the fall of 2012, by court order, it was demolished.

Mountains and volcanoes

Elbrus, Kabardino-Balkaria

Elbrus is a stratovolcano located on the border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. Elbrus is located north of Bolshoy Caucasian ridge and is the highest peak in Russia. Considering that the border between Europe and Asia is ambiguous, Elbrus is often called the highest European mountain peak, thereby including it in the list of “Seven Summits”.

The height of the western peak is 5642 m, the eastern one is 5621 m. The gorges of Adylsu, Shkheldy, Adyrsu, the Donguz-Oruna and Ushba massifs are very popular among climbers and mountain tourists. Elbrus region is the most popular ski resort in Russia. The total area of ​​Elbrus glaciers is 134.5 square meters. km. The most famous of them: Big and Small Azau, Terskol.

Altai Mountains

The Altai Mountains represent a complex system of the highest ridges in Siberia, separated by deep river valleys and vast intramountain and intermountain basins. A mountain system at the junction of the borders of Russia, Mongolia, China and Kazakhstan. It is divided into Southern Altai (Southwestern), Southeastern Altai and Eastern Altai, Central Altai, Northern and Northeastern Altai, Northwestern Altai.

The Altai, Katunsky reserves and the Ukok plateau together form the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Altai - Golden Mountains”. Thousands of tourists come to Altai. This is a favorite place for photo tours and independent trips.

Divnogorye plateau, Liskinsky district, Voronezh region

“Divnogorye” - a hill and a museum-reserve in the Liskinsky district Voronezh region Russia. It is located 10 km west of the center of the region on the right bank of the Don River and 80 km south of Voronezh. The museum here was founded in 1988, and in 1991 it received the status of a museum-reserve. Currently, the museum-reserve is one of the most popular and most recognizable attractions in the Voronezh region. Every season, from May to October, it is visited by more than 60 thousand tourists.

The area of ​​the museum-reserve is more than 11 sq. km. The maximum height of the plateau above sea level reaches 181 meters, relative - 103 meters (the mouth of the Tikhaya Sosna River at the confluence with the Don, which flows at the foot of the plateau, is located at an altitude of 78 m above sea level).

Dombay-Ulgen, Karachay-Cherkess Republic

Dombay-Ulgen - the top of the western part of the Dividing Range Greater Caucasus(on the border of Abkhazia and the Karachay-Cherkess Republic). Dombay-Ulgen is the highest peak in Abkhazia, located east of the village of Dombay, has three peaks: western (4036 m), main (4046 m) and eastern (3950 m).

From main peak A steep ridge extends to the north, ending in a depression - the “Dombay saddle”. From the Dombay saddle there is a classic route (category 3B), which can be climbed in one day with a descent to the camp.

Putorana Plateau, Krasnoyarsk Territory

Putorana Plateau - mountain range, located in the north-west of the Central Siberian Plateau. In the north and west, the plateau ends with a steep ledge (800 m or more), while the southern and eastern parts are characterized by gentle slopes. The maximum height of the plateau is 1701 m, among the highest peaks are Mount Kamen (1701 m), Kholokit (1542 m), Kotuyskaya (1510 m). In the north, the Putorana Plateau borders the Taimyr Peninsula. The name Putorana translated from Evenki means “lakes with steep banks.”

The area of ​​the plateau is 250 thousand sq. km, which is comparable to the territory of Great Britain. On the territory of the plateau is the Putorana State nature reserve, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Marble Canyon Ruskeala, Republic of Karelia, Ruskeala village

Mountain Park "Ruskeala" is a tourist complex located in the Sortavala region of the Republic of Karelia, near the village of Ruskeala. The main object of the complex is a former marble quarry filled with groundwater.

The quarries discovered by Pastor Alopeus began to be developed at the beginning of the reign of Catherine II. The first developments were led by Captain Kozhin, who was advised by Italian specialists. Today, the length of the quarry from north to south is 460 meters, the width is up to 100 meters. The distance from the highest point of the quarry side to its bottom is over 50 meters. Water transparency reaches 15-18 meters.

Ruskeala marble was used in the construction of the most beautiful and significant buildings of St. Petersburg and its palace suburbs. It covered St. Isaac's Cathedral, laid out the floors of the Kazan Cathedral, made the window sills of the Hermitage, and framed the windows. Marble Palace and the facade of the Mikhailovsky Castle, as well as the underground halls of the St. Petersburg metro stations “Primorskaya” and “Ladozhskaya”. In 2010, a significant part of the filming of the film “The Dark World” took place in Ruskeala.

Eastern and Western Sayans. Eastern Siberia

The Eastern and Western Sayans are the common name for two mountain systems in southern Siberia. There are Western Sayan (length 650 km, height up to 3971 m - Mount Mongun-Taiga, which is the top of the ridge of the same name - highest peak Eastern Siberia, however, more often this ridge is not classified as the Sayan Mountains, but is classified as a separate mountain system- Tuva Mountains), consisting of leveled and pointed ridges, on which there is no glaciation, separated by intermountain basins, and the Eastern Sayan (length about 1000 km, height up to 3491 m - Mount Munku-Sardyk) with typical mid-mountain ridges bearing glaciers. The rivers belong to the Yenisei basin. The slopes are dominated by mountain taiga, turning into mountain tundra.

The Western Sayan borders Altai in its southwestern part. Main Ridge its - the Watershed Sayan Range with its highest point - Mount Kyzyl-Taiga (3121 m). The Western Sayan ridges are characterized by steep slopes, rugged terrain, and vast areas of stone placers. The height of the ridges in the west does not exceed 2500-3000 m, to the east it decreases to 2000 m.

The Eastern Sayan stretches almost at right angles to the Western Sayan. Its ridges form a system of “Belogory” (Manskoye, Kanskoye) and “belkov”, which got their name because of the snow on the peaks that does not melt all year round. In the central part, in the upper reaches of the Kazyr and Kizir rivers, several ridges form a “knot” with the highest point - the Grandiozny peak (2982 m). In the southeast are the highest and most inaccessible ranges - the Bolshoy Sayan, Tunkinskie Goltsy, Kitoiskie Goltsy, Kropotkin. The highest point of the Eastern Sayan - Munku-Sardyk (3491 m) is located in the ridge of the same name. Between the Sayan ridges there are more than a dozen basins of various sizes and depths, the most famous of which is the Abakan-Minusinsk basin, known for its archaeological sites. It is worth noting the large number of waterfalls.

Almost everywhere in the Sayan Mountains, dark coniferous taiga spruce-cedar-fir forests predominate, rising in the western and central parts to heights of 1500–1800 m or more; light deciduous cedar forests form the upper border of the forest at altitudes of 2000–2500 m. Animal world as rich as vegetable. The largest city located in the Sayan Mountains is Krasnoyarsk.

Shikhany Mountains. Republic of Bashkortostan

Shikhany are isolated hills in the Bashkir Cis-Urals, consisting of four single mountains: Tratau, Shakhtau, Yuraktau and Kushtau, which form a narrow chain stretched along the Belaya River for 20 km. Shihans are located near the cities of Sterlitamak and Ishimbay. They are unique natural monuments - remnants barrier reef, formed in the warm sea of ​​the early Permian period. The stones from which these shikhans are made contain imprints of ancient plants and animals.

The highest shihan is Tratau (or Toratau). Its height is 402 meters above sea level, and its relative height is 280 meters. At its foot are the ruins of a women's prison - one of the islands of the Gulag archipelago. Shikhan Tratau flaunts on the coat of arms of the city of Ishimbay, is a symbol of the Ishimbay region of Bashkiria. In the past, this mountain was considered sacred.

Volcano Krenitsyn. Sakhalin region, Onekotan island

Active volcano on Onekotan Bolshoi Island Kuril ridge. The largest two-tiered “volcano within a volcano” in the world is located in the southern part of Onekotan Island. The height of the volcano is 1324 m.

The volcanic cone rises in the form of an island inside Lake Koltsevoye, which lies at an altitude of 400 m (diameter about 7 km). The lake is surrounded by a somma - the walls of the more ancient Tao-Rusyr caldera (heights 540–920 m with a base diameter of 16–17 km).

There is only one known historical eruption, which occurred in 1952.

Volcano Tyatya, Kuril Islands

An active volcano on the Kunashir Island of the Great Kuril Ridge, on the territory of the Kuril Nature Reserve. To put it simply geographical terms, Tyatya is a stratovolcano of the somma-vesuvius type (“volcano within a volcano”). The height reaches 1819 m ( highest point Kunashir; in 1977 and subsequent years, the southeastern part of the summit crater rim collapsed and most of the material fell into the northeastern crater. As a result, the total height of the volcano has decreased by about 30-50 meters and is currently probably less than 1800 meters above sea level).

The height of the somma is 1485 m, it has a regular truncated cone with a diameter of 15–18 km at the base and up to 2.5 km at the annular ridge. The foothills of the volcano are decorated with coniferous-deciduous forests with bamboo and thickets of stone birch and dwarf cedar. In the forests at the foot you can often find a bear. The path to the volcano is difficult, but most tourists get to the volcano from Yuzhno-Kurilsk.

Caves

Orda Cave, Perm region

The Orda Cave is located on the southwestern outskirts of the village of Orda, Perm Territory, on the left bank of the Kungur River. Consists of a “dry” and underwater part. The length of the dry part is 300 meters, the underwater part is 4600 meters. Today, Orda Cave is the longest flooded cave in Russia. In addition, part of the cave is the longest siphon in the CIS - 935 meters.

The cave ranks 21st among the longest gypsum caves in the world. Famous photographer Viktor Lyagushkin dedicated an entire photo project to the Orda Cave.

Kungur Cave, Perm region

This is one of the most popular attractions in Siberia and the Urals, a natural monument of all-Russian significance. The cave is located in Perm region, on the right bank of the Sylva River on the outskirts of the city of Kungur in the village of Filippovka, 100 km from Perm.

A unique geological monument - one of the largest karst caves in the European part of Russia, the seventh longest gypsum cave in the world. The length of the cave is about 5700 m, of which 1.5 km is equipped for visits by tourists. average temperature air in the center of the cave is +5 °C, relative humidity in the center of the cave is 100%. Kungur cave contains 58 grottoes, 70 lakes, 146 so-called. “organ pipes” (the highest is in the Ethereal Grotto, 22 m) - high shafts reaching almost to the surface.

Architecture

Nevyansk Leaning Tower. Sverdlovsk region, Nevyansk city

Not everyone knows that in Russia we have our own likeness Leaning Tower of Pisa- an inclined tower in the center of Nevyansk, built in the first half of the 18th century by order of Akinfiy Demidov.

The height of the tower is 57.5 meters, the base is a square with a side of 9.5 m. The deviation of the tower from the vertical is about 1.85 m, with the greatest inclination observed at the lower tier (3 ° 16"). The exact date of construction of the tower is unknown, different sources give dates ranging from 1721 to 1745.

The tower is a massive quadrangle, with 3 octagonal tiers built on top. Inside, the tower is divided into several levels - floors.

The purpose of the first floor is not precisely established. Demidov's office was located on the second floor, and during Soviet times it was a prison. On the third floor there was a laboratory: traces of silver and gold were found in the soot taken from the chimneys of the furnaces. According to one version, Demidov minted counterfeit money here. According to another, here Demidov, secretly from the state treasury, smelted silver and gold, which was mined at his mines in Altai.

Even higher is the so-called “auditory room”. Its peculiarity is that standing in one corner of the room, you can clearly hear what is being said in the opposite corner. The effect observed in the room is associated with the special shape of the ceiling - it is vaulted and at the same time slightly flattened.

On the seventh and eighth floors there are chimes with musical chimes, created by the English watchmaker Richard Phelps in 1730. The tower is completed by a roof and a metal spire with a weather vane mounted on it, made of milled iron, in which the noble coat of arms of the Demidovs is embossed.

There is a legend that the tower tilted because the basements were flooded with all the workers minting counterfeit money. By Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the RSFSR No. 1327 of August 30, 1960, the tower was included in the list historical monuments, subject to protection as monuments of national importance.

Ivolginsky datsan. Republic of Buryatia, village of Verkhnyaya Ivolga

Ivolginsky datsan is a large Buddhist monastery complex, the center of the Buddhist traditional Sangha of Russia, which is the largest Buddhist community in Buryatia. One of the most striking monuments of Russian history and architecture. Located in the village of Verkhnyaya Ivolga, 36 km from the center of Ulan-Ude.

Bird home. Republic of Crimea

Among all the attractions of Crimea, it is not easy to choose just one. But we decided to stop at one of the most inspiring places. bird home- an architectural and historical monument located on the steep 40-meter Aurora rock of Cape Ai-Todor in the village of Gaspra (Yalta City Council).

The structure resembles a medieval one knight's castle like the Belem Tower or Villa Miramare near Trieste. The first wooden structure on this site was erected for a retired Russian general after the Russian-Turkish War of 1877–1878; it can be seen on the canvases of famous marine painters: I.K. Aivazovsky, L.F. Lagorio, A.P. Bogolyubov, and also in photographs from that time.

The second owner of this amazing dacha was the court physician A.K. Tobin. There is also very little information left about him. After his death, the house was owned for some time by a widow, who sold the plot to the Moscow merchant Rakhmanina. She demolished the old building, and soon a wooden castle appeared, which she called “Swallow’s Nest.”

“Swallow’s Nest” received its current appearance thanks to the oil industrialist Baron Steingel, who loved to vacation in Crimea. Steingel purchased a summer cottage on Aurora Rock and decided to build a romantic castle there, which is reminiscent of medieval buildings on the banks of the Rhine. The design of the new house was commissioned from engineer and sculptor Leonid Sherwood, son of architect Vladimir Sherwood, author Historical Museum on Red Square in Moscow.

At the beginning of the First World War, the estate was bought by the Moscow merchant P. Shelaputin, who opened a restaurant in the castle. In the 1930s, there was a reading room here at the local holiday home, but the premises were considered unsafe and closed.

In 1927, Swallow's Nest was damaged during a strong earthquake. Only in 1967–1968 were repairs carried out. In addition to the monolithic slab, the entire structure was surrounded by anti-seismic belts. The tower, increased in height, became more decorative thanks to its four spiers. In 2013, cracks were discovered in the foundation slab, and the visit was suspended in the fall to conduct design work for reconstruction - strengthening the rock.

And 6 more amazing places:

Chara Sands, Trans-Baikal Territory

Chara Sands - tract in Kalarsky district Trans-Baikal Territory, which is a sandy massif measuring approximately 10 km by 5 km. Chara sands are located in the basin of the same name, in the foothills of the Kodar ridge, 9 kilometers from the village of Chara, between the valleys of the Chara, Middle Sakukan and Upper Sakukan rivers. The massif is a geological natural monument of geomorphological type of federal rank.

BAM station Novaya Chara is 10 kilometers away. The massif stretches from southwest to northeast and covers an area of ​​about 50 sq. km. In no other basin of Transbaikalia are there such large massifs of loose moving sands. Chara sands are similar in appearance to the deserts of Central Asia. The vegetation is slightly different from the taiga: there are areas with larches, dwarf birches and moisture-loving dwarf cedar. In the northeastern part of the tract there are two small lakes- Alyonushka and Tayozhnoe.

Avachinskaya Bay, Kamchatka Territory

Avacha Bay is a large ice-free bay Pacific Ocean off the south-eastern coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula, is the main transport “gateway” Kamchatka region. The main advantage of the bay is that it is one of the largest bays in the world: it can accommodate any ship in the world!

The length of the bay is 24 kilometers, the width at the entrance is 3 kilometers, total area water surface is 215 sq. km. Depth up to 26 meters. The Avacha and Paratunka rivers flow into the bay. The cities of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and Vilyuchinsk are located along the shores of the bay. The bay is the main location Pacific Fleet Russia in Kamchatka.

A unique symbol of the bay and its landmark are the Three Brothers rocks, located at the exit to the open Avacha Bay.

Commander Islands. Aleutsky district, Kamchatka region

Commander Islands - an archipelago of four islands in the southwestern part Bering Sea Pacific Ocean, administratively part of the Aleutian region of the Kamchatka Territory of Russia. The islands are named after the navigator Commander Vitus Bering who discovered them in 1741. On the largest of them, Bering Island, there is the navigator’s grave. The Commander Islands are a place of mixture of Russian and Aleutian cultures. They have huge potential for the development of northern tourism.

Patomsky crater. Irkutsk region

Patomsky crater - a cone of crushed limestone blocks on the slope of a mountain in the Patom Highlands in Irkutsk region. Discovered in 1949 by geologist Vadim Viktorovich Kolpakov. Among the local population it is called the “Nest of the Fire Eagle”, also known under the names “Kolpakov’s Cone”, “Dzhebuldinsky Crater”, “Yavaldinsky Crater”.

This is a geological object unique in its characteristics, which is a ring structure of the central type with a bulk cone composed of limestone and other rocks. The Patom crater was formed over a long period of time, about 500 years ago.

The diameter of the crater along the ridge is 76 m. The cone is crowned with a flat top, which is a ring shaft. In the center of the funnel there is a slide up to 12 m high. The total volume of the cone is estimated at 230–250 thousand cubic meters, weight - about a million tons.

Agur waterfalls. Sochi city, Krasnodar region

A cascade of waterfalls located on the Agura River in the Khostinsky district of Sochi. Distance from the Black Sea coast - 4 km. Further up the river - the Middle Falls, then the Upper.

The Lower Agur Waterfall is the first and most interesting of all three large waterfalls on the Agura River. It consists of two cascades: the lower one is 18 m high and the upper one is 12 m high. Below it is a wide and deep pool of blue water. From the Devil's Hole canyon to the Lower Waterfall it is approximately 1.5 km. Behind the first waterfall, a series of stairs and climbs go up, leading through 500 m to the Middle Agur waterfall - 23 meters, and then to the Upper - 21-meter waterfall. Up close Upper Falls To the left of the path there are rocks called Eagle Rocks.

Vasyugan swamps. Tomsk, Novosibirsk and Omsk regions

Some of the largest swamps in the world are located in Western Siberia, in the interfluve of the Ob and Irtysh, on the territory of the Vasyugan Plain, located mostly within the Tomsk region, and in small parts - the Novosibirsk and Omsk regions and the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug.

The area of ​​the swamps is 53 thousand square meters. km (for comparison: the area of ​​Switzerland is 41 thousand sq. km), the length from west to east is 573 km, from north to south - 320 km.

The Vasyugan swamps arose about 10 thousand years ago and have been constantly increasing since then - 75% of their current area was swamped less than 500 years ago. Swamps are the main source of fresh water in the region (water reserves are 400 cubic km), there are about 800 thousand small lakes, many rivers originate from swamps, in particular: Ava, Bakchar, Bolshoy Yugan, Vasyugan, Demyanka, etc. d.

The Vasyugan swamps are home to numerous local fauna, including rare ones. Rare species of animals in the swamps include, in particular, reindeer, golden eagles, white-tailed eagle, osprey, gray shrike, and peregrine falcon. There are significant quantities of squirrels, moose, sable, wood grouse, partridges, hazel grouse, black grouse, and in smaller quantities mink, otter, and wolverine. Flora also includes rare and endangered plant species and plant communities. Among wild plants, cranberries, blueberries, and cloudberries are widespread.

Now the flora and fauna of the swamps are under threat due to the development of the territory during the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas fields.

Wikipedia materials were used in preparing the article.

Happy travels!

Many European cities deserve your attention, dear readers. To make choosing your holiday destination easier, we offer you a list of the most beautiful cities on the continent.

Each of them has unique attractions that simply need to be seen with your own eyes.

1. Florence

Italian style

Florence is the capital of Tuscany, as well as the most populated city in the region.

The city is famous for being a European center of trade and finance in the Middle Ages, which is why it was often called the Athens of its time. The city has a lot of interesting things, especially the historical center.

The center has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1982. Of particular interest are architectural and artistic monuments such as statues, museums and galleries.

Also, Florence is one of the capitals of world fashion, which also attracts tourists. History and modernity are successfully combined here.

Not to be missed: Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore

Doumo Cathedral

The city's main church, also known as the Duomo Cathedral, was built over a century, from 1296 to 1436. It is also included in the UNESCO list.

2. Barcelona

City streets

It is the second largest city in Spain and the capital of Catalonia, as well as the most major metropolis Mediterranean Sea.

The city was founded by the Romans and made it the capital of the Catalan region, and then it joined the Kingdom of Aragon, where it also became the most important city.

Ras Lambras

Barcelona is one of the most important cultural centers due to its enormous architectural heritage. Antonio Gaudi and Luis Domenech i Montaner built their houses here.

Barcelona gained enormous popularity and status as a leading city in such areas as economy, culture and sports after the 1992 Summer Olympics. It is also the main European port.

Not to be missed: Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família (Temple of the Holy Family)

Sagrada Familia

This world-famous temple was conceived by the architect Antonio Gaudi. It was included in the UNESCO list in 2010, although it is still not finished.

3. Rome

Trevi Fountain

It is impossible to go to Europe and not visit Rome. It is not only the capital of Italy, but also the fourth most populous city in the European Union.

The rich history of this place dates back two and a half thousand years ago! Founded in 753 BC, Rome is one of the oldest European cities.

At one time it was the capital of the Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic and the Holy Roman Empire.

Roman forum

Moreover, since the 1st century AD the Pope has been sitting here, and since the 8th century it has been considered the Papal capital.

Bramante, Bernini, Raphael and Michelangelo had a hand in the architecture of the city. Places such as the Vatican Museum and the Colosseum have long been included in the World Heritage List.

Not to be missed: the Colosseum

Also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, the Colosseum is located in the heart of the city. This is the largest amphitheater in the world. It was built in 80 AD. entirely made of concrete and stones.

4. Paris

Triumphal Arch

The capital of France is also called the city of lights. Situated on the banks of the Seine, this city has long been recognized as a center of science and art.

It is now also a world center for business and culture, politics and education, entertainment and research.

The city is home to 4 UNESCO-listed sites and many other beautiful attractions.

Paris got its name from the Parisi tribe, whose members were among the first settlers. The city amazes with its architecture.

The abundance of old churches and cathedrals, including the famous Notre Dame, gives it a special spirit.

Not to be missed: Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower

Of course, this is the calling card of the city. Built in 1889 by the architect Gustave Eiffel, the tower is the most recognizable structure in the world.

5. Vienna

Streets of Vienna

Vienna is not only a capital, but also an economic, political and Cultural Center Austria. The offices of major international organizations, such as the UN and OPEC, are also located here.

Until the beginning of the last century, Vienna had the largest German-speaking population in the world.

Christmas market

Located close to the borders of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, Vienna has become the center of all Central Europe. The city is also often called the City of Music and the City of Dreams.

The last epithet is used due to the fact that it was here that Sigmund Freud lived and worked. Baroque castles, gardens, monuments, parks - these are just a few of the things that Vienna is rich in.

Not to be missed: Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace

This is the ex summer residence monarchs, as well as one of the most important cultural monuments of Austria. The doors of the palace were opened to tourists only in the 60s of the last century.

6. Venice

Restaurant

Venice is one of the most magnificent cities Italy. It is located in the northeast of the country and is a collection of more than 100 islands, which are separated by canals and connected by many bridges.

The city owes its name to the ancient Veneti tribe, which inhabited this region until the 10th century BC.

Taxi in Venice

This city has many names - the City of Water, Masks, Bridges, the Floating City and the City of Canals.

Venice is also considered one of the most romantic places in Europe, so it is often chosen for honeymoon trips. There are a great number of attractions here: St. Mark's Basilica, the Grand Canal and St. Mark's Square.

Don't miss: Piazza San Marco

Piazza San Marco

Here it is simply called the Square. This is the main gathering place for the inhabitants of Venice, its historical, political and religious center.

7. Budapest

Szechenyi Baths

Budapest is the capital of Hungary and its largest city, as well as a political, cultural, economic and industrial centre. Budapest was founded by the Celts, then it became one of the capitals of the Roman Empire.

But the ancestors of today’s Hungarians arrived here much later, in the 9th century. The city suffered greatly from the Mongol invasion, but was rebuilt.

City in winter

There are many cultural monuments included in the UNESCO list: the Danube River, Buda Palace, Andrássy Street and Heroes' Square.

And in Budapest you can visit baths with thermal springs, the second largest synagogue in Europe and the third largest Parliament in the world.

The headquarters of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology is also located here. The city's name is a combination of the names of two neighboring cities, Buda and Pest, which merged in 1873.

Not to be missed: Buda Palace

The palace attracts not only with its beauty, but also with an unsurpassed view that opens onto the entire historical center of the city from its observation deck.

8. Krakow

Horses of the city

It is the second largest and most Old city in Poland. The history of the city is very interesting: it was founded in the 7th century and was considered the center of Polish cultural and academic life. He even managed to visit the capital from 1038 to 1596.

The Bishop of Krakow, John Paul I, became one of the most famous Popes and the first non-Italian Pope in more than 4 centuries when elected in 1978. In the same year, the entire historical center of the city was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Not to be missed: Cloth Halls

Cloth rows

These rows are a symbol of the city and are part of the composition of the Main retail space cities.

9. Prague

Prague Castle and Old Town Square

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and Bohemia, as well as its cultural, political and economic center. The city was founded during the Roman Empire and two Roman emperors sat here.

Prague Castle Gardens

This city was an important part of Austria-Hungary. After World War II, Prague became the capital of Czechoslovakia.

Among the cultural historical monuments here are the famous Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, the Jewish Quarter, the Lennon Wall and Petrin Hill.

Prague is home to a dozen museums, theaters, galleries and cinemas. The historical center of the city was included in the UNESCO list in 1992.

Not to be missed: Prague Castle

Prague Castle

The kings of Bohemia, the Holy Roman Empire, as well as the presidents of Czechoslovakia and Czech Republic. The treasures of the Bohemian Crown are still kept in the secret chambers of the castle.

10. Salzburg

Night streets

Another Austrian city that deserves special attention is Salzburg. Translated, the name of the city means “salt fortress”.

The city center, famous for its Baroque architecture, was listed by UNESCO in 1997.

Our world - amazing place! Many countries, different nature, very special people - we discover the world in a new way every time, despite the fact that we travel to the same country several times a year. Our team has set itself the goal of discovering for you those countries that we love and appreciate, and where we travel with pleasure. Again and again.

We decided to write an informative article for you and name the TOP 10 countries where, in the opinion of our club, active rest, definitely worth a visit!

1. Norway – a country of fjords and trolls


Few people have not heard of Norway with its very special culture. This is a country where reality and fairy tale meet - the citizens of Norway believe in trolls with all conviction and know that even in the most ordinary circumstances there is a place for a miracle.

Surely, you yourself have heard a lot about Norway - about the country of fjords and Vikings, where from a mixture of water in all its physical states, rocks, greenery and a very special atmosphere looms amazing world, which attracts with its unusualness. Fjords and ferries are a big part of the most popular excursions. People come here to look at the rocks from the water, sail through all the fjords, visit the Lofoten Islands, learn more about the harsh life of the Vikings and go fishing.

We look at Norway from a different perspective. Active holidays with us include trekking, excursions to off-the-beaten-path places and new places that are unlike anything else. Preacher's Rock, Pea, Troll's Tongue, Folgefonna glacier, Galhepiggen mountain, Bessegen trail - we see all this with our own eyes and get to know the very soul of Norway!

2. Hospitable Georgia and the secrets of antiquities


Another important place on our trips is Georgia, a country famous for its incredible hospitality and unique culture. Georgia is not only a country of beach holidays. Of course, Batumi, Ureki and Kobuleti cannot be crossed out from the list of must-see cities, but for those who want to fully get acquainted with the sights of the country, delve into the foundations of life, appreciate all the beauty of nature and touch the secrets of one of the most ancient nationalities - this is not enough.

The active recreation club's trips to Georgia have a large excursion component. We are not only going to Georgia to try local cuisine and enjoy wine tastings, but also to touch the secrets of this country with a wide soul. Caves and cave cities, monasteries, fortresses, canyons, waterfalls - this is only a small part of what we visit on our trips around Georgia. We will learn about architectural features popular ensembles and devote a lot of time to relaxation - active and not so active.

3. Iceland, the land of ice and fire


Iceland has its secrets and always excites the imagination. “A country located on another planet” is what it is sometimes called. And every time we get there, we are convinced that this is so.

Every time we come to Iceland, we are amazed by its majestic beauty. The volcanoes Eyjafjallajokull, Krapla, Grimsvetn, the geysers of Gelsir and Strokkur, the waterfalls Gullfoss and Skogafoss are business card Iceland, and on every trip we can't afford to miss visiting them. And even though the team of our club active travel I have repeatedly visited the most interesting places in Iceland, each time we are again and again surprised by the inner power that sleeps in the bowels of the land of the land of fire and ice. If you haven't been to Iceland yet, don't delay! This country is simply a must visit! Must see!

4. Ski resorts in Finland

Our TOP 10 countries also includes Finland. Most residents Northern capital Russians know it like the back of their hand. Many people come here just for the sake of it - to go shopping, get a Schengen visa, walk through the parks and streets of border towns. But few people think about this country as an ideal place for a family active holiday. But this is where they are located two of the most comfortable ski resorts, have been combined into one for several years now - Ukkohalla and Pagliakka. But there is also Ylläs - for those who love more difficult and longer trails, who appreciate the vast expanses of snow and are ready to admire the untouched nature, combining physical activity with valuable minutes of rest.

Why are these resorts great for families? Yes, because there are a lot of ski and cross-country trails of varying difficulty, and even the smallest tourist skier will be interested in skiing and looking at the expanses covered in snow. In addition, on active trips to Finland we stop at comfortable cottages and we don’t deny ourselves anything.

5. India, the Himalayas and places of power


We can talk about India for a long time and everything is to the point: people come here to look at a completely different world. Indians are a special people; they think completely differently from Russians. This is why we are so drawn here. And it pulls for various reasons. Some people love noisy cities, where you can get lost in the narrow streets and look at the undisguised life of the inhabitants of this country. Someone comes here to learn spiritual practices and join something greater than our material world.

We included this country in the TOP 10 primarily because of its nature and, of course, because we can touch the secret. For example, one of our favorite tours is a trip to the Roerich Himalayas, where we travel to the same places as the famous artist and traveler. We go where Nikolai Konstantinovich drew inspiration, we visit Buddhist, Hindu and Sikh shrines. Another popular trip is to the Himalayas to places of power. We are going to Rishikesh, the mecca of Buddhism and yoga, and of course, we are visiting the Gomukh glacier, from which the sacred Ganges river flows. And for those who are inspired by the nature of the Himalayas, we have specially created a route with a visit to the Valley of Flowers - we go there in August-September, at a time when most of the plants bloom here, creating an indescribable pattern. We climb to the high-altitude Lake Heckmund, raft on the Ganges and visit many sacred places and Places of Power of the Himalayas.

This is probably why every time we come back from trips to the Himalayas enlightened and in harmony with ourselves!

6. Romantic Italy


Italy needs no introduction. People come here for the atmosphere - to enjoy the most famous sights, to visit romantic Venice, to pose in ancient Pisa. But few people know that the best holiday in Italy is active!

First of all, what you should pay attention to is the Dolomites. Autumn trekking or winter riding? We have not yet decided which is better, so we are going there both in the fall and in the winter so that we have the opportunity to compare and evaluate all types of outdoor activities!

Don't forget about Venice - we devote the whole day to exploring this city with all its charms, secrets and entertainment.

The third pearl of Italy, which submits to us, is Tuscany with its wonderful landscapes and cities. The province is especially beautiful in autumn - its hills are especially beautiful at this time of year! Our trip to Tuscany begins with the Path of Love, where at the very end breathtaking views of the surrounding area await us. We stop by the medieval town of San Gimignano, which seems to be stuck in the 18th century; we visit Siena with its famous Piazza Del Campo; we look into the Chianti Valley, where wine-growing lands lie; We'll take a walk around Pisa and be sure to take photos from the very famous tower; We'll go on sightseeing treks and see picturesque villages.

7. Hot Greece


Who hasn't been to Greece yet? This destination is one of the most popular among our tourists. People come here to enjoy the sun, sea, beautiful weather and excellent service. But a beach holiday is not all that Greece has to offer.

Our active recreation club decided to shift interest a little. We have more than enough sun and sea, because we travel on a comfortable yacht. What's good about this trip? Yes, at least because we are not tied to one place and see not just one city, but many at once! Complete freedom of action, movement and places to visit! We visit the most vibrant and interesting places in Greece, but places where you don’t often see tourists.

Yachting in Greece is ideal for family active holidays. This trip is interesting for both children and adults, and no special preparation is required. And this, of course, attracts more and more people to such tours every time.

8. Czech Republic and its Paradise


Most of those who traveled around Europe undoubtedly visited the Czech Republic. Prague, Karlovy Vary, Brno are cities that you excitedly talk about after returning. And every traveler agrees that yes, you should definitely visit the Czech Republic.

Now imagine what will happen if you travel not to well-worn places, but to places where there are not many tourists. For example, visit Czech Switzerland or even Czech Paradise– don’t be surprised, there are such people! Czech Switzerland slightly more than completely covered observation towers, villages with such a history that we never dreamed of! Czech Paradise is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful places on the ground. Here you can see ancient castles, rocks that were carved by nature, but look as if they were processed by man... Once there, it’s as if you are transported to the Middle Ages. And if you add to this unique nature, then you will immediately understand that visiting the Czech capital is far from the most interesting thing that awaits us in this country!

9. Active Vietnam


Now Vietnam is one of the most popular destinations. Beach holiday here is delightful, and the active component is bright as nowhere else. This is where young people like to go – it’s interesting, fun, spacious and not too expensive.

And of course, our active recreation club enjoys going to Vietnam - there we go boating on Ha Long Bay, go trekking along low but very picturesque mountains, enjoying the beaches of Mui Ne - kiting, surfing and windsurfing with virtually no sleep, rest or lunch break!

10. Vast Russia


And of course, we cannot ignore the beauty of our native country. Russia is good for everyone. And we, of course, pay tribute to her. As a rule, our trips around the country are more like weekend tours, but in some cases our trips can last for a week.

We really love winter skiing in Toksovo and walks on the ice of Ruskeala, walks in autumn Pskov, summer evenings in Pechory and Izborsk, spring trips to Pushkin Mountains…. Our team’s imagination knows no bounds - we go to the Kronstadt Dam, visit Vyborg, and visit swamp reserves. And the most important thing is that each time our trips are different, we practically do not repeat tours in Russia, but find new and new places that are interesting and a must-see.

Well, don’t forget about our traditional summer rest on Ladoga under scarlet sails! All summer we enjoy discovering the open spaces of Ladoga, spending the night in tents and exploring nature Leningrad region in the water surface. Still Ladoga lake is a unique ecological site, mostly recognized as a protected area. And don’t forget that traveling around Ladoga under scarlet sails is not at all useless - we teach sailing skills, fish, walk through the forest and coastal rocks and, of course, swim and sunbathe. Such a trip makes you feel new, plunge into the world of nature and adventure!

 

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