12 Jaw-Dropping Places in Siberia You Won’t Believe Exist

Siberia completely blew my mind. When I finally visited this wild region of Russia, I realized that photos just don’t do it justice. The raw power of Lake Baikal, with its crystal clear waters stretching to the horizon, made me feel tiny. And don’t even get me started on the rainbow stripes of the Altai Mountains glowing at sunset—I must have taken a thousand photos trying to capture that moment.

I’ve been lucky enough to explore some of the most beautiful places in Siberia, and let me tell you, this place is something else. From the towering ice caves of Lake Baikal to the otherworldly valleys of the Lena Pillars, each spot left me absolutely speechless. Ready to see the most incredible landscapes I’ve ever photographed? These 12 places will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about Siberia.

Jaw-Dropping Places to Visit in Siberia 

Looking to explore Siberia’s most beautiful places? From the vast expanse of Lake Baikal to the rugged landscapes of the Altai Mountains, Siberia is packed with stunning scenery. Trek the remote trails of the Sayan Mountains, marvel at the unique beauty of the Lena Pillars, or explore the serene wilderness of the Putorana Plateau. Discover the captivating allure of the Kamchatka Peninsula, the tranquil beauty of the Yenisei River, or the breathtaking vistas of the Trans-Siberian Railway. Whether you’re into mountains, lakes, or untouched wilderness, here are 12 of Siberia’s most breathtaking spots!

1. Altai Mountains

• 📍 Location: Southern Siberia, stretching across Russia, Mongolia, China and Kazakhstan
• 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, nature lovers 🌿, adventure seekers 🧗‍♂️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Trekking to stunning alpine lakes, rafting the Katun River, visiting remote villages
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-September for hiking, February-March for winter sports ❄️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Altai Bereg Hotel – Offers rooms with panoramic windows, cozy cabins, and spacious houses, all with stunning river and mountain vistas

The jaw-dropping Altai Mountains will make you feel tiny against nature’s grandeur. This UNESCO site blends snow-capped peaks with lush valleys and turquoise lakes. The region offers adventures for every level of outdoor enthusiast.

Belukha Mountain attracts serious mountaineers, while moderate hikers can explore the magical Blue Lakes. The boat tour across Teletskoye Lake gave me unparalleled views of wildlife in their natural habitat. Don’t miss the rushing waters of the Katun River.

Traditional villages provide glimpses into indigenous Altai culture that has thrived here for centuries. Allow 5-7 days to properly explore this wilderness. The farther you venture from popular areas, the more untouched beauty awaits your discovery.

2. Baikal Lake

• 📍 Location: Southern Siberia, near Mongolia border, about 70km east of Irkutsk
• 🏆 Best For: Nature enthusiasts 🌲, photographers 📸, winter adventurers ❄️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Crossing the frozen lake in winter, visiting Olkhon Island, taking the Circum-Baikal Railway
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: July-August for summer, February-March for ice formations ❄️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Baikal View Hotel – Rooms with panoramic lake views

Step into another world at Lake Baikal, Earth’s deepest and oldest lake, containing 20% of the world’s unfrozen freshwater. This crescent-shaped giant creates its own ecosystem with 1,500 unique species found nowhere else on the planet.

Summer boat trips to Olkhon Island reveal the iconic Shamanka Rock and traditional Buryat villages where time seems to stand still. I couldn’t believe my eyes when riding the historic Circum-Baikal Railway along one of the most scenic routes globally.

Winter transforms Baikal completely as the lake freezes with ice so clear you see 30 feet down. Locals build ice roads while methane bubbles create otherworldly patterns beneath the surface. Plan at least 3 days to experience this natural wonder in any season.

3. Chara Sands

• 📍 Location: Northern Transbaikalia, Zabaykalsky Krai, about 10km from Chara village
• 🏆 Best For: Explorers 🧭, photographers 📸, geology enthusiasts 🏜️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the surreal desert dunes, photographing sand against snow-capped mountains
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: July-August when temperatures are warmest 🌞
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Chara Guesthouse – Simple accommodations in nearby Chara village

Your friends won’t believe photos from Chara Sands, a golden patch of desert surrounded by taiga forest and snow-capped mountains. This geological miracle creates surreal landscapes that belong in science fiction rather than Siberia.

Dunes rise up to 80 feet high, constantly shifting yet somehow confined to this small area for millennia. Standing atop warm sand while gazing at distant snowy peaks was the most mind-bending moment of my Siberian journey.

Reaching this hidden wonder requires effort but rewards the persistent traveler. Take the BAM railway to Chara village, then arrange local transport. The adventure of getting here makes it special. You’ll encounter few tourists in this remote corner of Siberia.

4. Ergaki National Park

• 📍 Location: Western Sayan Mountains, southern Krasnoyarsk Krai, about 4 hours from Abakan
• 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, rock climbers 🧗‍♀️, wilderness photographers 📸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking to Hanging Stone, exploring Dragon’s Tooth peaks, camping beside alpine lakes
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Mid-June to early September when trails are snow-free 🌄
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Abakan – Located in the city center of Abakan, this hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a business center, and a 24-hour reception

Adventure seekers flock to Ergaki National Park, nicknamed “Siberian Switzerland” for good reason. Jagged peaks, crystal lakes, and gravity-defying rock formations pack this compact wilderness area with dramatic scenery at every turn.

The signature landmark Hanging Stone appears miraculously balanced on a cliff edge. The 5-mile trail rewards hikers with panoramic views across the Western Sayan range. When hiking past Lake of Artists, I had to stop every few minutes for another incredible photo.

For the adventurous, tackle multi-day treks or climb the challenging spires of Dragon’s Teeth. The network of trails connects numerous alpine lakes, each with its own character. Plan at least 3 days here since many highlights require full-day hikes.

5. Krasnoyarsk Stolby National Park

• 📍 Location: Central Siberia, just 7km south of Krasnoyarsk city center
• 🏆 Best For: Rock climbers 🧗‍♀️, day-hikers 🥾, wildlife spotters 🦊
• 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing the famous rock pillars, hiking through taiga forest, witnessing “stolbism” climbing culture
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-September for hiking and climbing, winter with proper equipment ❄️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Siberian Safari Club Hotel – Cozy lodge-style stay along the Yenisei River with forest views and easy access to Stolby trails

Urban escapists love Krasnoyarsk Stolby for good reason. This wilderness sits surprisingly close to Siberia’s third-largest city yet feels worlds away. Over 100 bizarre syenite rock pillars rise dramatically from dense taiga forest.

Names like “Grandfather” and “Lion Gate” hint at their distinct personalities. Local climbers practice “stolbism” here. This free-climbing style uses only special shoes and bare hands. Well-maintained trails lead to the base of impressive formations.

Wildlife thrives throughout, with roe deer and fox sightings common. A funicular makes the central area accessible to all visitors. More adventurous souls should take the 7km forest trail to reach impressive formations. Allow a full day for main attractions.

6. Novosibirsk Zoo

• 📍 Location: Central Novosibirsk, Siberia’s largest city
• 🏆 Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts 🦁, families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, winter visitors ❄️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Seeing rare snow leopards, visiting the liger exhibit, watching polar bears
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with indoor pavilions for winter 🌞
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Novosibirsk Zhukovka – A modern 4-star hotel offering spacious rooms and amenities, located approximately 1.5 km from Novosibirsk Zoo

Wildlife lovers can’t miss Novosibirsk Zoo, a conservation powerhouse spanning 60 hectares with 11,000 animals. This isn’t just Russia’s largest zoo but a global leader in breeding endangered Siberian cats.

Their successful programs protect snow leopards, Amur tigers, and Far Eastern leopards from extinction. The unique liger exhibit fascinated me more than I expected. These lion-tiger hybrids showcase nature’s adaptability. Polar Bear Habitat lets visitors observe these Arctic giants swimming playfully.

Unlike many Russian attractions, the zoo operates year-round with heated indoor pavilions during winter. Summer brings special events and feeding demonstrations. Visit early morning to see animals at their most active. Allow 4 hours to explore fully.

7. Putorana Plateau

• 📍 Location: Northwestern Siberia, Russia, about 100 miles north of the Arctic Circle
• 🏆 Best For: Wilderness adventurers 🏔️, waterfall chasers 💦, photographers 📸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking to view thousands of waterfalls, exploring pristine lakes, witnessing the northern lights
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-August for hiking, September for autumn colors 🍂, January-March for winter adventures ❄️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Polyarnaya Zvezda Hotel – Comfortable, Soviet-era charm with modern amenities, located in Norilsk’s city center near cultural sites and transport links

Craving an adventure that your Instagram followers won’t believe is real? The Putorana Plateau delivers wilderness on an epic scale. This UNESCO site features a maze of canyons and over 25,000 lakes across a vast basaltic tableland.

The region earned its nickname “land of ten thousand waterfalls” honestly. During the summer thaw, countless cascades thunder down sheer cliffs. I’ve never seen anything comparable to the view from Lake Dyupkun or the massive Talnikovy Waterfall.

Most visitors arrive by helicopter from Norilsk or boat along regional rivers. The journey isn’t easy, but that’s the point. Here, reindeer roam freely, and arctic flora thrives in pristine isolation. Come prepared for extreme conditions and complete solitude in one of Earth’s last truly wild frontiers.

8. Tomsk

• 📍 Location: Western Siberia, Russia, about 4 hours northeast of Novosibirsk
• 🏆 Best For: Architecture enthusiasts 🏛️, history buffs 📚, university culture seekers 🎓
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring wooden architecture, visiting historic universities, strolling along the Tom River
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-September for comfortable exploration 🌞, December-February for authentic Siberian winter ❄️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Magistrat Hotel – Historic building in the city center with traditional Siberian hospitality

Need a break from cookie-cutter modern cities? Tomsk offers a living museum of ornate wooden architecture that will transport you to another era. Founded in 1604, this charming riverside university town blends academic energy with historical ambiance.

What captivated me most were the 1,800+ historic wooden mansions with intricate carved facades. The most impressive examples line Tatarskaya Street and Krasnoarmeyskaya Street, where “wooden lace” creates a fairytale atmosphere. Don’t miss the House with Firebirds, featuring mythical creatures.

Between architecture tours, explore Tomsk State University, Siberia’s oldest university, with its beautiful botanical garden. Evenings come alive at cozy cafés along Prospekt Lenina, where students gather. Tomsk offers surprisingly sophisticated culture deep in the Siberian heartland.

9. Ulaanbaatar

• 📍 Location: Central Mongolia, situated in the Tuul River valley
• 🏆 Best For: Cultural explorers 🏯, history enthusiasts 🏛️, nomadic lifestyle seekers 🐎
• 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Gandantegchinlen Monastery, exploring dinosaur exhibits at the Natural History Museum, experiencing traditional music performances
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-September for mild weather 🌞, July for Naadam Festival celebrations 🎭
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel – A central hotel offering stunning city views, close proximity to cultural sites, and modern amenities

Looking for that perfect blend of ancient traditions and urban energy? Ulaanbaatar delivers both in spades. Mongolia’s capital serves as the ultimate gateway to vast steppes and nomadic culture while offering modern comforts.

The city centers around Sukhbaatar Square, with its imposing Genghis Khan statue. Nearby Gandantegchinlen Monastery fills your senses with incense and chanting as hundreds of monks perform daily rituals. I found it impossible not to be moved by the spiritual atmosphere here.

For Mongolia’s nomadic heritage, visit the National Museum to see traditional gers (yurts) and historic artifacts. Time your visit for July’s Naadam Festival, when traditional wrestling, horse racing, and archery take center stage. This ancient sporting tradition reveals Mongolia’s soul.

10. Ussuri Bay

• 📍 Location: Far Eastern Russia, just east of Vladivostok on the Sea of Japan coast
• 🏆 Best For: Beach combers 🏖️, nature lovers 🌊, glass beach hunters 🧩
• 📸 Top Experiences: Collecting sea glass at Glass Beach, hiking coastal trails, spotting unique marine wildlife
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: July-September for swimming 🌞, October for colorful coastal forests 🍂
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Equator Hotel – Cozy, modern hotel in Siberia offering comfortable rooms and scenic views of the surrounding wilderness

Tired of ordinary beaches? Ussuri Bay boasts one of the world’s most unusual shorelines. An environmental disaster turned natural artwork awaits at this Far Eastern Russian gem.

The bay’s main attraction, Glass Beach, displays thousands of polished glass pieces in amber, green, blue, and ruby red colors scattered across dark volcanic sand. This mesmerizing mosaic changes with light and tide. When I visited at sunrise, the wet pebbles glowed like jewels against the shore.

Beyond glass hunting, scenic hiking trails lead along dramatic cliffs with sweeping Sea of Japan views. The surrounding marine ecosystem surprises with diverse tide pools revealing starfish, sea urchins, and small crabs. Visit early in the morning to have the colorful shore mostly to yourself.

11. Volga River

• 📍 Location: Western Russia, flowing from the Valdai Hills to the Caspian Sea through 11 regions
• 🏆 Best For: River cruisers 🚢, history enthusiasts 🏰, cultural travelers 🎭
• 📸 Top Experiences: Taking a multi-day river cruise, exploring historic riverside cities, visiting traditional Russian villages
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-September for comfortable cruising 🌞, August for lush riverbanks and swimming 🏊
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Kamchatka Forest Lodge Park-Hotel – Secluded retreat in the heart of Siberia, offering rustic charm and serene forest views, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers

Want to experience the soul of Russia without constant packing and unpacking? The Volga River offers the perfect solution. This 2,100-mile waterway, often called “Mother Volga,” has shaped Russian identity for centuries.

The classic experience is a multi-day river cruise connecting historic cities like Kazan, with its magnificent Kremlin and Samara with its beautiful embankment. Each stop reveals different facets of Russian culture. I could spend days exploring Nizhny Novgorod alone, where the smaller Oka River joins the Volga.

Further downstream, the Volga Delta near Astrakhan forms Europe’s largest river delta with over 300 bird species. Whether you seek imperial history, Soviet legacy, or natural beauty, the Volga flows through Russia’s heart and soul.

12. Yenisei River

• 📍 Location: Central Siberia, flowing north from Mongolia to the Arctic Ocean
• 🏆 Best For: Adventure travelers 🧭, wilderness explorers 🌲, fishing enthusiasts 🎣
• 📸 Top Experiences: River cruising from Krasnoyarsk, visiting indigenous communities, experiencing the taiga wilderness
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-August for river navigation 🚣, September for autumn colors and fishing 🍂
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Novotel Krasnoyarsk Tsentr – Modern hotel offering comfortable accommodations with a central location and views of the Yenisei River in Siberia

Ready to explore Siberia’s wild heart on a liquid highway few foreigners ever see? The Yenisei River cuts through Asia for over 2,100 miles, connecting Mongolia to the Arctic Ocean through pristine wilderness.

Begin in Krasnoyarsk, where river cruises offer views of the striking hydroelectric dam and Stolby Nature Reserve with unusual rock formations rising from the taiga forest. My favorite memories include watching the sunset turn these formations golden.

Traveling northward reveals remote territories where indigenous Evenki and Ket communities maintain traditional fishing and reindeer herding. The historic town of Yeniseysk showcases well-preserved Siberian architecture. True adventurers continue to Dudinka in the Arctic Circle, witnessing tundra landscapes rarely seen by outsiders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Visiting the Beautiful Places in Siberia 

Looking to expand your knowledge about the most scenic spots in Siberia? Here are some common questions I get a lot about the best Siberia tourist attractions.

Is Siberia a beautiful place?

Absolutely! Siberia is home to some of the most beautiful places on Earth. This offers a diverse array of landscapes, from towering mountains and dense forests to pristine lakes and flowing rivers. It’s a region where nature’s beauty invite explorers to witness its breathtaking vistas and unique ecosystems.

Is Siberia good for tourists?

Indeed, Siberia is a fantastic destination for tourists. It’s one of the best places to visit for those seeking adventure, natural beauty, and unique cultural experiences. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or an adventure seeker, Siberia has something to offer, with its myriad of stunning locations, rich history, and vibrant cultures.

What are the must-see locations in Siberia?

Siberia is full of must-see locations, including the serene Baikal Lake, the rugged Altai Mountains, and the colorful Ussuri Bay. Each location offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region.

What is Siberia best known for?

Siberia, a vast region in Russia that spans from the Ural Mountains in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east, is famous for several distinctive features and aspects:

1. Vastness and Remote Wilderness: Siberia covers approximately 77% of Russia’s territory but contains only about 23% of its population. Its vast landscapes range from tundras to dense forests (taigas) to mountain ranges.
2. Extreme Climate: Siberia is popular for its harsh winters and is one of the coldest places on Earth. The town of Oymyakon is the coldest inhabited place, with temperatures dropping below -50°C (-58°F).
3. Trans-Siberian Railway: One of the world’s longest railway lines, it connects Moscow to Vladivostok, spanning eight time zones and offering a unique way to experience the Siberian landscape.
4. Rich Natural Resources: Siberia is abundant in minerals and natural resources, including oil, natural gas, coal, and precious metals, making it of significant economic importance to Russia.
5. Lake Baikal: The world’s deepest and oldest freshwater lake, Lake Baikal contains about 20% of the world’s unfrozen freshwater reserve and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
6. Unique Wildlife: Siberia is home to several unique species, including the Siberian tiger, Siberian husky, and the Amur leopard.
7. Historical Exile Destination: During the times of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union, Siberia was a place of exile for criminals, political prisoners, and other “undesirables.”

Is Siberia only known for its cold weather?

While Siberia is often famous for harsh winters and icy landscapes, it’s also a land of diverse climates and seasons. It’s a place where the summers can be warm and the landscapes vary, from the arid Chara Sands to the lush Ergaki National Park. Siberia’s beauty transcends its chilly reputation, revealing a land of contrasts and wonders.

Can Siberia be considered a hidden gem for travelers?

Absolutely! Siberia is undoubtedly a hidden gem for travelers. It’s a place where the untouched and the unexplored converge. This offers a plethora of beautiful places and unique experiences for those willing to venture into its vast landscapes. From its secluded natural wonders to its lesser-known cultural treasures, Siberia invites explorers to uncover its secrets.

Is it worth visiting the cities in Siberia?

Definitely! The cities in Siberia, such as Tomsk and Novosibirsk, are gateways to the region’s rich history and vibrant culture. They are some of the most beautiful cities in Siberia. This offers a blend of architectural elegance, cultural diversity, and urban sophistication. This makes them worthwhile destinations for any traveler.

How cold is it in Siberia?

Siberia is popular for its extreme cold, especially during the winter months. The region’s climate varies depending on the specific area, but in general, Siberia experiences long, harsh winters and short, mild summers.

1. Winter Temperatures: In the central and eastern parts of Siberia, winter temperatures can often drop to -40°C (-40°F) or even lower. The town of Oymyakon, located in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) of Russia, is one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth. Here, temperatures can plummet to -50°C (-58°F) or even colder. The record low temperature in Oymyakon is -67.7°C (-89.9°F), recorded in 1933.
2. Summer Temperatures: Despite its reputation for cold, Siberia can also experience warm temperatures in the summer, especially in its southern parts. In July, temperatures can reach 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F) or even higher in some areas. However, the summer season is relatively short.
3. Variability: Siberia is vast, and its climate can vary significantly from west to east and from north to south. The western parts, closer to Europe, tend to be milder, while the eastern parts, closer to the Pacific Ocean, experience more extreme temperature variations.
4. Permafrost: Much of Siberia is covered by permafrost, which is ground that remains frozen for two or more consecutive years. This permafrost affects the region’s ecology, infrastructure development, and daily life.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Beautiful Places in Siberia 

Siberia is more than its icy reputation. It’s a land rich with natural wonders and breathtaking places, a true treasure trove of experiences. From the serene Baikal Lake to the colorful Ussuri Bay, Siberia surprises with its diverse landscapes and unique beauty.

Each location, be it the rugged Altai Mountains or the vibrant city of Tomsk, tells a different story of Siberia’s charm and allure. These beautiful places in Siberia invite explorers to witness the dance of nature and culture, to experience the symphony of the wild and the civilized.

Siberia, with its stunning locations and scenic places, is a call to adventure, a whisper of the untold and the extraordinary. It’s a destination waiting to be discovered, a canvas waiting to be explored. Come, lose yourself in Siberia’s beauty and find solace in its embrace.