Russia.com - South Ural Russia

16 May 2008 English | На русском языке

Discover South Ural in Russia

A mountainous area between Europe and Asia, South Ural has a lot to offer. It has three main biomes - forested mountains, partially wooded steppes and normal, grassy steppes. Together these combine to make a beautiful and diverse landscape which exhibits topographical elements from all over Russia.

You will find more than 200 national parks in South Ural, each with their own specialty. For example, the Ilmenski Reserve is a mineralogical paradise, and the Arkaim Museum Reserve holds natural and man-made wonders as old as the pyramids of Egypt. Besides this, there is an amazing abundance of flora and fauna and physical natural wonders to see and explore. South Ural also has a few mountain lakes and caves worth visiting.

Until just recently, Ural was out of bounds to tourists because it hid military secrets from prying eyes. Times have changed, however, and now you can view either the Museum of Nuclear Weapons or Zone no. 145 where you will find out the history of the production of nuclear and chemical warfare as well as view a few examples.

From a historical viewpoint, Verhoturye is a treasure. It is the oldest town in Ural and you can visit the fortified Monastery or the cathedral where you can admire these ancient buildings. Verhoturye is accessible by minibus and train. Ekaterinburgh is the capital of Ural and buzzing with life. Founded in 1723 this bustling metropolis now has an international airport and a train station linking to almost every part of Russia and the former USSR. It also has some beautiful 18th and 19th century buildings which are highly recommended. A memorial dedicated to the slain victims of Stalin's repression can be found five kilometers outside the city.

Certainly, South Ural has a lot to offer regardless of what it is you are searching for. Why not travel Russia and give it a try?

Bookmark/Search this post with: