Krasnoyarsk Travel Guide, Russia

The capital Krasnoyarsk Krai (a ‘krai’ represents the biggest territorial unit in the Russian Federation – also named a federal subject), is among the largest Siberian cities. Located on both sides of Yenisei River, 4000 kilometers east form Moscow, Krasnoyarsk is an important industrial, academic and cultural center in the Asian part of Russia. This brief Krasnoyarsk Travel Guide will introduce you into the city’s economy, accommodation, transport facilities, and climate.

Krasnoyarsk Travel Guide – Geography and Climate

Located in a mountainous region, Krasnoyarsk is surrounded by spectacular cliffs and deep woods, thus allowing the practice of various winter sports and outdoor activities. The river Yenisei flows through the city’s center, bringing in masses of wet air. Krasnoyarsk has a cold climate, with a winter average temperature of -20˚C and a summer average of 20˚C.

Krasnoyarsk Travel Guide – Transportation

The most common way to get to Krasnoyarsk is by taking the Trans-Siberian train from Moscow (the journey takes about 2 and a half days, but there’s no use visiting Russia without riding the Trans-Siberian, or without seeing some Moscow Sights). The fastest way is to take a domestic flight from Moscow that will take you to Krasnoyarsk Yemelyanovo Airport in 4-5 hours. A common way for tourists to get around the city is to take a taxi. Krasnoyarsk metro line is expected to start functioning in 2012.

Krasnoyarsk Travel Guide – Economy

Krasnoyarsk economy is mostly focused on metallurgy, machine building and constructions. The presence of natural resourced like oil and wood has given birth to other important economic activities like fuel industry, chemical industry and wood-processing. Two hydroelectric power stations built on Yenisei River are responsible for the area’s energy supply. The light industry sector is represented by clothing, footwear and fabrics.

Krasnoyarsk Travel Guide – Accommodation

Most Krasnoyarsk hotels are located around the city center and offer decent rates – somewhere between 15$ to 125$. The favorite among tourists are the three-star Oktyabrskaya Hotel, or he more affordable Yakhont Hotel, Dom Hotel and Krasnoyarsk Hotel. Another common choice when traveling to Russia is to rent an apartment, it can be cheaper and much more comfortable.

Krasnoyarsk Travel Guide – Interesting Facts

After the construction of Krasnoyarsk hydro-electric dam, the river Yenisei ceased to freeze, no matter how low the temperatures. However, the city is a favorite destination for skiers, as the winter resorts near Krasnoyarsk are suitable for ski jumping and cross-country skiing. Many Krasnoyarsk Travel Guides mention the discovery of a huge meteorite in 1749 as of one of the most unusual events in the town’s history (the meteorite later became one of the first extra-terrestrial objects to be studied).