9 Beautiful Natural Wonders of Russia ...

1. Putorana Plateau

Located near the closed city of Norilsk, the Putorana plateau is not only one of the natural wonders of Russia, it is also a UNESCO designated world heritage site. Here visitors will find some of the largest nickel deposits in the world, as well as varied ecosystems and pristine cold-water lake and river systems. In fact, the name Putorana means “the country of lakes with steep banks,” and there are more than 25,000 of them. Included in this list is Lake Vivi, the geographic center of Russia.

2. Maly Semyachik Volcano

This stunning compound stratovolcano is a natural wonder located on the Kamchatka peninsula, and features a brilliant green-blue lake. Minerals are believed to be responsible for the color of this hot, acidic lake. Located within the active Troitsky crater, you can join other intrepid hikers in climbing up to get a look at the 600 meter wide formation, or take one of the various tours that are offered instead.

3. The Golden Mountains of Altai

Comprised of over 1500 glaciers and ridges, this, one of the most awe-inspiring natural attractions of Russia, is the highest point of the Arctic Ocean watershed. Visitors will have a difficult time getting into the area, with helicopter being the only option for certain parts. Those who are successful, though, will be rewarded with Lake Teletskoye, the Ukok Plateau and the Katun Natural Reserves, along with snow leopards and the largest species of sheep, the Altai Argali. The mountains are located in southern Siberia and also a UNESCO designated world heritage site.

4. The Kungur Ice Cave

This underground tourist magnet is also steeped in mystery and myth. It is unclear who actually discovered it or when. Furthermore, it contains a path dubbed “the women road.” Because a foreign princess once married soon after taking a tumble on this path, it is rumored that women who take a similar spill will also wed in a short time. Regardless of their matrimonial desires, this subterranean natural attraction draws thousands of tourists annually to gaze at the sculptural ice formations, stalactites and stalagmites.

5. Lake Baikal

This unparalleled of natural wonders in Russia is known as the “Pearl of Siberia” and for good reason. At an estimated 25 million years old, it is the oldest lake in the world and contains about 1/5th of the world’s unfrozen surface water. It is also the deepest lake in the world, descending past 5,300 feet at its deepest point. Visitors will find more than 1700 species of flora and fauna, 1100 of which are unique only to this area, living on and around this UNESCO world heritage site.

6. The Curonian Spit

For 98 km of sparkling sand dunes and impressive beaches, look no further than the Curonian Spit. Unlike other geographic areas with similar offerings, this area forms the division between the Baltic Sea coast and the Curonian lagoon. The formation of this magnificent wonder of nature began over 5,000 years ago. Some of these drifting sand dunes can reach up to 200 feet – the highest in Europe!

7. Volga River

This massive waterway is the longest river in Europe. Surprisingly, visitors can find both flamingos and pelicans along its length, as well as lotuses. Despite most of it being frozen for three months each year, it still provides hydroelectric and irrigation benefits by feeding some of the largest reservoirs in the world. This watery wonder weaves its way through some of 11 Russia’s 20 largest cities, including the capital Moscow. It is also known as Mother Volga and flows through numerous Russian myths and fairy tales.

8. Lena’s Stone Forest

Also known as the Stone Forest of Yakutsk, the Lena Pillars line the banks of the River Lena in far Eastern Siberia. What makes the stone columns that arise through the densely forested trees on one side of the river so amazing is that the opposite bank is flat, green plains. The Pillars are a World Heritage Site but this is one of the least accessible natural wonders of Russia. Most tourists view it from a cruise along the river.

9. Komi Forest

Rich in conifers, birches and aspens, the Komi Forest is the largest area of virgin boreal forest in Europe and is another of Russia’s natural attractions that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The forest sits on areas of peat bogs and is fed by rivers and natural lakes, providing a habitat for wolverine, beavers, gray wolves, elk and otters. Located in the Urals, the forest also sits on lucrative gold deposits so the Russian Government is battling illegal miners and loggers in its attempts to preserve the pristine forest.

This is just a small selection of the massive number of natural attractions in Russia. Has it whetted your appetite for a visit?