13Trans-Siberian railway is one of the epic train journeys most of the travelers have very high on their bucket list. However, many of the people are going non-stop from Moscow to Irkutsk with a goal to cross over to Mongolia and later on to China as soon as possible. Of course spending 5 days on the train without a shower is an experience on its own, but you shouldn’t miss out on some of the most impressive sights along the way.
Take it slow and make stops. You will get a chance to experience the real Russia.
1. St. Petersburg
Start your trip in Russia’s northern capital. Allow a couple of days to absorb a very special atmosphere. If you get there in June or early July you also get a chance to experience famous “white nights”.
Trans-Siberian Railway – St. Petersburg
2. Moscow
Get the first taste of the Trans-Siberian railway on the overnight train to Moscow. Spend a couple of days exploring the cosmopolitan capital city of Russia. Don’t miss Red Square, Kremlin and Lenin’s Mausoleum!
Trans-Siberian Railway – Moscow
3. Suzdal
Even though not directly on the Trans-Siberian track, this little charmer is absolutely worth a detour. This is how Russia must have looked centuries ago. Taste “medovukha” (traditional alcoholic drink made of honey) and take a swim in the Kamenka river after visiting all the churches and monasteries.
Trans-Siberian Railway – Suzdal
4. Nizhniy Novgorod
Spend a day on the shores of Volga, the longest river in Europe and enjoy sweeping views from the Kremlin walls. Also home to one of the most popular writers of the Soviet era – Maxim Gorky.
Trans-Siberian Railway – Nizhniy Novgorod
5. Kazan
Where East meets West: country’s main mosque, Kul Sharif, behind the traditional Russian Kremlin wall.
Trans-Siberian Railway – Kazan
6. Tobolsk
Last home of the Russian tsar family during the communist revolution.
Trans-Siberian Railway – Tobolsk
7. Tomsk
Home to some of the best preserved examples of Russian wooden architecture and a pretty university town.
Trans-Siberian Railway – Tomsk
8. Irkutsk
Main gateway to Lake Baikal – ultimate destination on every Trans-Siberian journey.
Trans-Siberian Railway – Irkutsk
9. Olkhon Island
Swim in the waters of Baikal, the most voluminous freshwater lake in the world, containing roughly 20% of the world’s unfrozen surface fresh water.
Trans-Siberian Railway – Olkhon Island
10. Ulan-Ude
Get a sighting of the most unusual monument to Vladimir Lenin, father of Russian communist revolution.
Trans-Siberian Railway – Ulan-Ude
Masha is Co-founder of 2away, experienced expat, one half of a Russian/Romanian travelling couple, passionate cook and foodie. Global nomad by vocation and international HR specialist by profession.
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