Not found in the index: A guide to the little-known corners of Russia

Modern folk wisdom says that if you have a podcast playing instead of music in your headphones, your knowledge increases exponentially. Themed audio shows have long competed with rock and pop acts in our playlists. From psychological analyses to learning foreign languages, from history lessons to news programs, there is something for every taste.

Podcasts have given modern society the opportunity to improve itself, regardless of workload. They transform not only the inner world, but also the outer world. When listening to an interesting podcast, long traffic jams on the way home no longer seem so unbearable.

Along with the rapidly growing trend in domestic tourism, podcasts about traveling around Russia have also become popular. Following the trend, S7 Airlines launched the podcast “Places to Like”. The main characters are locals who not only share the secret places of their homeland, but also inspire others to visit. We listened to the first episodes of the podcast and compiled this guide accordingly. Have you flown?

In our first issue we will take a virtual tour of Kaliningrad and its surroundings. Throughout its history, the city has changed its appearance many times, and with it its population, language and culture. Kaliningrad has lived through many eras, preserving echoes of different eras. Every stone here is a witness to a rich history that must be felt, not just seen. And Zhenya, a professional citizen (as he calls himself) and activist, will help us with this.

Harbour lift

Discovery of historical secrets of Kaliningrad begins with the construction of the port elevator. This year it celebrates its centenary. The height of the building is 60 meters, and it can hold up to 40,000 grains. It is not an architectural monument, but a spaceship based on the movie “Dune”. By the way, when it was completed in 1924, it was one of the most modern reinforced concrete elevators in Europe. From here you can enjoy panoramic views of the Kaliningrad Bay, the port and the city.

Pumping station

Another important historical site is a functioning pumping station from the 20s of the last century. We can say that the building played the role of a technical museum: original equipment from German companies such as Siemens and AEG, as well as interiors and equipment from that time, have been preserved here (few can boast of this now).

Warehouse

Continuing our exploration of the historical sites of the early twentieth century, we move to the tram depot. Interestingly, the Kaliningrad tram system is the oldest operating system in the territory of modern Russia. The fact is that the history of its design dates back to the time of the Königsberg tram, which was put into service in 1905.

Baltic Maldives

Many islands are scattered along the expanse of the historic shipping channel (it is the channel that connects the port of Kaliningrad with the Baltic Sea). Exotic nature, free birds and clear lakes create the impression that you are on the islands of the Indian Ocean. By the way, the channel was opened in 1901 and continues to function for its purpose 123 years later.

Scythe, but which one?

We claim that you have heard about the famous Curonian Spit many times. Do you know the peninsula of freedom called the Baltic Spit? This is the westernmost point of our country. It is not easy to get here, but it is necessary. When you get to the city of Baltiysk, you need to cross the strait by ferry or motorboat. By the way, there is an air base here built before World War II.

Soviet city

Originally named Sovetsk (formerly Tilsit), the city is located on the southern bank of the Neman River, which forms the border with Lithuania. It gained its fame thanks to two important historical landmarks: the Queen Louise Bridge and the Tilsit World Museum. It is curious that the bridge, named after the wife of the King of Prussia, has become the symbol of the Russian city of Sovetsk.

People are divided into two teams: those who have already found it and those who are still looking for it. Whatever treasure we are chasing, the search can be overwhelming, even overwhelming. Find a person, a favorite activity or meaning, but the main thing is to find yourself. And there is no better way than to go to a place of sacred power – Lake Baikal. We will learn about it in the second part of the project.

Route around the city

Irkutsk is located on the banks of the Angara River, 66 km from the attractive lake. Local businesswoman Lisa, a fragile girl with a Siberian character, recommends starting the route from here. Interestingly, Irkutsk is located in the middle of Russia, dividing the distance between Kaliningrad and Vladivostok in half. There is already a strong smell of energy.

We stop on the banks of the Angara River. Indian summer lasts a long time in Siberia, so don’t forget to take sunglasses. Let’s start the route from the central street of the city, Karl Marx. It will take us to the doors of the Victor Bronstein Gallery, where we will get acquainted with the works of local sculptors and artists. First of all, with the works of Dasha Namdakov, whose futuristic forms reflect the mysticism of the Siberian world. After replenishing our knowledge base, we have a snack in a cafe and go to Yunost Island (yes, an island in the city center) to enjoy lunch on a comfortable bench in the park. We recommend that you spend about two days exploring Irkutsk so that you can have time to explore every corner of the mysterious region.

Lake Baikal

It is worth noting that Lake Baikal makes up 90% of Russia’s fresh water. Can you imagine the scale? Locals treat it like a living being and believe that the lake has a powerful energy. The closest place to explore Lake Baikal is the village of Listvyanka. Here you can not only walk along the shore, but also try the famous omul and golomyanka (a must-have of the local gastronomy). And if you are very lucky, get on a boat with a transparent bottom.

Olkhon Island

The mysterious island is located almost in the center of Lake Baikal. There is everything for your beautiful shots: forests, steppes, deserts, fields and, of course, the lake itself. The northernmost point of the island is Khoboy Cape. Nearby is a monumental sculpture by Dashi Namdakov, “Father of Baikal”, which you are already familiar with. The 7.5-meter-high figure is made in the form of an ancient tree, the crown of which has turned into a petrified crown. And in the grooves of a dried tree you can see the features of an old, wise man. The island also has a Stupa of Enlightenment – if you walk around it in a circle, the spirits will forgive your sins.

Let’s continue

One of the many advantages of Irkutsk is its location. In just a few hours by car you can reach magnificent natural places. Mamai Mountain is 12 kilometers from the lake. The route to the top is 7 kilometers long, up a steep slope. The effort will be worth it: here you can see several lakes and waterfalls.

Listeners to the following episodes will be able to get to know interesting and unusual places in other Russian cities, including Novosibirsk, Sochi, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Vladivostok, Vladikavkaz and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.