Udmurtia is a rather harsh, but at the same time incredibly beautiful region. Locals call it the land of springs: there are more than 8000 rivers that carry water through areas rugged by ravines. A paradise for fishing tourists, cavers and extreme lovers: lovers of river rafting and cross-country racing on a mountain bike or ATV.
Those who prefer a more relaxing holiday will also find activities: Udmurtia has a rich history, centuries-old traditions have been preserved here in almost everything - from cuisine to folk crafts. In terms of the number of architectural monuments of antiquity and rich collections of museums, not every region of Russia can compete with the hospitable Udmurt Republic.
The most interesting and beautiful places in Udmurtia
List, photos with names and descriptions of popular attractions in the region!
Udmurtia Zoo
The year of opening is 2008. The Izhevsk State Zoo is 11 hectares of territory, divided into special zones, completely copying the natural environment of their inhabitants. There are more than 700 individuals of 200 species, among which there are many animals from the Red Data Book: the Amur tiger, graceful Japanese cranes, rare monkeys. There is a serpentarium, an aquarium, an aviary and a petting zoo where visitors can interact with cute and good-natured animals.
Museum-Estate of P.I.Tchaikovsky in Votkinsk
Year of creation - 1940. The future great composer spent his childhood here. It began as a tiny museum at a functioning music school, from the exhibits were only the table and piano of Pyotr Ilyich, transferred from Klin, and several personal belongings. Over time, the exposition expanded, a number of exhibits were added. Now there are several halls dedicated to Tchaikovsky and the life of the miners of Votkinsk in 1840.
State Circus of Udmurtia
The year of opening - 1895. The Izhevsk circus has not survived in its original form: in 1999 the building was demolished by an explosion and a modern high-tech complex was rebuilt in its place. World-class circus stars come here on tour, in the intervals between performances by eminent circus performers, local troupes delight guests with their skills. The circus hall is designed for almost 1800 spectators.
Embankment of the architect Dudin
The Izhevsk embankment is named after S. E. Dudin, the first architect of the city. The fortified bank of the pond formed after the construction of the dam, 2.4 km long in the center of the city, is a favorite place for walks of Izhevsk residents. There are several museums within walking distance, there is a boat station, bike rental and several sculptural compositions. There are almost no direct public transport routes to the embankment. Restoration work will continue in some areas.
National Park "Nechkinsky"
Year of foundation - 1997. A unique natural complex in the Kama basin, created for the preservation and study of the Udmurt flora and fauna. Monuments here are exclusively natural: fish spawning grounds, swamps, natural boundaries and a mineral spring. The territory is accessible to visitors, a ski resort "Nechkino" has been created for tourists in the mountains near the banks of the Kama, a recreation center is located at the foot.
Active recreation resort "Nechkino"
The sports and tourist center works all year round. In winter, it is a ski resort with equipment rental, experienced instructors and slopes of varying difficulty. And in summer - a place for relaxation, hiking and family entertainment with swimming pools, a rope park, sports grounds. There are three cafes, a rescue salon, you can rent a bathhouse or go for a walk on an ATV.
Museum-reserve "Ludorvay"
The abandoned Ilyinka farm near the village of Lurdovai in the Zavyalovsky district in 1980 became a museum-reserve, twenty years later it turned into an architectural and ethnographic one, where tourists were allowed access. In addition to expositions dedicated to the peoples of Udmurtia, this museum complex is known for its annual large-scale celebrations dedicated to significant dates for local residents.
St. Michael's Cathedral in Izhevsk
In 1784, the chapel on the site of the factory cemetery was rebuilt into the temple of the Archangel Michael. In 1937 the cathedral was destroyed, but in 2007 it was rebuilt from photographs of the pre-revolutionary years. True, the necropolis of the victims of the Civil War suffered, which is now partly inscribed in the composition of the restored temple. This is an active object of religious significance, admission is free, subject to compliance with the relevant standards.
Museum and Exhibition Complex named after M. T. Kalashnikov
Year of creation - 2004. Dedicated to the development of weapons production in Izhevsk and the life of the legendary designer. In addition to constantly updated expositions, visitors are especially interested in the military and pneumatic shooting galleries at the museum. In addition to acquaintance with the history of weapons and the opportunity to shoot from them, guests will find a cafe, a souvenir shop and an excellently equipped lecture hall.
National Museum of the Udmurt Republic
Located in the building of the Izhevsk Arsenal at the arms factory and tells the history of Udmurtia for 10 thousand years. It is divided into a local history section with permanent exhibitions: archaeological finds, ancient household items, weapons, painting and photographic materials, and halls for touring museums. It hosts exhibitions on a variety of topics: from collections of living insects to works by contemporary artists.
Udmurt Republican Museum of Fine Arts
The year of opening - 1980. The museum fund - more than 12 thousand exhibits, the main part of the exhibited cultural values refers to the works of Russian artists (mainly local) of the XVIII-XX centuries. There are expositions dedicated to Udmurt folk crafts, a large collection of late icons, graphics, sculptures, some of the halls are occupied by decorative art objects - carved ornaments, unusual dishes, handicrafts.
Izhmash Museum
The year of opening in the building of the Money Storeroom - 1934. Samples of Russian hand weapons, developed and produced by the workshops of Izhmash, are exhibited here. Several halls, in chronological order, illustrate the development of domestic weapons thought, starting with muskets and ending only with declassified models of small arms. A separate exposition is dedicated to M. Kalashnikov and modifications of his ingenious machine gun.
Buranovo
The homeland of the famous singing grandmothers is the village of Buranovo near Izhevsk. In addition to the Eurovision participants, the village is famous for the recently rebuilt Trinity Church (the future writer and ethnographer G. Ye. Vereshchagin served as a priest here). Buranovo is also included in the "Gastronomic Map of Russia", thanks to the efforts of the "grandmothers" they revive the traditional Udmurt cuisine with its abundance of various pastries.
The source of the Kama in the village of Kuliga
In the small (less than 1000 people) Old Believer village of Kuliga, the great Kama, 1805 km long, begins from a tiny spring. In addition to this attraction, there is an ethnographic museum "Istoki" dedicated to the Udmurt Old Believer movement: the life of the villagers, their traditional crafts. To get from the regional center - the village of Kez, having overcome 37 km of the path, you can take a regular bus.
Embankment of the Kama River in Sarapul
As part of the targeted program, the embankment was given a new look in the 10s. A wide walking area is interrupted by islets of greenery. There are several descents to the water, but most of the area is surrounded by a low wrought-iron fence. It is especially beautiful here in the warm season, when passenger ships ply along the Kama. From May to September, the embankment turns into a single art space for the Friday festival.
Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky in Izhevsk
The year of construction is 1823. The Kronstadt St. Andrew's Cathedral of the architect Andrey Zakharov became a model.In the post-revolutionary period, the temple was converted into a cinema "Colossus", only in 1990 it was returned to the diocese and restored. The interior decoration (frescoes, iconostasis) has not been preserved, everything has been restored based on miraculously saved photographs. The cathedral is active, has a number of relics: the relics of saints, particles of the cross and a stone from Golgotha.
Fire tower in Sarapul
The object has been given federal status, since it is the only structure of this kind that has survived on the territory of Udmurtia. The opening date is 1887. Some sources indicate that the architect was Ivan Charushin. The observation tower was for some time the tallest structure in Sarapul, since during the Soviet period all the churches were demolished or partially destroyed. The tower towers over the operating fire station.
Votkinskiy pond embankment
It stretches from Stepan Razin Street to the dam. In 2019, the embankment was landscaped to the highest quality standards. The project was ranked among the best in the country. The walking area is paved with tiles. New green spaces, benches, lanterns, playgrounds have appeared. Nearby are the Cathedral of the Annunciation, the House of Culture, the Guest House. You can meet fishermen with fishing rods right on the embankment.
Museum of History and Culture of the Middle Kama Region
Year of creation - 1909. The funds of this Sarapul museum number 200 thousand exhibits, its building itself is a valuable architectural historical heritage. The subjects of the collections are diverse: a collection of ancient Egyptian rarities, fossil remains of animals of the Middle Kama region, stuffed animals of the inhabitants of the Udmurt forests, paintings, sculptures, old printed books, trophy standards and banners of the Napoleonic army.
Zuevy Klyuchi
The southernmost point of Udmurtia is 170 km from Izhevsk. Not far from the village of Zuevy Klyuchi there are two springs with the legendary "dead" and "living" water: Gremyachiy and Svyatoy. As in the fairy tale, the "dead" water of the Gremyachy heals wounds, the liquid from the Saint gives strength and does not deteriorate during storage. The springs are equipped with fonts, convenient cobbled paths lead to them, and resting places are nearby. The visit is free.
Bashenin's dacha in Sarapul
Founded by the merchant PA Bashenin, an art and exhibition complex. This family was engaged in collecting paintings by masters of the 19th century - ours and Europeans. In addition to canvases, there are expositions dedicated to merchant life: utensils, dishes, clothes, household items. In addition to exhibitions, other events are held here: theatrical performances, concerts, plein airs by contemporary Udmurt artists.
Museum of the Izhevsk Automobile Plant
Founded in 1983. The exposition was semi-official. Initially, old cars were simply stored in the bomb shelter at the plant. The collection was breathed into life in 2008, when the iconic cars were restored and moved to a prepared room on the ground floor of the engineering building. Now the museum has about 500 exhibits. Among them there are both rare cars and prototypes that have not yet gone into mass production.
Holy Dormition Convent in Perevoznoye
The year of opening - 1994. The newly opened functioning nunnery, which includes the old building of the Ascension Church (built in 1910) plus the wooden Assumption Church of 2007. You can get to the monastery from the city of Votkinsk by a regular bus from the bus station three times a day. It is visited mainly by pilgrims, but those who want to simply explore the attraction are not prohibited from entering.
Pazders. Temple of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God
A unique fully wooden operating church, built in 2012. Rebuilt on the site of the old Tikhvin chapel near the disappeared village of Pazdera, which has a difficult and tragic history. Later, it is planned to move to the monastery at the end of the grandiose construction of the temple complex. Pilgrims are attracted here by the fonts with the healing underground key of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
Mount Baigurez
She is called the "Olympus of the ancient Udmurts". Located on the bank of Cheptsa and famous for its unusual shape, it is a favorite hiking spot for local tourists. On June 22, a traditional competition is annually held here - a race with a glass of kumyshka. Participants climb to the top with a full shot of the local drink in hand. It is necessary not to spill it and drink it at the top, making a wish.
Malo-Diveevsky Seraphimovsky Convent in Norya
The year of opening - 1996. Rebuilt on the site of the stone rural Peter and Paul Church. A small monastery near the village of Norya, famous for its collection of Orthodox relics. Pilgrims flock here to worship the relics of saints, including particles of Fyodor Ushakov, the victorious Russian admiral. Of the most revered relics, there are chips of the cross of Christ and the stone of Calvary.
Sanatorium Varzi-Yatchi
Medical and diagnostic complex 150 km from Izhevsk. In addition to novelties in medical technology, patients' health is also improved here using traditional methods. For this there are four mineral springs and healing peat mud baths. Located by the Bolshaya Varzi River, in a pristine forest. Possible check-in with children, for whom special health programs are provided.
Natural park "Sharkan"
It is located in the interfluve of Ita and Sharkan, from which it got its name. The area is over 16 thousand hectares. Of the 507 species of higher plants, 6 are listed in the Red Data Book of the region. In the animal kingdom, 23 species out of 197 found here are classified as specially protected. The unique local landscape is the main attraction of the park. The territory is divided into five zones, including a nature reserve and a tourist area.
Natural Park "Ust-Belsk"
Created in the Karakulinsky region in 2001. The territory of 1,770 hectares is divided into three zones. The most important scientifically important territories are concentrated in the custom. In the tourist area there are the most interesting places to see. And in the household, farming and living are allowed. Catching sterlet, sturgeon and beluga is prohibited in the park all year round. Other fish species are subject to temporary spawning restrictions.
Reserve "Kokmansky"
Located in the east of the Russian Plain. The reserve was established in 2005 and covers an area of 1647 hectares. Tourists are attracted by the terrain and landscapes - continental dunes, raised bogs and forest stands. There are few animals and birds, and plant communities represent different types of natural zones. In winter, skiing is popular on the territory of Kokmanskoye. Guided tours are available free of charge on request from July to October.
Museum-reserve "Idnakar"
The only Udmurt museum-reserve located on the site of Idnakar - a medieval settlement (also known as Soldyrskoe). The collection - more than 500 exhibits, housed in a separate complex in Glazov: "Medieval Smithy", "Medieval Dwelling" and "Ancestors of the Udmurts" - a model of the cultural layer with the reconstruction of the burial of those times. In the summer, archaeological surveys are carried out on the territory, during which excursions are organized.
Museum "Stage Point" in the village of Bachkeevo
The year of opening - 2000, the place - the former point of overexposure of the convoy of the Siberian tract. The building of the museum of 1837 is unique - it has survived without serious restoration work. Here the visitor will be introduced to the life of the prisoners moving to the place of exile. The collection contains almost a thousand items that belonged to convicts. The peculiarity of the excursion is the opportunity to plunge into the life of a prisoner, right up to tasting gruel from the prison cauldron.
Resurrection Church in Sarapul
An architectural monument of federal significance was built in 1817. In the 30s of the last century, the church was closed, throwing off the cross. Services resumed during the war. Until the early 1990s, there were no other active Orthodox institutions in Sarapul. The shrines of the temple are ancient arks. The first contains a particle of stone from the Holy Sepulcher and a particle of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord. In the second - the relics of the saints. Reconstruction work has been underway since 2019.
"Tol Babai Estate"
The residence of the Udmurt Father Frost was built in the village of Sharkan. This area is called "Udmurt Switzerland". The character of local folklore lives not alone, but with his granddaughter Lymynyl. In addition to Tol Babai's house, the estate has built: Obydy's hut - an analogue of Kikimora, a town with attractions for children, a rope park, cafes and gazebos. In winter, there is more entertainment than in summer: for example, master classes and sledding.
Kama river
It flows through several regions of the country. The total length is 1805 kilometers. For Udmurtia, the Kama is the main waterway. The source of the river is in the Kez region of the republic, in honor of which a monument was erected in the village of Kuliga. Fishing areas are found throughout the channel, but there are restrictions on catching rare species. In 1964, the Votkinsk reservoir was filled. Several recreation centers have been built on its banks.
