Traveling to Vladivostok During the Winter

Why Travel During A Russian Winter?

If you find yourself in Russia’s Far East, you must be one out seeking adventure. For many travelers, this is the start of the Trans-Siberian railroad, a week-long journey which takes thrill-seekers across the length of Russia.

For those looking to add in an extra element of excitement and uniqueness to their journey, traveling to Vladivostok during a Russian winter is sure to give you that extra bite you have been searching for.

The unforgiving winters of Siberia and Russia’s Far East are well known throughout the world. Images of ice and starvation are some of the first things people conjure up in their imagination. The reality, however, could not be any more different.

No matter if you find yourself in Vladivostok or the frigid city of Yakutsk, as long as you layer up you will be able to do just about everything you could do during the summer months.

For some, winter is the preferred time to explore the largely misunderstood country of Russia. There is something about the blizzards and ice outside that seem to melt the hearts of the Russian people.

Looking to go somewhere else in Russia? Check out Irkutsk in Siberia!

The Ruler of the East

Much like how the Americans had a manifest destiny, the Russians strove for centuries to wrestle all of the far east under their control. By means of diplomatic negotiations or forceful assimilations, the Russian Empire spanned from the Baltic Sea to the Sea of Japan.

After the expulsion of the Chinese, the Russians built a city to formally lay claim to the strategic position on Zolotoy Rog (Golden Horn Bay). The military fortifications eventually made way for schools and hospitals, thus molding Vladivostok into a proper city. It wasn’t long before the Trans-Siberian Railway was completed, thus connecting Vladivostok to the capital in Moscow.

Regardless of what the indigenous or Chinese people thought about the “invasion”, the Russians were dug in deep and here to stay.

Looking to go even further off the map? Check out the Russian city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky!

A Closed City

From the moment of Vladivostok’s founding, it has been continually built on supporting Russia’s dominion of the Far East. Even from way back in 1872, the Czar moved the headquarters of Russia’s entire Pacific naval fleet to Vladivostok.

As Czars changed to Premiers and tensions between the Soviet Union and the West grew, it became essential to guard all State secrets, especially that of its military. Russia formerly closed off the city of Vladivostok from the outside world in the late 1950s, thus extending the iron curtain to the Far East.

It wasn’t until the fall of the Soviet Union that Vladivostok opened it’s doors, offering tourists a peek at what the country has been hiding for the last half-century. To this day the harbors which were home to the Soviet Union’s most fearsome battleships and submarines are still just as important to modern Russia as it is to tourism.

Wanting another country to experience a harsh winter? Check out winter in Mongolia!

The Ruins of Vladivostok Fortress

Vladivostok’s military buildup and fortifications can be traced back to 1889. After a humiliating defeat against the Japanese, the Russians made sure to never make the same mistake twice. Therefore the entire city and its surrounding islands were incorporated in the “Vladivostok Fortress”.

Construction continued well throughout the Soviet era, replacing cannons with deadly turrets. There is no better place to see the fearsome military might of Vladivostok than at the Voroshilov Battery on Russky Island. With tanks, catacombs, and guns large enough that when shot they rival even the strongest earthquake, it is no wonder that enemies of the state steered clear of Vladivostok.

From submarines to museums dedicated to the entire pacific fleet, it is impossible to escape Vladivostok’s military history.

Wanting more Soviet military history? Check out these abandoned bunkers in Kamchatka!

A Splash of 19th Century Europe

If one were only to look at photographs of the architecture, they would think that these were scenes taken straight out of the heart of Europe. Little do they know that this 19th century and early 20th century masterpieces are located just a few hours from China’s Forbidden Palace.

Vladivostok, in many ways, is a typical European city. You have handfuls of cafes, pubs, as well as gardens which are adorned with dramatic statues and pavilions. Many Koreans, Japanese, and other Asian tourists get the chance to bask in Vladivostok’s European architectural charm, without having to endure a grueling fifteen-hour flight.

While out in Eastern Russia be sure not to miss Baikal Lake and Olkhon Island!

The Frozen Beaches of Vladivostok

The history and museums are something to pass the time while exploring Vladivostok, but it is the ice which will truly leave you spellbound. After traveling to Russia’s Far East during the winter, it is almost difficult to imagine returning at any other time of the year.

When Vladivostok’s Zolotoy Bay and Amur Bay are frozen over with a breathtaking sea of ice as far as the eye can see, the entire city seems almost off-worldly. When strolling down the promenade at Sportivnaya Gavan or even when getting your boots dirty with sand on the beach, the endless glimmer of the ice is sure to leave you transfixed.

Looking for more places off of the beaten path? Check out the ex-Soviet republic of Turkmenistan!

Winter in the Far East

Even Russian’s will be curious about why on earth anyone would want to travel to the coldest country on the planet during the winter. The truth is, to truly understand and appreciate the beauty of Russia you have to embrace the bite of the sub-zero chill in the air. After its teeth sink in and you brush that snow off your coat, your eyes will be open to an entire country draped in pure white snow and crystal-like ice.

With a few layers of thermals and a heavy coat, you will have all that you will need to survive a trip to the coldest corner of the planet. Moreover, after you plunge headfirst into your baptism of ice, you will never be able to think of a better time to travel to Russia than during its notorious winter.