A Million-Person City on the Yenisei: A Journey Through Krasnoyarsk and Its Surroundings

Paraskeva Pyatnitsa Chapel

The landmark featured on the ten-ruble banknote During the early colonization of Siberia, the Kachinsky Ostrog fortress stood where modern Krasnoyarsk is today, guarded by Cossacks who maintained order and protected settlers from nomadic raids. The best observation point was Mount Kum-Tigey, also known as Karaulnaya Hill, on the left bank of the Yenisei — offering a panoramic view of the entire surrounding area. In the 17th century, a large wooden cross was erected here in memory of the brave defenders, later replaced by a small stone chapel built by local residents. The best way to begin your acquaintance with Krasnoyarsk is from this spot — an impressive observation deck on the left bank of the Yenisei, beside one of Siberia’s most iconic landmarks.

Opening hours: Mon–Sun 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Address: 51A Stepana Razina Street, Krasnoyarsk

Website: kerpc.ru

Mira Avenue

One of the city’s main streets Almost all of Krasnoyarsk’s key historical buildings and monuments are located along Mira Avenue. We recommend starting your walk from Revolution Square. Along the way, don’t forget to rub the nose of the statue of the famous local artist Andrey Pozdeyev for good luck — his kind smile is said to bring positivity. A bit further, in Pushkin Square, you can join a silent poetic evening — a sculpture group depicts the great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin reciting verses to his beloved Natalia Goncharova. Continue down the avenue to find the cozy “Petersburg Bridge” fountain — a favorite spot for romantic photos. At the intersection of Mira Avenue and Paris Commune Street stands a huge green cedar cone, symbolizing the cedar forests surrounding the city and the delicious nuts they produce. End your stroll by passing through the Arch of Krasnoyarsk’s 375th Anniversary to Mira Square — the site where the first Cossack fortress once stood, marking the city’s beginning.

Address: Coordinates: 56.011666, 92.863855

Strelka (Mira Square)

The historical heart of the city. Next to the Philharmonic Hall stands a monument to the famous diplomat and leader of Russia’s first circumnavigation, Nikolai Petrovich Rezanov. Walk across the square, descend to the central embankment of Krasnoyarsk, and feed the local ducks. Then cross the city’s first pedestrian bridge — the Vinogradovsky Bridge.

Address: Coordinates: 56.012682, 92.894451

Krasnoyarsk Pillars National Park

The hallmark of Krasnoyarsk Krai The rock formations on the right bank of the Yenisei are named for their shape — tall and narrow like “pillars.” They remained standing after the surrounding rock eroded, rising above the ground in groups or as solitary peaks. Each formation has its own name — here you can see “Feudal Lords” and “Griffins,” “Grandmother and Granddaughter,” “Sparrows” and “Feathers,” “Royal” and “Kaltan Gates.” Locals have been coming here to relax and recharge for over 150 years. This tradition even has its own term — “stolbism.” The park features several hiking routes, including a circular trail around the Central Pillars. Clear signposts and comfortable paths make for an easy and enjoyable walk. At the Eastern entrance, you can visit the Granite Quarry — in winter it freezes over completely and hosts ice-climbing competitions. Be sure to taste the water from the Mokhovoy Stream. At the top of some pillars, you can have a picnic before returning along the same trail. Note: from time to time, the park observes “silence months” due to fire hazards — check the latest updates on the website before your visit. How to Get There: To the Central Pillars — by buses No. 19, 50, or 78 To the Eastern Entrance — by bus No. 37

Opening hours: Mon–Sun 8:00 am-8:00 pm

Address: Approximate coordinates of the Central Pillars: 55.916192, 92.733468

Address: Eastern Entrance: 232A Bazayskaya Street, Krasnoyarsk

Website: kras-stolby.ru

Torgashinsky Ridge Stairway

The longest staircase in Russia A stairway of 1,683 steps leads up to the Torgashinsky Ridge The ascent takes about 40 minutes but along the way there are benches scenic viewpoints and signs showing the number of steps climbed If you take this route closer to evening you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the city lights below

Opening hours: Mon–Sun 8:00 am-10:00 pm

Address: Coordinates: 55.952901, 92.836462

Website: visitsiberia.info

Tsar Fish Observation Deck on Sliznevsky Cliff

One of the most popular tourist spots On your way to Divnogorsk make sure to stop at the 23rd kilometer of the highway between the two cities and visit the observation deck by the wrought-iron sturgeon monument Take in the vast view of the Yenisei stretching into the distance the majestic cliffs on the opposite bank and the endless taiga as eagles soar overhead

Address: 23rd kilometer of the Krasnoyarsk–Divnogorsk highway

Address: Coordinates: 55.960318, 92.612789

Divnogorsk Embankment

One of the most beautiful riverfronts in Russia From here you can admire stunning views of the swift Yenisei and the “divine” mountains that gave the city its name Take a leisurely walk along the river stopping now and then to capture the breathtaking scenery If you get hungry visit one of the local cafés grab a cup of tea coffee or cocoa something hearty to eat and settle on one of the outdoor terraces by the embankment Be careful the local sparrows might ask you to share

Address: Naberezhnaya Street, Divnogorsk

Krasnoyarsk Hydroelectric Power Station Observation Deck

One of the ten largest hydroelectric power plants in the world. You can view the power station from several points but one of the best is the main observation deck. It can be reached only on foot from the nearest R-257 highway but the view that opens at the end is truly impressive: you can see the locks and ship lifts in every detail. You can also take in the breathtaking structure that marks the beginning of the Krasnoyarsk Reservoir which unlike the Yenisei River freezes over in winter.

Address: Coordinates: 55.938438, 92.287504

Krasivy Bereg Observation Deck

A scenic viewpoint. After visiting Divnogorsk and the Krasnoyarsk Hydroelectric Power Station we recommend returning to Krasnoyarsk and continuing your city tour. Head to Krasivy Bereg a picturesque viewpoint and one of the city’s most popular spots. The top of the high cliff lies on the opposite bank from the Krasnoyarsk Pillars National Park. Take in the vast Siberian forests the Torgashinsky Ridge and the slopes of the extinct volcano Chyornaya Sopka. Afterward walk to the nearby Church of the New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia and the statue of Jesus Christ. The five-meter sculpture was installed here in 2022 and welcomes visitors to the observation deck with open arms. This is definitely a place to take a few memorable photos especially in the evening when the statue is beautifully illuminated.

Address: Coordinates: 55.982919, 92.760755

Serebryany Log Visitor Center and Surroundings

Discover the culture of the local people. The visitor center was named Serebryany Log after the stream that flows through this area forming a small pond. Here you can see how the local peoples once lived in chums and yurts taste cedar-foam coffee or taiga herbal tea and relax by the cozy Silver Pond on deck chairs. You can also visit the local library to find books about Yenisei Siberia and buy souvenirs from Krasnoyarsk brands.

Opening hours: Visitor center — Mon–Sun 9:00 am-9:00 pm

Address: 100g Lesnaya Street

Website: serebrolog.ru

Observation Deck on Nikolayevskaya Sopka

505 meters above sea level. This is the highest point in Krasnoyarsk Here you can stroll along the comfortable viewing platform or sit in the amphitheater to enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding nature. There is also the tallest flagpole east of the Urals with the national flag of Russia. Its height is 100 meters and the size of the tricolor is 33 by 22 meters which is about one third of a football field.

Address: Coordinates: 56.001043, 92.736274

Website: visitsiberia.info

Saint Nicholas Museum Steamboat

A floating museum In the very center of the city stands the paddle steamer Saint Nicholas It once transported people and cargo along local rivers and now rests permanently on the Yenisei Among its notable guests were the future Emperor Nicholas II and Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov-Lenin who traveled on it to exile in Shushenskoye with his comrades in 1897 Museum staff will gladly show you the restored cabins tell you about other famous visitors and share the vivid history of navigation on the Yenisei They will even let you ring the ship’s bell just remember it is very loud

Opening hours: October–April: Tue–Sun 10:00 am-6:00 pm
May–October: Tue–Sun 10:00 am-8:00 pm

Address: 1A Ploshchad Mira, Krasnoyarsk

Website: kkkm.ru

Central (Left Bank) Embankment

Enjoy the beauty of the Yenisei After visiting the Saint Nicholas steamboat we recommend walking along Dubrovinskogo Street toward the River Terminal Along this street lies the city’s Central Embankment where you can enjoy a pleasant promenade

Address: along Dubrovinskogo Street from the Museum Center “Ploshchad Mira”

Bobrovy Log Fun Park

Admire the magnificent mountain views From the city center it takes only 15 minutes by car to reach the Bobrovy Log Fun Park on the border with the Krasnoyarsk Pillars Take the chairlift to the top and spend about an hour and a half reaching the Stolbovskaya viewpoint one of the best spots to see the Pillars in all their glory The same chairlift will take you back to the base where you can relax in the spa complex or have a picnic in a gazebo visit the local beach and outdoor heated pool or try the park’s extreme attractions Ride the Rodelbahn a mechanical sled track that winds between trees on a small monorail similar to a roller coaster It is the longest Rodelbahn in Russia with a total length of 3.4 kilometers Please note that the ride operates only in summer and closes when the temperature drops below –15°C

Opening hours: Mon–Sun 10:00 am-9:00 pm

Address: 92 Sibirskaya Street

Website: bobrovylog.ru