Ecotourism in Russia

Ecotourism in Russia

Being the biggest country in the World, Russia has more than 300 nature reserves, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, natural monuments, dendroparks and botanical gardens.

We at Nordic Travel aim to follow the principles of ecotourism in uniting the conservation of the environment, sustaining the well-being of the local people, education and delivering memorable experiences to visitors.

Our top destinations in Russia for ecotourism are the following.

Kivach Nature Reserve

This small reserve in Karelia is easily accessible by car. Among the attractions of the Reserve are: the Kivach Waterfalls, arboretum with different species of trees including the rare Curly birch (Betula pendula var. carelica) and a small museum with stuffed animals and birds (none of which was killed on purpose). The Reserve offers easy hikes along the ecological trails - a good chance to learn about local flora and fauna.

Astrakhan Nature Reserve

This Reserve is located in the Volga River delta, south of the city of Astrakhan. It is one of the best bird watching destinations in European Russia. More than 300 bird species have been spotted there, including 116 breeding, 237 migrating, 78 wintering and 59 occasional visitors. Just to name a few – Great white and Dalmatian pelicans, White-tailed Eagle, Pallid Harrier, Great Cormorant, Pigmy Cormorant, Eurasian Spoonbill, Siberian White Crane (rare visitor), different types of egrets etc. The Reserve has accommodation, boats for the river tours, birdwatching towers and ecotrails.

Lake Manych-Gudilo

This salt water lake is located in the south of Russia in the regions of Rostov-on-Don, Kalmykia and Stavropol. Wildlife of the area includes Saiga Antelope, wild horses, European wildcat, and numerous bird species such as Pink Pelican, Glossy Ibis, Red-breasted goose etc. Rare Schrenck's tulip is blooming in April and May, and then tourists are coming to see the scenery of the colourful steppe.

Paanajarvi National Park

Located in the north of Russian Karelia, Paanajarvi Park is a paradise for wilderness walks and hiking. Trails to Kivakka Mountain and the Kivakkakoski Waterfalls are particularly spectacular.

The Solovetsky Islands

Aside from the certain cultural heritage, the Solovetsky Islands have many natural attractions, including the Botanical Garden, Zayatsky Island, and Beluga whales in the wild.

View all our birding, whale watching, eco & wildlife photography holidays in Russia