Things To Do
in Dikson
Dikson is a remote Arctic settlement situated on Dikson Island along the Arctic Ocean in Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia. The town sits in a stark, windswept landscape where tundra meets ice and sea for much of the year. With a small population and a rugged coastline, it feels like a step back in time to northern maritime life.
Visitors come for the extreme Arctic scenery, solitude, and the chance to glimpse the polar night or midnight sun depending on the season.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in the remote town of Dikson, known for its rugged Arctic beauty and rich history. After settling into your accommodation, enjoy a traditional Russian breakfast to energize for the adventures ahead. Stroll along the shores of the Kara Sea, taking in the stunning views and the crisp Arctic air.
Explore the local area, visiting the small museum that showcases the town's history and its significance as a trading post. Meet some of the locals, who will share stories of life in such a distant part of Russia. Take some time to relax in the community hall, a hub for cultural exchange and gatherings.
Enjoy a home-cooked meal featuring local ingredients, perhaps a delicious fish stew typical of Arctic cuisine. Spend some time with fellow travelers and locals, swapping stories and learning about their way of life in the Arctic Circle. End the night watching the sunset over the sea, illuminating the sky in breathtaking colors.
Set off early for a guided tour of the surrounding tundra, an ecosystem rich with unique flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for polar wildlife such as reindeer and various bird species. Engage with your guide, who can provide insight into the indigenous cultures and their relationship with this harsh environment.
Have a picnic lunch nestled among the natural beauty, surrounded by the sounds of the wild. Participate in a short hiking expedition to admire the stunning landscapes and perhaps discover some hidden spots known only to locals. Learn about the traditional uses of plants and wildlife found in the tundra.
Return to Dikson and visit a local family to experience true Siberian hospitality over dinner. Share a meal featuring traditional dishes, learning about their preparation and significance. Spend the evening playing games or storytelling, creating memorable interactions that bridge cultural gaps.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🧊Winter clothing item | $40-120 |
| ☕Coffee at cafe | $3-6 |
| 🏨Hotel room (per night) | $50-150 |
| 🚕Local transportation (one-way) | $2-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stark Arctic scenery and unique northern landscapes
- Isolated, peaceful travel with fewer crowds
- Opportunities to learn about remote Arctic life and history
- Great for photography and nature-focused itineraries
- Very limited infrastructure and services
- Travel can be highly weather-dependent
- Cold exposure and harsh conditions require careful packing
- Few nightlife options and limited dining variety
- "Здравствуйте" - Hello
- "Спасибо" - Thank you
- "Пожалуйста" - Please / You're welcome
- "Где здесь туалет?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Вы говорите по-английски?" - Do you speak English?
- "Сколько стоит?" - How much is this?
- "Мне нужна помощь" - I need help
- "Можно увидеть меню?" - May I see the menu?
Places to Visit in Dikson
Visit one of these nice places.
The harbor and open water with soft light in the early morning offers reflections on boats, ice, and calm waters—great for long-exposure shots.
A shoreline stretch where broken ice, frost, and textured snow create abstract compositions against a pale Arctic sky.
An open vantage point across flat tundra with distant horizons, ideal for wide-angle landscapes and the Northern Lights in season.
Craggy coastal formations with sea ice in the foreground, offering dramatic contrasts and dynamic seascapes.
Food in Dikson
Dikson Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A clear fish broth made with local catches such as cod or char, lightly seasoned and served hot to warm you after a chilly day.
Must-Try!
Cold-smoked or dried fish—common on local markets and at small eateries—great for a quick, savory snack.
Slow-cooked game with roots and berries, a staple protein in harsher months.
Dumplings filled with meat, sometimes incorporating local fish or game, boiled or fried and served with butter or broth.
Preserves and compotes that brighten a meal and pair well with bread or pancakes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal stalls offering dried fish, smoked preparations, berries, and simple prepared foods. Great for quick tastings and chatting with locals.
Small, informal options serving hot soups and sandwiches with a focus on filling, warming fare.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings are valued; a handshake is common. Address people with courtesy and patience when language is a barrier.
Ask for permission before photographing locals or private spaces. Respect personal space and avoid taking photos in sensitive areas without consent.
Dress practically for cold climates and outdoor activities; in shared indoor spaces, modest dress is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Dikson
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated in restaurants and hotels, typically around 5–10% when service is satisfactory. In informal settings, rounding up is common.
Cash in Russian rubles is widely accepted in remote areas. Card payments may be limited in small venues; carry some cash and have a backup method (bank card or travel card) for essential purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Midsummer days bring the midnight sun and long daylight hours, but coastal winds keep temperatures cool. Expect green-tleckered tundra, active seabirds, and relatively accessible sea routes. Pack layers, waterproof outerwear, and sun protection for extended outdoor activities.
Dark, long polar nights with temperatures often well below freezing. Snow, ice, and wind shape daily life; dress in multiple insulating layers and protect extremities. Travel can be weather-dependent, and daylight is limited, so plan safety buffers.
Transitional seasons with rapidly changing weather, shifting winds, and mixed ice and water conditions. Layered clothing and prepared routes are essential for outings and photography.
Dikson at Night
Hiking in Dikson
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A remote hiking route along the coastline with sea views, low vegetation, and opportunities to spot seabirds and distant ice
A gentle walking route across the tundra, showcasing lichens, mosses, and Arctic flowers in the short growing season.
Airports
How to reach Dikson by plane.
A small airstrip serving seasonal and charter flights; limited facilities but provides essential connections to larger hubs when weather allows.
A regional airport offering more frequent flights to Krasnoyarsk and other destinations; a common link for Dikson travelers.
A regional hub with more frequent domestic connections; used for broader travel into Siberia and to Krasnoyarsk region.
A major international and domestic hub in Krasnoyarsk; serves as the primary gateway for long-distance travel and onward connections from Dikson.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant in the town, comprising the majority of the population with ties to maritime and service industries.
Smaller groups with historical ties to the Arctic environment; contribute to cultural diversity and traditional practices in the region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular indoor sport during long winters; local rinks or community venues host informal games and practice.
A traditional Arctic pastime, typically done on frozen lakes or coastal waters when conditions permit.
A practical and recreational activity for moving across snow-drenched terrain and exploring remote areas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Dikson.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Dikson, vegetarian options are limited but can be accommodated with vegetable sides, dairy, grains, and berry desserts. Request fresh vegetables, soups without meat, and dishes centered on berries or potatoes; communicate any restrictions clearly, as ingredients may be basic and preserved.