Things To Do
in Glazov

Glazov is a small city in the eastern Udmurt Republic, set among forests and rivers. It blends Russian and Udmurt cultural influences, offering a laid-back pace, historical wooden architecture, and a lively local market scene. The town serves as a gateway to nearby nature reserves, lakes, and taiga excursions for outdoor enthusiasts.

Visitors can expect warm hospitality, hearty regional cuisine, and approachable sightseeing without the crowds found in larger cities.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Glazov Historical Museum, where you can learn about the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets, admiring the unique architecture of the early 20th century buildings. Stop by a local café for a traditional Russian breakfast of blini and tea, soaking in the morning ambiance of the city.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, head to the nearby Church of the Ascension, a stunning example of Russian Orthodox architecture. Spend some time exploring the surrounding gardens, where you can enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature. For lunch, savor a hearty meal at a local diner, sampling some regional dishes like borscht and pelmeni.

evening
:

As the sun sets, take a leisurely walk along the banks of the river, where the reflections of the city lights create a magical atmosphere. Find a cozy restaurant to enjoy a dinner featuring local delicacies, perhaps trying some smoked fish or a traditional Russian stew. Conclude your evening with a visit to a local theater, where you may catch a performance or cultural event.

day 2
Nature Walks in the Surrounding Forests
morning
:

Begin your morning with a refreshing hike in the lush forests surrounding Glazov, where the early sunlight filters through the trees. Explore the diverse flora and fauna, listening to the sounds of birds and rustling leaves while you breathe in the fresh air. Pack a picnic breakfast to enjoy in a scenic clearing, relishing the peacefulness of nature.

afternoon
:

Continue your exploration with a visit to the nearby Nature Reserve, where you can observe various wildlife in their natural habitat. Engage in birdwatching or simply enjoy the tranquility of the vast landscapes, taking photographs of the stunning scenery. For lunch, return to Glazov and visit a local market to sample fresh produce and artisanal goods.

evening
:

As evening falls, return to the forest for a guided twilight walk, where you can learn about the local ecosystem and its inhabitants. The crisp evening air will invigorate you as you discover the beauty of the forest at dusk. Finish off your day with a hearty dinner at a rustic lodge, enjoying the warmth of a fireplace and stories shared with fellow travelers.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
Coffee or tea at a cafe$2-4
🥖Street food or snack$2-6
🚌Public transport ticket (single ride)$0.5-1.5
🎁Souvenir item$5-20

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quiet, family-friendly town with atmospheric markets and nearby nature
  • Low crowds and affordable prices
  • Limited nightlife and fewer tourist facilities
  • Language barriers may exist in some establishments
  • "Здравствуйте" - Hello
  • "Спасибо" - Thank you
  • "Где находится туалет?" - Where is the toilet?
  • "Сколько это стоит?" - How much is this?
  • "Помогите" - Help
  • "Говорите по-английски?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Glazov

Visit one of these nice places.

River Embankment at Dawn

Long, calm reflections on early morning light with trees and bridges lining the river valley.

Old Town Center and Wooden Houses

Photogenic wooden architecture with carved details and colorful facades near the market.

Local Monument Square

Open square with statues and evening lighting, ideal for street photography and portraits.

Countryside along River Trails

Quiet rural scenes with birch forests and small river crossings—great for nature shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Glazov

Glazov’s cuisine blends hearty Russian staples with subtle Udmurt influences, focusing on soups, dumplings, fish dishes, berries, and rye bread. You’ll find comforting fare that’s perfect after outdoor days, plus regional touches from nearby taiga ingredients.

Glazov Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pelmeni

Meat-filled dumplings served with sour cream or butter; a staple across many Russian-speaking regions.

Must-Try!

Shchi or Borscht

Savory cabbage soup or beet soup, typically accompanied by bread or sour cream.

Fish dishes

Smoked or grilled freshwater fish from local rivers, a common regional specialty.

Pirogi

Savory pies stuffed with potatoes, cabbage, mushrooms, or meat.

Blini with honey or berries

Thin pancakes served with sweet toppings, a popular breakfast or snack option.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Glazov Central Market

A bustling hub for fresh produce, rye breads, berries, smoked fish, and pastries—great for tasting daily life.

Street snacks

Open-air stalls near the town square offer hot bliny, pies, and quick savory bites.

Climate Guide

Weather

Glazov experiences a continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, short summers. Winter temperatures often drop well below freezing, while summer days can reach into the low to mid-20s Celsius. Spring and autumn are variable—pack layers and be prepared for shifting conditions. Expect significant daylight variations across seasons.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A firm handshake is common; address people by surname with polite titles; maintain eye contact.

Public behavior

Keep noise respectful in public and at religious sites; remove hats in churches when appropriate.

Gifts

If visiting someone’s home, a small gift such as sweets is appreciated.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety in Glazov is good. Practice common-sense precautions: secure belongings in crowded places, watch for icy sidewalks in winter, and avoid isolated areas at night. For medical emergencies, dial 112; pharmacies and clinics are available in town centers.

Tipping in Glazov

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping around 5-10% in restaurants and cafes; rounding up is common in casual places.

Payment Methods

Cash (rubles) and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and Mir are common; some small vendors may be cash-only.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Days are long and mostly mild, with occasional showers; mosquitoes near water can be plentiful—bring light layers and repellent.

Winter

Cold, snowy conditions with subzero temperatures; dress in warm, layered clothing and insulated footwear; daylight is shorter.

Spring/Fall

Transitional months with variable weather—pack layers, a waterproof layer, and good footwear.

Nightlife Guide

Glazov at Night

Glazov offers a modest nightlife scene with quiet bars, cafes, and occasional live music or cultural events. Expect intimate venues and late dinners rather than club-heavy nightlife; events are more common on weekends and in cultural centers.

Hiking in Glazov

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Taiga Forest Trails near Glazov

Several forest trails just outside the town offer gentle to moderate hikes with river views.

Lakeside Nature Walks

Short trails around nearby lakes provide tranquil scenery and chances to observe wildlife.

Airports

How to reach Glazov by plane.

Izhevsk Airport

The closest regional airport with connections to Moscow and other cities; reachable by car in about 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic.

Perm International Airport

A larger international hub with broader flight options; about a 2.5–3.5 hour drive.

Getting Around

Walkability

Glazov has a compact city center that’s walkable, with most attractions within a 20–40 minute stroll of the market. Some outskirts and riverbank areas require bus or taxi transport. In winter, icy sidewalks can slow walks; summers are generally pedestrian-friendly with well-maintained paths.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Russian majority

Predominantly ethnic Russians with a significant Udmurt minority; Russian is the dominant language with Udmurt spoken in some communities.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Ice hockey

A popular winter sport, with local rinks and casual leagues.

Football (soccer)

Common in parks and local clubs; active youth programs and community leagues.

Winter skiing

Cross-country skiing and small hills accessible in nearby forested areas.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light to moderate in the town center; buses provide regular service, and taxis are common for short trips. Winter weather can cause occasional delays, and regional connections via Izhevsk are straightforward for longer journeys.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Glazov.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Choose vegetable-driven dishes, dairy, grains, and fruit; inform cooks about avoiding meat or fish; many places offer mushroom dishes and beet soup as alternatives.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available in Glazov through local clinics; for advanced care, residents often travel to Izhevsk or Perm regions where larger hospitals and specialists are located. Carry medical insurance documents and keep emergency numbers handy.

Discover Russia

Read more in our Russia 2025 Travel Guide.

Russia Travel Guide