Things To Do
in Slyudyanka

Omul is the signature Baikal fish — traditionally smoked or salted and available at markets and small restaurants; try smoked omul from a local vendor or café.

Must-Try!

Siberian meat dumplings often served with sour cream or butter; available in most cafés and a reliable, filling option for travelers.

Small filled pastries and thin pancakes served sweet or savory; commonly found at bakeries, markets and roadside kiosks.

Chicken pies or thick meat/vegetable soups are common in home-style eateries and help warm you after outdoor activities.

A modest local market near the town center where you can buy smoked fish, dairy, bread and seasonal produce; sellers often offer samples of smoked omul and local preserves.

Small kiosks near the station sell quick snacks, hot tea and packaged smoked fish — handy if you’re arriving or leaving by train.

Formal greetings are common; say “Здравствуйте” (Zdravstvuyte) when entering shops or meeting people. A firm handshake and eye contact are customary among men; removal of hats indoors is polite.

When visiting private homes, it’s customary to remove outdoor shoes; hosts may offer slippers—accept them when offered.

Avoid overly political or sensitive topics with strangers; Russians appreciate straightforwardness and may be reserved until you build rapport.

Modest dress in public, respectful noise levels, and respect for nature and historical sites are expected; follow local signs and guidance in protected areas.

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; 5–10% in restaurants is common if service is good, small change or rounding up for taxi drivers is fine, and porters or guides may be tipped directly for exceptional service.

Russian ruble is the currency. Credit and debit card acceptance is increasing in cafes and hotels but many small shops, markets and rural services are cash-only, so carry cash. ATMs are available in town but stock may be limited; exchange in larger cities for better rates.

June–August brings the warmest weather (comfortable days, cool nights), long daylight hours and the busiest tourist season. Expect mosquitoes in forested areas and at lakeshores; pack insect repellent. Boat trips and hiking are best in this period.

September–October offers crisp air, colorful foliage and fewer tourists; days cool quickly and services may start winding down. Ideal for photography and quiet hikes.

November–March is very cold with heavy snow and a frozen Lake Baikal; temperatures can drop well below freezing and winds increase wind chill. Winter sports and ice photography shine, but check ice safety and road conditions.

April–May is a transitional season with melting snow, muddy trails and unpredictable weather; some roads and trails can be muddy or impassable in early spring.

The main airport serving the region, located in Irkutsk about 120–150 km northwest of Slyudyanka; regular flights connect to Moscow and regional hubs, and onward travel by train or road is common.

Larger regional airport east of Baikal (longer transfer by road), sometimes used as an alternative depending on flight routes; travel time to Slyudyanka is several hours by road or rail.

A widely practiced winter pastime on Baikal; locals and visitors fish for omul and other species through holes cut into the ice.

Common in winter across the surrounding forests and slopes of the Khamar-Daban foothills.

Summer months bring enthusiasts to local trails and lakeshore routes for hikes and runs with mountain and lake views.

Community-level football (soccer) and ice hockey are popular social sports among residents.

Vegetarian options are available but limited; blini, salads, mushroom dishes and potato-based sides are common. Explain dietary needs clearly in Russian (e.g., “ya vегeтariан”/"ya vегетарианец") and expect to adapt menus.

Vegan choices are scarce; bring snacks and be prepared to rely on simple salads, bread and potatoes. Larger towns and Irkutsk offer more vegan-friendly restaurants if needed.

Gluten-free diets are challenging because bread, dumplings and pancakes are staples; ask about ingredients in advance and bring packaged alternatives if critical.

Language can be a barrier—carry a translated note explaining your allergies in Russian and be cautious with smoked and pickled foods where cross-contamination can occur.