Things To Do
in Tura
Tura is a remote Arctic town in Russia's Krasnoyarsk Krai, nestled in the tundra of the Taymyt Peninsula. It sits along a winding river that threads the landscape and serves as a gateway to the northern wilderness. Winters are long and intensely cold, while summers are brief but bright, inviting exploration of the surrounding taiga and tundra.
Visitors come for pristine nature, a rich Indigenous heritage, and a quiet pace far from crowded tourist routes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Tura River embankment, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll alongside the tranquil waters. As the sun rises, the historic architecture of Tura's buildings takes on a golden hue, perfect for photography. Stop by a local café for a traditional Russian breakfast of blini and tea to fuel your day of exploration.
After breakfast, head to the Tura Museum of Local Lore to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the region. The museum features fascinating exhibits on the indigenous peoples, flora, and fauna of the area. Spend some time wandering through the nearby streets, discovering charming shops and perhaps picking up some unique souvenirs.
As evening approaches, dine at a local restaurant that specializes in Siberian cuisine, sampling dishes like pelmeni and borscht. Enjoy the cozy ambiance as you reflect on the day's adventures and converse with locals. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of Tura at night.
Begin your day with an early breakfast before embarking on a guided hike through the lush forests surrounding Tura. The morning air is crisp and invigorating as you make your way along well-marked trails, surrounded by the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including deer and various bird species, as you navigate the natural beauty of the Siberian landscape.
After a morning of hiking, settle down for a picnic lunch in a scenic clearing, surrounded by towering trees and the sounds of nature. Continue your hike in the afternoon, exploring deeper into the forest and perhaps discovering hidden lakes and streams that are perfect for a refreshing dip. Capture the stunning vistas and vibrant flora with your camera as you make your way back towards Tura.
Return to Tura in the early evening and unwind at a local spa or wellness center, enjoying a traditional Russian banya experience. After your rejuvenating session, head to a nearby restaurant featuring live music, where you can enjoy the vibrant local culture while savoring a hearty dinner. Reflect on your adventures in nature as you relax with a drink under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🧃Small bottled drink | $2-3 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel room (per night) | $60-120 |
| 🚌Local transportation (bus/taxi) | $3-10 per ride |
| 🗺️Museum entrance | $5-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Remote Arctic charm and pristine nature
- Rich Indigenous culture and hospitality
- Low crowds and peaceful pace
- Excellent opportunities for Northern Lights viewing in season
- Limited services and amenities in remote areas
- Very cold winters and long travel times from major hubs
- Limited healthcare facilities and language barriers for some travelers
- "Спасибо" - Thank you
- "Пожалуйста" - Please/You're welcome
- "Здравствуйте" - Hello
- "Сколько стоит?" - How much does it cost?
- "Где туалет?" - Where is the toilet?
- "Я не говорю по-русски" - I don't speak Russian
Places to Visit in Tura
Visit one of these nice places.
A wide riverbank with reflective water, ideal at dawn and during golden hour.
Elevated spot overlooking the treeline and distant hills; excellent for expansive landscape shots.
Colorful traditional architecture and crafts that make engaging portrait backdrops.
Food in Tura
Tura Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Meat-filled dumplings often served with sour cream.
Must-Try!
Thin slices of frozen meat (usually venison or fish) served chilled.
Cabbage soup often enriched with meat and sour cream.
Slow-cooked reindeer meat with potatoes and root vegetables.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small market offering fresh fish, smoked fish, berries, and staple groceries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite greeting in Russian, such as 'Zdravstvuyte,' is standard; a handshake is common in formal introductions.
Ask before photographing people or cultural displays; dress modestly when visiting traditional centers.
Safety
Tipping in Tura
Ensure a smooth experience
In cafes and restaurants, a small tip of 5-10% is appreciated if service is good; in more formal establishments 10-15% is common.
Cash remains widely used in remote towns; cards are increasingly accepted in larger cafes and hotels; mobile payments are less common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect long days with mild temperatures and abundant birdlife; mosquitoes can be present; prepare for occasional rain.
Very cold temperatures, short days, and bright snow; plan for proper cold-weather gear and limited daylight hours.
Rivers swell during thaw; weather can be variable; good for wildlife watching and early greenery.
Cool, windy, and transitioning colors; early frosts are possible; great for photography before winter sets in.
Tura at Night
Hiking in Tura
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic loop through tundra plants with views of the river.
Forest path along a quiet riverbank; good for birdwatching.
Airports
How to reach Tura by plane.
Small regional airport serving domestic flights to larger hubs; expect limited schedules and seasonal operations.
Major gateway for international and domestic flights; connects to Moscow and other cities; transfers to Tura typically via domestic flight or charter.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Nenets, Nganasans and other Indigenous groups historically inhabit the region; modern demographics include a mix of local Russians and migrants.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular in winter, with local teams and indoor rinks.
Common winter activity on forest trails and tundra.
Popular for long-distance winter travel and guided tours.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tura.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In winter you can often find vegetarian soups and vegetable stews; ask for mushroom- or potato-based dishes; many places can accommodate with veg sides.