Salekhard is the capital of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, the only city in the world located on the Arctic Circle.
Unlike other cities in the district, Noyabrsk and Novy Urengoy, Salekhard does not have a clear oil and gas specialization. Fishing, dairy and forestry industries are equally developing in Salekhard.
Historical facts of the city:
- 1595 - foundation of the Obdorsk fortress by the Cossacks.
- 1807 - the abolition of the fortress, the appearance of the first Russian settlers and the formation of the village of Obdorsk.
- 1933 - Obdorsk was transformed into the village of Salekhard (translated from Nenets as “village on the cape”).
- 1938 - the village receives city status.
The population of Salekhard is 49 thousand people.
Salekhard on the map of Russia: geography, nature and climate
Salekhard on the map of Russia is located in the western part of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug as part of the Tyumen region, on the right bank of the Ob, at the confluence of the Poluy River. Distance to Moscow – 2436 km. Salekhard is located in the zone of swampy tundra and forest-tundra with their characteristic vegetation - mosses, lichens, dwarf birches and willows.
The city stands on the Poluyskaya Upland of the West Siberian Plain, Salekhard's topography is flat - the average height of the city is 50 meters.
Salekhard is classified as a region of the Far North with a harsh climate. The city is located on the border of temperate and subarctic climate zones. Winters in the city are cold and long (up to 7 months), and summers are short and cool. Spring and autumn are very short. The average temperature in January is -23, and in July + 15 degrees Celsius. The average annual temperature is -6 degrees Celsius. Approximately 450 mm of precipitation falls annually, 44% of which occurs in the summer.
Salekhard is located directly on the Arctic Circle, so in the summer there is a polar day here from June 7 to July 7, but there is no polar night in the city.
Salekhard-Obdorsk—the emergence.
The capital of this district is Salekhard. The city has a long history. Salekhard is the administrative center of the Yamal Okrug. Salekhard is easy to find on the map of Russia, as it is located on the banks of the Ob River. Located in the vastness of the Arctic Circle, this makes it the only city unique on the entire planet located in such harsh latitudes. If you look at the map, you will see where the city of Salekhard is located, and that from it to the Arctic Ocean it is just a stone's throw away.
Salekhard is a city with a long history, during which time it changed its name and status several times. In 1595, the Cossack fortress Obdorsk (territory near the Ob River) was founded. Over the years, the city has been transformed and reformed, but has always remained an administrative center. In those days, the city was the northern point of Russia. In 1635, Obdorsk's name and status were changed, it was renamed the Obdorsk outpost; another hundred years later, the outpost turned into the village of Obdorsk, the center of the Obdorsk volost of the Berezovsky district of the Tobolsk province. Since this remote corner is rich not only in natural gas and oil reserves, but also in animal resources.
Many years ago, mammoths lived here, whose tusks are still expensive on the black market, and most importantly, in demand. The territory is also famous for its fur-bearing animals. Animal skins and furs have been traded here since the end of the eighteenth century. For a long time, the village leadership asked the capital for permission to conduct legal trade in all kinds of goods. Many years passed until the moment when, in 1825, the fair was first officially allowed to be held in Obdorsk. Trade was allowed from mid-December to the end of January. Sellers of various goods flocked here, everyone sought to exchange furs and leathers for various products that could not be found here, such as tobacco, flour, bread, fabrics, and wine. People from all regions of the country flocked here.
The population of the village of Obdorsk grew every year. The permanent population was 500 people; these data were recorded at the end of the 19th century. The main occupation of the residents was hunting and fishing. People came here to earn money for several months, and in the summer the population increased, and by winter it decreased again. In 1933, Obdorsk was renamed Salekhard (Settlement on the Cape) and the village became the administrative center of the newly created Yamalo-Nenets National Okrug; it became a city a little later, in 1938. The Obdorsk fair quickly became famous throughout Russia, and various artisans and they tried to snatch “a tastier and fattier piece.” Some merchants began to trade on credit, but such lending did not lead to anything good. In the end, the nomads who borrowed goods simply began to starve and die out as families. This type of trade quickly ended. But the fair continued to exist. The Obdorsk Fair still exists and is increasing in scale; over the years the range has become diverse. Products can be found to suit every taste and budget. Today, the city invites you to the fair not only to purchase goods, but also to get acquainted with the traditions of the local people and the indigenous inhabitants of this region. All this forms the basis of tourism in such a harsh northern region. You tell me that there are more beautiful and warmer places in Russia! And I will answer you that you should know and see all the places and cities of our vast homeland.
The city of Salekhard is famous throughout Russia not only for its fair and furs. Salekhard is currently being built and developed in accordance with all the rules of the technical process. If you still decide to visit this city with a cold climate, but with a warm and welcoming soul, then you should familiarize yourself with the sights of the city in advance and highlight the places that you would like to visit.
Routes on the map of Salekhard. Transport infrastructure
Currently, construction of the Nadym-Salekhard highway is underway, which should be launched in 2022. So far there is no way to get to Salekhard by road.
There is no railway station in the city; trains arrive at the Labytnangi station, located on the opposite bank of the Ob. Train directions: Moscow – Labytnangi, Vorkuta – Labytnangi, Anapa – Labytnangi (seasonal).
You can get from Labytnanga to Salekhard by winter road (in winter), by ferry or by motor ship (in summer), or by hovercraft (in the off-season).
As part of the construction of the Northern Latitudinal Railway, until 2022 it is planned to build a railway line Obskaya - Salekhard - Nadym - Pangody - Novy Urengoy - Korotchaevo, which will connect the city with other parts of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, as well as the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug and the Tyumen Region.
On a satellite map of Salekhard, the airport is located 7 km north of the city and receives flights from Yekaterinburg, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tyumen, Novy Urengoy, Nadym and Noyabrsk. Its annual passenger traffic is 300 thousand people.
During the period of river navigation, ships from Omsk, Tobolsk, Berezovo, Katravozh, Yar-Sale, Kazym-Mys and other settlements go to Salekhard. The river station is located at 15, Poluysky Ave.
Public transport in Salekhard is represented by 5 bus routes and 3 minibus routes. There are also 2 suburban minibuses in the direction Salekhard - Labytnangi, Salekhard - Aksarka (62 km). The city's bus fleet is in good condition, most of the buses are new. The fare for them is 25 rubles.
The Siberian region is a harsh region.
The Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug is part of the Tyumen region, which is located in the north of our country. You ask which region, the answer is simple - this is the Tyumen region. The Siberian region is part of the Ural Federal District. A distant and at the same time very harsh region. In this part of the country, many indigenous inhabitants of this harsh region of Russia have survived. The territory is rich in mineral resources: hydrocarbons, especially natural gas and oil. This fact is associated with ancient peat deposits.
The main fields are: Urengoyskoye gas, Yuzhno-Russkoye oil and gas, Nakhodkinskoye gas, Yamburgskoye oil and gas condensate, Yety-Purovskoye oil. On the territory of this district there are 140 fields, which account for 15% of all oil reserves of the Russian Federation. All deposits are developed using new technologies, which allows us to preserve the environment and at the same time obtain maximum production of oil and gas resources.
In this area you can still find virgin corners of nature. Yamal has always attracted tourists, scientists and travelers with its mystery, beauty and virginity. It combines the stinginess of the sun and the diversity of nature, the severity of the weather and the hospitality of the local population, the unsurpassed colors of autumn and the silent, snowy winter. Scientists like the region because it is culturally rich and has a unique nature. You should definitely come to the Yamalo-Nenets Okrug (capital Salekhard) to enjoy the clean air and see with your own eyes the beauty of a remote corner of our country.
Sights of the city of Salekhard
The hallmark of Salekhard is the 66th Parallel Stela , symbolizing the city’s location on the Arctic Circle. It is made in the form of two pyramids intersecting in a semicircle (two parts of the city, separated by the Arctic Circle). Their height is 20 and 22 meters, and the diameter of the semicircle is 24 meters. The stela is located on the Airport Highway, across the Shaitanka River.
Other city attractions:
- Cable-stayed bridge "Torch" , made according to an unusual design, with one inclined pylon 100 meters high. At the top there is an upscale restaurant and an expansive view of the city. The bridge connects the central part of the city with neighborhoods.
- Obdorsky town, where the history of the city began in 1595. Notable is the absence of a single nail. Attraction address: st. Republic, 1.
- Monument to the mammoth , located at the entrance to the city from the river crossing from Labytnangi. Location: Salekhard-Labytnangi-Kharp street, 1.
Where to go and what to see.
The most popular places are:
Monument to the mammoth
mammoth monument
— the mammoth monument is an unusual and interesting landmark not only of the city, but also of the district. People call the mammoth Mitya; the artists carefully approached the creation of this majestic beast. There were many ideas, but we settled on a calm, peaceful animal, which is why the mammoth has a lowered trunk. The mammoth calmly and majestically watches what is happening from a hill. The original sculpture is located near the crossing of the Ob River, which connects Salekhard and Labytnangi. It was installed and opened in July 2005, and since then many tourists have come here to see the prehistoric animal. A team of artists from different cities and countries - Salekhard, Moscow, Izhevsk and Minsk - worked on the creation of the monument. Any resident of Salekhard will be able to tell you and show you how to get to the mammoth.
Obdorsky fort
— Obdorsky fort – museum of wooden architecture. An architectural complex that was built back in the 16th century. Inside this structure there were residential settlements, an administrative center, and in 1602 a temple appeared. Since the purpose of this fort was defensive - observation, that is, military, it had several towers. By the end of the 18th century, the building lost its military purpose, and the military that was located there was disbanded. Some buildings are more than 4 centuries old, and they are being repaired and restored, without deviating from their original appearance. Seeing these wooden masterpieces and historical monuments of that time will completely immerse you in the atmosphere of that time.
Church of Saints Peter and Paul
— the Church of Saints Peter and Paul is the first Orthodox church that was built of stone in the vast expanses of permafrost. The temple was opened in 1894, and services continued there until the summer of 1930. From the summer of 1930 to the summer of 1991, no services were held in the temple, but in July 1991 the temple was opened and returned to the parishioners. Since 1991, changes have occurred in the structure of the temple: a dining room (refectory) and a Sunday school were built.
Stele "Arctic Circle"
Stele "Arctic Circle"
- the stele “Arctic Circle” or “66th Parallel” is two high pyramids with a semicircle located in the center. This stele symbolizes the unique location of Salekhard in such cold and distant expanses of the continent. The Arctic Circle divides Salekhard into two parts. The monument is located on the 66th parallel, hence its second name.
If you take a good look at where Salekhard is located on the map of Russia, you will see that the coordinates of the city’s location are: latitude - 66 31′ 48 C and longitude 66 36′ 6 E, that is, the city is located on the 66th parallel.
It is worth visiting Salekhard for the Reindeer Herder's Day holiday, which is celebrated annually at the beginning of spring, or rather, the holiday lasts from the end of March and lasts until the beginning of April. During this interesting holiday, reindeer sled races are held, you can watch jumping competitions and have the opportunity to ride a sled. On this holiday you can visit tents (only during this holiday this opportunity is provided), various fairs: crafts and food, and see the national clothes of the nationalities of this region. This holiday clearly shows the national color of this region. This event is held in the vicinity of Salekhard near the village of Aksarki.
Reindeer Herder Day
Salekhard is a unique and rapidly developing city. In recent years, the ancient city has been transformed and become a modern cultural and business center of Northern Siberia. New residential buildings are being built, modern roads are being laid, the infrastructure of the Siberian capital is rapidly developing - the city is replenished with new architectural masterpieces. Both residents and guests of the city are pleased with these changes and the cultural growth of the region.
Main streets of Salekhard
- St. Bogdan Knunyantsa is the main street in the northern part of Salekhard. It starts from the new Torch Bridge, passing through the private sector and multi-apartment residential buildings. In its vicinity are the administration of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, an oil depot and the microdistrict of the same name.
- St. The bypass is the second most important highway in the northern part of the city (after Bogdan Knunyants Street), starting from the bridge and ending in the village of Angalsky Mys. It passes through the industrial zone of Salekhard, Victory Park and low-rise residential buildings. It houses school No. 6 and the Brusnichka kindergarten.
- St. Mayakovsky is a long street starting from the right bank of the Shaitanka River. On the map of Salekhard with streets and houses you can see that it contains mainly old residential buildings. Its name in the address includes the “Solnyshko” kindergarten, the “Grill House” restaurant, the Employment Center and the clothing market.
- St. Brodneva is one of the longest streets in the central district of Salekhard, starting from a road junction in the Yamalsky microdistrict. It houses a fire department, a hospital campus, the Department of Housing Policy, and the museum-apartment of L.V. Laptsui.
Flora, fauna and other things of a harsh region.
The city spreads across vast expanses in the north of the West Siberian Lowland. The northern climate of this Siberian region is extremely unfavorable for economic activity - this is an area of so-called extreme living. It seemed like what kind of plant and tree could live in such harsh natural conditions, where winter is 200 days a year. The following trees grow here: fir, larch, pine, cedar, dwarf birch, and willow. The world of low plants is also rich: wild rosemary, wild rosemary, lingonberry, black and red currant. And at the same time, all the bushes manage to produce a harvest. The Siberian region is rich in forests, and, as everyone knows, a forest without mushrooms is not a forest. In the forest expanses you will find: boletus, aspen boletus, russula and, of course, the “king among mushrooms” - the porcini mushroom.
In addition to the diverse flora, the animal world also boasts interesting representatives - sable, squirrel, weasel, and chipmunk.
Spring days come late, around mid-April. Everything begins to blossom quickly; animals begin mating games. Summer is short, but trees and flowers still have time to bloom. In the short summer period, namely in July, at this time the temperature reaches 25 or 30 degrees Celsius. Autumn in Salekhard comes in September, it is cold and strong winds blow. Autumn is a prelude to the harsh winter.
To this day, permafrost conceals many secrets and unknown facts that humanity wants to uncover and unravel. But unfortunately, soon there may be no permafrost, because in recent years the temperature of permafrost has increased and in some places it is about zero degrees. Summer has become hotter, and the average annual temperature has increased by several degrees. Perhaps the permafrost will soon reveal all its secrets if warming continues at this rate. But while the permafrost has not yet “run away and flowed away,” it is worth taking a look at it. Look at that very “harsh winter”, walk through the snow-covered Siberian taiga and hear the howl of a snowstorm and blizzard in the chimney. Feel how the fifty-degree frost “bites your nose and cheeks.”
It is worth noting that our multinational country is so magnificent, it is worth visiting each nation and appreciating the greatness and strength of our state. And even though each people has its own faith, customs, character and food, this is our wealth, not only national, but also state. The diversity of nature and wildlife in such a cold and little sunny place surprises and delights.