The administrative center of the Khanty-Mansiysk Okrug - Ugra was founded in 1582 on the right bank of the Irtysh, not far from its confluence with the Ob. At first, on the site of the modern city there was a small settlement, Samarovsky Pit.
Later the pit was transformed into the village of Samarovo. Now this is one of the districts of Khanty-Mansiysk with a pier and river port.
For a long time, Khanty-Mansiysk was a small city with two-story wooden houses. And only in the 2000s it became the oil and gas center of the country and received rapid development. Since that time, the city's population has increased almost 3 times, modern residential areas and medical centers have appeared.
The largest Russian biathlon center is located in Khanty-Mansiysk.
For ease of route planning, we have marked all the mentioned attractions on the city map:
Khanty Monument
If you come to Khanty-Mansiysk by plane, the first attraction you see when entering the city will be the above-mentioned monument. It depicts a Khanty family at a rest stop - father, mother and baby. Near them are deer and a dog. The figures are made in life size, which gives them a resemblance to living people, and there is no end to those who want to take pictures near the composition.
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Archeopark
You won’t find anything like this in any other city - and this is rightfully considered the real calling card of Khanty-Mansiysk. The archeopark there is a whole cultural and historical complex, on the territory of which there are various sculptures of ancient people and animals. This particular place is “Number One” on the list of what you can see in Khanty-Mansiysk. The archeopark is called “Samarovsky Remnant,” and it features figures of mammoths and bison, wolves and lions, deer and rhinoceroses, and so on. The sculpture of 11 mammoths is considered the most important in the park; in addition, it is a symbol of the entire city.
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The archeopark appeared in Khanty-Mansiysk not so long ago - it is only ten years old. However, he has already managed to win both the love of the residents and the constant interest of all guests of the city. Another great thing about the park is that you can climb all the sculptures, except the mammoths, so this place is an excellent option for where to go with your child in Khanty-Mansiysk. Almost all the figures are life-size, and some are even larger than in life. So it’s a complete pleasure for children to play there!
Embankment
Arriving at the embankment, the first thing you will see is the building of the bus station, built in the shape of a steamship. In order to see this more clearly, I climbed the stele, which will be discussed later. Next, a monument was erected with the Goddess Nike at the top, and at the base there are 4 famous navigators. Near the water itself there is a monument to a girl with bare feet and a scarf in her hand, which flutters in the wind. There are a couple of versions of who this girl is and what the name of the statue is. Option 1 is Assol, the girl from the novel “Scarlet Sails”, who waits and sees off the ships. 2 is Slavyanka. According to the creators' idea, she is a symbol of a romantic girl seeing off her lover on the sea voyage.
In the foreground is Assol, and in the background is the goddess Nika and 4 sailors.
Ethnographical museum
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Another local attraction is the ethnographic museum, which is called “Torum-Maa” and is located right in the open air, in the middle of picturesque Siberian nature and gorgeous taiga. The museum displays exhibits telling about the traditions and life of the indigenous peoples of these places: clothing, buildings, jewelry and similar items. The museum is interesting because it constantly hosts various festivals, exhibitions and cultural events - for example, the Wagtail Festival. Don’t know where to go in Khanty-Mansiysk? Go to an open-air museum - it's a win-win!
Art Museum
This collection of works of art received the nickname “Northern Tretyakov Gallery”. The art museum's exhibits are divided into several categories . The collection of ancient Russian art includes works from the 15th to the 19th centuries. These include icons of various schools.
Painting of the 18th and 19th centuries is represented by paintings by Rokotov, Tropinin, Repin and other famous masters. The collections of graphics include works by Ostapov, Chelnakov, and Durand. There are also works by contemporary artists.
Art Museum
Natural Park
Where to go in Khanty-Mansiysk? If it’s warm outside and you’re a lover of natural entertainment, then the answer is obvious: of course, to the Samarovsky Chugas ecotourism park! It has the status of a natural monument and extends over more than six thousand hectares - and this area is constantly increasing. Forests and lakes, fields and streams - all this is part of the natural complex. There are also many rare plants and animals on its territory. Walking in “Samarovsky Chugas” is a pleasure, and you can do it either independently or in the company of an experienced guide.
Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Even if you are not a believer, the above-mentioned temple is definitely the place where you should go in Khanty-Mansiysk - at least to see this beautiful cathedral with your own eyes. It was originally erected at the beginning of the nineteenth century, but the revolution of the twenties of the last century did not escape it either. The temple was destroyed, and for a long time - until the mid-nineties - there were ruins and wasteland in its place. Only a little over twenty years ago, work began on this site and a decision was made to restore the temple.
Fountains
It is impossible to imagine Khanty-Mansiysk without its charming fountains. At the same time, tourists should see the most famous trio.
Rotunda fountain . This object can be found in the main city square.
Fountain Ob and Irtysh . Sculptures of symbolic birds, as well as animals inhabiting Ugra, are used as decorations.
Faberge Fountain . The object was created in the form of a large, precious egg.
The fountains of Khanty-Mansiysk transform the architecture of a small but glorious city in Russia.
Addresses: Fountain Rotunda - Mira Street - 14. Fountain Ob and Irtysh - Dzerzhinsky Street - 5a. Faberge Fountain - Mira Street-2.
Faberge Fountain
Everyone has heard about expensive Faberge products, but among the attractions of Khanty-Mansiysk (pictured below) there is a whole fountain with that name. It is, of course, not gold, and it is also not encrusted with diamonds, but in its shape and appearance it very much resembles the famous egg of a famous jeweler. In the evenings, the fountain is illuminated, and the lights are simply dazzling!
They worked on the creation of the fountain for several months; its individual parts are made of bronze and colored glass in order to give the composition the greatest possible resemblance to the original Faberge product. This element of urban “decor” has been delighting the eyes of the residents of Khanty-Mansiysk for ten years now.
Trading, "Meridian" and "Saturn"
All these shopping centers are combined in one large building. Of course, it’s easy to get lost there, but it’s also easy to run into something interesting. In Galaxy, on the second floor there is a small cinema "Kinostar". Its big plus is its ease of viewing. There are very large and soft chairs, just like at home, which makes his visit cozy and memorable. There are also entertainment centers for children: a trampoline, art and mini kindergarten, where you can send your child while you go shopping.
The photo shows three shopping centers. Their description is above the picture.
Church of the Resurrection
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Another temple in Khanty-Mansiysk, where you should definitely go. Strictly speaking, this is not one small temple, but a whole complex. He is relatively young - he will only turn twenty next year. The temple is notable for the fact that, although it remained pristine white in the first years of its existence, not so long ago it was painted in all its width and height with unusually beautiful frescoes. The temple is crowned with five golden domes. It's definitely worth seeing this with your own eyes!
The complex has its own park with fountains, an Orthodox gymnasium, a Sunday school, as well as a crucifix and a monument to Cyril and Methodius - the holy brothers who made a huge contribution to the education of the Slavic people. An interesting and entertaining fact, by the way: it is the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Khanty-Mansiysk that is mentioned in one of the modern films with actress Anastasia Zavorotnyuk in the title role.
Stele “To the Conquerors of the Ugra Land”
What sights to see in Khanty-Mansiysk? Of course, a wonderful monument dedicated to the conquerors of this area. It is interesting, firstly, for its appearance: made in the shape of a pyramid, as conceived by the architects, it simultaneously resembles a tent of local indigenous peoples, a Cossack observation tower, and an oil derrick. Secondly, each of the faces of the stele (there are three in total) symbolizes a certain time: the ancient era, then the period of the conquest of Yugra by Ermak and, finally, modern times with the development of oil.
Another attractive thing about this landmark of the city of Khanty-Mansiysk is its lighting. There are no analogues like this in the whole country! The thing is that it is carried out using more than a hundred computer backlight programs, which together create more than a thousand different variations. The sight seen is truly impressive.
The stele is hollow inside, but this space, which, by the way, is as much as 62 meters high, is not empty. On the first level of the monument there is a restaurant, on the level above there is a museum; finally, at the very top there is an observation deck, from where a stunning view of Samarovo, the old part of the city, opens. By the way, they promise to soon open an exotarium in the stele - a room for keeping exotic animals.
Parks, monuments and streets
Monument to the Discoverers
Address: Pervootkryteley proezd, 1
The monument is a tall glass pyramid divided into three sectors. They symbolize the main periods of the history of this area: antiquity, the first expeditions, the period of the oil and gas industry.
On the floors of the pyramid there is a history museum, a restaurant and an observation deck from which almost the entire Khanty-Mansiysk is visible.
Since 2010, the condition of the monument as a tourist center began to deteriorate due to the poor economic situation. Currently, the pyramid is closed to the public, restoration work is being carried out here.
10 Commandments Fountain
Address: st. Gagarina, 9
The fountain complex is located at the foot of the Church of the Resurrection of Christ.
On the way to the temple you will have to climb a large staircase on which there is a water cascade. On the pedestals are granite tablets with the Ten Biblical Commandments.
Faberge Fountain
Address: st. Piskunova
In the spring of 2007, Khanty-Mansiysk was one of 6 Russian cities that hosted the Carl Faberge exhibition. As a sign of respect to the great master and memory of this event, a year later an unusual fountain appeared in the city.
It is created in the shape of the famous jewelry. During the day it shimmers in the sun thanks to the built-in pieces of glass. And at night the bright lights turn on.
Sculptural composition “Seasons”
Address: st. Karl Marx
The composition was installed in 2010. The authors looked at the 4 seasons from a new angle: the seasons are depicted in the form of men with umbrellas.
Each sculpture was given emotions from winter, summer, spring and autumn through poses.
Unlike many sculptures, these men are made not of bronze, but of stainless steel, which glows in the dark.
Monument Bronze symbol of Ugra
Address: st. Dzerzhinsky
The monument is a brief history of the territory.
The girl at the very top represents Ugra. At her feet are the figures of the chronicler Nestor, the head of the Khanty of Samara, the famous Cossack Ermak Timofeevich, a boyar with a letter, oil workers, child pioneers, and church ministers.
Fountain "Ob and Irtysh"
Address: Central Park
The 16-meter fountain composition was installed in 2008.
The fountain is dedicated to the nature of this region. It depicts animals and birds that live here: elk, bear, lynx, wolf, Siberian Crane, deer, eagle owl, seagulls.
The peculiarity of the composition is that it is made of six types of granite. At night the fountain is illuminated.
Fountain "Rotunda"
Address: st. Mira, 14
The composition is large-scale, occupies 42 square meters. m. This fountain is dedicated to space themes.
The ball in the center of the small circle symbolizes the Earth, and the columns around it symbolize the rest of the planets of the solar system.
On New Year's holidays, the fountain is decorated with bright garlands, and in the summer - with flowers.
Fountain “Splashes of Champagne”
The Faberge fountain is by no means the only unusual one in Khanty-Mansiysk. What else is worth seeing in this city is definitely the “Splash of Champagne” fountain. There are similar ones in other cities, but for us it is the Ugra one that is of interest.
It is located on Freedom Square, in the old part of the city, and is a combination of two granite bowls. The bowl below is larger, and above it is smaller. From the top, decorated with twelve balls, streams of water flow into the bottom. The fountain is very beautiful and deserves to be seen by guests of the Ugra capital.
Park named after Boris Losev
If you are wondering what to see in 1 day in this town, then I advise you to look at the “heart” of Khanty-Mansiysk. From the central entrance you can see the fountain alley which leads to the main large fountain. It is decorated with local animals. Among them are an elk, a bear and a small pack of wolves. There is a belief that if you rub the nose of one of the wolves, good luck will follow you. Various sculptures are distributed throughout the park. The gazebo offers views of the pond. And in general the landscape design was developed in a very interesting way.
The central composition of the park named after Losev.
Museum of Nature and Man
In the thirties of the last century, it was decided to begin the fight against illiteracy and ignorance of the indigenous population of Ugra. For this purpose, it was conceived to create a museum, the exhibits of which, inextricably linked with the history and formation of Khanty-Mansiysk itself, were donated by a museum from Tobolsk. Eight parts of the museum, telling about politics and economics, life and nature of Ugra, became available to a wide range of visitors in the mid-thirties. At first, the museum’s collection was replenished thanks to gifts, and later independent expeditions began to be organized. By the eighties of the last century, the fund had grown so much that the previous premises were no longer enough, and a new building was built for the museum. Today, among its exhibits there are more than 140 thousand different specimens, clearly demonstrating all the milestones in the development of Ugra. The Museum of Nature and Man is the very place in Khanty-Mansiysk where it is not only possible to go, but also necessary and even very useful, especially for schoolchildren.
Theater of Ob-Ugric Peoples
The history of the theater started in 2002. The main task is the development of theatrical art of the region's population. Priority remains with such peoples as the Khanty and Mansi. Each viewer should note the satisfaction of spiritual needs associated with national culture and folklore. The theater features professionals who strive to interact with people of different age groups.
Address: Mira street - 14A.
Museum of Geology, Oil and Gas
It was already mentioned above that Yugra is the largest oil-producing region of our country. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that there is a corresponding museum in Khanty-Mansiysk. It is relatively young - it began to function only fifteen years ago. It is interesting and unusual primarily for its design and size: it occupies more than seven thousand square meters and is one of the ten most original buildings in the whole world that were erected in the harsh climatic conditions of the North.
Most of the exhibits are photographs and documents about the development of this industry in Ugra. In addition, the museum has mineralogical collections - for example, quartz, the largest representative of which weighs more than three hundred kilograms. Such a pastime is not suitable for everyone and may seem boring to many, but for overall development it is worth visiting the museum. So we have every right to add it to the list of recommended places to go in Khanty-Mansiysk.
Touch the beauty
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What about entertainment in Khanty-Mansiysk? Where can you go to unwind in this wonderful northern city?
There are plenty of options. For example, the Theater of the Ob-Ugric Peoples is relatively young - only sixteen years old, but has already proven itself to be a positive temple for the servants of Melpomene.
Two troupes of artists are his employees - a folklore musical ensemble and a multi-genre national theater. The performances and other events organized by these groups are very interesting and touch on the peculiarities of life and mentality of the indigenous peoples of the Ugra region.
SEA WORLD AND SURFING IN THE CENTER OF SIBERIA
We can bet, but many don’t know where the second largest aquarium in Russia is located, where in the heart of Siberia you can conquer a 7-meter cliff, stand on a surfboard, admire tropical flowers or have an underwater wedding.
All this is possible in Kogalym. The Galaktika sports and cultural complex was built in this northern city. It includes the Aquatika aquarium, one of the TOP 10 in the world, an educational one, a tropical greenhouse "7 Gardens", a water park "On the Crest of a Wave", as well as a trampoline park, bowling alley, climbing wall, cinema, food court and family recreation center.
“Galaktika” is the largest entertainment center in Ugra, the “content” of which can be the envy of many megacities. The aquarium has attractions such as a rain forest, a coral reef, a tropical coast, rivers and lakes. Here you can even go diving and get married on the “bottom of the sea” (this service is also available).
In the water park, children and adults can enjoy water slides, a surfing attraction, and a wave pool all year round. Just imagine: outside the window it’s minus 50 degrees below zero, and you’re catching a wave on the surf or taking pictures against the backdrop of the tropical jungle and exotic birds...
Lake Kogolymlor
Where all lovers of outdoor recreation need to go on the weekend in Khanty-Mansiysk (or rather, go, but these are details) is to one of the most beautiful Ugra lakes. Kogolymlor is its name (a few kilometers away is the town of Kogalym), which translated from the local dialect means “Lake of the Extinct Man.” It sounds, perhaps, a little ominous and frightening, but there is nothing frightening in the reservoir itself. Fresh air, silence, peace, beautiful views - this is what awaits those who come here to relax. The lake is quite large, more than fifteen square kilometers in area, so there is enough space on its banks for everyone.
Monument "Symbol of Ugra"
In the year of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the district, a majestic monument appeared in the capital of Ugra, which is now called the symbol of the city. Don't know what to see in Khanty-Mansiysk? Go to this monument, which stands right in the center of the above-mentioned settlement.
It is a high pedestal with a twelve-meter bronze female figure on it. This figure is Mother Yugra. Near it, just below, there are three sculptural compositions. They symbolize different eras of the city’s development and represent, in essence, its past, present and future.
River Station
What else you can see in Khanty-Mansiysk is the building of the River Station. For its amazing architectural design, it fully deserves to be considered a local Ugra landmark. Its appearance resembles one of the parts of a large motor ship - it’s not for nothing that the station is a river station. In the evenings, the lights are turned on near the station, and it all looks even more magical and impressive. The building appeared at the very beginning of this century and immediately gained the love of the Khanty-Mansiysk people. Many photographs were taken against the backdrop of the river station!
EXPEDITION TO THE MOUNTAINS OF THE CIRPTOLAR URAL
The Subpolar Urals are rightfully considered the place of power of Ugra. According to legend, at the beginning of time, the supreme god Torum dropped his belt, and ridges stretched from the Arctic Ocean to the Bashkir steppes. Local peoples call the Ural - Stone Belt.
The Subpolar Urals is a real mountainous country. Here are the crystal clear waters of rivers, streams, lakes and waterfalls, deer trails, and, of course, the highest mountains, the peaks of which are cut through by clouds: Narodnaya (the highest point of the Ural range), Karpinsky Peak, Saber and the “lord of the mountains” - Ner-Oika .
The ridge of the Subpolar Urals is a location for lovers of active recreation and extreme sports. These include river rafting, expeditions on ATVs, hiking, and snowmobiling in winter.
Those who are ready for new challenges should go on expedition tours to the Subpolar Urals, which usually end with an ascent to one of the peaks.
As the organizers of expedition tours say, the level of physical fitness is not important to participate in the expedition. The main thing is the desire to get out of your comfort zone, the desire to find your inner core, to prove to yourself that you are capable of much.
According to experts, on such hikes people seek and gain energy, discover their hidden capabilities and strengths. Many come back again and again, and become even more interested in extreme sports and mountaineering. For example, snow drifts 3-5 meters high are what extreme snowmobilers go to the mountains of the Subpolar Urals for.
Interesting facts about Khanty-Mansiysk
- This is the capital of the largest oil region in our country.
- There are almost no railways in the city; the nearest station is three kilometers away.
- To this day, the habit of not locking apartment doors remains in Khanty-Mansiysk - there is practically no crime in the city.
- Khanty-Mansiysk is a very unpredictable city: even in summer it sometimes snows here.
- From late May to mid-July, white nights can be observed in the city.
- In winter, Khanty-Mansiysk annually hosts a film debut festival, invented by director Sergei Solovyov and artist Alexander Abdulov thirteen years ago. By the way, this is where the only existing monument to the famous aforementioned actor is located.
- Khanty-Mansiysk is divided into two parts - the old and new city. The old part is called Samarovo - after the prince who ruled the area four centuries ago. Hence such, at first glance, incomprehensible names as Samarovsky Chugas or Samarovsky Ostanets. It is in this part of the city that the largest number of attractions are concentrated, but there are practically no hotels.
- The city's population is approximately 70 thousand people.
- The former name of Khanty-Mansiysk was Ostyako-Vogulsk.
There are still a lot of sights in Khanty-Mansiysk that you can explore either independently or with a guide - the city has a sightseeing tour service. This amazing northern city is worth seeing! Have a nice time!
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What to see in Khanty-Mansiysk in winter
Ugra is comparable to the regions of the Far North, and in winter the temperatures here drop to minus 40°C, but if you still decide to come here at this time of year, then an unforgettable vacation awaits you. In addition to traditional attractions, winter Khanty-Mansiysk will offer you:
- fishing on one of the tributaries of the Irtysh;
- winter sports classes at the Biathlon Center;
- ski slopes at the Khvoyny Urman base;
- snow-covered sculptures in the Archeopark.
Did you know? Every winter, at the very beginning of December, a meeting of Russian Father Frosts and Snow Maidens takes place in the city of Khanty-Mansiysk.
