Krasnoyarsk

Good to know

1. 1The city sits on the Yenisei, one of the longest rivers in Russia, which flows north to the Arctic Ocean. The river stays cold and fast, and it usually does not freeze in the city itself because of the dam upstream.
2. 2Krasnoyarsk was founded in 1628 as a Cossack fort. It later grew as a trading post and then as a major stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway.
3. 3Just beside the city lies the Stolby Nature Reserve, known for its tall granite rock formations that locals have climbed and hiked among for generations.
4. 4The writer Anton Chekhov passed through in 1890 on his way to Sakhalin and wrote warmly about the Yenisei. The river and the city are still linked with his name.
5. 5Russian is the language you will hear and read everywhere, and signs are mostly in Cyrillic. The money is the Russian rouble.
6. 6Siberian home cooking is hearty. Pelmeni, the meat dumplings served with sour cream or butter, are the dish most closely tied to the region.

Tips for a first visit

• Learn to read the Cyrillic alphabet before you go, or keep a translation app on your phone. English is not widely spoken outside hotels and a few restaurants.
• Try pelmeni, fish from Siberian rivers and pastries filled with cabbage or meat. Tea and a slow meal are a normal part of the day.
• Wear sturdy walking shoes if you plan to go to Stolby or climb the hills near the centre. Paths can be steep and uneven.
• Carry some cash as a backup, and check with your bank at home about whether your cards will work before you travel.
• Take your shoes off when you enter someone's home, and expect to be offered slippers. Bringing a small gift if you are invited is appreciated.
• Dress in layers in any season. The weather inland in Siberia can change quickly and temperatures swing a lot between day and night.

When to go

Summers are warm and fairly short, good for hiking, river walks and spending time outdoors. Autumn is brief and colourful in the forests, while winters are long, cold and snowy, which suits those who want a real Siberian winter. Spring arrives late and can be muddy as the snow melts.

From the airport

Krasnoyarsk's main airport, Yemelyanovo, lies north-west of the city. You can reach the centre by taxi, by airport bus or minibus, or by a combination of public transport, and the trip usually takes somewhere around 40 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. Taxis are the simplest choice if you arrive with luggage.