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Moscow - Vladivostok: The original Trans-Siberian

Find out about the fascinating city originally closed off to foreigners until 1990.

Vladivostok is the final destination of the classical Trans-Siberian route; beginning in Moscow, travelling through the previously inaccesible Sibera, all the way to the coastal city of Vladivostok. Despite Vladivostok's rich history, it's not as well-known a destination as its Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian counterparts. This is, in part, because Vladivostok was a closed city to foreigners until 1990. 

Despite this, there are rumours of David Bowie making his way to Vladivostok in the 1970's after taking a ferry to Russia from Japan, at the end of his 1973 Japanese tour. We suppose though, if you're David Bowie, you get to go wherever you'd like.

Let Real Russia introduce you to some of Vladivostok's culture, history and fun facts to show you just what makes Vladivostok such an exciting destination. 

Tiger Day

Tiger Day has been held annualy in Vladivostok since 2000 and is an environmental march down the central city streets where people dress like tigers. The aim is to draw attention to the importance of preserving the habitat and dwindling population of the Amur tiger, also known as the Siberian tiger, that lives in the Primorsky and Khabarosk regions. 

Amur Tiger in the snow

Famous bridges 

The Russky bridge connects Russky island with continental Vladivostok. It spans an impressive 3,100 metres, of 10,200 feet, and is a comparible size to the San Francisco - Oakland Bay bridge and is one of the longest in the world. 

Nowadays, the Russky bridge is seen as the symbol of Vladivostok due to its impressive and imposing sight. 

The famous Russky bridge against a blue sky

Vladivostok fortress 

Constructed between the late 19th and early 20th century, the Vladivostok fortess is one of the city's most popular attractions. The structure is designed with a complex system of labryinths, deep tunnels, casemates and underground passes. It's an intriguing attraction for all visitors. 

Museum of ancient motor vehicles 

Automobiles, motorcycles and all other sorts of motors developed between the 1920's and 70's by both Soviet and foreign engineers. As well as the motors on display, there's a library including videos and a lecture hall; not only is it a great visit for motorheads but an unusual way to experience soviet history for any curious traveller.

The gateway to more

Vladivostok serves as gateway to many places and even has the nickname "the gates to Asia" because of its accesibility to many prominent countries in Asia via ferry such as Japan, China and Korea. The Golden Horn Bay, where Vladivostok is built, also provides tourist cruises to 50 nearby islands! 

Yacht against the sunset in Amur Bay

Education and language

It's estimated around 81% of Russia is monolingual, meaning they only speak their native Russian language. This makes Vladivostok's reputation as the language city even more impressive. Vladivostok has 12 colleges and universities and one of the most notable is Far Eastern Federal University which has cultivated a large number of Chinese-Russian translators. 

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