Kirov
Introduction
Located along the Vyatka River in European Russia, Kirov serves as the administrative center of the Kirov Oblast. You can explore a city with a deep history, having been known as Khlynov for centuries before being renamed Vyatka and eventually Kirov.
Before you go
Before you visit, you can reflect on the long history of this city, which dates back to at least 1374 and was formerly known by the names Vyatka and Khlynov. You will find that its current name honors Sergey Kirov.
Getting there
You can reach the city by train via the Trans-Siberian Railway, which features numerous connections from Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, Izhevsk, and the Russian Black Sea coast. The main railway station serves all trains on this route, while the Kirov-Kotlassky station handles traffic from points north.
Alternatively, you can fly into Pobedilovo Airport, located southwest of the city centre, with regular flights arriving from Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Perm, Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, Samara, Ufa, and Simferopol. If you prefer to travel by bus, the Kirov Bus Terminal provides routes connecting you to Yoshkar-Ola, Kazan, Naberezhnye Chelny, Syktyvkar, Ufa, Cheboksary, Izhevsk, Ulyanovsk, and various towns throughout the Kirov Oblast.
Getting around
You can navigate the city using a public transport network that includes buses, trolleys, and marshrutkas. You can find route maps online to plan your journey through the streets.
Alternatively, you can choose to travel by taxi, which are plentiful throughout the area.
Where to stay
You can choose from a variety of accommodations depending on your preferred style and amenities. For those seeking a cozy atmosphere, you might enjoy staying in a log cabin-looking inn that features a hot tub, or opt for a pet-friendly hostel located slightly away from the main bustle.
If you prefer more extensive facilities, several mid-range options provide amenities such as saunas, spas, and on-site dining. You can stay in a hotel with a distinct Soviet aesthetic featuring patriotic murals and a gym, or choose an establishment that offers pampering touches. For a more luxurious experience, high-end hotels are available to provide your stay.
Food & drink
You can satisfy your cravings for international flavors by visiting local eateries that specialize in regional favorites. For a taste of the Mediterranean, you can find Greek dishes at Symposium or Tsarskoe Selo. If you prefer a Turkish doner made with fresh ingredients from the region, Danar offers this concept across numerous locations throughout the city.
For your beverage needs, you can visit Jackie Brown Pub to enjoy a drink in a pub setting.
What to see and do
Explore the diverse cultural landscape of Kirov by visiting its numerous museums and historic sites. You can witness local history at the Kirov Regional Local Lore Museum or see dinosaur fossils in the Museum of Paleontology. For those interested in art, visit the Vyatka Vasnetsovs' Art Museum to view a large painting collection or stop by the Modern Art Center 'Gallery Of Progress'. Other unique experiences include attending classes for budding chocolatiers at the Chocolate History Museum, viewing train technology at the Kirov Railway Museum, or exploring space-related exhibits at the Aircraft and Astronautics Museum of K.E. Tsiolkovsky.
The city offers a variety of architectural landmarks and scenic locations to explore:
- Religious sites including the onion domes of the Parish of the Holy Dormition Cathedral, the peppermint-striped Spassky Cathedral, and the intricate Parish of St. Seraphim Cathedral.
- A picturesque wooden church overlooking the Vyatka River near a monument to A. Grine.
- Public spaces such as the Alexander Garden with its Coastal Rotunda, the Botanical Garden featuring hardy plants, and the secluded Dendrologic Park.
- Cultural landmarks like the Kirov State Circus and various local theaters.
- Outdoor monuments including the Memorial Eternal Flame and the Marshal Konev Monument.
Three days in Kirov
Day one, you can begin your journey by exploring the local surroundings of Kirov and its connection to the Vyatka River. You can take in the atmosphere of this region in European Russia as you settle into the city's landscape.
Day two, you can travel through the nearby areas of Khlynov or consider the broader geography of the Kirov Oblast. You can reflect on the historical connections to other regions like Nizhny Novgorod and Kazan while exploring your immediate surroundings.
Day three, you can spend your final day reflecting on the transit routes that connect this area to cities such as Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Izhevsk. You can enjoy the local scenery before concluding your stay in Kirov.