Izhevsk

Introduction

You will find Izhevsk situated along the Izh River in Eastern Europe, positioned just west of the Ural Mountains. As the capital city of Udmurtia, it serves as a central hub within the region.

Before you go

Prepare for an immersive experience into local culture and history before you arrive in Izhevsk. You can explore the region's unique Udmurt traditions through traditional folk dances and exotic cuisine, while also exploring the city's industrial heritage as the manufacturing site of the AK-47 Kalashnikov.

While the city was once closed to foreigners due to its arms manufacturing industry, you can now visit this industrial hub to meet locals who do not frequently encounter international travelers. You should also note that the area is one of the least religious cities in Russia, with a large portion of the population identifying as atheist or spiritual but not religious.

Getting there

You can reach the city by air via Izhevsk Airport, located a short distance east of the city centre. The airport accommodates small airliners and provides connections to several major Russian cities, including Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara, and Ufa.

Alternatively, you can travel by train. Russian Railways operates services connecting Izhevsk to various regional hubs such as Kazan, Perm, Yekaterinburg, and Moscow. If you are traveling along the Trans-Siberian Railway, you can disembark at Glazov and continue your journey to the city by regional train or bus.

Getting around

You can navigate the city using a variety of public transportation options to reach your destinations. Your transit choices include trams, buses, trolleybuses, and minibuses.

When you prefer a more direct route or private transport, taxis are also available for your use throughout the area.

Where to stay

You can choose from several accommodations that offer varying amenities to suit your stay in the city. For those seeking extensive facilities, you can find lodging with a gym, swimming pool, and a games room, or options featuring a sauna for relaxation.

• Deryabin offers a billiards room and a sauna.
• Okolitsa provides a sauna for your convenience.
• Park Inn by Radisson Izhevsk is noted as the nicest hotel in the city.
• Telekom features a gym, swimming pool, and games room.

Food & drink

Savor the local flavors of Izhevsk by choosing from a variety of dining atmospheres. You can enjoy authentic pelmeni made from scratch at a spot popular with locals, or opt for an unconventional menu featuring wild boar and elk in a setting reminiscent of a hunter's lodge. For a more refined experience, dine among white tablecloths or visit a restaurant offering English menus and a French countryside ambiance.

If you prefer a brewery setting, you can visit Brauplatz. For your evening plans, the Svet club is a popular destination for young people.

What to see and do

Explore the city's rich history and cultural landmarks, starting with the majestic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Trinity Cemetery Church. You can visit the Kalashnikov Museum and Exhibition Complex of Small Arms or explore the Izhmash Museum, where you will find exhibits ranging from locally produced armaments to motorcycles. For a taste of local culture, witness performances at the Udmurtia State Circus or visit the Square of the 50th Anniversary of the October Revolution, which features The Arsenal, a neoclassical building housing the Museum of Local Lore.

Spend your time outdoors exploring the expansive Kirov Park, located between the Udmurt Zoo and the lake. You can stroll along the Esplanade and Izhevsk Lake Embankment or visit the People's Friendship Monument. While exploring the city, you might encounter various statues of Lenin, Pelmeni, and Crocodile Gena. For sports fans, you can catch a game to see the local ice hockey team, HC Izhstal.

When to go

You can experience a wide range of seasonal shifts in Izhevsk due to its humid continental climate. During the summer months, you will encounter short and warm days where temperatures can climb significantly during heat waves.

The winter season is characterized by long, cold conditions with severe freezing. While these winters are less extreme than those found in cities further east, they remain substantially colder than comparable latitudes in Western Europe.

Three days in Izhevsk

Day one, you can begin your journey by exploring the local surroundings of Izhevsk. You can take in the sights of the nearby Izh River and experience the atmosphere of this region within the Ural Mountains.

Day two, you can travel further to explore other areas of Russia. You might choose to visit cities such as Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara, Ufa, Kazan, Perm, or Yekaterinburg.

Day three, you can take a longer journey across the country. You can travel via the Trans-Siberian Railway or explore locations like Glazov and Okolitsa.