Yakutsk: 10 Fascinating Facts About the Region of Permafrost
This Chapter Reveals Yakutsk Welcoming Guests Amid Biting Cold, Yet Captivating Them with Heartfelt Hospitality...
What do we know about the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)? It is an amazing permafrost region located in the northern part of Eastern Siberia. More and more tourists are eager to visit this far northern region every year in order to experience the extreme cold, immerse themselves into the local culture and explore the region's natural treasures such as the famous Lena Pillars Nature Reserve, sand Tukulan dunes, the Buluus Glacier and more.
Yakutsk serves as the starting point for most travelers exploring this region. Here, everyone can find something that appeals to them: History buffs will be thrilled by the Mammoth, and those who are eager to immerse themselves in the northern atmosphere, should head to the Kingdom of Permafrost museum, there, even in summer, temperature stays below zero.
We have gathered some captivating facts about the city that are bound to surprise you: Yakutsk is a one-of-a-kind phenomenon, not just a point on the map.
1. One of the oldest cities in Siberia
Yakutsk outdates Novosibirsk by 261 years and Irkutsk by 29 years.
2. The city of temperature extremes
This is a city with a sharply continental climate: The average January temperature hovers around -40 °С, but it can drop to -60 °С. At the same time in summer, the city warms up to +40 °С. As a result, the annual temperature range approaches nearly 100 °С there.
3. The workhorse airport
Due to harsh weather conditions, Yakutsk airport is frequently closed to incoming flights. It turns local pilots into real flying aces and making every landing a long-awaited moment.
4. A stroll back to the 19th century
Although there aren't any ancient monuments in Yakutsk, you can get a glimpse of what the pre-revolutionary city looked like in the Old City district. There are replicas of residential and administrative buildings of the XIX century, which were carefully recreated from photographs and paintings after the devastating fire.
5. Mas-wrestling: A tug-of-war with a stick
It is a national sport popular not only in Yakutia but worldwide. Competitions are impressive: Participants sit opposite each other, pushing their feet against the board and tugging on a short wooden stick, engaging various muscle groups. Since 2014 Yakutsk has been the host of the World Mas-Wrestling Championship.
6. A transport paradox
Buses and minibuses are the only means of public transport available in the city. It also lacks a railway system. A trip from Moscow by train will take you only to Nizhny Bestyakh station, located 30 km from Yakutsk.
7. The museum of music dedicated only to one instrument
Yakutsk is home to the world's only museum dedicated to Khomus (Jew's harp) music. It collects over 1,700 rare relict instruments from musical folklore of various cultures.
8. The city on stilts
Most of the buildings are constructed on piles, extending about 6 meters deep, due to permafrost. This is done to prevent the buildings from heating the ground and disrupting the stability of the construction.
9. The library without borders
Yakutsk has a library for blind and visually impaired people since 1967. It offers people help and access to books in any available variety of formats and mediums. Today, over 2,000 people take advantage of its services.
10. Science in the yard
The famous Shergin shaft, reaching the depth of 116.6 m, lies at the center of Yakutsk. In 1827, a merchant Fedor Shergin began excavating the yard of his house. Here, the first-ever negative rock temperatures were measured.
Yakutsk is truly the northern gem of Russia. Behind the city's severity hides a surprisingly hospitable spirit with its mysteries inviting those eager to experience it firsthand!
Sure, Siberia's vastness is no secret for you. Yet, did you know how multifaceted it really is?