The Sakhalin Region is the only one in the country that does not have a mainland territory, but is located only on the islands. Its main wealth lies in unique natural complexes of great value. In order to preserve them, about 10% of the territory was given over to nature reserves and sanctuaries. natural conditions region suitable for active rest- diving, skiing, mountaineering, fishing. Ecological tourism includes acquaintance with the pristine nature of the islands, marine animals and birds. Worthy of attention are the numerous historical and archaeological monuments of the region. And all the exotics of the Far East can be felt during ethnic tours to places where small representatives of the indigenous population live - Nivkhs and Oroks.

Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands are the most interesting and beautiful places. Photos with names and descriptions of the main attractions

Guide - what to see and where to go? Excursions and routes. List of the best objects of tourism and active recreation!

Port of Korsakov

One of the largest ports of the Far East is located in the southern part of Sakhalin. It was founded in 1853, this is the oldest settlement Sakhalin region. Its name is associated with the surname of the Governor-General of Eastern Siberia, Mikhail Korsakov. The first port facilities here were built by the Japanese at the beginning of the last century. Since 1993, the port has had international status. Ships depart from here to Vladivostok, the Kuril Islands, Japan and Korea.

Kurile Islands

The Kuriles are a chain of large and small islands between Kamchatka and Japan. These are the peaks of the mountain range, which rise above the water by only 1-2 km, and the main part is hidden at a depth. The most popular are Iturup, Shikatan, Kunashir, Paramushir. There are numerous volcanoes on the islands, including active ones, thermal mineralized springs, picturesque lakes, about 900 rivers. The Kuriles are also famous for their bird colonies.

Kuril Reserve

The area of ​​the protected area is 65 thousand hectares, it was established in 1984 and includes the territory of Kunashir Island and small islands adjacent to it. Volcanic landscapes, marine ecosystems, as well as the unique flora and fauna of this area are subject to protection. In addition, protected lands include dozens of valuable archaeological and ethnographic monuments, including ancient Japanese buildings and sites of ancient people.

Volcano Tyatya

Symbol Kuril Islands and one of the most famous and majestic volcanoes in the world. Locals call it "father-mountain", its foot has a diameter of 18 km, and an approximate height of 1800 m. The age of the ancient giant is 12,000 years, eruptions occur once every thousand years. The last was in 1973, after which people left the area. Tyatya is dangerous for air transport, its top is often smoked and emits poisonous gases and vapors into the air.

Waterfall Bird

There is a natural attraction on one of the Kuril Islands - Kunashir. Ptichyi is a wide and rather powerful waterfall, since the river of the same name, on which it is located, is the second most full-flowing on the island. Its height is about 12 m, and its width is 20 m. The river and the waterfall were named so because of the large number of birds of prey in this area, especially in the spring. The section of the river near the waterfall is a favorite spawning place for salmon, and they attract birds here.

Cape Stolbchaty

A place of unique beauty in the west of Kunashir Island has the status of a natural monument of world importance. The local rocks consist of 50-meter-high pillars of regular pentagonal or hexagonal shape, tightly adjacent to each other. These unusual geological formations arose as a result of the eruption of the Mendeleev volcano several million years ago and are nothing more than petrified columns of basalt lava.

Lakes Hot and Boiling

Two lakes are located on Kunashir Island in the basin of the active volcano Golovnin. They are interconnected by an artificially dug channel. The temperature of the water in Boiling is +80°С, the sediments at its bottom are saturated with sulfur, in combination with metals, it gives black foam on the surface of the lake. The water contains arsenic, antimony, salts of heavy metals. Unlike the Boiling Lake, you can swim in the Hot Lake. The water in it is turquoise, and the depth reaches 62 m.

Moneron Island

A secluded, inaccessible island near Sakhalin is an extinct volcano several million years ago. Its nature is incredibly beautiful - green hills, grasses as high as human height, columnar rocks, rivers with waterfalls. But the main value of the island is its exotic marine fauna, some of which are found nowhere else in Russia. Since 2007, the island has received the status of the first marine natural park in the country.

Poronaysky Reserve

The protected area was created in the eastern part of Sakhalin in 1988 in order to preserve the unique wildlife these places. On the territory of the reserve there are numerous swamps, 150 rivers and 60 lakes. The main protected objects are birds, about 170 species, including those listed in the Red Book. Here is the largest bird market on the island. Animals and birds in the reserve feel free and are not at all afraid of people.

Silent Bay

Great place for recreation and fishing, closed from the cold northern winds. This picturesque bay is located 130 km from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. The entire coast is made up of huge rocks and boulders that have fallen from mountain heights, and only at the water's edge is a small strip of sand. The area is decorated with thickets of wild rose, aralia, thermopsis and other vegetation. Not far from the coast there is an impregnable rocky island Visible, which was chosen by flocks of seagulls.

Volcano Mendeleev

The top of the gigantic volcano, which the locals also call the Sleeping Beauty, is visible far from the sea, even before the appearance of coastline Kunashir Islands. Inside the giant are several pockets of boiling. Hot steam with volcanic gas escapes through cracks and ditches, and numerous springs contain water that can even burn you. The slopes of the volcano are covered with dense forests, at its foot there is a famous hospital.

Hot Beach

The village with this name is located on the island of Kunashir at the foot of the active Mendeleev volcano. Springs with hot water, scattered on the slopes of the volcano, allow you to heat houses, greenhouses, baths, and even heat food on them. Near the village there is a real hot beach with heated sand and jets of steam beating from the ground. But the main value of thermal springs is their highly mineralized composition. In the clinic built here, many diseases are treated with healing water.

Lighthouse Aniva

The lighthouse in the form of a round tower with a height of 9 floors was installed by the Japanese in 1939 on the Sivuchya rock in the southern part of the Tonino-Aniva Peninsula. The need for it was caused by multiple currents and frequent fogs in this area. Until 1990, the lighthouse was served by four workers. Then, due to difficult living conditions and difficulties with the delivery of provisions, the lighthouse was transferred to an autonomous mode, it worked on a nuclear power source. Has not functioned since 2006.

Rocks Three Brothers

Three rocky giants rising directly from the water at a distance of 200 m from the shore - a symbol and faithful guards west coast Sakhalin and the city of Aleksandrovsk-Sakhalinsky located here. According to legend, these are three brothers who wanted to take the keys to happiness from the evil Deva, who lives in a sea cave. However, their intentions failed, and the brave men were turned into petrified giant statues. Together with Cape Jonquiere, the rocks are part of the famous natural and tourist complex.

Seal Island

A small rocky island in the Sea of ​​Okhotsk near Sakhalin is famous for its large rookeries of valuable fur seals and sea lions. They come here in the spring, have offspring, and in the fall they swim south and winter in the open sea. Their neighbors on the island are numerous seabirds nesting on the tops of the rocks. The territory of the island is under protection, aircraft are prohibited from flying over it, and ships are not allowed to come close and give horns.

Vawai lakes

Two communicating lakes - Big and Small Vavaisky, are located in the Korsakov district of Sakhalin Island. The area of ​​the Bolshoi is 44 km 2, 9 rivers flow into it, and the area of ​​the Small is 0.7 km 2. Sakhalin nature in the vicinity of the lakes is presented in all its pristine beauty. Of the representatives of the animal world, there are Far Eastern frogs, lizards, brown bears, foxes, and eagles. In a swimming pool big lake created natural monument Ozersky spruce forest.

Cheremshansky waterfall

One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Sakhalin. Its height is only 13 m, and it is located on the Zheltaya River. It is a picturesque large-format panel of streams of water flying down in the middle of the luxurious greenery of a mixed forest. The waterfall is located in an inaccessible area, hidden from prying eyes, to get there, you need a powerful SUV and good weather. Be careful, there are bears in the area.

White cliffs of Iturup island

One of the islands of the Kuril chain, washed on one side by the Pacific Ocean, and on the other by the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, a place of extraordinary beauty. It is of volcanic origin and most of it is covered with black sand. But in the northern part of the island rise volcanic formations of white pumice and volcanic sand, covered with dense greenery. This is the White Rocks. And on the coast White sand mixes with black and forms intricate patterns.

Waterfall Ilya Muromets

One of the highest waterfalls in the country is located on the island of Iturup. Its water flows fall off a steep cliff 141 m high and fall into the Pacific Ocean. The name of the epic hero was assigned to the waterfall by the participants of the scientific expedition in 1946, they were shocked by its power and grandeur. The waterfall is located in a remote place, and you can admire it only from the sea. In winter, the frozen water cascades are no less admirable.

Lake Busse

A shallow lagoon lake on Sakhalin is popular with tourists. Its area is quite large - about 40 km 2. Despite the fact that rivers and streams flow into the lake, the water in it is salty. Busse is a real storehouse of natural gifts. Its waters are inhabited by numerous fish, mussels, sea ​​urchins, shrimps, scallops, crabs. There is even a small island of oysters, at low tide you can get to it and immediately, on the spot, enjoy the taste of the freshest delicacies.

Lake Tunaicha

One of the largest and most beautiful lakes on Sakhalin has an area of ​​​​about 170 km 2, while its depth is small - 12 m. In summer, the water warms up well, and therefore the lake is popular among lovers beach holiday. It is also a habitat for rare species of birds and animals. In the reservoir there are about 30 species of fish, of which only salmon - 9, they spawn here. In order to preserve the unique flora and fauna, the lake has been given the status of a natural monument.

Cape Crillon

The southernmost outskirts of Sakhalin. Its main attraction is the lighthouse of the same name, built in 1883 and still operating. In this area, the remains of the Soviet fortified area have been preserved, a network underground passages, an old signal cannon, a brick building of tsarist times. At the extreme point of the cape there is a mass grave and a monument to Soviet soldiers who died during the war. There is also a frontier post and a weather station.

Cape Giant

A majestic monument of nature on the coast of Sakhalin. Transparent sea water, rocky shore with bizarre arches, grottoes, caves, boulders, lush greenery of coniferous forests, waterfalls, lakes and crystal streams, numerous flocks of birds, rookeries of seals and seals - all this is Cape Velikan. Although it is located in a remote place, it is easily accessible in good weather and is very popular with tourists who want to admire the gigantic sculptures created by nature.

Yuri Gagarin Park in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

One of the most picturesque parks in the Far East was founded by the Japanese at the beginning of the last century. In the post-war period, its improvement continued, a cinema, attractions, sports grounds, shops appeared. After tragic death Gagarin, the park was named after him and a monument was erected. On the territory there is a zoo, a children's railway, a stadium, tennis courts, a cafe. By the centenary of the popular holiday destination, an alley of sakura was planted.

Sakhalin Regional Museum of Local Lore

One of the oldest museums in the region is located in an original building in the style of medieval Japanese architecture, surrounded by a picturesque park. More than 200 thousand exhibits introduce the history, nature and culture of the Sakhalin Region. Of considerable interest is the paleontological exposition of the museum, which tells about the origin of life on Earth. The military collection, which presents samples of Russian and Japanese equipment, also attracts attention.

Resurrection Cathedral in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

The opening and consecration of the temple took place in 1995. Since then, it has been the center of Orthodoxy on the island and one of its main attractions. It is made in the Old Russian style, on the territory there is a belfry with a bell made by special order in Voronezh. In the early 2000s, work was carried out to reconstruct and expand the temple. A memorial was erected near the cathedral in memory of a group of regional leaders who died in 2003, headed by Governor Farkhutdinov.

Museum of the History of the Sakhalin Railway

The museum was opened in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk in 2004. Here are photographs, personal items, documents that tell about the development of a specific railway Sakhalin with a narrow gauge. The most valuable exhibits are unique samples of railway equipment, including old steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, wagons, a two-axle platform, a tank for transporting petroleum products, Japanese snow plows, repair equipment, traffic lights, semaphores, etc.

Sakhalin Regional Art Museum

The opening of the museum took place in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk in 1983. The building in which it is housed was built by the Japanese back in the 30s of the last century. Several permanent exhibitions introduce the collection of Christian art of the 11th-19th centuries, works of art by Korean masters and works of Russian artists dating back to the period of the 19th-20th centuries. It also hosts temporary exhibitions of collections from museums around the world, personal exhibitions of artists.

Devil's bridge

A unique structure on the railway section between Kholmsk and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk was built by the Japanese in the late 20s of the last century. The terrain here is mountainous, and for the construction of the road, extraordinary engineering solutions were needed. After the Nikolaychuk station, a tunnel was built, at the exit from it the railway line makes a loop and rises to a height of 40 m, then the Devil's Bridge itself follows, it passes over the tunnel. Now everything is in an abandoned state.

Ski resort "Mountain air"

A heavenly place for all outdoor enthusiasts, one of the best ski resorts in Russia. It is located in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk on the slopes of Mount Bolshevik. The resort has 14 pistes of varying difficulty, cable car and several lifts, a snowboard park, a paragliding club, equipment rental, you can use the services of instructors. In summer, the resort organizes ecological tours, develops cycling and hiking routes.

Talks about how to plan a trip to Sakhalin and what to see around.

Cape Giant

What to pay attention to when planning?

Flight

Moscow - Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Flight time - 8 hours.
Regular flights from Moscow are operated by Aeroflot and Rossiya. The cost of tickets in September is 24-26 thousand rubles round-trip, in the summer, during the season, prices become two to three times higher.

Weather forecast

September - good month to visit the island. It is better not to rely on the forecast on the Internet. The weather here is very changeable: in the morning it can be cloudy, then the sun comes out from behind the clouds, in one part of the island it is gray and it is raining, in the other it is sunny.

I was very lucky, I found Indian summer on the island, in the last days of my trip it was warm like in summer. Only one day they promised a storm with a wind increase of up to 35-40 meters per second, but nothing happened - it rained all day, several trees fell.

clothing

Standard set - sneakers, trekking boots, Uniqlo down jacket, The North Face windbreaker and swimsuit! I arrived in jeans - it was warm.

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Any trip to Sakhalin starts from here.
Founded in 1882 as a convict settlement Vladimirovka. From 1905 to 1945 it was part of Japan under the name Toyohara. In 1946 it was renamed Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.

What to do in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk?

Walk on the best ski resort on the Far East- "Mountain air". According to secret information, the second Rosa Khutor will be made here, and it is now being actively developed. Ski resort, by the way, is used as a training base for our athletes. "Mountain Air" is located almost in the center of the city, you have to go through the entire Pobedy Avenue and find yourself at the foot of the mountain. Two lines of cable cars, the length of the tracks is 25 kilometers. The price of the lift out of season is 300 rubles, you can see the tariffs.

The address: st. Mountain air, Lit. V, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Website: ski-gv.ru

Ski complex "Mountain air"

Visit the local history museum of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Housed in a building designed in the tradition of Japanese architecture. The whole history of Sakhalin in one museum: from the real life of people on Sakhalin at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries to historical documents and other artifacts. The military collection may also be of interest, in which the Russian cannon of 1867 and the Japanese cannon of the 1930s stand out.

Regional Museum of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Watch the sunset. This is best done from a ski jump (Mount Bolshevik, Altaisky Lane, the road to the hotel is on the right; the place is called the Ski Jumping Sports School). We went through the forest, climbed over the fence and dived into the bushes under the cameras, climbed the springboard - and we had a view of the whole city.
Going down to the road, we found a couple more holes in the fence.

Cafes and restaurants

Particular attention should be paid to food - in addition to the obvious seafood, Korean and Japanese cuisine is very popular here.

What to bring from Sakhalin?

Caviar, local seaweed marmalade, shells and stones instead of magnets.
Caviar can be bought at the Success market (Sakhalinskaya street, 71), the prices are very different - 1,300–2,500 rubles per 500 grams, they do not like to haggle here. It is better to buy through friends from the hands, about 2,500 rubles per kilogram. Do not put it off until the last day and take more. No matter how much you bring, it won't be enough!

Around Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Mount Frog and Aihor waterfall

Mount Frog got its name because its shape resembles a frog sitting on a hillock. It is considered the energy center of Sakhalin.

It is best to get here by bus, having reached the Vestochka stop, and then take a walk along the Sakhalin Frog natural ecological trail along the river.

The Far Eastern forest is very different from the Moscow region or the Caucasus: it has a special smell, it smells of freshness and mint tea with lemon.

This place is surrounded mystical stories. It is believed that the Frog grants wishes. There is a belief that every stone, hill, stream, place has its own spirits. Along the trail there are information boards telling about this place, and along the entire route there are stone pyramids.

Mount Frog

Mount Frog

Magnificent panoramas of the Aniva Bay, Tunaicha and Changeable lakes will open up on the rock. Here you need to make a wish. “Live every day as if you were climbing a mountain, and a glimpse at the top would serve as a reminder of your goal!” - the phrase on the plate will help.
It is better to go on weekdays, there are a lot of people on weekends.

If you have time, you can continue the route and reach the eight-meter Aikhor waterfall, which is located northeast of the Frog on a tributary of the Komissarovka River. One of the Vestochka ecological trails leads to the waterfall. The path to the waterfall is not difficult, all crossings are equipped with suspension and wooden bridges. There are also several rapids on Komissarovka itself, one of the most notable is called "Two Sisters".

Forest near Aihor waterfall

Aihor waterfall

EAST. Silent Bay, crabs and sunset on the sea

I saw this place on Instagram and immediately fell in love with it. The first place we went to was this bay.

On the way to Tikhaya, we stopped in the village of Vzmorye, where there is a market along the road. At grandmothers, two huge king crabs will cost 3,000–3,500 rubles.

Posted by Laura Mango | Travel 🌏 (@lora_mango) Sep 28, 2017 at 12:32pm PDT

We drove up to Tikhaya at sunset, walked along the sea and climbed the Peak Smelyi. The entire ascent took 30 minutes, and we had an amazing view of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk on one side and the sun setting behind the hills on the other.

The road to the bay from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk by car takes about two hours. You will need scissors to cut the crab.

Silent Bay

SOUTH. Fishermen, surfers and stone faces

Further way - to Okhotsk. It is very easy to get to the village, you need to take bus number 174, which leaves at 08:30 and 10:30 from the bus station, the price is 64 rubles, in less than an hour you will be at sea. There are fishermen here, and if you're lucky and there will be swells, surfers.
Have a picnic on the beach, sit on the sand and take a break from the hustle and bustle - perfect place for meditation. It smells like the real sea!

20 minutes walk from the sea - the largest lake on Sakhalin - Tunaicha, with sandy beach and tourist base in the forest.
We walked along the road, it turned out that there are very often bears. It's good that I found out about this after our walk. The locals said that if you met a bear (healthy and without cubs), then you just need to stand and do nothing, do nothing. I am glad that the item “see a bear and die” was not on my list. :)

Surfing on the island

On the eastern side, the Sea of ​​Okhotsk (side Pacific Ocean) spots (Bus Station, Lesnoye, Trudniy, Tikhaya Bay) work very well in spring and autumn - you can say these are the seasons for the east coast, you can feel the energy of the ocean here, sometimes they come big waves two or three meters with a good period - 10-12 seconds.

In the west (strait from the mainland), the cyclone forms in the Sea of ​​Japan, passes through Vladivostok and meets our coast. The most popular spots are Yablochnoe (Kholmsk city) and Alibi (Nevelsk city). This coast is running all year round, in winter, ice does not rise on this side, and in summer the water warms up, so you can surf in shorts for a couple of hours - this is a rarity.

Posted by Yura Chemodurov (@yura_chemodurov) Aug 7, 2017 at 9:34 PDT

The water in the seas is cool and we mostly use 5-4-3mm wetsuits all season long.

All spots are reached by their own transport. The nearest - Bus Station in Okhotsk - is a 30-minute drive from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, there is a regular bus. The rest of the spots are at least one and a half to two hours by car.

Having behind us the experience of teaching adults and children to ride snowboards and skateboards, we launched new project- Islanders Surf School - and now we are happy to help people get to know the sea, the ocean, catch their first wave and help in purchasing their equipment. We see the return and the great desire to surf here - it's very nice.

We organize various lectures and parties on the topic of surfing, and in October we organized surfing competitions in two disciplines: longboard and shortboard. You can read more about the competitions on the Sakhalin.info website.

We went surfing to the Lesnoye spot after a storm. The uniqueness of Sakhalin is that the nature here is completely wild. Before you open kilometers of sandy shore and endless sea - and there is not a soul.
The guys surfed, fished with their hands, and I collected shells. After the storm, tons of scallop washed ashore, which local fishermen collected at night. But we were also lucky, we found two huge tentacles of an octopus and scallops on the coast and cooked a noble dinner in the evening.

Cape Giant

After meditation on the sea in Okhotsk, we went to Cape Velikan.
How to get there: from Okhotsk, drive another 22 kilometers along the seashore, chasing seagulls, to the former Svobodnaya outpost, turn south into the forest - a country road, and only a jeep will pass. After about 16 kilometers there is a sign - a stone with the inscription "Giant", there is only one road, it is impossible to get lost, and it will lead to the sea.

Cape Giant

We drove ashore: around rocks, birds and stones with bizarre faces. Immediately on the shore you can see a crawling giant. I counted 13 faces, one fish and a sheep.

There are stone arches in the water, around a seagull, a beach with small pebbles and shells. After walking along the coast, you can climb one of the rocks up and walk along the path - an unreal view will open. The main thing is to remember the bears in time and not to go through the forest to the car, it is better to go down the rocks back. In the evening there may be high tide, and some places will have to pass through the water.
This is a special place with its own energy, it impressed me a lot.

Everything was like in a dream: a cliff, slightly shaggy from undersized vegetation, turquoise water, changing shades from slightly blue to black, beautiful wave lines and an endless perspective into the distance, and coves and typical Sakhalin hills are visible on the sides. Nature as it is, in a completely original form, wild, untouched.

My place of power has a certain energy, mysticism, I just want to stand there and absorb this energy. Seagulls hover there and smell of the sea. I want to bring my closest ones there and share only the innermost. It is very cozy, ideal for rest and recuperation.

Our Sakhalin is very rich in places of power, it is worth starting to travel around the island, and one day you will feel your place. This will definitely happen, without options, and then you will want to come back here, because Sakhalin is a unique island, with its own mysticism and energy, and if you have a relationship, it will not let you go so easily. Checked!

It's true, I've verified it. On the way to the airport:

“I think I forgot something!” - I said.
"Part of my heart!" Lena replied.

Yes, I left a piece of my heart on this island. And I will definitely come back here! After all, there are still so many places where we have not visited: Aniva lighthouse, Three Sisters, Chekhov Peak and Lake Busse.

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Sakhalin Island is not only the most big island Russia, but also one of the most beautiful natural attractions on earth. It is located off the eastern coast of Asia and is washed by the Sea of ​​Japan and the Sea of ​​Okhotsk.

Spruce-fir and stone-birch forests grow on the territory of the island, where you can see light and dark coniferous trees, Mayra fir, tree-like yew, mangol oaks, evergreen Kuril bamboo and other plants that amaze with their beauty. Among the animals living on the island, there are bears, wolverines, reindeer, lynxes, flying squirrels, ermines, weasels, but the sea has a special wealth here - during salmon spawning, tourists from all over the world come to see this spectacle.

The island also has the opportunity to visit the museums of the region, where you can learn a lot of interesting things about the indigenous peoples of the island, about the history and organization of their life, as well as unique Museum railway technology. Part of his collection is represented by working equipment and is located in the open air.

Green Island

Zeleny Island is part of the Lesser Ridge of the Kuril Islands. It belongs to the South Kuril city district of the Sakhalin region of Russia. Japan disputes its ownership of Russia, including the island in its Nemuro sub-prefecture.

Green was opened in 1739. He was found by a detachment of the Second Kamchatka Expedition led by M. Shpanberg, a captain of the III rank. The name of the island comes from its appearance.

The area of ​​the territory is 51 square kilometers, the maximum height is 24 meters. The surface is flat, covered with grassy vegetation and marshy.

The Polonsky Strait separates Zeleny Island from Polonsky Island, which is located 11 kilometers northeast, the Tanfilyev Strait from Tanfilyev Island, which is 11.5 kilometers southwest, and the Voyekov Strait from Yuriy Island, located 1.5 kilometers southwest. The Demin Islands are located 5 kilometers to the south.

Zelyony Island is uninhabited, there is a non-residential settlement of the same name on it. This territory is part of the state natural reserve "Small Kuriles".

What sights of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk did you like? There are icons next to the photo, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Kunashir Island

by the most south island The largest ridge of the Kuril Islands is Kunashir. It belongs to the Yuzhno-Kurilsky urban district of Russia, the Sakhalin region. Japan disputes its Russian affiliation, ranking the island in the Nemuro district, Hokkaido.

The name "Kunashir" is translated as "black island". The thing is that there are 4 active volcanoes on the island: Tyatya, Rurui, Golovnin and Mendeleev.

The area of ​​the territory is 1,490 square kilometers, the length from northeast to southwest is 123 kilometers, the highest point is the Tyatya volcano - 1,819 meters, the population is 8,000 people (as of 2007).

The rivers of the island are shallow and short, the lakes are caldera and lagoon. There are hot springs of volcanic origin. In 1984, the Kurilsky State Nature Reserve was created on the island, which is home to 84 species of animals already included in the Red Book of Russia.

The island has a monsoon climate, it is influenced by the surrounding waters - the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of ​​Okhotsk. Winter and summer here are much warmer than on the Pacific coast.

Kunashir has a rich fauna. It is inhabited by such mammals as brown bear, weasel, sable, Shikotan vole, Japanese mouse, sable and many others. A large number of birds nest on the island.

The territory is filled with coniferous forests from Glen, Ayan spruce and Sakhalin fir, and in the southern part there are broad-leaved forests of maples, fine-curly oak, lobed elm and woody lianas.

The island is provided with heat thanks to the Mendeleev Geothermal Power Plant. The main industry is fish production and processing.

Iturup Island is part of the southern group of the Great Kuril Ridge and is the largest island in the archipelago. It stretches for 200 kilometers from northeast to southwest, its width is 7-27 kilometers, and its area is 3,200 square kilometers. The population of Iturup is 6,387 people (as of 2007).

The climate is temperate maritime, complicated by the monsoon component and differences in the microclimate of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of ​​Okhotsk.

Iturup consists of mountain ranges and volcanic massifs, it has 9 active volcanoes, hot springs and lakes. The river network here has a mountain character. All rivers and streams are short.

The territory of the island is covered with coniferous forests of Sakhalin fir and small-seeded spruce. Broad-leaved species are found in the southern part, shrub species of birch, elfin cedar, alder and willow grow in the north. There are thickets of bamboo - Kuril saz, which make the slopes of the mountains and forests almost impassable. In the very south of Iturup, the Ostrovnoy State Nature Reserve has been opened.

In the center of the island is the city of Kurilsk, it is the administrative center and the only locality islands.

The only rhenium deposit in the world is located on the island.

Silent Bay

Tikhaya Bay is extremely picturesque and amazing place, which is located in the Gulf of Patience, on east coast Sakhalin. "Quiet" bay was named by the first Russian navigator Ivan Kruzenshtern.

Sea hips, thermopsis, aralia, mertensia and other vegetation grow on the territory of the bay. The sand in the bay is only in the coastal strip, but its main part is occupied by black-brown rocks and large stones sticking out of dense sandstone. In the bay there is a rocky island "Visible" with a flat top and a wide base. It is impossible to get close to the rock, so there are always a lot of noisy seagulls on it.

In the bay it is good to go fishing, sailing on a boat. In general, the silence in the bay is incomparable to anything, however, sometimes the peace is disturbed by seagulls.

Volcano Krenitsyn

Volcano Krenitsyn - not just active volcano located on the Kuril island of Onekotan in Sakhalin. It is the largest volcano in the world with a height of 1324 meters. It is five times the size of the Eiffel Tower and nearly twice the size of the high skyscraper Burj Khalifa. Therefore, the volcano is worthy of the attention of even the most sophisticated travelers. The stunning nature of Lake Koltsevoe surrounding the volcano and the cleanest air around make a trip to the Kuril Island Onekotan useful for health and makes an unforgettable impression for a lifetime.

Khomutovo airport

Khomutovo is an airport located in Russian city Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. It is located eight kilometers from the central part of the city, in the Khomutovo microdistrict. The airport is the largest in the Sakhalin region.

The history of Khomutovo began in 1945, after the Kuril Islands and South Sakhalin were liberated from the Japanese militarists, aviation began to develop in this area. In October of the same year, regular air communication between Khabarovsk and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk began. Over the next 20 years, new aircraft and helicopters enter the airport, which ultimately leads to the expansion of routes and air travel.

In 1990, the airport acquired international status, and in 2013 the airport was privatized and transferred to private ownership. Its passenger turnover in 2012 was 835,000.

Now the airport carries passengers not only across Russia, but also to Korea, Thailand, Japan and China.

Are you curious to know how well you know the sights of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk? .

Urup Island

Urup Island is included in the southern group of the Greater Kuril Ridge. It belongs to the Kuril city district of the Sakhalin region and today does not have a permanent population.

Its area is 1,450 square kilometers, and the largest high point- Mount High - 1,426 meters.

The island consists of a chain of volcanic ridges, which consist of volcanoes that have merged together at the foot.

Between the mountains Kosaya and High at an altitude of 1,016 meters is Lake Vysokoye. The maximum height of the waterfalls is 75 meters

Urup is located in two climatic zones - subtropical and temperate monsoon-marine. In general, it has a cool and humid climate with frequent fogs and almost no lightning or thunderstorms. At altitudes that reach more than 800 meters, there is snow all year round.

The territory of the island is rich in vegetation. The most common plant species are alder, birch, dwarf pine and bamboo. Many species form complex transitions and combinations.

A large number of foxes of all varieties live on Urup, in coastal waters - seals, sea otters, seals, sea lions.

All rivers and streams are short but numerous. The largest rivers are Taki, Tokotan, Kaimeya and Toshikoe.

The most popular attractions in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk with descriptions and photos for every taste. choose best places for visiting famous places Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk on our website.

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Resurrection Cathedral in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

A visit to the Resurrection Cathedral in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is recommended even for those tourists who are not too interested in religious architectural monuments. In addition to the fact that this temple is considered the Orthodox center of the city, it is also one of its main historical attractions.

Explore Wrangel Island, the most unique island in the Russian Arctic, during cruises aboard the icebreaker "Kapitan Khlebnikov"


An incredible number of polar bears and walruses, the legendary Bering Strait and Cape Dezhnev, the culture of local residents and bird colonies.

Of all the regions of Russia, the Sakhalin region is perhaps the most unusual. Whether a significant distance from " big world”endows it with mystery, or the local nature is indeed somewhat livelier and more active. And in the literal sense: the inhabitants of the region do not even respond to regular seismic tremors. Meanwhile, the age-old work of dormant volcanoes is noticeable everywhere on the islands: bizarre lava layers of the Stolbchaty Cape, hot springs of the Kuril ridge, seething lakes and unique landscapes - you can’t call all this other than wonders of nature.

If we talk about the earliest archaeological finds, then in the Kuril Reserve alone there are several dozen historical monuments. In particular, traces of the Ainu settlements, the most ancient people of Japan, who once inhabited the Sakhalin region, are well preserved here.

So, the basis of the sights of the Sakhalin region are natural resources. The local nature, no doubt, is able to conquer even sophisticated travelers. National parks"Kurilsky" and "Poronaisky", for example, are generally out of competition. Their territories are woven from powerful and at the same time graceful rocky ridges, surrounded by coniferous forests and a powerful system of streams and waterfalls. Here, in quiet protected areas, rare animals and birds live. And among them there are those who, at the sight of a person, remain absolutely careless, as if they were not aware of fear. By territory nature reserves The Sakhalin region has numerous tourist routes. Visiting the trails is free, but at the entrance to the reserve it is necessary to register and be instructed.

Some sights of the Sakhalin region are famous not only for their aesthetic appeal, but also for their completely material beneficial effect on human health. We are talking about the Dagin thermal springs - a deposit of valuable mineral waters and dirt. The springs are located on the northeastern coast of Sakhalin Island and enjoy the status of a natural monument of regional significance.

In addition to natural benefits, the Sakhalin Region is not deprived of its cultural and historical heritage. If we talk about the earliest archaeological finds, then in the Kuril Reserve alone there are several dozen historical monuments. In particular, traces of the Ainu settlements, the most ancient people of Japan, who once inhabited the Sakhalin region, are well preserved here. However, it is better to get acquainted with the historical heritage of the islands in the Regional Museum of Local Lore in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. And literally a kilometer away is the Sakhalin Art Museum - an incredibly rich place and, most likely, the best creative platform in the capital. By the way, museum buildings are architectural monuments protected by law.

The main decoration of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is rightfully called Voskresensky Cathedral. The temple is modern, but built in the old Russian style using the compositional techniques of ancient traditions. In addition to it, there are several other temples of similar architecture in the city. Spacious memorial complexes, parks and squares are an integral part of the architectural image of the capital. And while the wild hinterland of the region attracts with its pristine beauty, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk holds the brand of a cultural center, charming with its original beauties.

Unusual landscapes, unique geological monuments, thermal springs and the most interesting museums - all this can be seen and visited on Sakhalin! The sights of the island attract not only Russian tourists, but also travelers from other countries (primarily from Japan and China). About the most interesting tourist sites Sakhalin we will tell in our article. We wish you happy reading!

Sights of Sakhalin and a general description of the island

Sakhalin (Japanese name - Karafuto) - large island at eastern shores mainland Asia. It is separated from the continent by the Tatar Strait, and from neighboring island Hokkaido - La Perouse Strait. Administratively, the island is part of the Sakhalin region, which also includes a chain of sparsely populated Kuril Islands. The total area of ​​Sakhalin is 76.6 thousand square meters. km. The largest city is Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (190 thousand inhabitants).

Sakhalin Island is one of the most unusual regions in Russia. He stands out conspicuously for his unique nature, and the distance from " mainland” gives it even more color and mystery. Local residents have long been accustomed to the amazing landscapes here, and to the monsoon climate, and to regular tremors. But for residents of other regions and countries, all this is a curiosity.

The main natural attractions of Sakhalin include hot springs, numerous lakes, relic yew groves, unusual rocks created by lava layers. AT major cities There are a number of museums with very interesting thematic expositions. And on Sakhalin, a unique and working narrow-gauge railway line has been preserved, which has no analogues in the whole world!

We have compiled for you a list of the ten most interesting sights of Sakhalin (we will describe some of them in more detail below):

• Museum of the History of the Sakhalin Railway;
• the island of Moneron;
• Kholmsky pass;
• quiet bay;
• rocks "Three brothers";
• lighthouse at Cape Jonquière;
• a monument to the "Dead Fishermen" in Nevelsk;
• local history museum in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk;
• Devil's bridge in Kholmsk;
• Nature reserve "Poronaisky".

Moneron Island

Moneron Island is located in the waters of the Tatar Strait, 50 km from the coast of Sakhalin. Its area is only 30 square kilometers. But in this small area, two rivers, a chain of hills and basalt rocks, as well as a dozen waterfalls “fit in”. However, the main highlight of the island is the rookery of spotted seals, sea lions and other mammals.

quiet bay

In the Gulf of Patience, within the Makarovsky district of the island, there is an extremely cozy and beautiful place- Quiet bay. From three sides it is protected by the spurs of the most beautiful Zhdanko mountain range. The well-known navigator Ivan Kruzenshtern called this bay quiet. In that beautiful place you can relax and go fishing. The perfect peace and quiet in the bay is occasionally disturbed only by seagulls, who enjoy spending time on the nearby rocks and islets.

Rocks "Three brothers"

This group of three pointed rocks protrudes from sea ​​water near Aleksandrovsk-Sakhalinsky. By the way, their silhouettes are depicted on the coat of arms of this city. The Three Brothers rocks have long been one of the symbols of the entire Sakhalin region. Together with the lighthouse on the neighboring Cape Jonquière, they form a single tourist complex. The rocks look especially impressive at sunset.

A.P. Chekhov and Sakhalin

The Chekhov Historical and Literary Museum, located in Aleksandrovsk-Sakhalinsky, tells in detail about the Sakhalin penal servitude, as well as about the stay of the famous Russian writer on the island. In 1890 Chekhov went on a long journey to the East. The main purpose of the expedition was to visit Sakhalin. On the island, he conducted a census, talked with many convicts, including political ones.

Some result of Chekhov's journey to the east was a book with the unpretentious title "Sakhalin Island". True, it is rather boring to read it, because, in addition to the writer's personal travel impressions, it is full of detailed statistical data.