Spring lasts from April to June, since the snow usually melts in May or June; in early April you can still ski.

Summer is the most popular period for travel, with many seeking to grab this short period of time to enjoy the warm days on the peninsula and its vibrant nature.

The summer months are July, August, and the beginning of September is also added here. This is the most favorable time for hiking tours, river rafting, fishing, exploring the wild fauna of the peninsula, and helicopter excursions to the Valley of Geysers.

Autumn period - late September-October, at this time the hills are covered with the first snow.

The nature of Kamchatka is beautiful in any season, so it is better to choose the time for travel based on your vacation preferences. One more piece of advice - you should not plan your trip during the off-season - spring and autumn, when weather changes are especially noticeable, which can limit the possibilities of spending time in Kamchatka.

Reviews by month

June 5

July 33 August 22 September 11

November 1 December 2

Photos of Kamchatka

Transport

There are no railways on the peninsula, but there are roads that allow access to many attractions. There is a main highway here, along which, for example, you can get from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Elizovo or Klyuchi. There is also a road from it, along which you can get to Esso. Thanks to existing roads, you can also reach other small settlements.

Some people prefer to get to attractions by bus or taxi, some rent a car, but it is important, due to climatic conditions and terrain, to choose models with high cross-country ability. Another option for moving is hitchhiking, which is especially relevant when traveling long distances (it allows you to save on travel costs) and when visiting places that cannot be reached by public transport.

However, there are also attractions that are difficult to reach on your own. For example, the territory of the reserves can only be accessed by helicopter and as part of an excursion group. You can book a tour to other hard-to-reach sites; its organizers usually provide transportation to the site using off-road vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, water transport, helicopter drops, or a combination of several of these types of transport. Horseback riding to some attractions is also offered, and in winter you can take a dog sled ride to the site.

You can learn more about the main ways of traveling around Kamchatka thanks to a special material, which also contains tips on how to more conveniently get to the natural sites of the peninsula.

Districts and cities

There are only three cities on the Kamchatka Peninsula - Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Elizovo and Vilyuchinsk. And if the first two are of interest to tourists and can be freely visited, then Vilyuchinsk is a closed territory, mainly military personnel and their families live here, and there is a nuclear submarine base in the city. The region is divided into 11 districts, in which there are small villages, some are located close to iconic natural attractions, some of them have a well-developed infrastructure necessary for comfortable living and recreation.

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

Founded by Vitus Bering during the Second Kamchatka Expedition, it is one of the oldest cities in the Far East. Tourism is actively developing in the city; there are many agencies offering excursion services. Thanks to the large number of places to stay, tourists love to stay here, because the city has places to go and things to see.

In Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky you can find accommodation options designed for almost any budget - there are also inexpensive hostels, mini-hotels, and for those who are accustomed to comfortable conditions, there are hotel complexes with an expanded range of services. The beauty of the city is that its developed infrastructure coexists with nature - from almost any area you can see domestic volcanoes, so named by local residents for their proximity to the populated area. These are the Avachinsky and Koryaksky volcanoes, which are active, as well as the extinct Kozelsky, Arik, Aag.

But where you especially feel the proximity of wild nature is in the bay called Mokhovaya. It seems surprising that within the city limits you can see a rookery of sea lions listed in the Red Book. If you catch them in place, you will be amazed by the appearance of these graceful animals in the water, their spontaneity and lack of fear of people. However, you shouldn’t get too close to them, much less feed the animals; it’s better to just watch the sea lions in their natural habitat from a distance.

A walk around the city will help you get to know it better, walk along the embankment with its beautiful views, visit Nikolskaya Sopka with its memorial complex in honor of the city’s defense during the Crimean War and a cozy park.

If you want to see the city in all its beauty and diversity, then be sure to climb Mishennaya Sopka - the highest point of the city. There is an observation deck here, which offers stunning views of the city and its surroundings - the mysterious ocean, rocks, picturesque bays, volcanoes and city buildings.

If you are partial to sea walks, then be sure to go on a trip to Avacha Bay, look at the hills from the water, visit bays, capes and islands.

There are routes to picturesque lakes. Fans of extreme entertainment will enjoy rafting on the Bystraya River among the rocks and forts of the Sredinny Range, which is organized by guides. There are also opportunities for fishing here.

The real highlight of the place is the opportunity to get acquainted with the culture, traditions and rituals of the indigenous peoples of the region. On the territory of the village there is an ethnographic museum, part of the exhibition is located indoors, part is directly in the open air. Here you can see reconstructions of traditional aboriginal dwellings, musical instruments, shamanic paraphernalia, household items and other exhibits. Another original museum in the village is dedicated to bears, which were considered a totem animal among the indigenous people.

In winter, you can go skiing and snowboarding at the Moroznaya Mountain ski resort, which is located nearby. The trails are designed for both experienced skiers and beginners. Also at this time of year you can go snowmobiling or go hunting.

Sights of Kamchatka

What is worth visiting in Kamchatka? Of course, its main asset is nature, pristine and full of landscapes unusual for most. There are also interesting museums here, but many of them, one way or another, are connected with the nature of the region.

Nature

Untouched nature is the main feature of Kamchatka, so it is understandable that they strive to preserve this natural wealth. Vast territories are occupied by nature reserves and natural parks, whose employees monitor the condition of natural objects and conduct scientific research. Despite the special status of protected areas, tourists are welcome here, for whom ecological routes are being developed that allow them to get acquainted with natural objects, flora and fauna, observing the rules that will avoid harm to natural complexes.

Kronotsky State Reserve

It consists of three specially protected natural areas - the Kronotsky and Koryaksky reserves, the South Kamchatka federal reserve named after. T. I. Shpilenka. Due to the status and inaccessibility of these places, they can only be visited by using the services of travel companies that issue permits to visit, organize transfers and provide excursion services.

Among the most famous objects of the Kronotsky State Reserve:

This is one of the most spectacular places in Kamchatka; many are impressed by the boiling springs, throwing columns of water and steam to the surface. An ecological trail has been laid out for tourists, which allows them to see constantly operating and pulsating geysers, as well as thermal springs and mud pots.

No less striking is the bowl-shaped basin that formed on the site of the Uzon volcano more than 40 thousand years ago. There are many lakes in the caldera; foam and bubbles can be observed on their surface. On the territory you can see thermal springs, columns of steam rising above the fumarole fields, streams and rivers. The place is also of interest to scientists who use it to study hydrothermal processes.

It attracts with its picturesque views and ranks first in area among the fresh water bodies of Kamchatka. It has several islands where bears like to swim to in search of eggs; seagulls lay them here.

The decoration of the lake is swans, which become especially noticeable in the autumn.

One of the popular sites of the South Kamchatka Nature Reserve among travelers. This is explained by the opportunity to watch bears who love to catch sockeye salmon in the lake - it comes here to spawn in large quantities. Many species of birds can also be found here. Add to the contemplation of animals the mesmerizing view of volcanoes reflected in clear weather in the waters of the lake, and you get the perfect picture of outdoor recreation.

Nature Park "Volcanoes of Kamchatka"

The territory is divided into 4 natural parks:

• Natural Park "Nalychevo"

Popular among tourists who prefer hiking tours and climbing to volcanoes. Domestic volcanoes are especially often visited due to their transport accessibility. On its area there are active and extinct volcanoes, among them: Avachinsky, Kozelsky, Koryaksky, Arik, Aag, Zhupanovsky, Dzenzur.

Rivers, lakes and thermal springs also attract travelers here.

The flora and fauna of the park are diverse; tourists are especially delighted by the Eurasian squirrels - these are Kamchatka ground squirrels that easily make contact with people and safely accept food from their hands.

On the territory of the park there are volcanoes: Vilyuchinsky, Mutnovsky, Sopka Asacha, Khodutka, Ksudach, Zheltovskaya Sopka.

There are also many thermal springs here, among the most famous are Khodutkinsky, Mutnovsky, Vilyuchinsky, Asachinsky.

The park will appeal to lovers of hiking excursions and active sports - on the mountain ranges and slopes of volcanoes you can ski, snowboard, and snowmobile, and this can be done almost all year round. If you want to see geysers, but there is no way to go to the Valley of Geysers, go to Mutnovsky volcano, here you can see boiling springs.

• Natural Park "Klyuchevskoy"

Considered the most powerful volcanic region of our country, there are majestic and inaccessible volcanoes, 4 of them are active. Among the most famous: Klyuchevskaya Sopka, Kamen, Bezymianny, Ushkovsky, Tolbachik, Zimina.

Among the developed tourist routes, the one on which you can see the consequences of recent eruptions may be especially interesting. The especially destructive power of volcanoes is reflected in the Dead Forest, which is located next to the Tolbachik volcano. The vegetation was burned out, only the strongest tree trunks remained standing, which look lifeless; the ground here is covered with a layer of ash and slag.

It is worth a visit for those who are interested in the life and traditions of indigenous peoples, because this is where they mainly live today. Their original way of life is best preserved in the villages of Esso and Anavgai. In Esso you can visit the ethnographic museum; in Anavgai an open-air ethnographic complex is currently being formed. The park offers tourists various options for active pastime - climbing volcanoes (the Ichinskaya Sopka is located here), swimming in lakes and open thermal springs, and river rafting. In winter people come here to ski and snowboard.

Avacha Bay

It ranks second in the world in size; the peculiarity of Avacha Bay is that it does not freeze even in winter. Here you can take a boat trip; on the way to Avachinsky Bay you will come across 3 unusually shaped rocks. According to legend, these are brothers who protected the inhabitants from the tsunami and were petrified forever.

Blue Lakes

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Where to eat and drink

Entertainment

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Wellness holiday

Private guides in Kamchatka

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Kamchatka in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Things to do

Kamchatka is wonderful because there are many opportunities for recreation: climbing volcanoes, river rafting, skiing and snowboarding, fishing, animal watching, visiting national holidays - this is not a complete list. Yes, you need to take into account the harsh climate - many activities are seasonal, but there is something to do here at almost any time of the year.

Event tourism

The uniqueness of the region can be felt thanks to national holidays; they make it possible to preserve the traditions of indigenous peoples and introduce tourists to them. Plan your trip to one of them, and along with the natural beauties of Kamchatka, you will receive an unforgettable experience of coming into contact with a new culture.

Reindeer Herder Day held on the first Sunday of March in the village of Esso. Before the start of the main events, an ancient ritual of offering to fire is performed and a traditional yurt is installed, which can be visited by each participant in the event. Of course, many come here on this day to see the spectacular event - the reindeer sled race.

The program also includes competitions in national sports, performances by national creative groups, and an entertainment program for spectators. Well, what’s a holiday without treats? Be prepared to taste venison shurpa and tea with flatbreads.

"Beringia" is a traditional Kamchatka dog sled race that has been held since 1990. This long race, which usually starts in March, covers the whole of Kamchatka and has been noted more than once by the Guinness Book of Records. “Beringia” is considered one of the most significant events in the region, because it combines a sports component and the desire to preserve the cultural characteristics of the area.

In addition, race participants carry out an important mission to deliver sports equipment, stationery, books and other necessary things to remote villages. Tourists will be interested in attending the opening of the race, where they can see dog kennels, meet their furry inhabitants, and take part in festive events - quests and competitions.

Indigenous peoples are grateful for the natural resources of their land and strive to live in harmony with nature. You can verify this at Day of the first fish, which is celebrated on the first Sunday of June in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Once here, you will see the ancient rituals that the aborigines perform, luring fish into the rivers so that the catch is rich in summer and autumn. In addition, exhibitions of decorative and applied arts, ethnodiscos, and competitions are held. According to tradition, the audience is treated to fish soup.

Is it possible to celebrate New Year in summer? Yes, if you are in Kamchatka! Celebrated here on the third Sunday of June Nurgenek— the beginning of the year among the Evens. In the vicinity of the village of Anavgai, those who wish can take part in dance marathons in traditional aboriginal costumes, make a wish by tying a piece of fabric on a rope wrapped around two larches. The Evens believe that the more people they treat, the better the coming year will be, so you won’t go hungry at the holiday.

Perhaps the most significant event of the summer is Volcano Day, taking place in August. The main locations on this day are the slopes of the Avachinsky and Kozelsky volcanoes, where master classes on preparing fish and caviar and other useful local crafts, picnics, competitions, film screenings, and playing golf in volcanic terrain are held. The most spectacular part is the competition in jeeps and motorcycles. As part of the celebration, a mass ascent to the Avacha Hill is being held, in which everyone can participate.

Alhalalalai- such an unusual and melodious name for the autumn holiday that falls on the last Sunday of September. It can be translated as thanksgiving - this is the time to say thank you to nature for its harvest. In the village of Pimchakh, Itelmen rituals are held in the language of this people, and at the same time their words are translated into Russian. Spectators can take part in a dance marathon that can last several hours.

Will help you get acquainted with the traditions of the Koryak people Hololo- a holiday in honor of the first seal caught. It is held on the first Sunday in November. Here you can see rituals for luring large seals - dancing to the sound of a tambourine, burning twigs greased in the fire. Festive events are held on a grand scale in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, participants have the opportunity to get acquainted with the ancient culture of the Koryaks and taste local cuisine - fish soup, stew, seal shurpa.

in the village of Esso.

Fishing in Kamchatka

It can be either an independent pastime or an integral part of a boat trip. You can fish on the peninsula all year round; it is famous for its fish resources. In warm weather, the most favorable period is considered to be from mid-May to early December, because at this time salmon - sockeye salmon, chum salmon, chinook salmon, pink salmon and other species - enter the rivers from the ocean. Ice fishing also has its own charm; in winter, grayling, char, flounder, and smelt bite well.

Seasonal holidays

Depending on your preferences, you can choose different options for seasonal activities.

Hiking in Kamchatka

Travel agencies in Kamchatka offer a variety of tours, including walking tours and full-fledged hikes.

The first ones can last from one to several days and are suitable for tourists who want to see the famous natural attractions of the region, but are not ready for camping life - heavy backpacks, life in a tent camp - or can only live in this mode for a few days. For those who do not want to deprive themselves of a comfortable overnight stay, there are even tours with accommodation in modern hotels.

For tourists who are ready to test themselves and break out of their usual comfort zone, hikes have been developed with complete immersion in the wild nature of Kamchatka with all the attributes of camp life - long treks with heavy backpacks, food cooked over a fire, the absence of the benefits of civilization. But, according to many tourists, all the difficulties along the way are worth it, because how else can you really get to know the beautiful wild nature of the area. Such tours usually include climbing volcanoes, visiting local lakes and thermal springs, and observing animals in their natural habitat.

The hikes are designed for different levels of training - if climbing the Avachinsky volcano does not require special skills, then to conquer the Kozelsky, Koryaksky or Vilyuchinsky volcanoes, you need special equipment, mountaineering experience and the accompaniment of an experienced guide.

One of the popular routes is a trip to the Nalychevo park, which includes swimming in hot springs, visiting the Dzenzur volcano, picking berries that the area is rich in, and, of course, enjoying the scenery of the Nalychevo Valley.

If you are attracted by volcanoes, then you can choose tours dedicated specifically to them. For example, there are routes through the Klyuchevsky Park, which are located at a sufficient distance from civilization. In addition to climbing the Plosky Tolbachik volcano, which last erupted in 2012, they can include visiting the Mutnovsky and Gorely volcanoes, as well as exploring other natural sites.

Helicopter excursions

Some attractions can only be reached by air - after all, cars cannot be driven through the territory of nature reserves. Routes with flights over and visits to volcanoes, the Valley of Geysers and other natural complexes will leave an unforgettable impression, as truly breathtaking views open up from the air.

Beach holidays in Kamchatka

To visit Kamchatka and not see the Pacific Ocean would be a miss. Go to Khalaktyrsky beach, look at the waves, walk on the black volcanic sand. Only the most desperate dare to swim here - the water on the warmest days does not warm up above 15°C. You may be surprised, but here you can also meet surfers who are not afraid of cold water and strong waves.

River rafting

They are often combined with fishing. You can choose routes of varying complexity, one of the simplest is rafting along the Left Avacha River, more difficult ones are along the Bystraya, Opala, and Pymta rivers. For extreme sports enthusiasts, spring rafting is more suitable; at this time, the river flow speed reaches its maximum.

Ski holidays in Kamchatka

There are several bases with equipped infrastructure on the peninsula, among them: "Red Sopka", which is located in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, and "Mount Moroznaya" in the vicinity of Elizovo. Also suitable for freeride are the slopes of volcanoes - Koryaksky, Kozelsky, Vilyuchinsky. Don't forget that climbing these peaks requires mountaineering experience and equipment.

Purchases

Of course, in Kamchatka you can buy magnets and other popular souvenirs depicting attractions and local animals. However, there is also a large selection of original things that convey the special flavor of these places. True, you need to be prepared for high prices for such products.

Fish and seafood

Fish, caviar and seafood are what travelers primarily bring back from a trip to Kamchatka. Of course, it is important that the products do not spoil in transit, so you should opt for delicacies in sealed packaging. You can purchase such products in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, for example, at the market, which is located on 50 Let Oktyabrya Avenue. Here you can buy fresh fish, caviar, smoked products, and canned food. The products are fresh, there is a large selection, in addition, sellers give you the opportunity to taste different types of caviar in order to compare and choose the one you really like.

Herbal teas

Another popular gastronomic souvenir of the region is various herbal teas. Before the arrival of the first Russian settlers, the indigenous peoples of Kamchatka did not know about black tea and drank teas based on local plants and berries. As part of ethnic tours to camps, travelers have the opportunity to treat themselves to traditional herbal teas. From your trip it is also worth bringing collections of fireweed, bearberry, cinquefoil and other herbs in combination with berries - blueberries, cloudberries, blueberries, lingonberries, cranberries.

Souvenirs made of bone

Like other northern peoples, bone crafts in this area are considered one of the crafts. The products are made from the antlers of deer, elk, sheep, and walrus tusks. The design is applied to the bone plate and then processed with an engraving needle. Souvenir shops sell knife handles, figurines, bracelets, and hair clips.

Wooden crafts

Master carvers mainly use alder for designer products: in addition to being easy to work with, it has a beautiful texture when cut. Wood is used to make amulets - figurines of heroes of local legends. You can often find images of Kutha, an Aboriginal deity, who is depicted as a raven. Also common are figurines of the good spirits Peliken, which bring happiness and good luck to their owner. In addition to amulets, you can find wooden animal figurines in store windows.

Souvenirs made of leather and fur

The harsh climate required warm clothing, which was made by indigenous peoples. Now in stores you can buy traditional-style clothing - warm hats, vests, high boots or cozy slippers.

Food and drink

Not only nature makes this region unique, its cuisine is also considered a calling card. It is closely intertwined with the history, way of life of indigenous peoples and the natural gifts of the peninsula. The Itelmens, Evens, and Koryaks have achieved perfection in combining fish and meat with berries and herbs, due to this the food becomes especially tasty and aromatic, acquiring a northern exotic flavor.

The aborigines have developed many options for preserving fish for future use - they dry it, dry it, smoke it, ferment it and freeze it. Yukola is considered one of the popular dishes of national cuisine; it is a fairly easy-to-prepare delicacy; it only requires fresh fish and time. It does not require salt or spices - the fish is hung up and, thanks to the wind, dried and cured.

Yukola can be used to prepare another dish - tolush. Red caviar, shiksha and lingonberries, pine nuts, and herbs are added to yukola crushed in a wooden mortar. Usually this dish is seasoned with fish oil.

Of course, in this fish region they really love to cook and eat fish soup, and the recipes may be different, but in any case the taste will be amazing thanks to the fresh ingredients.

In addition to fish, people know how to cook delicious venison. This meat has a peculiarity - it can be a bit dry, to make it tender, the Koryaks add lingonberries and honeysuckle to it. Stroganina prepared by local residents is famous.

Thanks to Russian settlers, a dish called telnoe appeared. To prepare it, you need to chop red fish fillets and onions, then mix them with flour, eggs, dried porcini mushrooms and herbs. From the mixture you need to form zrazy in the shape of a crescent, adding mashed potatoes to them as a filling.

So where can you try local food and drinks in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky? Perhaps the most colorful place is the ethno-cafe “Kelylan”; its decor resembles a traditional Kamchadal semi-dugout; guests are served by staff in national costumes. Acquaintance with the culture of peoples occurs not only through local cuisine, but also through songs and dances. Here you can try squid salad, marinated venison, grayling stroganina, juices and berry fruit drinks. However, the establishment has one peculiarity - they work only by reservation with groups of tourists.

Lovers of burgers and craft beer should visit the Friends&Burgers grill bar, where you will be treated to a Kamchatka crab burger.

Want to try original cocktails? Then head to the Alchemist bar, where you will find signature cocktails, craft beer and seafood dishes.

Average temperature in the city by month:

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky through the eyes of a resident. About climate, ecology, areas, real estate prices and work in the city. Pros and cons of living in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Reviews from residents and those who moved.

General information and history

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is a Russian outpost on the Kamchatka Peninsula, a city with a unique history and an even more unique location. The city is located on the shores of the Avachinskaya Bay of the Pacific Ocean, and is at the same time the base of the Russian Pacific Fleet.

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is one of the oldest cities in the Far East. The first Cossacks arrived here in 1697. Here they founded a fort and laid out storehouses. For more than forty years, no new Russians arrived in Kamchatka, until in 1740 an expedition led by Alexei Chirikov and Vitus Bering on two ships “St. Apostle Paul” and “St. Apostle Peter” arrived to explore Kamchatka. The names of the ships eventually gave the name to the fort. It became Petropavlovsk.

Forty years later, Petropavlovsk was visited by two English warships Discovery and Resolution as part of John Cook's Third Around the World Expedition. Since then, all round-the-world regattas have anchored off the coast of Avacha Bay.

In 1812, the Peter and Paul fort received the status of a city and the name “Peter and Paul Harbor”. In the same year, the sovereign approved the “New Regulations on Kamchatka,” according to which a specially appointed governor-general was to govern the peninsula. Peter and Paul Harbor was chosen as the place for the residence of such a high rank.

In 1849, the Kamchatka region was formed. The regional center became the Peter and Paul Harbor.

Directly from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Moscow is 8400 km. The real road would probably be 10,000 km, maybe more. How long would the soldiers march? How long would the carts travel? If the soldiers of central Russia went to rescue their Far Eastern comrades, they would have met a message about the end of the war somewhere in the area of ​​​​modern Novosibirsk.

Thank God, no one had to help. The Far Easterners showed themselves to be brave warriors and defended the Peter and Paul Harbor in heroic battles. In memory of the brave soldiers, a chapel was erected on Nikolskaya Hill and a mass grave was made.

More than a century and a half later, in 2011, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky was declared the “City of Military Glory.” The reward found the hero, it’s just a pity that it’s so late.

Climate and ecology of Petropavsk-Kamchatsky

There are not many places in Russia where you can invite tourists. It is not only possible, but also necessary to invite tourists to Kamchatka. The nature here is truly unique. The elevation difference in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky itself is 513.6 meters. The lowest point is the level of Avacha Bay. The highest is Mount Rakovaya.

In principle, the entire city stands on hills. There are practically no smooth roads. Constant ups and downs. There are practically no small cars with weak engines here, since they are impossible to drive.

Geographically, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is located south of Moscow, but nevertheless the climate here is much harsher than in the capital. Summer is very cold. It is comparable in average temperatures to Norilsk and Arkhangelsk. Nevertheless, winter on the peninsula is very warm. It is even milder than winter in St. Petersburg. Temperature differences throughout the year are small. In August, the average daily temperature is +12.4 °C, and in January – 7.7 °C below zero. That is, the difference is only 20.1°C.

Precipitation in Kamchatka falls mainly in autumn and winter. In summer, the peninsula is not hot and very comfortable.

When talking about the climate of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky it is impossible not to mention seismic activity. The eastern coast of the Kuril Islands, Kamchatka and Japan are the most seismically active places on Earth. In the last century, there was one magnitude nine earthquake, two magnitude eight and ten magnitude seven.

The environmental situation in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is quite stable. The air is poisoned mainly by motorists and two local thermal power plants. Since the city has only 181 thousand residents, and only every sixth of them is a motorist, thirty thousand cars are not capable of causing significant harm to the city’s nature.

The water in Achinsk Bay is, of course, dirtier than it was a hundred or even fifty years ago. The reason for this is outdated ships, from which fuel oil regularly leaks. There are no other global environmental problems either in the city or in the region.

Population of Petropavsk-Kamchatsky

The indigenous inhabitants of the Kamchatka Peninsula are the Kamchadals, or as they are also called, the Itelmens. From time immemorial, Kamchadals settled along the banks of rivers rich in salmon, fished, and hunted in the forests.

There are very few Kamchadals in the total mass. About 10% of residents of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The rest of the people are Russians, Ukrainians and Armenians.

In principle, the population is quite calm. You can walk along the evening streets without fear. The average age of a resident of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is 44 years, with the average life expectancy on the peninsula being 57 years.

There are few young people; after school they move west to larger cities, where they try to stay. It is considered the most chic thing to leave Kamchatka for. Few people succeed in making such a move. Happiness for many - and. Also considered prestigious cities.

At the moment, more people die in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky than are born. The city reached its peak population in 1989, when 286 thousand people lived in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Now the numbers are much more modest, just over 181 thousand at the beginning of 2019.

Approximately a quarter of residents have higher education. Most often, it is a correspondence course obtained at one of the local branches of universities. In terms of education, city residents are noticeably behind the leading regions of the country and are not leaders even in the Far East.

Districts and real estate of Petropavsk-Kamchatsky

From time immemorial there were no districts in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. At the beginning of the twentieth century, no more than a thousand people lived in the city. Of course, decades later the situation changed, but zoning never took root. In 1973, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky was divided into Oktyabrsky and Leninsky districts, and in 1988 the districts were abolished.

Now the city is divided into microdistricts, which are usually separated from each other by mountains or bodies of water. There are microdistricts “Fourth Kilometer”, “Fifth Kilometer”, “Sixth Kilometer”, Northeast, Horizon, Silhouette, Center. In addition, the city includes nearby villages: Nagorny, Avacha, Zaozerny, Radygino, Dalniy, Khalaktyrka, Mokhovaya, Chapaevka, Zavoiko.

There is no such thing as a central street in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Karl Marx Avenue and Sovetskaya Street can compete for the right to be called this way. Due to the city's hills and uneven terrain, the city occupies a huge territory, but the buildings are very sparse, so it takes a long time to get to socially significant objects from almost anywhere in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

Without exaggeration, we can say that Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is located in one of the most beautiful places in the world. All around is the ocean, volcanoes, bays, hills. From the balcony of an ordinary house here you can see such beauty that you have never even dreamed of in any five-star resort. With such wonderful nature, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky remains one of the ugliest and ugliest cities not only in Russia, but probably in the world. The residents of Petropavlovsk absolutely do not appreciate the beauty in which they live; even their houses look like temporary huts or barracks because of this.

Local residents here sew up the walls with huge metal sheets, this is done because it blows strongly in the rooms located on the windward side. Vetra, by the way, be healthy in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

In general, there are no normal hotels in the city. The only decent hotel is located half an hour from the city center, among the pine trees. There are no amenities of civilization near the hotel, but there is a submarine base.

Petropavlovsk residents live every day in anticipation of tremors, but they never come. Periodic earthquakes spoil everything for the townspeople. The only positive thing they bring is beautiful bay windows on buildings, but here they are used not for beauty, but for the sake of lateral strength. Each apartment in a Petropavlovsk apartment building has a shockproof ledge with access to a small balcony. People call this ledge and this balcony the captain's bridge.

There are excellent conditions here for skiers, snowboarders, and lugers. There was no such thing as Krasnaya Polyana or the Grand Canyon. We need an active volcano - please. Valley of Geysers? We have it too. But no. Nobody needs anything. Of course, going to the Kamchatka resort will not be a cheap pleasure, but there are moneybags who vacation in Chile and climb the Himalayas. Why don't all these people come to Kamchatka?

If suddenly some crazy traveler ends up in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, then the best place for him to live is to choose the Central Microdistrict, or, for short, the center, since all the city’s most important department stores and shops are concentrated there. It is from here that transport departs to all other settlements.

Infrastructure condition

If you imagine Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky as a big dog, and the city infrastructure as a dog’s paws, then the dog will turn out to be lame. The city has terrible roads. Nobody wants to lay more durable concrete, preferring asphalt to it. Light seismic tremors are common in this area. As a result, the asphalt is always cracked. Where there are cracks, holes eventually appear. Nobody patches holes for a long time. They collect taxes from residents regularly, but do not use them for their intended purpose. Maybe they are building an underground bunker with these funds? Where were all the townspeople able to escape after the end of the world? Unknown.

All utilities in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky are very expensive. Electricity costs 3.47 rubles per kilowatt. Hot water - 18 rubles per cubic meter, cold water - 6 rubles. Such prices are explained by the fact that no one wants to receive energy from wind in Kamchatka. The energy of sea tides is also not used in any way. Only thermal power plants remain. City boiler houses cannot cover the entire city. Many microdistricts have their own stokers, where people who did not do well at school work. Stokers create a lot of smoke in the sky and, in unfavorable winds, can blow into someone’s apartment.

The main type of transport in the city is a bus, and a small bus. The bus traffic pattern resembles the sun. All routes depart from the city center, and two more run along the perimeter of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. In fact, for a small city located on a large territory it is very difficult to come up with something more convenient. The grooves, by the way, are very old and often break down, and sometimes they can’t handle the climb uphill.

There are enough kindergartens, as well as schools. At the end of the eighties, there were a hundred thousand more people living in the city and the entire infrastructure was built for them. Now there are even empty kindergartens. This is not Moscow, the vacant premises here are of no interest to anyone. If you walk around the city, you can count several dozen empty buildings.

Despite this, real estate in the city is quite expensive. Rent an apartment daily on Khreshchatyk, in Kyiv, costs the same as in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Kamchatka does not yet reach Moscow prices, but there will be more. A one-room apartment without any frills costs an average of two million rubles in the city. A two-room apartment costs five hundred thousand more, a three-room apartment costs a million.

Enterprises and work in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

The city-forming enterprise of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is the ocean. Without him, no one would have lived here long ago, despite all the beauty. OJSC Kamchatrybprom, Okeanrybflot, the fishing collective farm named after Vladimir Lenin, CJSC Akros and many small companies operate in the seafood market. The entire industry is controlled by the mafia. Now, however, they call themselves businessmen, but some fifteen years ago, when things were still turbulent, these same people shot at each other, trying to grab a bigger piece of the pie.

It’s a shame that most Kamchatka seafood is exported abroad, and imported into Russia already processed. Failure to develop the full range of fish and seafood production and processing is a disservice not only for Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, but also for the entire country. During the fishing season, hundreds of fortune seekers come to the city to hire a sailor and set sail. Sailors often undermine their health on these trips, but at the same time earn very good money.

Not long ago, the mining industry began to develop in Kamchatka. Gold, platinum, nickel and silver are mined there. Outsiders are not allowed into the mines, since for a month of unskilled labor there you can get more than a hundred thousand rubles, which is a very good amount for Kamchatka.

Crime

The most common crimes in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky are somehow related to poaching. In the 90s, the “earners” sorted things out among themselves. Since the 2000s, they have been fighting against law enforcement agencies. Unfortunately, the police in Kamchatka are very corrupt and they do not fight all poachers. Those who pay for their peace of mind do not experience any discomfort. The rest sometimes have to sweat, hiding from pursuit.

There have never been any high-profile contract killings in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Mostly only Mother Nature is stolen or robbed here, so we can summarize that the city, despite all its greyness, is quite calm.

The city's attractions

In Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky there is no point in boasting about restaurants, bars or theaters. All leisure activities here are at a very low level. The food is the same everywhere. Equally bad. The cost of dishes is also about the same everywhere. On average, it will cost about one and a half thousand to eat per person.

It is much cheaper and tastier to meet one of the fishermen who goes to sea and buy fresh fish and seafood from them. Fishermen sell the most delicious shrimp for one hundred rubles per kilogram.

In Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky one must boast about nature. For example, the active Mutnovsky volcano or a lava cave 6 meters high.

Of course, the valley of geysers deserves a separate discussion, which, although not located in the city itself, is a real symbol of Kamchatka. Anyone who has not been to the Valley of Geysers had no reason to travel to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

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The founding date of the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is October 17, 1740. On this day, the ships of the Second Kamchatka Expedition, led by Vitus Bering and Alexei Chirikov, moored to the shores of Avacha Bay. The city was originally named Petropavlovsky prison by the names of the packet boats “St. Apostle Peter” and “St. Apostle Paul”. The city received its modern name in 1924.

Stella at the entrance to the city "Packet boats St. Peter and St. Paul"

The city is located in a picturesque place, on the one hand it is washed by Avachinskaya Bay, by the way it is considered the largest in the world, on the other hand the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is “guarded” by Home volcanoes: Koryakskaya Sopka, Avachinskaya Sopka, Kazelsky Volcano. The architecture and buildings of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and its surroundings are mostly gray and monotonous. Faceless Stalinist and Khrushchev buildings coexist with equally faceless new buildings. The city has museums: the Local History Museum, the Museum of Military Glory, many historical monuments, among them: monuments to the navigators Vitus Bering, La Perouse, Charles Clark, a monument to the defenders of the city - the Maksutov Battery.

Earthquakes

Along the entire eastern coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula and near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Pacific seismic belt, so small and medium earthquakes occur quite often. Residents are already accustomed to living in anticipation of an earthquake.
There have been no destructive earthquakes in the last 50 years and are not expected. But due to the high seismic activity of the region, residential and administrative buildings are constantly being seismically strengthened, which makes some buildings look menacingly ugly, like something out of a movie about the world apocalypse.

This is what one of the educational buildings of KamchatSTU looks like

Climate

Winters in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky soft and full of snow. The average temperature in winter is about - 6 degrees Celsius. Snowstorms (the locals call blizzards blizzards) usually occur from November to early May. In the snowiest winters, the snow reaches the windows of the 2nd floor of high-rise buildings. Due to snowy winters and mountainous terrain, 4WD vehicles are popular in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. For the same reason, skiing sports are very popular in Kamchatka: alpine skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. Directly in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky itself there are many ski slopes and there are ski schools. Winter tourism is very popular: Heli-skiing, alpine skiing, a hot water pool in Paratunka, this is a short list of tourist entertainment in winter in Kamchatka.

Summer in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky cool and fleeting. A popular joke among local residents: " - Why are you so white? Wasn't it summer? — It was summer, but I was at work that day...". Average daily temperature of the warmest month, August, +13 degrees. Climatic summer (a period with average daily temperatures above 15 degrees) does not occur every year.
In summer, active types of tourism are popular in Kamchatka: climbing volcanoes, river rafting, and fishing.

So, if you are not afraid of a long 8-hour flight to Kamchatka, if you have a desire for adventurous and romantic travel, pack your suitcase and Welcome to Kamchatka! There is a lot to see and a lot to do on holiday!

3D virtual tour to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

Panoramic view of the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky from the Mishennaya hill

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky today photo

You can see in the photo what the weather is like now in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The webcam is located in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky on the building at 9 Piipa Boulevard