Exploring Russia: Beyond the Red Square

COUNTRY EXPERT

Ilona Rappu

Executive VP of Strategy Management and Marketing
Russia is a country of striking contrasts. Iconic cities, dense untouched wilderness and vast open spaces come together to create an unforgettable experience. It’s a country that caters to every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking for historic landmarks and cultural capitals or remote landscapes – you’ll find it (and more).
Ilona Rappu, Kaspersky’s Executive VP of Strategy Management and Marketing, takes us beyond the famous Red Square. Although Moscow is a must-see, this guide takes you on the road less traveled, and uncovers local favorites, hidden gems and personal insights

What to see

Kizhi Pogost: If you’re looking for something iconic

Kizhi Pogost is one of Russia's most famous cultural and historical landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located on an island in Lake Onega, it is renowned for its stunning wooden churches, built entirely without nails using traditional carpentry techniques.

Local tip:

Kizhi Pogost

If Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow impressed you, the Church of the Transfiguration of Kizhi with its silver scales reflecting in the sun will leave you equally satisfied.

Lake Baikal: If you’re looking for untouched nature

Lake Baikal is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in Russia and a must-see for anyone who wants to understand the scale and diversity of the country. Located in Siberia, it’s famous for its clear water, dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife and powerful sense of remoteness.

Local tip:

Lake Baikal

Baikal is beautiful in every season. In summer, travelers can visit Olkhon Island, walk along the shore, take a boat trip or explore small villages around the lake. In winter, the lake turns into an almost otherworldly landscape of transparent ice, frozen bubbles and endless blue-white horizons. It is one of those places where nature feels larger than anything else — quiet, ancient and unforgettable.

Kosalma village: If you’re looking for a personal favorite

Kosalma is a small village in Karelia that holds a special place in my heart. I spent many summers there as a child, and some of my happiest memories come from this peaceful place. I remember swimming in lake Ukshozero, picking wild berries and mushrooms in the forest, and spending long evenings with my family.

Local tip:

Kosalma village

Kosalma offers enough accommodation opportunities for tourists, including a hotel and comfortable glamping by the lake. Alternatively, contacting locals and renting a room or house will make the trip feel truly authentic.

Altai Mountains: If you’re looking for a hidden gem

The Altai Mountains are one of Russia’s most underrated destinations for international travelers. Located in southern Siberia, Altai offers mountain valleys, turquoise rivers, alpine lakes, wildflower meadows and vast open roads that make the journey itself part of the experience.

What I love about Altai is its sense of space and freedom. It is a destination for travelers who want to disconnect from the noise of big cities and feel close to nature. You can hike, drive through dramatic mountain passes, visit Lake Teletskoye, see the Katun River or simply enjoy the feeling of being surrounded by landscapes that still look untouched.

Local tip:

Altai Mountains

Cellphone signal may be unreliable here, so make sure to plan your route in advance and download offline maps. Late spring to early autumn (May–September) offers the best access.

The Golden Ring: If you’re looking for a slower pace

Another underrated region is the Golden Ring, boasting historic towns such as Suzdal, Vladimir and Yaroslavl. These places are perfect for travelers who want to see old churches, wooden houses, quiet streets and a slower pace of life away from Moscow and St. Petersburg. It’s an atmospheric way to discover Russian history on a more human level.

Local tip:

The Golden Ring

To fully experience the Golden Ring you probably want eight to 10 days – there’s a lot to see and try. The best time to visit is May to September, when the blooming nature adds a uniquely calming backdrop.

What to experience

To truly experience Russia, especially in the north, you should spend time outdoors in winter: try husky sledding in the snow, go fishing at a lake, or simply walk through a quiet snowy forest. Another traditional experience is visiting a Russian banya. It is more than just a sauna — it’s a ritual of warmth, relaxation and conversation, often followed by tea, homemade jam, berries or a simple family meal. It is one of the most authentic ways to feel local everyday culture.

What to eat and drink

Russian cuisine offers almost anything one can imagine, and tastes change significantly by region. Around Lake Baikal, for example, travelers should try local fish dishes, especially omul if it’s available from legal and responsible sources. In Siberia and northern regions, game, fish, cloudberries, lingonberries, cranberries and herbal teas form part of the food culture.

Travelers should also try traditional dishes such as:

Kalitki
a traditional dish in Karelia: open pies usually made with rye dough and filled with potato, rice or cottage cheese.
Blini
a thin pancake often served with sour cream or jam.
Pelmeni
a traditional Russian dumpling consisting of savory raw meat.
Ukha
a Russian fish soup.
Mors
one of many berry drinks.

Local tip:

A very Russian moment is having hot tea after a long walk, especially with local pastries, honey or berry jam.

It is simple, but it says a lot about Russian hospitality and the importance of sharing time together.

THREAT EXPERT

Dmitry Galov

Travelling to an unfamiliar region can come with unexpected risks. But understanding the threats you may encounter is the first step to staying safe. From cyber scams targeting travelers to region-specific security concerns, being informed helps you stay alert, prepared and protected throughout your journey.
Dmitry Galov, Head of Russia and CIS units at Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT), shares insight into some of the most pressing threats travelers should be aware of in the region.

Staying safe during your travels in Russia

Recommendations:

Avoid accessing online banking, corporate systems, or sensitive accounts over unsecured public Wi-Fi.
Verify the official network name with staff before connecting.
Disable automatic Wi-Fi connection settings on mobile devices.
Prefer mobile data or personal hotspots for sensitive communications whenever possible.
Ensure websites use secure HTTPS connections before entering credentials or payment details.

If you need to connect through public Wi-Fi, the VPN included with Kaspersky Premium encrypts your internet traffic, helping protect your personal information while you browse, access travel services or log in to important accounts.