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 is given over to reserves and reserves. The natural conditions of the region are suitable for outdoor activities - diving, skiing, mountaineering, fishing.
Ecological tourism includes acquaintance with the pristine nature of the islands, marine animals and birds. Numerous historical and archaeological monuments of the region are also noteworthy. And all the exoticism of the Far East can be felt during ethnic tours to places where small indigenous people live - Nivkhs and Oroks.
The most interesting and beautiful places on Sakhalin
List, photos with names and descriptions of popular attractions in the region!
Port of Korsakov
One of the largest ports in the Far East is located in the southern part of Sakhalin. It was founded in 1853, it is the oldest settlement in the Sakhalin region. Its name is associated with the surname of the Governor-General of Eastern Siberia Mikhail Korsakov. The first port facilities were built here by the Japanese at the beginning of the last century. Since 1993, the port has had international status. From here ships go to Vladivostok, the Kuriles, Japan and Korea.
Kurile Islands
The Kurils are a chain of large and small islands between Kamchatka and Japan. These are the peaks of the mountain range, which rise only 1-2 km above the water, 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 Kurils are also famous for their bird colonies.
Kuril reserve
The area of the protected area is 65 thousand hectares, it was created in 1984 and includes the territory of the island of Kunashir and adjacent small islands. Volcanic landscapes, marine ecosystems, as well as the unique flora and fauna of this area are subject to protection. In addition, the protected lands include dozens of valuable archaeological and ethnographic monuments, including ancient Japanese structures and sites of ancient people.
Tyatya volcano
The symbol of the 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 meters. The age of the ancient giant is 12,000 years old, eruptions occur once every thousand years. The last was in 1973, after which people left this area. Tyatya is dangerous for air transport, its top is often smoked and releases poisonous gases and vapors into the air.
Bird waterfall
There is a natural landmark on one of the Kuril Islands - Kunashir. Ptichiy is a wide and rather powerful waterfall, since the river of the same name, on which it is located, is the second most abundant on the island. Its height is about 12 meters, and its width is 20 meters. The river and waterfall were named so because of the large number of birds of prey in the area, especially in the spring. The section of the river in the area of the waterfall is a favorite spawning place for salmonids, they also attract birds here.
Cape Column
A unique beauty spot in the west of Kunashir Island has the status of a natural monument of world importance. The local rocks consist of pillars of 50 meters in height of regular pentagonal or hexagonal shape, tightly adjacent to each other. These unusual geological formations emerged as a result of the eruption of Mendeleev volcano several million years ago and are nothing more than petrified columns of basaltic lava.
Lakes Hot and Boiling
There are two lakes on the island of Kunashir in the hollow of the active volcano Golovnin. They are interconnected by an artificially dug channel. The water temperature in Boiling is + 80 ° С, precipitation at its bottom is saturated with sulfur, in combination with metals it gives a black foam on the surface of the lake. The water contains arsenic, antimony, heavy metal salts. Unlike Boiling, you can swim in the Hot Lake. The water in it is turquoise, and the depth reaches 62 meters.
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 tall as a human being, columnar rocks, rivers with waterfalls. But the main value of the island is its marine exotic fauna, some of which are not found anywhere else in Russia. Since 2007, the island has received the status of the first marine nature park in the country.
Poronaysky reserve
The protected area was created in the eastern part of Sakhalin in 1988 with the aim of preserving the unique wildlife of 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. The largest bird market on the island is located here. Animals and birds in the reserve feel free and are not at all afraid of people.
Tikhaya Bay
An excellent place for recreation and fishing, sheltered from the cold northerly winds. This picturesque bay is located 130 km from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. The entire coast is represented by huge rocks and boulders that fell from mountain heights, and only at the water's edge there 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 inaccessible rocky island, Visible, which was chosen by flocks of seagulls.
Mendeleev volcano
The top of the gigantic volcano, which locals also call the Sleeping Beauty, is visible far from the sea, even before the appearance of the coastline of Kunashir Island. There are several boiling centers inside the giant. Hot steam with volcanic gas bursts out through cracks and ditches, and numerous springs contain water that can even burn. The slopes of the volcano are covered with dense forests; at its foot there is a famous health resort.
Hot Beach
The village with this name is located on the Kunashir Island at the foot of the active Mendeleev volcano. Springs with hot water, scattered along 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 streams of steam gushing 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.
Aniva lighthouse
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 cliff in the southern part of the Tonino-Aniva Peninsula. The need for it was caused by the multiple currents and frequent fogs in the area. Until 1990, the lighthouse was serviced 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. It has not functioned since 2006.
Rocks Three Brothers
Three rocky giants growing out of the water at a distance of 200 meters from the coast are the symbol and loyal guards of the western coast of 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 an evil Deva living in a sea cave.However, their intentions failed, and the brave men were turned into petrified giant statues. Together with Cape Jonquier, the rocks are part of the famous natural 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, acquire offspring, and in the fall they swim south and winter in the open sea. Their neighbors on the island are numerous seabirds that nest on the tops of the cliffs. The territory of the island is under protection, aircraft are prohibited from flying over it, and ships are not allowed to approach and give honking.
Wawai lakes
Two communicating lakes - Bolshoye and Maloye Vavaysky, are located in the Korsakov District of Sakhalin Island. Bolshoi square is 44 km2, 9 rivers flow into it, and the Maly area is 0.7 km2... Sakhalin nature in the vicinity of the lakes is presented in all its pristine beauty. Among the representatives of the animal world, Far Eastern frogs, lizards, brown bears, foxes, and eagles are found here. In the basin of the Big Lake, a natural monument Ozersky spruce forest was created.
Cheremshansky waterfall
One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Sakhalin. Its height is only 13 meters, and it is located on the Yellow River. It is a picturesque large-format panel of water streams 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. You should be careful, there are bears in the vicinity.
White cliffs of Iturup island
One of the islands of the Kuril ridge, washed on one side by the Pacific Ocean and on the other by the Sea of Okhotsk, is 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 there are 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.
Ilya-Muromets waterfall
One of the highest waterfalls in the country is located on the Iturup Island. Its water streams break off a steep 141 meter high cliff and fall into the Pacific Ocean. The name of the epic hero was given to the waterfall by the members of a scientific expedition in 1946, they were shocked by its power and greatness. The waterfall is located in an inaccessible place, and you can admire it only from the sea. In winter, frozen water cascades are just as admirable.
Lake Busse
The shallow lagoon lake on Sakhalin is popular with tourists. Its area is large enough - about 40 km2... Despite the fact that rivers and streams flow into the lake, the water in it is salty. Busse is a real treasure of natural gifts. Numerous fish, mussels, sea urchins, shrimps, scallops, crabs live in its waters. There is even a small island of oysters, during low tide you can reach 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 km2, while its depth is small - 12 meters. In summer, the water warms up well, and therefore the lake is popular among beach lovers. 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 salmonids - 9, here they spawn. In order to preserve the unique flora and fauna, the lake was 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, a network of underground passages, an old signal cannon, and a brick building from Tsarist times have been preserved. 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 meteorological station.
Cape Giant
A majestic natural monument on the Sakhalin coast. Transparent sea water, rocky coast with bizarre arches, grottoes, caves, boulders, lush green coniferous forest, waterfalls, lakes and crystal streams, numerous flocks of birds, seals and seals rookeries - all this is Cape Giant. Although located in a remote location, it is easily accessible in fine 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, and shops appeared. After the tragic death of Gagarin, the park was named after him and a monument was erected. On the territory there are a zoo, a children's railway, a stadium, tennis courts, a cafe. Sakura alley was planted to mark the centenary of the popular holiday destination.
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 museum's paleontological exposition, which tells about the origin of life on Earth. And also attracts attention of the military collection, which presents samples of Russian and Japanese technology.
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 on special order in Voronezh. In the early 2000s, work was carried out to reconstruct and expand the temple. Near the cathedral, a memorial has been erected in memory of the group of regional leaders who died in 2003, led by the governor Farkhutdinov.
Museum of the History of the Sakhalin Railway
The museum was opened in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk in 2004. Here are photographs, personal belongings, documents telling about the development of a specific Sakhalin railway with a narrow gauge. The most valuable exhibits are unique examples of railway equipment, including old steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, carriages, a two-axle platform, a tank for transporting oil products, Japanese snow blowers, 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 located was built by the Japanese back in the 30s of the last century. Several permanent exhibitions introduce the collection of Christian art from the 11th-19th centuries, with works of art by Korean masters and works by 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 1920s. The terrain here is mountainous, and extraordinary engineering solutions were needed for the construction of the road. After the Nikolaychuk station, a tunnel was built, when leaving it, the railway line makes a loop and rises to a height of 40 meters, 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 lovers of outdoor activities, one of the best ski resorts in Russia. It is located in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk on the slopes of Mount Bolshevik.The resort has 14 tracks of varying degrees of difficulty, there is a 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 and develops cycling and hiking trails.
