Weird & Unusual Attractions in Tomsk, Tomskaya Oblast’, Russia
1. Tomsk-7 (City of Secrets)
A classified city built during the Cold War for nuclear scientists. Now a museum showcasing Soviet history.
- Time Travel: Experience life in the 1950s and 60s, straight out of a time machine.
- Secret City: A hidden city with unique architecture and history not found elsewhere.
- Soviet Artifacts: Explore a collection of authentic Soviet-era artifacts.
2. Crocodile Park in the Permafrost
A park in Siberia that houses over 300 crocodiles in subzero temperatures.
- Polar Crocs: See how these reptiles adapt to survive in extreme cold.
- Sub-Zero Environment: Experience the park's unique ecosystem where crocodiles live in subzero temperatures.
- Russian Croc Breeding: Witness the process of breeding and caring for these cold-adapted creatures.
3. The Burning Stove (Plamya)
A burning wooden stove on the banks of the Tom River that has been burning since 1826.
- Eternal Flame: Witness an eternal flame that's been burning for over 200 years.
- Symbol of Tomsk: Experience a significant part of Tomsk's history and culture.
- Riverfront Landmark: Visit a unique riverside attraction that stands out from the rest.
4. The Devil's Bridge (Chortov Most)
A wooden bridge adorned with devilish symbols. It is believed to be built by the devil himself.
- Supernatural Legends: Delve into local folklore and legends surrounding this peculiar bridge.
- Wooden Craftsmanship: Appreciate the intricate woodcarvings and craftsmanship of the bridge.
- River Crossing: Cross a unique bridge that has stood the test of time since the 18th century.
5. The Tomsk Underground City (Tomsky Podzemny Gorod)
A network of tunnels and bunkers dating back to the Cold War era.
- Subterranean Adventure: Experience an underground adventure, exploring hidden tunnels.
- Cold War History: Gain insights into the Cold War era through this unique attraction.
- Secret Bunkers: Discover hidden bunkers once used by Soviet officials.
6. The Tomsk Zoo and Mammoth Museum
A zoo with a mammoth museum showcasing mammoth skeletons and fossils.
- Mammoth Discoveries: Learn about the fascinating history of mammoths in Siberia.
- Siberian Fauna: See a variety of Siberian wildlife, including the Amur tiger and snow leopard.
- Educational Experience: Get hands-on with educational exhibits and interactive activities.
7. The Tomsk Planetarium
A planetarium featuring a celestial show on a gigantic dome.
- Starry Night Show: Witness a stunning starry night sky simulation.
- Astronomical Learning: Learn about the universe and its mysteries through educational exhibits.
- Unique Architecture: Appreciate the unique architectural design of the planetarium.
8. The House Embroidered with Tea Spoons (Chaynaya Shushkina),
A house decorated entirely with used tea spoons.
- Creativity and Craftsmanship: Admire the creativity, patience, and craftsmanship that went into decorating the house.
- Tea Spoon Art: Discover a unique form of art using everyday household items.
- Historical Significance: Learn about the history and significance of tea spoon decorations in Tomsk culture.
9. The Museum of Icons on Water (Muzey Ikon po Vodie)
A unique museum located on a floating barge, featuring icon art.
- Floating Museum: Experience a museum that floats on the Tom River.
- Icon Art Appreciation: Appreciate the beauty and significance of icon art in Russian culture.
- Riverfront Location: Enjoy a scenic river location while visiting this unique museum.
10. The Museum of Snow and Ice (Muzey Sniega i Ledya)
A museum dedicated to the history and culture of snow and ice in Siberia.
- Ice and Snow Art: Discover ice and snow sculptures, as well as educational exhibits.
- Siberian Culture: Learn about the unique culture of Siberia, focusing on its connection to snow and ice.
- Interactive Experience: Engage in interactive activities that bring the frozen world to life.
11. The Museum of Wooden Architecture (Muzey Derevney Stroitel'stva)
A museum showcasing traditional Siberian wooden architecture.
- Wooden Wonders: Appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of traditional wooden architecture.
- Historical Insights: Learn about the history, culture, and traditions of Siberia through exhibits.
- Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning photographs of the museum's beautiful architecture.
12. The Museum of Bread (Muzey Khleba)
A museum dedicated to the history and culture of bread in Russia.
- Bread Art: Discover intricate bread sculptures, as well as educational exhibits.
- Culinary History: Learn about the history and cultural significance of bread in Russian cuisine.
- Tasting Opportunities: Sample traditional Siberian breads and enjoy a taste of local culture.
13. The Museum of Optics (Muzey Optiki)
A museum dedicated to the history and technology of optics.
- Optical Wonders: Experience a range of optical illusions and interactive exhibits.
- Educational Experience: Learn about the science, technology, and history of optics.
- Unique Architecture: Admire the unique architectural design of the museum's building.
14. The Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments (Muzey Srednevekovykh Instrumentov Tortury)
A museum showcasing medieval torture instruments.
- Historical Insights: Gain insights into the brutal history of medieval punishment.
- Educational Experience: Learn about the psychology, culture, and society behind these instruments.
- Dark History Tour: Embark on a dark history tour to learn more about this unique collection.
15. The Museum of Siberian Mummies (Muzey Sibirskikh Momiy)
A museum dedicated to the preserved mummies found in the permafrost of Siberia.
- Ancient History: Gain insights into the history and lives of ancient people in Siberia.
- Scientific Discoveries: Learn about the scientific discoveries made through these mummies.
- Well-Preserved Specimens: Explore well-preserved mummies dating back thousands of years.