The top 5 destinations for your trip to Russia

With 17 million square kilometers, Russia is the largest country in the world. It stretches across Europe and Asia. In addition to dazzling metropolises such as St. Petersburg and Moscow, the country is characterized by sparsely populated expanses.

It's not that easy to decide on a few travel destinations in Russia. The list of the top 5 destinations will help you plan your vacation.

1. Moscow
Moscow is the country's capital and the largest city on the European continent. You could easily spend weeks there to see all the sights. There are 600 churches worth seeing in the city alone.

The Kremlin is located in the historic city center. You probably already know him from TV. Together with Red Square, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The extraordinary architecture of the government seat immediately captivates you.

2. St. Petersburg
This is the second largest city in the country. It has five million inhabitants and was founded by Peter the Great at the beginning of the 18th century. The port city was the capital of the Tsarist Empire for two centuries. This is one reason for its many attractions.

At the same time, St. Petersburg is considered the gateway to the West and is nicknamed Venice of the North. It is divided into 42 islands due to the Neva.

3. Kishi
The picturesque island of Kizhi lies in Lake Onega. It is a single open-air museum, as one church ensemble follows another. They impress with their rare, Karelian wooden architecture.

4. Solovetsky Islands
Here Russia shows a very tranquil side. The islands lie in the White Sea, only some of which are inhabited. Others belong entirely to the animal world. Nature is wildly romantic and rough. After all, it is only 165 km to the Arctic Circle.

In 1436, a group of monks founded a remarkable monastery on the largest island in the archipelago. For many centuries it was the most important religious center in the north of the country. Its construction and interior design prove its wealth.

5. Veliky Novgorod
This is the oldest city in the country. It has a few ancient monuments, churches, monasteries and frescoes. A stroll through the city reveals that it is one open-air museum.

If you are spending your vacation in St. Petersburg, you can easily take a detour there. Veliky Novgorod is only 164 km from the metropolis.

In Russia, you pay your medical bill immediately and usually in cash. This happens in rubles, but is often also possible in euros or with a credit card. Even for outpatient treatment, an advance payment is usually required.

Since the costs of very good medical care in large cities can quickly reach three or even four figures, you absolutely need health insurance. Adequate insurance coverage is also required for the visa for Russia.