Experience an Ecotourism Adventure in Russia

Breathtaking Northern Hemisphere countries like Iceland typically come to mind as top destinations for ecotourism, but Russia is another standout with stunning natural surroundings. For eco-conscious travel, forget about bustling cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg and take to Russia’s dense forests, sparkling lakes, ancient ruins and majestic mountain ranges that offer picture-perfect views of this gorgeous country.

Explore Marble Quarries in Karelia

Travel to Russia's North Ladoga region to enjoy a captivating geological experience. Boasting a bright, beautiful landscape, this area attracts thousands of eco-tourists each year for hiking along the Tokhmayoki River. Take in a series of cascading waterfalls in Ruskeala for a refreshing adventure in nature. The marble quarries around the mountain park there, which flooded in the 20th century, offer an interesting and unforgettable view as well as a chance to explore underground caves.

Looking for an adrenaline rush? Glide over Marble Canyon basin at high speeds on a zip line or dog sled over the canyon's frozen basin in winter.

See the Stones at Stolby Nature Sanctuary

Stolby Nature Sanctuary south of Krasnoyarsk is well known for its magnificent rock complexes, which feature dramatic natural arrangements of pink and gray stone pillars and steep cliffs. Less than four percent of the sanctuary is open to hikers and climbers, however the area attracts hundreds of thousands of yearly visitors and mountaineers.

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You can freely explore the central pillars but access to the surrounding wild pillars is off limits to the public. While you're there, keep an eye out for Siberian musk deer, steppe polecat, hazel grouse and the long-tailed ground squirrel – all natural inhabitants of the area.

Behold the Birthplace of Russia

The ancient city of Veliky Novgorod reflects the rich history of Russia and its early Slavic roots. Situated downstream on the Volkhov River near Lake Ilmen, the city was an epicenter of Baltic politics and an active hub for international trade throughout the Middle Ages. It later became a hotbed of literacy and art, and the exceptional architecture on display at structures like Cathedral of St. Sophia, St. Nicholas Cathedral and Church of the Nativity of Our Lady remains a focal point of the city.

Along with historians, the Novgorod region attracts eco-tourists to the area's 27 state nature reserves. Split among wildlife, landscape, hydrological and biological reserves, the pinnacle attraction is Valdayskiy, the region's national park. The park was granted UNESCO biosphere reserve status in 2004. The unique landscapes of these reserves are home to many endangered plants and animals.

Brave a City Among Volcanoes

In the far eastern city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a busy cultural and industrial center is nestled in Avacha Bay at the base of five volcanoes. The bay, which is considered by some to be one of the most beautiful in the world, was discovered in the mid-1700s and used as a naval base throughout the next century.

Eco-tourism is a growing trend in the area. Explore the volcanoes on one-day guided climbing excursions or three-day eco-tours. Amazing views of the Valley of Geysers – one of the largest in the world – are available on foot or by helicopter. If you love seeing animals in their natural habitats, tour Kurile Lake (by helicopter only), home to the world's largest population of brown bears.

Take a Dive in the World's Deepest Lake

Southern Siberia's Lake Baikal is a gigantic rift lake that holds quite a few records, including:

• World's largest freshwater lake (by volume)
• World's deepest lake
• World's oldest lake

Home to thousands of species of plants and animals that can't be found anywhere else, Lake Baikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts more than 100,000 visitors every year. Boat tours give you an opportunity to view the island's wild shores, where you can observe seals and other freshwater animals. The clear water and rich biodiversity of the lake make it an ideal spot for scuba divers.

Source: Shutterstock

Like most big lakes, Baikal is not without its legends, namely a spiny, misunderstood monster. Many visitors flock to the famous lake each year to try and catch a glimpse.

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