A proper Winter…
A sprinkling of snow on the domes of the church in the Kremlin
Swap ‘heat’ for the cold
Lots of Aussies on my On the Go Tour were escaping the 35 degree heat in Australia and swapping it for up to minus 35 on one day! You are guaranteed to have a proper Winter in Russia. In England it might get cold in the Winter but it’s normally grey and rainy and obviously in Australia it doesn’t really get cold at all! (They do have some mountains with snow I hear…)
The gorgeous Pskov monastery in the snow
The beauty of the snowy landscapes
The iconic onion domes of the churches and historic buildings in Moscow and St Petersburg are truly beautiful when covered by a dusting of snow. It feels like a proper Winter when you can walk around in snowy streets. It also feels like a proper Winter when you can get fully wrapped up. The landscapes are very pretty, reminding me of the snowy scenes in Dr Zhivago – so romantic!
Another shot inside the beautiful Pskov monastery
Warm and toasty outside of Saint Basil’s church on the Red Square – my coat was from Uniqlo in the UK
Outside the Kremlin wall in Moscow
Get closer to understanding the Russians
By experiencing what they experience in the Winter you can understand more of how they act like they do. Russian’s aren’t unfriendly when they don’t smile at you in the street – they don’t know you and who stops to have a chat with a random tourist in the cold?! All the Russians I’ve met whilst inside in the warm or interacting with me were happy to talk and ‘break the ice’ so to speak!
Warm and toasty in my layers – including thermals and the obligatory furry trim!
The culture is definitely impacted by the Winter – Russians like to look stylish whilst also being well wrapped up. This means lots of fur, think fur hats, fur lined boot and fur coats. Obviously they are going to be more into the real thing, for its light and warm properties, but there was also a lot of fake fur around too.
There’s always the vodka coat option lol! Immersing yourself in the culture always includes the food and drink for me!
Want to visit?
Let me know in the comments what attracts you to Russia in Winter.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on the blog for more posts on what I did in Russia over New Years Eve. From Moscow to St Petersburg there is plenty to see!
Pin me for later! Ps it was minus 16 when this photo was taken
Cory Varga says
I love the cold and the snow and for a very long time I’ve been meaning to visit Russia during winter. The plane tickets are so expensive at the moment, it’s been difficult to justify my trip.
I love Russians and I adore the language, I think it sounds so good. Thank you for sharing this.
Katie Hughes says
Thanks Cory – I’m sure you’ll get there one day!
Alaine says
I’d love to visit Saint Petersburg someday. I heard that it’s got brilliant architecture. Most of my Russian friends recommend it.
Katie Hughes says
It’s very pretty Alaine and I found a fabulous wine bar with Russian wine you should try! ??
Kirsten says
Amazing!!! Great job Katie!
Katie Hughes says
Thanks Kirsten! ??
Jen Morrow says
Red Square looks amazing, I cannot imagine seeing it without the snow! I am not a fan of extreme cold, but you make excellent points for Russia under snow cover.
Katie Hughes says
Thanks Jen! It’s all about being prepared for the weather & cold!
Iuliana Marchian says
Well, I wouldn’t say that winter is my favorite season to travel. If you enjoyed Russia so much in winter, maybe you should try Romania as well. Today, is very warm, we have 0 C degrees, last weeks we had even -20 C, so there’s not much difference than in Russia. And if you come to Romania, let me know 🙂
Katie Hughes says
If I come to Romania I will definitely ask you for tips!! Thanks Iuliana ?
Danni lawson says
Russia in winter does have quite the wow factor, especially if you aren’t from a cold country. My grandmother has always talked about going and for me the idea of the trans siberian railway is an absolute dream. Happy adventuring!
Katie Hughes says
Ooh yes the Trans Siberia would definitely be an experience. Having done one over night train on my trip I’m not sure I’m ready for such a long time on a train though Danni!
Daphne from Girlswanderlust says
Your photos look very nice. It must be amazing to see the iconic onion domes of the churches and historic buildings in Moscow and St Petersburg when covered by snow. However, I am just back from a trip to Warsaw. It was -18 Celcius degrees and for me way too cold. I prefer to travel to a warmer destination!
Katie Hughes says
I know what you mean Daphne – but I like at least one snow holiday a year and it’s normally a ski holiday!
Claire Summers says
Russia is one of those places I really want to visit! Its photos like yours that make it even more appealing 🙂 One day I hope to travel on the trans-Siberian railway. I’m not sure if I could cope with that in winter though. I’m not a fan of the cold at all haha.
Katie Hughes says
I don’t mind being wrapped up – we didn’t spend a lot of time outside Claire, 40 minutes at the most!
Alex says
I have had Russia on my bucket list for ages! Definitely saving this post for later 🙂
Katie says
It’s so worth going in Winter for a ‘proper’ Russian experience – just make sure to pack appropriately!
Hannah Dawn says
I’m fascinated by Russia and would love to go and experience it with all this snow like in your photos.
Katie says
It’s really magical at this time of year!
Krista says
We visited Russia in the summer, but I would love to go back and see some of the sites again in the snow!
Katie says
I think I’d like to see it when it’s green and warm too ? now there’s an excuse to go back when we are allowed to travel again!