Slyudyanka
Treasure of Baikal gems
On the South-West of Baikal is a small town, Slyudyanka. It is the same city as thousands of other towns in huge Russia. But, Slyudyanka has a peculiarity that makes this city unique. Thanks to this very feature, the town got its name.
The town’s name is because the word «Slyuda» in the Russian language means «mica.» Extraction of marble and minerals is developed in the city and its environs. No wonder that Slyudyanka residents life is connected with minerals and mineralogy.
Slyudyanka
Treasure of Baikal gems
On the South-West of Baikal is a small town, Slyudyanka. It is the same city as thousands of other towns in huge Russia. But, Slyudyanka has a peculiarity that makes this city unique. Thanks to this very feature, the town got its name.
The town’s name is because the word «Slyuda» in the Russian language means «mica.» Extraction of marble and minerals is developed in the city and its environs. No wonder that Slyudyanka residents life is connected with minerals and mineralogy.
Slyudyanka on the map
What’s interesting in Slyudyanka
- Maybe the biggest museum of minerals in Siberia
- Unique nature of Southern Baikal
- Peak of Cherskiy
- Marble railway station
- Circum-Baikal Railway
What’s interesting in Slyudyanka
- Maybe the biggest museum of minerals in Siberia
- Unique nature of Southern Baikal
- Peak of Cherskiy
- Marble railway station
- Circum-Baikal Railway
Slyudyanka attractions
The excellent climate and some exciting sights make this city interesting for tourists traveling to Lake Baikal.
City square
Slyudyanka city
Slyudyanka Museum of Minerals
It is hard to believe, but there is one of Russia’s largest minerals museums in such a small town. Guests can see more than 8960 exhibits and all 3450 types of minerals known to modern science! This collection of minerals and gems admires tourists and mineralogical scientists from over the world. There is a souvenir shop at the museum where guests can buy the gem or mineral they like. The Museum of Minerals is opened every day, seven days a week, from 8.00 to 20.00
A souvenir can be bought in a store, but it is much more interesting to extract a mineral by yourself! The museum administration gives all mining minerals equipment for not a high price. The museum staff will show available places for extracting where you can feel a real mineralogist!
On mineral museum yard
“Aikha-Shulun” or Shaman Cape
Aikha-Shulun (in Buryat language, it means «Rock of Fear») is one of the most mysterious places on Lake Baikal. In ancient times there was buried a shaman who had great power. To appease spirits, local people made shamanic rituals and sacrifices on the cape. Since then, the cape is a sacred place. Some people said they heard strange voices after midnight there… As you understand, it is a perfect place for walking alone in the moonlight.
However, it is still an excellent place to enjoy Baikal’s beauty and learn more about local culture and religion!
Aikha Shulun cape
Aikha Shulun cape
Railway Station
The Slyudyanka railway station is a really unique object. Why? Because it is the only building in Russia built entirely of white and pink marble! Admire the unusual architecture and learn the history of the Slyudyanka railway station right in the station building.
Baikal near Aikha Shulun cape
Railway Station
Cherskiy Peak
Cherskiy peak is named after soviet geographer Ivan Cherskiy. A travel to this beautiful place of Baikal starts in Slyudyanka.
Cherskiy peak and Cherskiy Stone are different geographical objects.
Here is our topic about Cherskiy Peak:
Old water tower
Circum-Baikal Railway
Slyudyanka is a starting point of the Circum-Baikal Railway also. The Railway was built in the 18th century, and it has fascinating peculiarities – protecting tunnels and retaining walls! Circum-Baikal Railway is a separate touristic route.
At this article we described the way to the Circum-Baikal railway:
Baikal near Slyudyanka
Marble Quarry
Tourists and city guests can take part in a unique program. They can make independent routes to the Marble Quarry and try their luck in finding minerals!
Mineral museum staff will help each tourist with a detailed description of the routes and provide the necessary mining equipment.
Slyudyanka attractions
The excellent climate and some exciting sights make this city interesting for tourists traveling to Lake Baikal.
City square
Slyudyanka city
Slyudyanka Museum of Minerals
It is hard to believe, but there is one of Russia’s largest minerals museums in such a small town. Guests can see more than 8960 exhibits and all 3450 types of minerals known to modern science! This collection of minerals and gems admires tourists and mineralogical scientists from over the world. There is a souvenir shop at the museum where guests can buy the gem or mineral they like.
A souvenir can be bought in a store, but it is much more interesting to extract a mineral by yourself! The museum administration gives all mining minerals equipment for not a high price. The museum staff will show available places for extracting where you can feel a real mineralogist!
Working hours:
Every day
from 8:00 to 20:00
On mineral museum yard
“Aikha-Shulun” or Shaman Cape
Aikha-Shulun or Shaman Cape is one of the most mysterious places on Lake Baikal. In ancient times there was buried a shaman who had great power. To appease spirits, local people made shamanic rituals and sacrifices on the cape. Since then, the cape is a sacred place.
Some people said they heard strange voices after midnight there… As you understand, it is a perfect place for walking alone in the moonlight.
However, it is still an excellent place to enjoy Baikal’s beauty and learn more about local culture and religion.
From the Buryat language “Aikha-Shulun” translated as «rock of fear»
Aikha Shulun cape
Aikha Shulun cape
Baikal near Aikha Shulun cape
Railway Station
The Slyudyanka railway station is a really unique object. Why? Because it is the only building in Russia built entirely of white and pink marble! Admire the unusual architecture and learn the history of the Slyudyanka railway station right in the station building.
Railway Station
Cherskiy Peak
Cherskiy peak is named after soviet geographer Ivan Cherskiy. A travel to this beautiful place of Baikal starts in Slyudyanka.
Cherskiy peak and Cherskiy Stone are different geographical objects.
Old water tower
Circum-Baikal Railway
Slyudyanka is a starting point of the Circum-Baikal Railway also. The Railway was built in the 18th century, and it has fascinating peculiarities – protecting tunnels and retaining walls! Circum-Baikal Railway is a separate touristic route.
Baikal near Slyudyanka
Marble Quarry
Tourists and city guests can take part in a unique program. They can make independent routes to the Marble Quarry and try their luck in finding minerals! Mineral museum staff will help each tourist with a detailed description of the routes and provide the necessary mining equipment.
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How to get to Slyudyanka
It’s not difficult, look:
How to get to Slyudyanka
It’s not difficult, look:
