Ethnoparks and ethnographic complexes in the open air are one of the most interesting and affordable entertainment for all ages. Visiting them allows you to better understand the worldview, culture and art of the indigenous peoples of Russia, and just have fun with the whole family.
The analytical agency "TurStat" presented a list of the most popular Russian ethnoparks and ethnomuseums in the open air in 2018. Their ranking is based on statistics of visits and offers for tourists.
10. "Malye Korely", Arkhangelsk region
This is one of the best museums of wooden architecture if you are interested in the Russian north with its distinctive architecture. More than 100 wooden buildings are located on the territory of 140 hectares.
A tour of the museum can be conducted independently, since there are signs and diagrams along the route. But it is better to use the services of an experienced guide. He will guide you through four different sectors.
Each of them shows an old village with a special layout and modeling of the life of a northern village. There are also interesting exhibitions and exhibitions dedicated to the interior of the northern house, local means of transportation and famous people.
9. "Vatan", Republic of Bashkortostan
This park is one of the most interesting projects implemented in preparation for the SCO and BRICS summits in 2015. It was built in the city of Ufa, in a picturesque area with a beautiful view of the Belaya River. And it demonstrates to everyone the peculiarities of the life of the peoples of Bashkiria.
On the territory of "Vatan" there is a library, as well as many yurts, including a tea house and a souvenir one. On informative stands you can admire the beauty of Bashkiria. And it is pleasant to stroll along the well-groomed paths and squares with the whole family.
There are many cafes, restaurants and hotels near the park.
8. "My Russia", Sochi
The opening of this park was timed to coincide with the 2014 Olympics. It is located in the village of Esto-Sadok, and contains eleven pavilions showing the history and life of peoples from different regions of Russia.
Children under 6 years old enter the park free of charge, there are benefits for different categories of citizens.
There are several cafes and a museum of Cossack life in the park.
However, excursions around "My Russia" will have to be conducted independently, since there are no audio guides or live guides in the park. Perhaps this omission will soon be corrected.
7. "Golden Horde", Irkutsk region
One of the best ethnic parks in Russia is located in the village of Ust-Ordynsky, on the way to Lake Baikal.
It offers acquaintance with the peculiarities of the culture and daily life of the Buryat people, carefully preserved for centuries.
The park has the most beautiful carved yurt in Russia. And when you get tired of a long walk, you can eat dishes of the national Buryat cuisine.In the "Golden Horde" there are permanent and seasonal thematic exhibitions, sports competitions, master classes (including gastronomic and applied ones), historical quests, and national ceremonies are held.
And young visitors will surely be delighted with the petting zoo, with sheep, horned goats, horses and yaks.
6. "Tygydym", Yaroslavl region
An ethnic village with a funny name is located in the village of Mukhino. Its feature is a quest called "Secrets of the Tygydymsky Horse", recognized as the best children's event in Russia in 2015.
To solve the mystery of the magic horse, you will have to work hard: melt the stove, get honey, feed the horse, and do many more good and useful deeds.
All guests of the village can taste old peasant dishes, learn about the rituals and superstitions associated with the peasant table and admire
Children under 3 years old will be able to see the famous Tygydymskaya horse for free.
5. "Nomad", Moscow region
The fifth place in the rating of the most popular ethnoparks in Russia "TurStat" gave an excellent place for family recreation. The park is located in Khotkovo, just 45 kilometers from the capital.
In “Nomads” you can learn more about the life and life of nomadic peoples, feed animals at the zoo, visit various types of yarangas, tents and yurts (including music and tea), attend thematic master classes, as well as various performances for children.
Little nomads will probably want to shoot at a shooting range, ride a camel, or a deer. And the big ones may risk trying the special Mongolian tea with salt and milk.
Children under three years old are admitted to the park free of charge.
4. "Okolitsa", Tomsk region
The famous Russian rural park located in the village of Zorkaltsevo. This is the embodiment of the beautiful and ancient wooden architecture of Siberia. The open-air museum occupies 17 hectares, although so far only half of this territory has been developed.
The mini-farm operating on the territory of Okolitsa contains a Vietnamese fold-eared pig, horses, rare breeds of chickens, moose and many other animals that children love to tinker with.
Perhaps the most famous program of the museum is the Ax Festival, which this year will take place from 21 to 26 August. In addition to "traditional" carpenters, woodcutters, woodcarvers and woodworkers, glassblowers and birch bark workers will also be invited to it.
3. Finno-Ugric Ethnopark, Komi Republic
This ethnocultural park is known not only for its infrastructure, but also for the unforgettable name of the village in which it is located. It is called short and capaciously - Yb.
Visitors are offered excursions dedicated to the life and customs of Komi residents, quizzes, as well as master classes such as making rain sticks, weaving dolls and wreaths from grass, and creating a talisman doll. In the local cafe "Finnougoria" you can have a very tasty lunch. Also, adult sightseers are allowed to shoot from a bow, gun or crossbow, soar in the bathhouse "in black" and amuse with performances of rural ensembles.
In early May, the ethnopark will host a gastronomic festival, and at the end of June, an aeronautics festival.
A feature of the Finno-Ugric ethnopark is free admission. But you have to pay for participation in various programs.
2. "Ethnomir", Kaluga region
In the second position in the list of the best park-museums in Russia in 2018 is the ethnographic museum, built in the village of Petrovo.
On the territory of "Ethnomir" there is an eco-bath "Bereginya", a huge number of excursions are held, such as "Mother Stove, the Soul of the Russian Home", "Travel in Asia", "Travel in India", lectures and master classes. Kids will love the dinosaur park, rope park and labyrinth.
The area of this ethnomuseum is simply huge, and it will hardly be possible to go around it in a day. But this is not a problem, because Ethnomir is also a cozy and comfortable hotel where the whole family can stay.
1. "Ataman", Krasnodar Territory
The first place in the top 10 went to the tourist complex located in the village of Taman.This "life-size" Cossack village was visited by 2 million people in 2017.
"Ataman" is a visual illustration of the life and life of the Kuban Cossacks, which you can touch with your own hands. And also try it for a tooth, because the village offers excellent dishes of Ukrainian, Russian and Caucasian cuisine.
Each courtyard (kuren) in this historical and cultural complex is dedicated to some particular craft, occupation or side of Cossack life. For example, there is a courtyard for a potter, cooper, saddler and blacksmith.
Houses, Cossack utensils, chaise and carts that will take you to the desired building, creative teams in traditional outfits - all this immerses you in a special atmosphere of antiquity. And funny games, contests and performances will not let even the most jaded tourist get bored.
On the outskirts of "Atamani" a stunningly beautiful view of the sea opens.