In recent years, domestic tourism has been actively developing in Russia, and travelers increasingly prefer outdoor activities to beach. It is not surprising that in such a situation, many regions of the country begin to pay attention to the tourism potential that is hidden in them. For example, Altai, where Barnaul is located, is popular with both sports tourists and lovers of traditional culture, the foci of which are still preserved in this region.
The nature of the southeast of Western Siberia attracts thousands of adventurers for its beauty and rampant. But it also requires a very attentive attitude.
What area is Barnaul located in?
The Altai mountain system gave the name to two Russian regions at once - the Altai Republic and the Altai Territory. While Gorno-Altaysk is the capital of the Altai Republic, Barnaul serves as the administrative center of the Altai Territory.
Altai Territory has a common border with Kazakhstan and several regions of the Russian Federation, such as the Novosibirsk and Kemerovo regions, as well as the Altai Republic. The natural conditions of both regions are quite similar, as are their cultural traditions.
Separately, it is worth noting that, despite its border position, the Altai Territory is populated mainly by Russians, who make up more than ninety percent of the population.
Geography and climate of Altai
The region where Barnaul is located is well known for its recreational resources, which rightly belong to the unique purity of the air, amazing landscapes and landscapes of stunning beauty. Many go to Altai Krai for solitude and peace of mind. They gain strength and tidy up their nerves after living in the tiresome rhythm of megacities, which is not surprising, because from Moscow to Barnaul it is almost three and a half thousand kilometers by road.
The nature in these parts is really pristine, despite the fact that the city of Barnaul was originally a mining village serving Demidov factories that smelted silver from local mines. Since its founding in 1730, Barnaul has evolved from a small posad into a large industrial and cultural center of Western Siberia.
Economics and industry
By population, Barnaul is ranked twenty-first among Russian cities, which indicates a significant development of the economy and social sphere. Twelve heavy industry enterprises operate in the city, including the Altai Motor Plant, Barnaul Machine Tool Plant and the Mechanical Press Plant.
In addition, the city is assembling Belarusian trolleybuses and producing tires. In general, it is worth noting that since 2010, industrial production in the region where Barnaul is located has begun to decline, but the growth of the tourism sector is obvious - new hotels are being built and tourist routes are being organized.
Tourism and sport in Altai
The nature surrounding Barnaul contributes to the development of outdoor activities related to skiing in winter and long walks on rough terrain in the summer. Demand for active pastime helped one of the Barnaul companies to equip a special route in Tape Bor. The length of the track is twenty-five kilometers, and it is designed in such a way that all athletes are comfortable and safe in skiing. It starts at the Dynamo stadium and ends there.
Barnaul, where the Health Track is located, has thus become one of several cities where new trails and trails for runners and skiers are arranged. However, not only skis attract travelers and sports tourism lovers in Altai.
Mountain climbing and trekking
While the central part of the region is mainly a lowland and plain region with flood meadows, the outskirts of the Altai Territory, on the contrary, provide athletes with wonderful opportunities for training and real climbing to the Altai Mountains. From their peaks, views of the surrounding landscapes, which belong to the systems of the West Siberian Plain and the Altai-Sayan mountain system, open up with unique beauty.
For those who are not ready to take risks or do not have enough physical training, local tourist guides and specialized companies offer both group ascents to small heights and long hiking routes along mountain ranges.
How to get to Altai Territory?
Despite the fact that the region where the city of Barnaul is located is characterized by its remoteness from the main financial centers of the country, it nevertheless boasts excellent transport access. You can get into the city by several means of transport, among which there is also air. However, automobiles are most popular, as several major highways pass through the city at once, including those leading to Mongolia and Kazakhstan.
Branches of the West Siberian Railway also pass through the city. The city has a passenger station and a freight railway terminal serving local enterprises of the mining and engineering industries.
To understand where Barnaul is located on the map, it is enough to find the Ural Mountains, to the southeast of which it is located, in the immediate vicinity of the state border of Russia. Given the situation of the city, it is not surprising that Barnaul Airport has international status and accepts flights not only from major Russian cities, but also from the capital of Thailand - Bangkok.