Kamchatka — Where Russia Begins

Nikolskaya Hill

The 108-meter Nikolskaya Hill is one of three hills located right within the city. At its foot, in 1740, explorer Vitus Bering established the base of the Second Kamchatka Expedition — the settlement that would later become Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. In 2019, the natural and historical park on its summit was renovated, offering stunning views of Avacha Bay. The park now features an architectural installation called “Volcanoes”. It tells the story of the volcanoes closest to the city, showing their names, heights, and whether they are active or dormant.

Address: 53.019920, 158.643710

Beach on Avacha Bay

A narrow strip of shoreline along Avacha Bay serves as the city’s central beach. Swimming is not allowed here due to the nearby naval port and military base, but you can sit on a bench or a swing and watch the waves of the Pacific Ocean crash against the shore, ships passing by, and the sun setting over the water. And don’t miss a local specialty — shawarma with Kamchatka crab or red fish, sold at the food court right by the beach.

Address: 53.025392, 158.641853

Petrovskaya Hill

For panoramic views of the city and the bay, head to the observation platform on Petrovskaya Hill. It rises 270 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking scenery — a perfect spot for stunning photographs. At the summit, you’ll also find a ski resort boasting the steepest slope in the entire region.

Address: 53.027682, 158.654499

Avacha Bay

One of the largest bays in the Pacific Ocean. Its coastline is framed almost entirely by steep cliffs. The symbolic boundary between the open ocean and the bay is marked by two headlands — Bezymyanniy (Nameless) and Mayachny (Beacon) — separated by about three kilometers. Together, they form a kind of gateway to the Pacific. It was here in 1729 that the explorer Vitus Bering arrived while searching for a strait between Asia and America, as well as potential sites for new ports. The bay takes its name from the Avacha River, which flows into it. In the language of the indigenous Itelmen people, Avacha means “father.” Thanks to the rivers feeding into it, the bay never freezes, even in winter.

Address: 52.962572, 158.558029

The Three Brothers Cliffs

At the boundary between the bay and the ocean rise three towering rocky islets. According to an Itelmen legend, a sea deity once frolicked endlessly in the bay, battering the shores and destroying settlements with storms and mighty waves. Three warrior brothers decided to shield the bay’s entrance with their bodies — they stepped into the water and stood side by side, guarding the land with their chests. In revenge, the sea god turned them into stone. For centuries, sailors used these cliffs as natural landmarks. Today, they are recognized as a natural monument, while a lighthouse on Cape Mayachny serves as the official navigation guide for ships.

Address: 52.893047, 158.689113

Grandmother’s Rock

A great spot for diving is Grandmother’s Rock (Babushkin Kamen). From afar, the grassy plateau atop the rock resembles a scarf on an old woman’s head — hence the name. The rocky islet is surrounded by a system of underwater grottoes. This site is especially popular with divers, who can explore vibrant sea anemones, many species of starfish and sea urchins, sea cucumbers, sponges, and fish. Above the surface, the island is covered with grass and shrubs. Take a plunge and discover this underwater wonderland.

Address: 52.912168, 158.639946

Starichkov Island

The island is named after its feathered inhabitants — crested auklets (“stariki” in Russian). They nest here and reign as the rightful masters of the land. But they are not alone. Scientists estimate around 183,000 seabirds inhabit the island, including puffins, gulls, cormorants, and Steller’s sea eagles. The coastal reefs around the island are home to seal rookeries — spotted seals (largha) and northern fur seals. Tourists on boat trips are often greeted by pods of orcas and playful dolphins.

Address: 52.777342, 158.618225

Quiet Bay

Next, you will head to a place full of tranquility. Quiet Bay is located on the opposite shore of Avacha Bay from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Here you can enjoy ocean fishing: with a sea spinning rod and bait, you can catch flounder, pollock, lenok, blue rockfish, Aleutian rockfish, greenling, halibut, and cod. The fish bite eagerly, and often several get hooked at once, which brings wild excitement even to those who are not fans of fishing.

Address: 52.917457, 158.630343

Russkaya Bay

If you wish, you can choose a longer trip and reach Russkaya Bay. The bay is narrow and shaped like a fjord, cutting deep into the land, with steep mountain slopes reflecting in the water like a mirror. Until 1952, the bay was called Akhomten in the Itelmen language. Excavations show that the indigenous people of Kamchatka, the Itelmens, lived here permanently. During the Great Patriotic War, ship convoys were assembled here, heading from the USA to the USSR with Lend-Lease cargo. Even today, ships use the bay to replenish supplies of pure fresh water. It is said to stay fresh for several months thanks to silver ions absorbed from mountain springs.

Address: 52.423705, 158.456043

Museum of History "Okeanrybflot"

The museum was founded by the company of the same name. The exhibitions show how industrial fishing developed from ancient times to the present day. On an interactive map, you will see the fishing routes ― where and when the “Okeanrybflot” vessels operated and what types of fish were caught. You will be shown the entire production process, from outfitting a ship before a voyage to selling the fish. The museum also features real artifacts from the company’s ships — a ship’s bell, binoculars, and a trawl net section. Take a virtual tour of the super trawler “Georgy Meshcheryakov,” one of the best vessels in the world, capable of processing up to 450 tons of fish per day right during its voyage. Opening hours: daily 10 AM – 1 PM and 2 PM – 8 PM

Address: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Klyuchevskaya St., 32

Khalaktyrsky Beach

A black beach on the Pacific Ocean. You’ve probably seen photos of this place. Visit the beach to touch the black sand and take hundreds of photos against the alien-looking landscape. Khalaktyrsky Beach was formed by a long interaction of volcanoes, rivers, and the ocean. For thousands of years, mountain rivers and streams ground down lava and slag flows and carried them into the ocean, while waves brought the tiny particles back to shore. This created a 20-meter-thick layer of volcanic sand along 30 kilometers of coastline. You can swim here if you’re not afraid of the 59 °F (15 °C) water — even in August, the temperature stays the same. The beach has surf schools, glamping sites, and campgrounds.

Ethnic Villages and Sled Dog Kennels

Immerse yourself in the world of fairy tales, traditions, and lifestyle of one of Kamchatka’s indigenous peoples. You will be invited to workshops, offered to try on ethnic costumes, treated to tea and traditional dishes. As part of the tour group, you can visit one of four ethnic villages.

Sled Dog Kennel "Snow Dogs"

Here you can meet sled dogs and learn everything about them. You will be welcomed into a traditional dwelling, told about breeding sled dog breeds, the life and culture of indigenous peoples, and even offered a themed photo session. You can also ride in a dog sled, on horseback, or explore the natural beauty on all-terrain vehicles. Opening hours: 10 AM – 8 PM

Address: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, vl. Snezhnye Psy, 1

Ethnic Camp "Kaynyran"

A wild getaway far from the city bustle and an introduction to traditions. Unforgettable impressions await you at a concert of local natives – mesmerizing jaw harp music, national songs, and scenes from the life of hunters.< You will be offered Koryak herbal tea in a cozy traditional dwelling — a yaranga. If you wish, you can go horseback riding. Even if you have never ridden before, experienced instructors will help you enjoy the ride. Huskies live in the camp. In winter, you can not only meet the fluffy dogs but also ride in a sled pulled by them. A visit to "Kaynyran" requires advance booking.

Address: Yelizovsky District, Ozerki-3

Koryak Camp and Sled Dog Kennel "Avacha Mey"

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the life of one of the indigenous peoples — the Koryaks. In the camp you will see traditional dances, listen to performances on traditional instruments: the drum and jaw harp, as well as throat singing. You will be told about the culture and customs of the North, treated to herbal tea and flatbreads in a yaranga. Here you can also meet the friendly huskies living in the kennel and try yourself as a musher — guests can drive a dog sled on their own.

Address: 53.237093, 158.329049

Ethnocultural Center "Pimchakh"

The village stands in a forest at the foot of Mount Ostraya. Upon arrival, you will see the winter and summer dwellings of the Itelmens. In the center of the settlement there is a balagan or "barabor" — an ancient Itelmen dwelling, a special structure for drying fish called a yukolnik, as well as a fire pit and a wooden idol — the "master" of the village. Nearby are the Spirit Houses. In the settlement, you can attend a concert of the national ensemble or take part in ancient rituals. You can also join workshops on ethnic dances, making traditional amulets, and collecting medicinal herbs. Every year in early June the festival "Day of the First Fish" takes place, and in September — the thanksgiving festival "Alkhalalalay" with a unique dance marathon. Opening hours: 12 PM – 6 PM

Address: Yelizovsky District, Sosnovka Village

Cape Mayachny

Here stands one of the oldest lighthouses in the Russian Far East. The road to Cape Mayachny with the Petropavlovsk lighthouse runs through the entire city, giving you another chance to admire its historic center. On the way to the Pacific coast, you will pass three picturesque beaches — Malaya, Srednyaya, and Bolshaya Lagernaya. Right by the lighthouse there is a viewing platform with a panoramic view of Avacha Bay, the Pacific Ocean, the city, and its volcanoes. The huge waves crashing against the cliffs let you feel the full power of the ocean. The Petropavlovsk lighthouse was built in 1897 and is still used for ship navigation today.

Excursion to the "Vulcanarium" Museum

Here you will learn about the volcanoes of Kamchatka and the world. In the museum, you will see videos of eruptions, touch pieces of lava and samples of rocks. One of the halls — the lava cave — is a darkened room imitating the cavities formed by lava flows and melting glaciers. You will be able to imagine the moment such caves are formed and watch the shimmering glow of burning lava. The "Vulcanarium" offers a modern scientific view of Kamchatka’s amazing natural phenomena. After the tour, in the museum café, you will be offered tea and a tasting of jam made from Kamchatka wild plants. Opening hours: 10 AM – 8 PM by appointment

Address: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Klyuchevskaya St., 34

Avacha Pass

A mountain pass between two active volcanoes at an altitude of 1256 m. This place is perfect for an easy walk and for enjoying the beauty of wild nature. You will see deep gorges, waterfalls, forests, and rivers surrounded by the high snowy peaks of volcanoes. In summer, mountain flowers bloom here. At the same time, they may already be fading on the southern slope, while on the northern side they are just beginning to open.

Address: 53.279792, 158.772447

Camel Mountain

Admire the whimsical mountain created by volcanoes. From Avacha Pass, you will head to the two-headed Camel Mountain. In good weather, its summit offers breathtaking views of Kamchatka’s active volcanoes, as well as Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and Yelizovo, Avacha Bay, and Vilyuchinsky Volcano on the opposite side of the bay.

Address: 53.271773, 158.764816

Paratunka Village

Paratunka is famous for its hot springs. The main component of the mineral waters is silicic acid, which rejuvenates the skin and strengthens the bones. The water also contains bromine, iodine, and magnesium. The temperature of the springs ranges from 42°C to 92°C (107°F to 198°F). Paratunka was founded in the mid-19th century as a settlement for workers serving the baths. Today, it has several dozen hotels, resorts, and sanatoriums. It is a real pleasure to immerse yourself in a steaming pool with hot thermal water after a long day in the mountains.

Address: 52.962327, 158.254245

Helicopter and Hiking Tour to the Valley of Geysers

One of the most impressive natural monuments in the world. This is the only geyser field in Eurasia. The Valley of Geysers is a canyon up to 4 km wide, 8 km long, and 400 m deep, through which the Geysernaya River flows. There are many similar canyons in Kamchatka, but here, along a 6-kilometer stretch of the river mouth, around 60 geysers and numerous thermal springs are concentrated. This is an astonishing natural phenomenon, constantly changing its appearance yet remaining one of the most beautiful manifestations of geological activity on the planet. During your walk through this incredible place, you will see natural fountains shooting hot steam and water into the air, bubbling mud pots, and the famous Geyser Wall “Vitraj” covered in clouds of steam.

Address: 54.430809, 160.125292

Helicopter and Hiking Tour to Kuril Lake

Here live brown bears and spawning sockeye salmon. Around the lake, you can observe the bears in their natural habitat. The most fascinating spectacle is how the bears hunt for salmon. The majestic Ilinsky Volcano towers over the lake, while in the center lies a rocky islet called the “Heart of Alaid,” shaped like a heart.

Address: 51.455574, 157.099308

Car-and-Hiking Tour to Dachniye Thermal Springs

Here white clouds of steam burst out of the ground.
The Dachniye thermal springs are located right next to the Mutnovskaya Geothermal Power Plant. Hot gases passing through cold streams create a fountain effect. The springs are situated in a ravine. Some vent small jets of steam from warm patches on its walls, but the most spectacular one lies at the bottom — a huge boiling cauldron. The water temperature reaches up to 95°C (203°F), accompanied by loud whistling and hissing sounds.

Address: 52.530213, 158.191868

Car-and-Hiking Tour to the Vachkazhets Mountain Range with a Visit to the Zelenovskie Thermal Springs

The highest point of the range rises 1556 meters above sea level. The mountain lakes surrounded by peaks are stunning, reminiscent of an alpine landscape. The harsh mountain tops contrast beautifully with the soft valleys, covered in alpine grasses, shrubs, and flowers. The higher you go, the more flowers you’ll see — especially an abundance of rhododendrons. After hiking in the range, you will stop at the Zelenovskie thermal springs. After warming up in a sulfur bath, you can dip into the clear icy waters of the nearby lake.

Address: 53.045767, 157.929953

Kamchatka Producers’ Fair

Fresh and natural products from local companies all gathered in one place. Here you will find scallops, octopuses, squids, king prawns, crabs, fresh salmon roe (pink, sockeye, coho, chum, chinook). You can take them home in cans, or — as some tourists do — buy cooler bags to bring fresh seafood. You can also buy lingonberry, honeysuckle, and blueberry jam. Tourists also praise the wide variety of teas infused with local wild herbs.

Address: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Leninskaya St., 62