Discover Surgut: Culture and Nature

• The house of merchant Galaktion Stepanovich Klepikov is Surgut’s only architectural monument from the late 19th century preserved at its historic location.
• The “Za Saymoy” Ecopark is one of Surgut’s oldest and largest natural areas.
• The “Stary Surgut” complex consists of 14 reconstructed buildings that once stood in different parts of the city.
• Exhibitions and activities range from oral city history to VR technology; the “Surgutskiy Kreml” walking tours are seasonal.

The house of merchant Galaktion Stepanovich Klepikov holds a special place among Surgut’s architectural landmarks: it is the city’s only architectural monument from the late 19th century to have survived at its historic location. Its significance is tied both to the period in which it was built and to its specific site. The “Stary Surgut” complex is different in character: it comprises 14 reconstructed buildings that once stood in various parts of the city.

The monuments also highlight different aspects of the city’s history. Four bronze figures dedicated to Surgut’s founders stand in the Square of the City’s 400th Anniversary. The Memorial of Glory brings together objects relating to the city’s history and commemorates residents who died in the Great Patriotic War. Another unusual architectural landmark is the foreign-language school building, known to residents as Surgut’s Big Ben. Together, these places offer insights into the city’s architectural history, its founding, and its memorials.

The “Semeynyy al'bom Surguta” exhibition preserves the oral history, traditions, and customs of the descendants of Surgut’s founders. The exhibition at Dom kraeveda features documents, photographs, printed materials, and personal belongings of local historians from Surgut. At the Museum of Chyorny Lis in the Historical and Cultural Center, an interactive exhibition offers insights using VR technology. The themes vary considerably: family histories, local history research, and a digital exhibition experience sit side by side. Check with the venue for current visitor access to the “Semeynyy al'bom Surguta” exhibition; opening hours at the Museum of Chyorny Lis may change.

Alongside its permanent exhibitions, the “Stary Surgut” center offers guided tours, master classes, festive events, traditional evenings, and meetings with longtime residents. This range lets visitors explore the city’s history through different experiences, from exhibitions to events. It’s a good idea to check the current schedule for tours and events.

The ecopark combines natural woodland scenery with developed infrastructure and is one of Surgut’s oldest and largest natural areas. It adds a landscape perspective to the city’s architectural and cultural themes. A city announcement dated September 21, 2026, describes a comprehensive renewal of the trail network, with separate routes for pedestrians and cyclists. As the project status may change, check the current condition of the trail network before visiting.

The seasonal “Surgutskiy Kreml” walking tours share the history of Surgut, take visitors along historic streets, and introduce notable residents. The city announcement about these tours is dated June 24, 2026; check the current schedule before your visit. This helps distinguish this limited-time experience from the exhibitions at the “Stary Surgut” center, which are held on an ongoing basis.

Discover more destinations: Nyagan, Uray, Nizhnesortymskiy, Megion, Beryozovo, Kogalym, Raduzhny, Sovetsky.

What makes the Klepikov merchant’s house special?

It is Surgut’s only architectural monument from the late 19th century preserved at its historic location.

What themes do Surgut’s exhibitions cover?

They range from the orally transmitted history of the descendants of the city’s founders to materials by local historians and an interactive exhibition featuring VR technology.

What should you check before a walking tour or a visit to the ecopark?

The “Surgutskiy Kreml” walking tours are seasonal, so check the current schedule. For the ecopark, it’s worth checking the current status of the trail network.

For the regional travel overview: Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug.