Discover the Udmurt Republic

In Votkinsk, a museum tells the story of Peter Tchaikovsky and his family. The Ludorvai Museum Reserve offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of several population groups through its historic buildings. At Sharkan Nature Park, the focus is on landscapes, plant diversity and its division into five functional zones.

The Peter Tchaikovsky Museum in Votkinsk opened in 1940. The interior of a house from the mid-19th century has been reconstructed there. Exhibits include historic furniture from the 18th to the 20th century, porcelain, postcards, paintings and books. You can also see the Wirth piano, on which the composer learned to play.

The family history gives the exhibition a timeline: Peter Tchaikovsky's family lived in Votkinsk from 1837 to 1848, for a total of eleven years, before moving to Moscow. Centuries-old lime trees stand in the museum garden. The oldest was 242 years old in 2020. A visit to the museum thus brings together exhibits, family history and a historical perspective on the garden.

The Ludorvai Museum Reserve comprises more than 20 buildings dating from the late 19th to the early 20th century. It presents the everyday lives of Russians, Besermyans and Udmurts from the 19th to the early 20th century. One structure stands out for its shape: the tent-shaped windmill is considered a valuable monument of wooden architecture. Fyodor Dragomirov built it in 1912; he came from the Udmurt village of Chem-Kuyuk.

At Idnakar, historical context and legend can be distinguished. From the 9th to the 13th century, Idnakar was a centre of cultural, trade and craft life for the Udmurts. According to legend, the Udmurt hero and prince Idna founded the Cheptsa hillfort, where the Idnakar Museum Reserve is located. The historical account of the site's role and the story of its founding are distinct aspects of this place.

Sharkan Nature Park lies between the Ita and Sharkan rivers and covers about 16,000 hectares. It is home to 507 species of higher plants, around half of the republic's total flora. The park is divided into five functional zones: a protection zone, a reserve zone, an organised tourism and recreation zone, a traditional-use zone and a buffer zone. Plant diversity and zoning describe two different features of the nature park.

In Kokmansky Nature Reserve, walks are seasonal and require a request: free guided walks are offered on request from July to October, while ski walks take place in winter. If you plan to join a summer tour, arrange it in advance and ask about the current arrangements.

At Tol Babay's residence in the village of Sharkan, there is a carved wooden house, a children's play area, a horse yard and a café serving Udmurt dishes. Visitors can play traditional Udmurt games and watch theatrical performances there. A guided tour is available at Tol Babay's house or at the house of Obyda-Kar, the Udmurt Baba Yaga. Before your trip, check whether a tour is available and which activities are currently taking place.

The Dacha Bashenina art and exhibition complex in Sarapul offers a different focus. Visitors are invited to learn about the house and its residents, enjoy the old park and explore the interiors of the merchant's residence. Check the current arrangements before visiting.

When looking for a hotel, you can first decide which themes will shape your trip: Tchaikovsky's family history and museum exhibits, historical depictions of everyday life and wooden architecture, or nature parks and seasonal activities. This distinction helps you organise your travel interests; for activities that require a request or appointment, check availability in advance.

Discover more destinations: Izhevsk, Izhevsk, Zvenigovsky District, Uvinsky District, Sarapulsky District, Sarapul, Pirogovo, Glazov, Votkinsk, Khokhryaki, Ustinovsky, Pervomaysky, Leninsky, Pedonovo, Industrialnyy, Uva, Yar, Sharkan, Staroye Martyanovo, Mozhga, Zavyalovo, Zavyalovsky District, Izhevsk.

When are guided walks offered in Kokmansky Nature Reserve?

Free guided walks are available on request from July to October; ski walks take place in winter. Arrange a summer tour in advance.

What can you see at the Ludorvai Museum Reserve?

More than 20 historic buildings offer a glimpse into the everyday lives of Russians, Besermyans and Udmurts from the 19th to the early 20th century. They include a tent-shaped windmill built in 1912.

Where can you join a guided tour at Tol Babay's residence?

A guided tour is available at Tol Babay's house or at the house of Obyda-Kar. Check availability in advance.

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