Velikoustyugsky District: Nature and Culture

• Opoki and Cape Byk are protected natural landmarks in the district and are popular with tourists.
• There are 22 protected natural areas in the district.
• Up to 50 events take place throughout the year; some of the largest include the Prokopyev Fair, Ded Moroz’s birthday, and New Year’s Eve.
• Veliky Ustyug has special designations; the city museum’s exhibition covers the city’s history and culture from the 12th to the 20th century.
• The zoo in Lopatnikovo is a branch of the Moscow Zoo.

Opoki is a protected geological natural landmark; Cape Byk is another protected natural landmark in the district. Both are popular with tourists. Together with the figure of 22 protected natural areas, these two landmarks offer a concrete introduction to the region’s natural attractions. If nature is your main reason for visiting, you can consider the named landmarks and the wider network of protected areas as different ways to explore the district.

Some of the largest events include the Prokopyev Fair on the third weekend of July and City Day. Others include Ded Moroz’s birthday on November 18 and New Year’s Eve, from December 31 to January 1. The dates given thus fall in summer, in November, and over the New Year. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these events, check the date for your intended travel year before booking a hotel.

The city of Veliky Ustyug holds the status of “Fairytale Capital of Russia” and is an official participant in the interregional historical and cultural project “Silver Necklace of Russia.” Both designations apply to the city, not the entire district. The exhibition at the Veliky Ustyug Museum of History and Culture covers the city’s history and culture from the 12th to the 20th century. This period gives the city-focused exhibition a broad historical scope.

The “Zoosad v Votchine Deda Moroza” zoo is located in the village of Lopatnikovo and is a branch of the Moscow Zoo. If you are considering a visit, check the latest visitor information in advance.

First decide whether natural landmarks, an event date, or the history of Veliky Ustyug will be the focus of your trip. You can then compare hotel offers for your chosen dates. If you plan to travel around an event, it is worth checking both the event date and accommodation availability.

Looking beyond the district to Vologda Oblast brings another historical topic into view: the Northern Dvina Water System runs through the Russky Sever National Park. Built between 1825 and 1828, it comprises five artificial canals and seven locks. This infrastructure adds a distinct topic in the history of engineering to the regional context.

Discover more destinations: Vologodsky District, Ustyuzhensky District, Babaevsky District, Vologodsky District, Totemsky District, Kaduysky District, Sheksninsky District, Syamzhensky District.

Which natural landmarks are protected in Velikoustyugsky District?

Opoki and Cape Byk are protected natural landmarks. There are 22 protected natural areas in the district in total.

Which of the events listed have specific dates?

The Prokopyev Fair is listed as taking place on the third weekend of July, Ded Moroz’s birthday on November 18, and New Year’s Eve from December 31 to January 1.

What period does the city museum’s exhibition cover?

The exhibition at the Veliky Ustyug Museum of History and Culture covers the city’s history and culture from the 12th to the 20th century.

Where is the “Zoosad v Votchine Deda Moroza” zoo located?

The zoo is located in the village of Lopatnikovo and is a branch of the Moscow Zoo.

For an overview of the wider region: Vologda Oblast.