7 National Parks in Russia That Will Leave You Speechless

If you're looking for the most beautiful national parks in Russia, these offer some of the most incredible scenery: Zabaykalsky, Sochi, Kenozero, Kurshskaya Kosa, Lena Pillars, Ruskeala, and Kronotsky.

When exploring Russia's National Parks you can experience volcanic coastlines, ice-blue lakes, dense boreal forests and surreal Arctic cliffs — these parks showcase the raw, untamed beauty of Russia’s wilderness.

Ruskeala Mountain Park — Karelia

Rank #1: Most Beautiful National Park in Russia

Ruskeala Park isn’t a national park in the official federal sense, but it’s a nature-protected monument that’s just too stunning to leave off the list. This former marble quarry turned lake-filled park is filled with bright turquoise water, forest trails, and old stone tunnels. In winter, it’s a snowy wonderland lit with lanterns and ice caves.

Located in Karelia near the Finnish border, it’s an easy and unforgettable day trip from Petrozavodsk or Sortavala.

Highlights

• Marble Canyon with teal-colored water
• Underground lake cave you can boat through
• Zip-lining and hiking along the cliffs
• Lantern-lit paths in winter

Activities & Tips

• Visit in summer for swimming and boating
• In winter, take a night tour through the frozen caves
• Easily accessible by train or car from Sortavala

Lena Pillars National Park — Yakutia (Far East Russia)

Rank #2: Most Beautiful National Park in Russia

Lena Pillars National Park is one of Russia’s most visually striking destinations. Towering stone spires — the “pillars” — rise straight up from the Lena River, forming cliffs that look like something from another planet. In winter, they’re dusted with snow and ice, and in summer they reflect across the wide, slow-moving river.

It’s hard to reach, but for photographers and nature lovers, this is one of Russia’s most iconic views.

Highlights

• Lena Pillars — towering stone formations along the river
• Incredible sunrise reflections in summer
• Siberian wilderness and remoteness
• Paleontological sites with mammoth fossils nearby

Activities & Tips

• Accessible via boat tours from Yakutsk
• Go in July for the midnight sun and best water access
• Expect primitive conditions — pack accordingly

Kronotsky National Park — Kamchatka Peninsula

Rank #3: Most Beautiful National Park in Russia

Kronotsky National Park is one of the wildest places on Earth. Located on the Kamchatka Peninsula, this remote region is home to bubbling volcanoes, geyser fields, and a coastline filled with brown bears, sea otters, and nesting birds. The park’s most iconic feature is the Valley of Geysers — one of only a few like it in the world.

You can’t visit independently, but if you make the journey with a local ecotour operator, it’ll be one of the most unforgettable landscapes you’ll ever see.

Highlights

• Valley of Geysers — second-largest geyser field globally
• Kronotsky Volcano and turquoise crater lakes
• Brown bear viewing along the coast
• Thermal springs and steam vents everywhere

Activities & Tips

• Fly in from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky with a licensed tour group
• Helicopter tours are the best way to explore
• Prepare for strict protection rules — you can’t just hike freely here

Kenozero National Park — Arkhangelsk Region

Rank #4: Most Beautiful National Park in Russia

Kenozero National Park is the soul of northern Russia — a dreamy mix of glassy lakes, wooden chapels, foggy forests, and ancient Slavic villages. The park is incredibly atmospheric, especially at sunrise or in autumn, when the forest reflects orange and red across the water.

If you're looking for a peaceful, culture-rich park with a strong spiritual and historical presence, Kenozero is one of Russia’s most unique destinations.

Highlights

• Lake Kenozero and Lake Lekshmozero — misty, tranquil waters
• Wooden chapels from the 17th–19th centuries
• Endless taiga forest and traditional Russian hamlets
• One of Russia’s top “silent tourism” destinations

Activities & Tips

• Great for kayaking, fishing, and forest hikes
• Stay in a village guesthouse for an immersive experience
• Go in fall for color and crisp air, or summer for warm nights by the lake

Kurshskaya Kosa National Park — Kaliningrad Oblast

Rank #5: Most Beautiful National Park in Russia

Kurshskaya Kosa National Park (Curonian Spit) is a narrow, 98-kilometer-long sand dune that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is unlike any other landscape in Russia. Think shifting dunes, pine forests, and migratory bird stations — all with that cool Baltic Sea breeze.

It’s an ideal stop for travelers exploring Kaliningrad and offers easy hiking, scenic bike trails, and peaceful beaches.

Highlights

• Dancing Forest — twisted pine trees with mysterious shapes
• Efa Dune — panoramic views of the sea and lagoon
• Migrating bird observatories
• Endless coastal trails and sandy beaches

Activities & Tips

• Rent a bike and ride the coastal route
• Go during spring or early fall for fewer crowds and mild weather
• Bring binoculars — it’s a birdwatcher’s paradise

Sochi National Park — Western Caucasus

Rank #6: Most Beautiful National Park in Russia

Sochi National Park offers a totally different flavor of Russia — subtropical forests, waterfalls, warm air, and mountain views. Located in the Western Caucasus near the Black Sea, this park combines nature with comfort: paved trails, clean facilities, and easy access from the city of Sochi.

This is one of Russia’s most visited parks, and it’s perfect for travelers who want beautiful scenery without venturing into the deep wilderness.

Highlights

• Agura Waterfalls and Eagle’s Rocks
• Cave systems, gorges, and scenic mountain trails
• Coastal forests with unique plant species
• Easy access to tea plantations and cultural sites

Activities & Tips

• Combine hiking with a Black Sea vacation
• Best time to visit is late spring or September
• Great for families or beginner hikers

Zabaykalsky National Park — Eastern Siberia

Rank #7: Most Beautiful National Park in Russia

Zabaykalsky National Park sits on the eastern shore of Lake Baikal, the world’s oldest and deepest lake. It’s remote, wild, and hauntingly beautiful — with icy beaches, thick boreal forest, and islands where brown bears and rare seals roam. Sunrises over the water here feel like something from a dream.

This park is a favorite among adventurers looking for solitude, untouched nature, and pure Siberian wilderness.

Highlights

• Lake Baikal — the clearest lake on Earth
• Ushkanyi Islands — home to Baikal seals
• Dense taiga and scenic capes
• Shimmering ice formations in winter

Activities & Tips

• Visit in summer for hiking or February–March for frozen lake views
• Access via Ulan-Ude and drive or boat from Ust-Barguzin
• Consider a guided tour — services are limited in the region