Holiday in Nizhny Novgorod

About Nizhny Novgorod

Nizhny Novgorod is the fifth largest city in Russia with around 1.3 million inhabitants and is beautifully situated at the confluence of the Volga and Oka — two of the most powerful rivers in Europe. Known as 'Gorky' during the Soviet era and closed to foreigners, the city has developed into a fascinating travel destination since the 1990s. The 16th-century Kremlin of Nizhny Novgorod overlooks the confluence from a hill and offers spectacular views over both rivers with its 13 towers and kilometers of walls. Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street is the city's historic promenade, lined with neoclassical buildings, street performers, and cozy cafés. The Chkalov Stairs, with 560 steps, is one of the longest outdoor staircases in Europe and dramatically connects the upper town with the Volga waterfront. The 14th-century Pechersky Monastery and the colorful Stroganov Church (1696) with its unique Baroque style are architectural gems. Nizhny Novgorod was home to Nobel Prize-winning author Maxim Gorky and physicist Andrei Sakharov, who lived here under house arrest. The city is an important starting point for Volga cruises and hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2018.