Kemerovo
The regional capital, on the Tom River. A good base for the north of the region: the embankment, the Krasnaya Gorka Museum-Reserve and trips out to Tomskaya Pisanitsa.
Bellissimo Kuzbass
Destinations
We have grouped Kuzbass destinations by what you want from your trip: a city, mountains, history or a short excursion. The selection covers places we can describe without invented details and that genuinely fit into an itinerary.
Selection criteria: the place is known beyond the region, it can be reached by public transport or car, and information about it can be verified through official sources.
Cities
Convenient bases for trips and destinations in their own right.
Novokuznetsk
One of the region's largest cities and a base for the south. It is home to the Kuznetsk Fortress Museum-Reserve and is the more convenient starting point for Mountain Shoria.
Mariinsk
A historic town on the Trans-Siberian Railway with surviving wooden architecture. Ideal for an unhurried day trip focused on buildings and streetscapes.
Mountains and nature
Southern Kuzbass means mountains, taiga and seasonal resorts.
Mountain Shoria and Sheregesh
The Sheregesh ski resort in Tashtagol District is the region's main winter destination. The season, lift operations and road access depend on the weather — check the latest information.
Shorsky National Park
A protected natural area in Mountain Shoria. Before visiting, check the visitor rules and which trails are open to tourists.
Kuznetsk Alatau
A mountain range in the east of the oblast; part of it is protected as a nature reserve. Independent access is restricted — find out the rules in advance.
History and archaeology
Places worth setting aside a whole day for.
Tomskaya Pisanitsa
A museum-reserve on the banks of the Tom River with ancient rock art. A popular day trip from Kemerovo.
Kuznetsk Fortress
A museum-reserve in Novokuznetsk on the site of the historic fortress. Easy to combine with a walk around the city.
Krasnaya Gorka
A museum-reserve in Kemerovo covering the history of the coal industry and the early city.
Where to start
If this is your first trip, pick one base: Kemerovo for the north of the region or Novokuznetsk for the south. They are several hours apart, so trying to cover everything in a weekend is a common mistake.
In winter it makes sense to plan the trip around Mountain Shoria; in summer, around nature and riverside excursions.
Editor's pick
For a first visit: two days in Kemerovo and a day at Tomskaya Pisanitsa. It is a compact route without long transfers that combines city, history and nature. How to build this itinerary →
Sources and fact-checking
- Official websites of the Tomskaya Pisanitsa, Kuznetsk Fortress and Krasnaya Gorka museum-reserves — opening hours and visitor rules
- Official websites of protected natural areas — visitor rules
Timetables, prices, opening hours and visitor rules change. Check them against official sources before you travel.