Novy Urengoy is a city in the Yamalo-German Autonomous Okrug, where white nights reign in the summer and cold and snowdrifts in the winter. One of the cities of the Russian Federation, which surpasses the regional center in development. It was created thanks to the development of gas fields, is still improving and growing and is the unofficial gas capital of Russia.
Train Monument
Guests of the city who reach it by rail will certainly enjoy the monument to the locomotive. It stands on Privokzalnaya Street, not far from the central station.
It was on this diesel locomotive, donated to the city for the thirty-year anniversary of the station, that many years ago materials for the construction of the city were delivered. For people looking at the train, it reminds them of the development of the region and its history.
Location: Privokzalnaya street (in the park).
Infrastructure and development
The harsh climatic conditions are more than compensated for by the infrastructure. All transport directions are developed here:
- The most popular are air transportation. The airport accepts flights from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Samara and other Russian cities. In summer, seasonal destinations to Krasnodar are open.
- Rail transport is also in demand. Freight and passenger trains go in different directions.
- The river port is of great importance in the city's economy. Water transport is used to transport goods for construction and gas production enterprises.
- Transport runs regularly and on time. The city has many bypass roads, so there are practically no traffic jams.
Utility companies keep houses and grounds in good order, which is reflected in the cost of their services.
There are more than 35 kindergartens, 24 secondary and 2 primary schools, 7 branches of higher educational institutions and colleges in the city.
In the city there are 11 medical institutions, 17 sports complexes and many cultural palaces.
Stela Gazpromdobycha Urengoy
Next to the administrative building of Gazprom, stands a majestic monument, a symbol of the gas production of the industrial center. It was created in the shape of a sphere, the material is metal, and it was opened in April 2013. The emblem of Yamal, the symbol of Gazprom, is visible on the sphere. Before the installation of the monument, residents came here to make wishes; this tradition has survived to this day.
Location: Zheleznodorozhnaya street - 8.
Monument to the Pioneers of the Development of Urengoy
In 2003, a monument was erected in the city, decorating the central square. Reminiscent of the image of the Motherland in the form of a woman holding a torch in her right hand, which invites everyone to follow the pioneers of the city.
The figure is made in full height, captivating with its powerful appearance and impressive 12-meter size. The author of the sculpture is the great artist of Russia, Nikolai Raspopov. A time capsule was laid at the base, a kind of message to descendants, and it will be opened in 11 years, when it turns 50 years old.
Location: street 26 Congress of the CPSU - 12.
Monument to the borehole and people
The history of Novy Urengoy is clearly depicted in the main attraction, in the monument to the drilling well and people. It is not located in the city itself, a few kilometers away, but is always included in the route of city sightseeing tours. This is exactly the place where 51 years ago a high fountain of natural gas gushed from a well; this is where the great history of the Gazprom organization began, and this monument stands here.
The monument represents two workers standing at a drilling derrick, it reminds where development began and how the city came into being. A wonderful monument is a symbol of the feat of strong and courageous people.
Location: Magistralnaya street.
Novy Urengoy: description of the city
There are few attractions here. There are no outstanding architectural or historical monuments in Novy Urengoy. The reason for this is the very young age of the city. It was founded only in 1975.
New Urengoy is located within the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, on the banks of the Evo-Yakha River. In 1966, the first exploration well was drilled here. And when the workers reached a depth of 1300 meters, a “fountain” of natural gas burst out of it with enormous force. This is how the largest gas field, the Urengoyskoye, appeared on the map of Russia. Later, a symbolic monument was erected near this memorable place. Now this is one of the main attractions of New Urengoy.
Today the city is home to about 113 thousand people. The ethnic structure of New Urengoy is very diverse: Russians, Ukrainians, Tatars, Nogais, Bashkirs, as well as representatives of dozens of other nationalities live here. The entire modern industry of the city is based on gas production and gas condensate processing.
The most interesting facts about Novy Urengoy:
- the city is located just 30 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle line;
- The Urengoy field is the third largest in the world in terms of gas reserves;
- 74% of all natural gas in Russia is produced in Novy Urengoy;
- from the local Nenets dialect the word “Urengoy” is translated as “a lost place”;
- The city's climate is harsh and very changeable: in winter the air temperature often drops to minus forty, and in summer it rises to +30 degrees and even higher;
- winter in Novy Urengoy lasts 284 days;
- Volleyball and mini-football are very developed in the city;
- Novy Urengoy is the largest city in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug (it is even larger than Salekhard, the capital of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug);
- Moscow and the “gas capital” are connected by a direct line that runs daily.
Builders Square
You can enjoy a family holiday and walks with children by visiting the builders' park. It received its name thanks to the famous builder Andrey Ivanovich Nalivaiko, according to whose designs many city buildings were built.
In the park there is a large sculpture depicting architectural structures, next to it is a board of honor for people who show themselves better than others in their field, in their work. In the summer, the square is attractive for its park area with benches and paths, flower beds, lanterns, and in winter people come here to enjoy the beauty of the ice sculptures.
Location: Yamalskaya street.
Fountain Sail
In 2005, a fountain, the first in the city, was opened in Friendship Park. It was named Sail because of the structure in the fountain, made in the shape of sails fluttering in the wind; there is both a mast and a stern; it personifies the city’s movement forward, the desire of residents for its development. And, although the city is located in the Far North, in permafrost, there are quite hot summer days when people come to the fountain in search of freshness.
Monuments and sculptures of New Urengoy
In Novy Urengoy you can find many sculptures - from small interesting statues to entire memorial complexes.
Fountain "Sail"
- Address: Friendship Park.
The original fountain in Peoples' Friendship Park was solemnly launched in 2005 in honor of City Day. The openwork grilles resemble two large sails. At night, dozens of blue lights light up on the grids, forming colorful illumination.
The glowing ship looks unusual in the northern city, where winter reigns most of the year. It seems as if a light sailboat is gliding across the snow. During the short summer, residents of Novy Urengoy come to relax near the cool streams of water.
Memorial to fallen soldiers
- Address: Student microdistrict.
In 2005, a memorial to the defenders of the Fatherland was erected on Memory Square. One of the names of the monument is “Monument of Three Wars.” Three red columns rise on a single base, with bronze banners “flying” on them.
At the foot of the composition the Eternal Flame burns. Each column symbolizes the largest wars in the history of the USSR and the modern Russian Federation: the Great Patriotic War, the war in Afghanistan and the Chechen campaign.
Locomotive
- Address: Station Square.
Tourists who come to Novy Urengoy by rail encounter sights already at the station. A real diesel locomotive is installed at the exit to the city. It was this multi-ton machine that pulled wagons full of building materials to the new city. The diesel locomotive regularly transported cargo across the tundra for many years. As a reward for its historical significance and long service, the old locomotive was turned into a monument to the development of the North.
Monument to Vladimir Vysotsky
- Address: Leningradsky Prospekt, 12A.
The monument to the Soviet actor and bard appeared in the city thanks to the employees of Gazpromdobycha Urengoy. In the fall of 2021, Vysotsky’s fans erected a bronze statue of their idol in the White Nights park. The actor’s son was present at the opening of the monument.
The singer holds a guitar with one hand, and the edge of a jacket thrown over his shoulder with the other. The granite pedestal stands on a large round base. On one side is engraved an excerpt from the work “White Silence” - one of the favorite songs of the northerners.
Many Novy Urengoy residents revere Vladimir Semenovich for his work, especially for his poems about courage and mutual assistance, without which it is impossible to survive and work in the harsh northern regions.
"Bread of our memory"
- Address: Zakharenkova street.
The beautiful sculptural composition was created in 2012 for the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Borodino. A battle banner is spread on a stone pedestal, on which lies a bronze loaf of Borodino bread and several cut pieces. It is believed that this type of rye bread was chosen for the monument for a reason. Borodino bread was considered a memorial bread, so the author of the composition honored the memory of all those who fell in the Patriotic War. Currently, the monument is located opposite the Church of St. Seraphim of Sarov.
Pioneers of the development of Urengoy
- Address: Station Square.
The monument to the builders of Novy Urengoy is erected on the central city square. A beautiful female figure rises on a round white column. In her right hand the girl holds a bowl from which thick smoke rises. The statue symbolizes people who conquered the natural elements and subjugated it to humanity. Under the monument there is a time capsule, which is planned to be opened by the 50th anniversary in 2028.
Helicopter
- Address: ave. Gubkina, 5.
A real green helicopter on the roof of a huge shopping center is a successful marketing ploy to attract new customers. The Mi-8 was hoisted onto the complex using special equipment and painted to match one of the walls of the building. The helicopter is installed at a slight angle, as if it is diving to the ground, which sometimes frightens unprepared city guests.
Sculptural compositions “Runners” and “Cyclists”
- Address: st. Zakharenkova.
Near Zakharenkova Street, near the highway, you can see two interesting installations made of metal. The first one meets us at the place where the Vostochny Microdistrict stop is located. The second is located where to the street. Zakharenkova street is suitable. University. The compositions are very nice and look extremely stylish, serving as another decoration of New Urengoy. By the way, between the “Runners” and “Cyclists” you can also take a photo at the “Skateboarders”.
City Museum of Fine Arts of New Urengoy
The City Museum of Fine Arts of New Urengoy was created in 1984; at the very beginning it was an art gallery, which later turned into a large museum, the only one in the area.
The museum's collection contains a huge number of exhibits from the Far North and the Tyumen region. Here you can see examples of decorative and applied arts; collection: Novy Urengoy – both city and destiny; works by artists of New Urengoy; samples of clothing of the indigenous peoples of the North; temporary exhibitions are held dedicated to important events of the country, for example, on Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War.
Location: Molodezhnaya street - 17.
Urengoy museums and theaters
Despite the small size of the city and the lack of many entertainments, the cultural life in Novy Urengoy is quite rich and varied.
Art Museum
- Address: Molodezhnaya st., 17G.
The rich collection of paintings and graphics, opened in 1984, is the only one not only in Novy Urengoy, but in the entire Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. Initially, a branch of the Tyumen Art Gallery operated in the building, but over time, new exhibits were added to the paintings, and unique exhibitions dedicated to the peoples of the North and the Great Patriotic War were opened.
A small branch has turned into a full-fledged art and local history museum. The vast majority of works are by local artists. Other rooms display old maps of the region, photographs and coins from the Soviet era. Master classes for children are held in the art hall. Every year the museum participates in the all-Russian event “Night of the Arts”.
Museum of History "Gazpromdobycha"
- Address: Leningradsky Prospekt, 3A.
In 1983, an exhibition dedicated to the gas industry in the USSR and Russia opened in Novy Urengoy. Over the years of its existence, the museum has become one of the most technologically advanced in the Russian Federation. The fund consists of ten thousand exhibits:
- documentation,
- photos,
- equipment details.
The premises display three-dimensional models of fields and gas production equipment. In the video room, visitors are shown videos in 3D format on huge screens. One of the dioramas shows the life of the pioneers.
Museum of Military Equipment
- Address: Memory Square.
The exhibition of Soviet and Russian military equipment is located on Memory Square right in the open air. The exhibition opened in 2016 on City Day and was dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Great Victory.
The small area housed T-72 and T-80 tanks, an S-200 anti-aircraft missile, a self-propelled howitzer, a SU-24 reconnaissance aircraft and a cannon. Later the collection was supplemented by the BTR-70 and the MI-24 helicopter.
Behind the exhibits, 25 trees were planted in memory of the veteran residents of Novy Urengoy. Thus, Novy Urengoy residents took part in the all-Russian event “Forest of Memory,” dedicated to the victims of the Great Patriotic War.
Northern Stage Theater
- Address: Leningradsky Prospekt, 8G.
One of the halls of the Cultural and Sports Center is dedicated to the only theater in Novy Urengoy. The troupe includes 16 professional actors. Initially, the theater was conceived as a children's theater and was called "Kuliska", but over time the institution was renamed, and the repertoire was expanded with performances for adults. Currently, “Northern Stage” organizes performances for all age categories.
Children's ecological station
- Address: Yuzhnaya st., 44, Yagelny microdistrict.
The unique ecological station is engaged in educational activities, conducts lectures and classes for children and adults. A small museum has been created at the station, consisting of three exhibitions dedicated to the animal and plant world.
The entomological exhibition features three hundred butterflies from different parts of the planet. The conchological collection includes shells and molluscs from all over the world. The paleontological exhibition presents archaeological finds from the Silurian period:
- pieces of petrified trees,
- ancient shark teeth,
- mammoth bones and many others.
The station also hosts the only zoo in the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, where young researchers can watch animals all year round. About 90 pets are distributed across several themed rooms.
Monument to Vysotsky Vladimir Semenovich
Soviet theater and film actor, poet, author and performer of songs, everyone’s favorite Vladimir Semenovich Vysotsky sunk into the souls of millions of Soviet and then Russian residents. This also affected the pioneers of Novy Urengoy; now a monument has been erected to him in the city, which attracts all fans of his work.
A bronze realistic statue, made in full height, Vysotsky holds a guitar in his right hand, holds his jacket hanging over his shoulder with his left hand, a deep look, all this gives a lot of impressions.
Location: Leningradsky Prospekt - 12.
City population
Difficult climatic conditions greatly affect the population. Now about 115 thousand people live there, which is a record for the Far North .
The newly opened Urengoygazdobycha enterprise required a large number of workers and specialists. People from all over Russia began to come here. Today, the population of New Urengoy is growing due to the birth rate, and not due to the migration of residents.
A large working-age population lives here, and those who retire prefer to move to warmer regions of the country.
Representatives of 40 nationalities live here. Most of all are Russians, Ukrainians, Tatars and Chechens. By religion, residents are Christians or Muslims.
Temple of St. Seraphim of Sarov
The temple near the Arctic Circle, an amazing Urengoy miracle, the money for the construction of which was collected in the shortest possible time - just two days, and construction was completed six weeks later. Belongs to the Salekhard diocese.
It is made in the style of wooden architecture. The amazing murals on the church walls were painted by local artists O. Denisova and A. Belyaev; there is a children's gymnasium at the church. The temple is located on the banks of a picturesque river, fits perfectly into the natural landscape, which creates an even deeper feeling of calm and tranquility.
Location: Vatolina K.F. street
Novy Urengoy and its temples
The vast majority of believers in Novy Urengoy are Orthodox Christians. The city is also home to a large Muslim community. Representatives of both faiths built wonderful temples that became local decorations.
Temple of Rev. Seraphim of Sarov
- Address: st. Zakharenkova, 2.
The first Orthodox community in Novy Urengoy was formed in 1995. At the same time, the first temple was opened, which completely burned down two years later. Money for the construction of a new building was collected all over the world. We managed to collect the required amount quite quickly. Just two months later, a new church appeared on the outskirts of the city.
The beautiful wooden temple is decorated with three domes, icons and paintings. The temple has two bell towers, one is attached to the church itself, the other stands at the central gate and consists of two brick arches topped with a massive gilded dome. There is one large bell hanging in each arch.
Epiphany Cathedral
- Address: Optimist microdistrict, 1.
A magnificent red-brick structure with golden domes appeared in Novy Urengoy in 2014. Construction of the cathedral began back in 2007, when the only church in the city could no longer accommodate all believers. Parishioners complained about overcrowding, especially on major religious holidays.
To raise funds, the townspeople held seven charity marathons. Local businesses donated not only money, but also building materials. Seven years later, the work was completed, and the solemn consecration of the new temple took place.
The delightful cathedral is covered with a blue metal roof and white decorative elements stand out brightly on the red walls. The inside of the temple is light and spacious; the altar is covered by a four-tiered iconostasis. There is a fairly large area adjacent to the cathedral. An Orthodox gymnasium was opened at the church.
Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Address: ave. Mira, 3, Korotchaevo microdistrict.
The Annunciation Church is located in the village of Korotchaevo. Despite the distance of 77 km, Korotchaevo, together with the settlement of Limbayakha, is part of New Urengoy. An Orthodox community arose in the village in 1997. For more than 15 years, believers gathered in the former club building, adapted for worship.
In 2013, construction of a new church in honor of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary was completed. The spacious red-brick temple with a bright blue roof is topped with three domes. Nearby there is a clergy house, where Sunday school classes are held, meetings of the Peresvet youth society and a family club are held, and there is a church library.
Cathedral Mosque
- Address: Tundra str., 7.
In 1996, the Nur Islam community appeared in Novy Urengoy. The Muslim community has become the largest in northern Russia. A few years later, believers built a mosque, which was soon damaged in a severe fire.
Community members restored the structure with their own efforts and fought for its existence for a long time. Despite all efforts, the building was demolished in 2015 by order of the local administration, which caused a wide resonance in the Muslim world.
A new, more spacious and beautiful mosque was erected in the city. The building is painted burgundy, green and white. Nearby, a tall minaret soared into the sky. There is a Friday school at the temple and classes on studying the Koran are held.
Monument to Borodino Bread
In 2012, an interesting monument was erected next to the Church of St. Seraphim of Sarov - a monument to Borodino bread.
It reminds people of the victory over Napoleon, and of the soldiers who died a brave death, bravely fighting for their Motherland. And it is no coincidence that this particular type of bread was chosen as a symbol of memory, because traditionally it is a funeral one. The monument represents a large loaf of bread, rye bread, Borodino bread, with a cut piece, lying on a pedestal with the memorial inscription “Bread of our memory.”
Ecology and climate
The city's climate is quite harsh, although it is located in the temperate zone. The average annual temperature is only -5 degrees Celsius:
- Winter here is long and cold, especially February. The ambient temperature drops to -45. During this period, schoolchildren remain at home and government organizations may not work. The length of the day in winter is only an hour and a half, but in summer residents are content with long white nights.
- Summer here is also quite cold and short. The average temperature does not exceed 15 degrees. It happens that there is heat for several days.
Precipitation is quite rare, but the winds are very strong.
Even taking into account the gas-producing status of the city, the ecology here is good. Industrial facilities are located far from the center, and the removal of household waste and recycling of fluorescent lamps are well organized.
Trade
A modern shopping center where you can find all the necessary goods for every person. It is located between the northern and southern parts of the city. There are many shops, the opportunity to eat in cafes and restaurants of the shopping center, you can visit beauty salons, an excellent place for entertainment in the gaming rooms with a large selection of entertainment services. A helicopter is visible on the facade of the building, reminding everyone of the most important means of transportation for the northerners.
Location: Podshibyakina street - 1/2A.
Weather
- Today
- Tomorrow
- December 16
, ThursdayMainly cloudy
-29 °C during the day -29 °C at night
- December 17
, Friday
Mainly cloudy
-28 °C during the day -27 °C at night
- December 18
, Saturday
Mainly cloudy
-39 °C during the day -36 °C at night
- Weather for 2 weeks
Despite the fact that “on paper” the city is located in an area of temperate continental climate, in fact it is located in its northernmost part, bordering on a subarctic climate. With all the ensuing weather consequences. Winter is very long and cold (280-290 days a year), the most severe frosts occur in January-February. But at this time at night, flashes of the northern lights often shine in the sky. Well, in the summer (it lasts only 35 days), the main climatic feature is considered to be the white nights (from June to August).
Cafe "Octopus"
An excellent place for a family holiday. A clean, cozy cafe, a relaxing place for couples, business partners, and young people. A large abundance of dishes of various tastes and price categories.
Large, spacious hall, comfortable tables, quality service, entertainment programs, karaoke, celebrations and banquets, New Year's and corporate parties.
Location: Sovetsky microdistrict - 6.
Departure to the bank of the Pur River
On weekends and holidays, the best place to relax for the majority of the population is still nature. You can walk through the vast expanses of the tundra, stop for the night, either on your own with friends and family, or by ordering walking tours from local tour operators. Residents admire the beauty of the full-flowing Pur River, the view of which helps to escape from the bustle of the city. Fishing in the waters of the tundra also leaves a lot of unforgettable impressions and pleasure.
Festival of the Northern Peoples
Every year, around the end of March, a large-scale holiday is celebrated, the festival of the peoples of the north, showing a fabulous picture of life in New Urengoy.
Various events are held here, for example, unforgettable reindeer sledding or snowmobiling; spectators are given the opportunity to see northern all-around tournaments, see elements of the national northern culture, remember legends, hear songs of the peoples of the north, and taste folk cuisine.
