The splendor of Bashkortostan’s nature amazes even an experienced traveler. Endless mountain ranges, untouched coniferous forests with relict grasses, crystal clear lakes and fast-moving rivers carrying their waters along steep cliffs.
Ufa is the capital of this fabulous region. The name of the city translates as “dark water”. A million-plus city with the lowest population density and the only one in Russia that does not have a completely pedestrian street.
Where to go in Ufa? The most interesting places are here!
No. 10. Evangelical Lutheran Church
https://www.kirchufa.ru/
No, I’m not suggesting that you change your religion.
It’s just that this building in the Romanesque style looks very unusual among the urban landscape of Ufa. In addition, it fully reflects the multinational history of the city: more than a century ago, Germans, Latvians and Estonians came here to pray. The service was conducted in their native languages.
Unfortunately, in 1930, the city authorities transferred the church to a repair plant, and for the next 70 years it turned into a warehouse. In 2000, it was returned to the community and restoration work began. After some time, the service resumed.
Today the church is used for its intended purpose, open Bible readings are held there, lectures are listened to and films are watched. Anyone can enter. The Ufa community actively cooperates with other Evangelical Lutheran churches in the country.
Price: free
Architectural landmarks
Ufa, whose sights can amaze every tourist, has a unique architectural appearance. One of the architectural attractions is the Congress Hall. The building was built in 2007 for the 450th anniversary of the Republic of Bashkortostan. It is truly unique - its architecture combines a modern glazed facade and Bashkir ornament.
The Congress Hall hosts the most significant events of a republican scale. The building is located at the address: Zaki Validi Street, building 2. The Ufa Arena Ice Palace is a multifunctional complex that hosts not only hockey matches, but also ice performances, performances, shows, as well as public skating.
It is the home arena for the Salavat Yulaev hockey team. The grand opening took place on August 27, 2007. The complex includes 2 sites: large (for 8070 people) and small (for 640 people). The arena has special areas for wheelchair users to attend events. Ufa-Arena is located at the address: Lenin Street, building 114.
Not far from the Congress Hall is the main building of the republican government - the House of the Republic. The Government, the Administration of the Head of Bashkortostan, the Constitutional Court and other government bodies are located here. The building has been in operation since 1979. It looks quite impressive. The walls are made of white brick. The House of the Republic has the shape of a rectangle, close to a square.
The building in the inner courtyard is connected to the outer one. Around is Alexander Matrosov's garden, fountains and sculptures. Address of the House of the Republic: Tukaev Street, building 46. Ufa, whose attractions are also associated with sports, has its own hippodrome “Akbuzat”.
Its history began back in 1883, and the hippodrome acquired its modern appearance after a large-scale reconstruction completed in 2007.
Now this is one of the best Russian equestrian sports complexes. In addition to the arena, stables and veterinary post, the 4-level building houses a hotel for competition participants and a museum. Hippodrome address: Mendeleeva, 217A. In the historical center of the city, at Revolyutsionnaya, 41, one of the tallest buildings in Ufa is located - the office of Uralsib Bank.
It includes 21 floors and has a height of 100.5 m. There are practically no high-rise buildings in this area, so the skyscraper adorns the panorama of the city, dominating the landscape.
The facade of the building is made of dark glass, gray and brown building panels. Due to its unusual shape, the building received the popular names “mobile phone” and “candle”. During the New Year's Eve, a figure of Santa Claus is installed on the roof.
No. 9. Petting Zoo "Forest Embassy"
https://ufa.lesnoeposolstvo.ru/
It is located on the third floor of the shopping center and is therefore open to visitors all year round. It is kept perfectly clean, there are no unpleasant odors, and the animals look well-groomed and happy with life.
Meerkats, ostriches, porcupines, pygmy pigs, turtles, fish, snakes and lizards, ponies, chipmunks (are there any Chip and Dale fans among us?). Don’t take food with you; you can only feed them what they sell at the zoo (a bag of fresh vegetables costs 50 rubles).
The “embassy” staff is friendly and can tell you a lot about their clients if you ask. A great place for a hike with children, where the child will learn to love nature and respect its inhabitants.
On the downside: on weekends, when there are a lot of visitors, it can be a bit stuffy.
Price: 200 rub.
Movie night at New York Coffee Time Cafe
good films in a cozy atmosphere
Time Cafe New York Coffee hosts movie night every weekend. An excellent selection of films, a cinema room with soft chairs, the opportunity to play board and video games, delicious coffee, a variety of teas and hot cocoa, which are always accompanied by fresh cookies. Time cafes are distinguished by a special, almost homely atmosphere and the opportunity to watch films that have long been out of distribution or have not reached Russian cinemas due to a narrow niche. Sit down on the sofa with your significant other and spend time enjoying cinematic masterpieces in each other's arms. All contacts and links can be found on the New York Coffee page in our catalog.
No. 8. Planetarium
https://ufaplanetarium.ru/
Another place where you should definitely go in Ufa. There are several reasons: firstly, the planetarium has a lot of programs of completely different formats. You will definitely find something you like (more details on the website).
Secondly, a unique projector. In 2014, the planetarium received very high-quality equipment for projection onto the entire dome. In this format, films about space look impressive. I recommend choosing a short program of 20-30 minutes, because your neck gets tired in an hour.
Thirdly, the Ufa planetarium is also a point of social life in the city. Lectures, competitions, and celebrations are held here. And the planetarium is located next to the amusement park, where you can take a walk and relax.
Interesting fact: on its fiftieth anniversary, the planetarium launched a stratospheric probe with research equipment. The flight was recorded by cameras mounted on the probe platform. The flight recording can be viewed here.
Price: 120 – 200 rub. (depending on the program)
Features of Ufa you need to know about
Ufa is located on the so-called Ufa Peninsula, which is washed by the river of the same name and the beautiful Belaya or Agidel, about which Shevchuk from DDT once sang, in winter it really is white
The official symbol of the city is three screws, since in the Bashkir language Ufa is written as “ӨФӨ”, a funny logo can be found at the local airport and numerous art sculptures.
The marten is considered another symbol of the city; it is also depicted in street art. She is not only the heroine of many Bashkir legends, but is also depicted on the Coat of Arms of Ufa as a running marten.
In general, there are many interesting sculptures in Ufa, for example, next to the building of the Iskra cinema there is a naked boy with a kuray. The composition has a beautiful name “Spring Song”, but the people called it “Sell everything - buy kurai”.
If you walk around the city on foot, you will notice that some attractions seem to be at a height; indeed, Ufa is considered a city on the hills, there are many observation platforms. Previously, this area had defensive functions; patrol posts were located on the hills to protect the city from enemy raids.
When coming to Ufa, be sure to try the national Bashkir cuisine - this is bishbarmak, kazy, shurpa, kystyby, bukkens and chak-chak. Don’t give up kumys or katyk, they are not only very tasty, but also good for the stomach. Once upon a time, even Anton Pavlovich Chekhov was healed in our area with kumis treatment.
These dishes have been familiar to me since childhood, and every time I leave home I miss my mother’s uchpochmak - these are juicy pies in the shape of a baked triangle with meat and potatoes.
No. 7. Center for Contemporary Art "Clouds"
https://artoblaka.ru/
Located on the ground floor of the Iremel shopping and entertainment complex. The center prides itself on hosting all forms of art, including music and theater. Moreover, the center has an escape room, a recording studio, a sewing studio, an antique store and a bookcrossing area (a place for exchanging books). Dance evenings are held periodically. I think you will definitely find something interesting for yourself here. A significant part of the exhibits can be purchased.
“Oblaki” tries to support creative people and provides them with their own platforms. Exhibitions change frequently, which maintains high interest among Ufa residents in the gallery. In addition, he is working on creating a unified electronic catalog of all works of art in Russia.
You can relax, have a snack and discuss ideas in the cafe at the center.
PS: While exploring the map of Ufa, I discovered a rather peculiar manifestation of contemporary art - some unknown “hackers” named the Forest Museum after a modern popular performer. Link here.
Price: Free
Winter tourism
For lovers of winter sports, Ufa provides the opportunity to visit two ski resorts - Ak Yort and Olympic Park. The first has three slopes for skiing and snowboarding and two tubing slopes. The second one has 4 tracks, one of which is educational.
Both complexes offer equipment rental, lifts and the services of professional instructors. Lighting of the trails allows you to ride even in the dark. After an active holiday, you can have a snack in the restaurants and cafes there. One of everyone's favorite winter activities is ice skating.
Several sites provide this service in Ufa:
- "Ufa-Arena";
- Hippodrome "Akbuzat";
- area in front of the Lifestyle Center Bashkiria;
- roof of the Iremel shopping center;
- stadiums "Dynamo" and "Stroitel";
- parks: named after Yakutov, named after Gafuri, Kashkadan;
- Gostiny Dvor.
No. 6. Museum of Archeology and Ethnography UC RAS
https://www.museum.ru/m2089
Today it is located in the most beautiful building in Ufa - in the Ponosova-Mollo mansion. This is the first building in the city built in the Art Nouveau style.
A visit is only possible as part of an excursion group of 10 people or more, so you must call the administration in advance and join any group.
This is because the museum is the first and only academic museum in the republic. This means that excursions here are conducted by research staff, Saturday and Sunday are days off, and the administration treats visitors rather dryly and sometimes strictly.
The museum has 4 permanent exhibitions: Archeology of the Southern Urals, Sarmatian gold, Peoples of Bashkortostan, The World of Bashkir Culture. Everything is in the tradition of the best local history museums, and from the unusual there is a mammoth skeleton, a rhinoceros bone (found in Bashkortostan), bone cheekpieces, ancient tombstones and a detailed exhibition about the origin and development of fishing.
If suddenly for some reason you are unable to visit this museum, then there is a backup option - the National Museum of Bashkortostan (in our list of “Where to go in Ufa” it comes second to last).
Price: 200 rub.
Neighborhoods of Ufa
Aigir
This is the highest mountainous region in our republic, which makes it attractive for technical mountaineering and hikers. In general, Aigir is not the name of a mountain, but rather a place or local station; it is located twenty kilometers from the Bashkir village of Inzer, between the Maly Inzer and Aigirka rivers. At the height, a rocky terrain begins, which is a bit reminiscent of the rocky ridges on the islands of Thailand and Mount Ai-Petri in Crimea.
You can read about our mini-trip to Aigir, how to get there and where it is located here>>>
Peak Ufa
Ufa Peak is the highest point in Bashkiria, where a stone with a sign is installed on the top - 919.9 meters. On the approach to the top, the landscape from a forest path turns into a pile of large stones or a kurumnik, popularly nicknamed a stone river. Without special hard shoes and poles, you can easily get injured here, so be thoroughly prepared for the trip.
You can read about our family trip to Ufa Peak, how to get there and where it is located here>>>
Pink rocks
This mountain range is included in the list of the most visited excursion routes. And it’s not just the unusual pink hue of the rocky ledges, but also the panoramic picture that opens from the top. You can clearly see the railway loop along the Inzer River, framed by a stone embankment.
You can read about how to get there and where the Pink Rocks are located here>>>
No. 5. Ufa State Theater "Nur"
https://teatrnur.ru/
The peculiarity of the theater is that the performances are staged here in the Tatar and Bashkir languages, and the translation into Russian is broadcast through headphones to the audience. Such productions are a great way to get acquainted with the culture of Ufa residents and their distinctive theater school.
“Nur” grew out of a small creative group of young people (1912), led by a talented 19-year-old girl, Sakhipzhamal Gizzatullina-Volzhskaya. Today the theater has dozens of people's artists of the federation and honored artists of the republic. The repertoire includes more than 20 performances (Bashkir and Russian authors, world classics), their number is constantly growing.
The theater occupies one of the most beautiful buildings in Ufa, the construction of which took more than ten years. This is a massive palace combining Byzantine, Indian and Tatar architectural styles. The complex structure of roofs, towers and passages is fascinating. “Nur” is located in the center, so it’s worth a visit even if you don’t plan to go to the performance.
Of the minuses: guests complain about the nondescript buffet and the unfriendliness of the cashiers over the phone. An electronic ticket purchased via the Internet still has to be changed at the ticket office (on a first-come, first-served basis).
Price: 150-500 rub.
Performances for children
Parents who want to take their child to a performance in Ufa should first of all pay attention to the circus and puppet theater.
Ufa Circus
- Address: ave. October, 73.
The Ufa circus is considered one of the best and most famous in the country. When you come to the capital of Bashkiria with a child, you should definitely set aside time to watch a circus performance.
The circus dates back to 1908 and has been located in its current building on Oktyabrya Avenue since 1968. Recognized as a cultural heritage site of regional significance. The arena of the Ufa circus remembers great people; over the years, Igor Kio, Yuri Nikulin, Mikhail Rumyantsev, aka Karandash, Walter and Mstislav Zapashny (father and uncle of the now famous trainers Edgard and Askold) and other famous circus performers, whose names are known in our country, performed here. country.
Since 2008, the Ufa Circus has been a branch of the Russian State Circus; the institution is popularly called the State Circus.
Bashkir Puppet Theater
- Address: ave. October, 158.
The puppet theater in Ufa is considered one of the oldest in Russia. Operating since 1932. The repertoire is based on folk and original fairy tales, children's books. The theater also has a “national component” - performances based on the works of local authors. There are about 30 performances in total. Since 1976, it has been located in a colorfully decorated building on Oktyabrya Avenue.
Young Spectator Theater
- Address: st. Yuri Gagarina, 16/2.
Youth Theater in Ufa appeared only in 2012 and has already managed to gain popularity and love from the audience. The repertoire corresponds to the profile; performances aimed at the younger generation are presented here.
All performances can be divided into several groups in accordance with generally accepted age ratings; many productions are designated 0+ - that is, suitable for the youngest.
There are performances for primary schoolchildren (6+), teenagers (12+) and youth (16+). Also, on the basis of the Youth Theater, interactive game programs are held, during which spectators are actively involved in the performances. This form of show is interesting for children.
Topic: What to see in Ufa and Sights of Bashkiria
Ufa is a large administrative and cultural center, where children receive a lot of attention. All-Russian entertainment networks open branches here, and local entrepreneurs create their own unique objects that can please a child and diversify his leisure time. The capital of one of the national republics pleases with both universal children's facilities and regional specifics.
No. 4. Ufa Botanical Garden
ufabotsad.rf
Where should nature lovers go in Ufa if not to the botanical garden? Moreover, he is excellent here. A large territory of 23 hectares (that’s like 30 football fields), interesting landscape design, as many as one and a half thousand species of ornamental, medicinal and rare plants. There is a lilac garden and a tropical greenhouse. Clean paths, well-groomed flower beds, cozy alleys, a peaceful atmosphere.
In addition to preserving the existing green fund, the botanical garden is working on breeding new species. The Ufa residents themselves come up with names for them (the choice goes through a competition for the best option). Gardening courses are held here, exhibitions of cacti, blooming violets and the like are organized.
Price: 75 rub. children's, 150 rub. adult
We choose the best hotels, recreation centers and sanatoriums to celebrate the New Year 2022
Anyone who wants to celebrate the upcoming holiday periodically asks the question: where to celebrate the New Year, what entertainment is in Ufa, and which establishments are better. Now it’s already in full force, on any travel sites special offers or promotions for the New Year are presented. Keep one thing in mind: if you decide to book a place in advance, many require prepayment. You can cancel your reservation free of charge (if something happens) until December 17 of the current year.
- Joint program from the President Hotel and Premier Restaurant: by booking a place, on New Year’s Day you will feel like a movie character or a great director. On New Year's Eve you will be invited to take part in the Oscar ceremony! The festive program includes a host, live music, disco, dancing and gifts. In the morning you can have breakfast “January Day”, swim in the pool, and take a steam bath in the sauna.
- BO "Ozernaya" (Aurgazinsky district, Ismagilova village). What is there: restaurant and Russian bathhouse, guest houses, 2 banquet halls, accommodating up to 60 people; paintball, beach, volleyball court, boats, catamarans, fruit and vegetable garden. Excursions, fishing and walks are available.
- BO "Berloga" (Karmaskalinsky district, Beketovo village). On the territory of the base there are 7 houses with a kitchen and an area for vacationers. There is a barbecue area and a Russian bathhouse. There is a professional playground for sports holidaymakers. “Berloga” also offers a hotel with 2 and 3 bed rooms.
- Park-hotel "Quiet Beach" (Nurimanovsky district, Staroisaevo village). The hotel offers a hotel complex with a restaurant, bathhouse, lakes for swimming and fishing. In winter, there are skating rinks, ski and tubing rentals.
- BO "Alga" (Ishimbay district, Urnyak village, Lesnaya street 8). Magnificent nature near coniferous and deciduous forests. Children can play on the playgrounds, jump on the trampoline, ride the skating rink, slide or snowmobile. You can walk around the area. Winter equipment rental is available.
- Recreation park "Ilmurzino". On the territory there is a beach with clean and fine sand, convenient parking, sun loungers and deck chairs. There is a children's corner for children. There are rentals of ATVs, boats, and wakeboards. After relaxing, it’s nice to take a steam bath in a Russian bath.
No. 3. Vatan Ethnic Park
https://parkvatan.ru/
Created in 2015 for foreign guests of the BRICS and SCO summits. The park consists of seven large tents that introduce visitors to the culture and history of the region. Traditional crafts, folk art, library, snacks, sale of Bashkir honey and souvenirs. City holidays and concerts are held here.
The location was not chosen by chance: very close by is a monument to the national hero Salavat Yulaev, poet and defender of peasants. In addition, the park site offers a picturesque view of the Belaya River and the surrounding area of Ufa.
The park is open until 21:00 every day, and goes on vacation in winter. When snow falls, slides are built on the slopes of the park.
Price: free
Coffee shop GONZO
delicious coffee and view from the 12th floor
GONZO is a coffee shop with its own style and character. A large selection of coffee varieties, classic and alternative, baristas who know how the taste of coffee depends on the degree of grinding and roasting of the beans. Panoramic windows and walls painted with quotes from films by Tarantino, Guy Ritchie and the Coens. If you want to spend time together over a cup of coffee, do not pass by this establishment - it will definitely not leave you indifferent. And the view of the city from the 12th floor is amazing. How to get to the cafe and what type of coffee you can find out today on the official GONZO Instagram.
No. 2. National Museum of the Republic of Bashkortostan
https://museumrb.ru/
It is located in a historical building from the century before last and occupies all three floors. The museum's exposition is so interesting and extensive that visitors spend 2-4 hours here.
The most skillful stone carvings, an aquarium with live fish of the local fauna, dioramas of historical events, the life of ancient settlements and household items, a collection of weapons, an exhibition of rare minerals and minerals, the history of the region in the Soviet era. The museum even has a hall stylized as a cave (there are about 20 caves near Ufa, but they are closed to the public).
There are very friendly staff and interesting excursions. Recently, the museum was renovated and the halls were updated.
Price: 50 rub. — for children, 150 rub. - adult
Religious sites
Not far from Victory Park, at Komarova 5, is located one of the symbols of the Republic of Bashkortostan - the Lyalya-Tulpan mosque. The building resembles a blossoming flower, and the minarets are its buds. This flower was not chosen by chance, since it is the tulip that symbolizes Allah for Muslims. The mosque opened its doors on April 7, 1998.
The building consists of 3 floors, its height is more than 20 m, and the height of the minarets is 53 m. The area of the mosque is 2500 sq.m. “Lala-Tulpan” is not only a mosque, but also a madrasah, Sunday schools, classrooms, a dormitory and a conference hall.
The largest Ufa Orthodox cathedral is the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.
It is an object of historical and cultural heritage. The consecration and opening of the temple took place on September 6, 1909. Its height is 21 m, including the bell tower - 47 m. The modern appearance is the result of several reconstructions. The building is sky blue and is crowned with golden domes.
The interior decoration of the temple is truly amazing - the walls and floor are decorated with the best Italian and Greek stones. Italian emerald-colored minerals were used for the mosaic, as well as granite from South Africa. The walls and ceiling are covered with paintings. The cathedral contains parts of the relics of many saints. Address: Kirova, 102.
The Ar-Rakhim mosque is being built in Ufa, which will become the tallest in Russia. The facility is located at the intersection of Salavat Yulaev Avenue and Kommunisticheskaya Street. Despite the fact that construction has not yet been completed, the mosque impresses every resident and guest of the city with its appearance and scale. The height of the four Al-Rahim minarets is 74 m.
The design uses classical Islamic motifs in combination with elements of Bashkir ornament. It uses only hand work. The mosque consists of 6 floors, 2 of them underground. Inside there will be prayer halls, a conference hall, a museum, a library and other premises. Capacity – 2000 people. A park and fountains will be equipped in the adjacent area.
There will be 2 observation platforms for tourists. A special feature of the mosque is that it will house a relic - a hair from the beard of the Prophet Muhammad. On Mingazheva 4 there is the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is the oldest surviving Ufa church. Despite its not the most convenient location, the temple is worth visiting for all believers.
An ancient icon of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary is kept here. The church is protected by the state as a cultural heritage. Restraint in architecture and design does not prevent it from being a significant place among Orthodox Christians. Another cultural heritage site is the Bogorodsko-Ufa Church.
This is one of the largest churches in the Ufa diocese. It houses a relic - the Bogorodsko-Ufa Icon of the Mother of God. There is a Sunday school at the church for adults and children. At services you can listen to the church choir, created in 2008. Temple address: Ferina 15.
