Bratsk, Russia
Region: Irkutsk Oblast
Geographic Coordinates: 56.116700, 101.600000
Temperature Range: -40.0°C to 25.0°C (-40°F to 77°F)
Climate: Cold and dry winters, mild and wet summers.
Population: 231602
Language: Russian
Bratsk is a city located in the eastern part of Russia, In the Irkutsk Oblast region. It was founded in 1955 as a result of the construction of the Bratsk Hydroelectric Power Station on the Angara River. The city has a population of approximately 240, 000 people and is known for its beautiful natural surroundings. One of the main attractions in Bratsk is its hydroelectric power station. It is one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in Russia and generates over 22 billion kilowatt-hours annually.
The station has also become a popular tourist destination due to its impressive size and engineering feats. In addition to its hydroelectric power station, Bratsk also boasts several parks and nature reserves that are worth visiting. One such park is Pribaikalsky National Park, Which covers an area of over 1 million hectares and contains some of Russia’s most stunning natural landscapes. The city also has several cultural landmarks that reflect its rich history and traditions.
The Museum Complex Bratsk Fortress showcases the city’s military history dating back to World War II when it was used as a strategic point for defense against potential invaders. Another notable attraction is St. Nicholas Cathedral, Which was built in 2003 to commemorate Bratsk’s founding anniversary. This beautiful cathedral features stunning architecture with intricate details both inside and out. For those interested in outdoor activities, Bratsk offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, Hunting, Hiking or skiing/snowboarding during winter months on nearby mountains like Mount Kachugskiye or Mount Vodorazdelnyy.
Overall, Bratsk offers visitors an opportunity to experience Russian culture while enjoying breathtaking natural scenery along with modern amenities making it an ideal destination for tourists looking for adventure or relaxation alike!
- Bratsk Hydroelectric Power Station – one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in the world.
- Lenin Park – a popular recreational area with a Ferris wheel and other attractions.
- Museum of Local Lore – showcasing the history and culture of the region.
- Monument to Alexander Matrosov – dedicated to a Soviet soldier who died heroically during World War II.
- Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker – an Orthodox church built in 2006 with impressive architecture.
- Bratsk Reservoir – a large artificial lake created by the construction of Bratsk Dam on Angara River for hydroelectric power generation purposes.
- Memorial Complex Eternal Flame – tribute to soldiers who fought during World War II.
- The House-Museum of V.N.Sorokin- A museum dedicated to Vladimir Sorokin, one of Russia’s most important writers.
- Energy: Bratsk is home to the Bratsk Hydroelectric Power Station, which is one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in the world.
- Timber industry: The city has a large timber industry that produces sawn timber, plywood, and other wood products.
- Chemical industry: There are several chemical plants in Bratsk that produce fertilizers, chemicals for pulp and paper production, and other industrial chemicals.
- Mining: The region around Bratsk has significant deposits of iron ore, coal, gold, and other minerals.
- Manufacturing: There are several manufacturing industries in the city that produce machinery parts, textiles, clothing items etc.
- Agriculture: The surrounding area around the city is known for its agricultural production of grains like wheat and barley as well as potatoes.
- Transportation: As a major transport hub for Siberia there are many businesses involved with transportation including trucking companies and railway services providers.
- The construction of the Bratsk Hydroelectric Power Station began in 1954 and was completed in 1967, making it one of the largest hydroelectric power stations globally.
- Yuri Gagarin, the first human to journey into outer space, visited Bratsk in 1963.
- During the Soviet Union era, Bratsk played a crucial role as an industrial center and a major producer of aluminum and other metals.
- Mikhail Sholokhov lived and worked in Bratsk for many years, earning him a Nobel Prize-winning author title.
- The Siberian Traps volcanic activity occurred around 250 million years ago near modern-day Bratsk and is believed to have contributed to the Permian-Triassic extinction event.
- Alexander Solzhenitsyn spent time in exile in Bratsk during his career as a writer; he was also another Nobel Prize-winning author.
- Due to its strategic location far from enemy lines during World War II, many factories from western Russia were relocated to Bratsk.
- Nikolay Dobrolyubov was born near modern-day Bratsk in 1836; he became famous for his Russian literary critiques.
- Under Stalin’s regime during the early-to-mid-20th century, significant industrialization took place across Russia including at factories located around modern-day Bratsk that produced iron ore pellets for steel production amongst other things.
- Sergei Eisenstein filmed some scenes for his movie Ivan The Terrible near Lake Baikal which is located close to Bratsk; he is known as a famous Russian film director.
- The Bratsk Hydroelectric Power Station is an impressive feat of engineering and is considered one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the world.
- The Museum of Local Lore showcases the rich history and culture of Bratsk and its surrounding areas, with exhibits on archaeology, ethnography, and natural history.
- The Monument to Lenin is a prominent statue located in the center of Bratsk’s main square that serves as a symbol of Soviet-era ideology.
- The House-Museum of Vasily Surikov was once the birthplace and childhood home of renowned Russian painter Vasily Surikov but has now been converted into a museum showcasing his life and work.
- Art Center Kultproekt hosts contemporary art exhibitions, workshops, concerts, and other cultural events throughout the year.
- The Memorial Complex Eternal Flame pays homage to those who lost their lives defending their country during World War II (known as The Great Patriotic War in Russia). It includes an eternal flame monument surrounded by gardens and sculptures.
- Theater Bratsk Drama is one of Siberia’s oldest theaters that offers performances ranging from classic plays to modern productions.
- Cathedral Square is located in downtown Bratsk and features several churches dating back to the 18th century that are still used for religious services today.
- Park Pobedy (Victory Park) is a popular park among locals for its walking paths, playgrounds, sports facilities; it also features a monument dedicated to soldiers who fought during World War II.
- Lake Baikal may not be within Bratsk city limits but it’s close enough for a day trip destination; known as one of Russia’s most iconic natural wonders famous for its crystal-clear waters & stunning landscapes which can be enjoyed through boat tours or hiking trails.
- The HC Enisey-STM is a professional ice hockey team that plays in the VHL (Vysshaya Hokkeinaya Liga), which is the second-tier league in Russia.
- FC Zvezda-BGU Bratsk is a football club that competes in the Russian Amateur Football League.
- BC Burevestnik is a basketball club that plays in the Russian Basketball Super League 2.
- VC Baikal-Energiya is a volleyball team that participates in regional and national competitions.
- Bratsk Speedway Team is a motorcycle speedway team that competes against other teams from Siberia and Russia.
These teams have varying histories and levels of success, but they all contribute to the sports culture of Bratsk and provide opportunities for local athletes to compete at different levels.
- Bratsk City Day is celebrated on the first weekend of August with concerts, parades, and fireworks.
- The International Festival of Folk Arts Bratsk Fair is held annually in July to showcase traditional crafts, music, and dance from different regions of Russia.
- The Siberian Ice Marathon takes place every February on the frozen Angara River with participants from all over the world.
- Victory Day is celebrated on May 9th to honor veterans and commemorate the victory in World War II.
- Maslenitsa is a week-long festival before Lent that includes pancake feasts, folk games, and winter sports competitions.
- Christmas celebrations – Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7th with religious services and festive gatherings.
- The Days of Slavic Culture are held annually in June to celebrate Slavic traditions through music performances and exhibitions showcasing traditional clothing & food culture etc.
- The International Festival Baikal Waves is a festival dedicated to rock music which takes place every year at Irkutsk city (nearby city) which is around 2 hours drive from Bratsk.
Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions some events might be canceled or postponed so it’s better to check before planning your visit.
- Pelmeni – a Russian dumpling dish filled with meat or vegetables.
- Shashlik – a skewered meat dish usually made with lamb or pork.
- Blini – thin pancakes often served with sour cream and caviar.
- Kvass – a traditional Russian drink made from fermented bread.
Some popular restaurants in Bratsk include:
- Chaykhana Dostukh – serves Central Asian cuisine such as plov (rice pilaf) and shashlik
- Cafe Kupets – offers Russian dishes such as borscht (beet soup) and pelmeni
- Restaurant Vershina – specializes in European cuisine with dishes like steak and seafood
- Cafe Blinoff – serves traditional Russian blini with various fillings like salmon or mushrooms
