Yakutsk: The World’s Coldest City
Yakutsk, located on the Lena River in Siberia, Russia, is the coldest major city in the world. With temperatures routinely dropping to -50°C, Yakutsk is an extreme environment that requires special adaptions to survive. The city is home to a unique culture, an incredible history, and some of the coldest temperatures on the planet.
Overview of Yakutsk
Yakutsk is the capital of the Sakha Republic, a federal subject of Russia that is located in the Far East region of the country. It is the largest city in the Sakha Republic and has a population of just over 309,000 people. Yakutsk is considered to be the coldest major city in the world, with temperatures routinely dropping to -50°C and the average winter temperature being -40°C.
History of Yakutsk
Yakutsk has been inhabited for thousands of years. It was first settled by the Evenks, a nomadic hunter-gatherer people, and later by the Yakuts, a Turkic-speaking people. By the 16th century, Yakutsk was a thriving trade center for fur, fish, and other goods. In 1632, the Russian tsar sent a military expedition to Yakutsk, which led to the city becoming part of the Russian Empire.
Climate in Yakutsk
Yakutsk has a severe subarctic climate, with temperatures routinely dropping to -50°C. The coldest month in Yakutsk is January, with temperatures averaging -40°C. In the summer months, temperatures are slightly warmer, averaging 20°C in July. Despite the extreme climate, Yakutsk is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including reindeer, foxes, and elk.
Culture in Yakutsk
The Yakuts are the dominant ethnic group in Yakutsk and make up the majority of the population. The Yakuts are known for their traditional nomadic lifestyle, which is still practiced in some parts of the Sakha Republic. Yakutsk is also home to a variety of other ethnic groups, including Russians, Ukrainians, and Evenks.
Things to Do in Yakutsk
Despite its extreme climate, Yakutsk is home to a variety of activities and attractions. The city is home to a number of museums, including the Sakha National Museum and the Yakutsk State Historical Museum. There are also a number of outdoor activities, such as reindeer sledding, skiing, and snowmobiling. Visitors can also take a tour of the Lena Pillars, a geological formation made up of tall sandstone towers that are located just outside of the city.
Getting to Yakutsk
Yakutsk is accessible by air and train. The city is served by Yakutsk Airport, which has direct flights to a number of Russian cities, as well as international destinations such as Beijing and Seoul. There are also regular train services from Moscow, which take around two days to reach Yakutsk.
Conclusion
Yakutsk is a unique city located in the far east of Russia. The city is known for its extreme climate, with temperatures routinely dropping to -50°C. Despite the cold weather, Yakutsk is home to a vibrant culture and a variety of attractions and activities. Whether you’re looking for adventure or culture, Yakutsk has something for everyone.