Russia is the largest country in the world by territory, which owns incredible unknown places for the world.

As a tourist destination, however, it is best known for the showcase cities of St. Petersburg and Moscow.

Other picturesque lands will never enter the world destinations for travel.

Photos of these places are hard to find even on the internet, and for unauthorized visits there is a large fine and confiscation of the photographic equipment, if not even bigger penalties.

There are many cities in Russia that are almost impossible to reach by an ordinary tourist.

They can be fenced with barbed wire and fences, at each entrance there are military checkpoints that check the presence of passports and passes.

Officially in Russia there are 38 closed cities. There are certainly others that are not marked on the map.

But we will soon not know anything about them.

For the 7 largest closed Russian cities, writes the channel „World of Science: Interesting Around“.

Zheleznogorsk and weapon-grade plutonium

The city of Zheleznogorsk is located in the Krasnoyarsk region. It was founded in 1950 and almost immediately closed for free visits. The locals call it Krasnoyarsk-26.

Here is the unique Mining and Chemical Combine, which for a long time was engaged in the production of weapon-grade plutonium. There is also a plant that produces satellites.

Most of Zheleznogorsk is built in the same style as the historical part of St. Petersburg: columns, a large number of sculptures, embellishing parks and roofs.

Zelenogorsk and production of uranium

This is another city that is locked for outsiders due to the fact that here are produced radioactive elements – this time it is low-enriched uranium. Zelenogorsk is also located in the Krasnoyarsk Territory: in 2020, 60 thousand people lived here.

The peculiarity of this settlement is that it is not an embodiment of Soviet architecture, unlike its „brothers by fate“ there are wide boulevards, built by thick high-rise buildings, a lot of greenery and flowers. Perhaps only the monument to Vladimir Ilyich Lenin reminds of the past.

Znamensk is a large Russian polygon

This test site was created in the Astrakhan region specifically for testing prototypes of ballistic missiles, whose production in the mid-40s began to actively develop in the USSR.

Today it is not so difficult to reach its territory: local authorities approve most of the applications for visiting Znamensk and its surroundings as part of tourist groups. Although free access to individuals is still prohibited.

Lesnoy is a center for disarmament and production of nuclear weapons

The town of Lesnoy is located in the Sverdlovsk region. On its territory there is a secret plant, between whose walls nuclear warheads are assembled, disassembled and neutralized, as well as radioactive elements are produced.

The construction of Lesnoy was carried out by prisoners from camps of the GULAG system located in the area. The architecture is Soviet classics: solid buildings type „Stalinka“, squares and parks typical for that time.

Ozersk and dangerous radioactive isotopes

Ozersk (Chelyabinsk region) is an important object from a historical point of view: it is considered a predecessor of the nuclear industry in the USSR. And today it is very difficult to enter its territory: even relatives of employees can be denied a pass.

Severomorsk is Russia’s largest naval base

Severomorsk is located in the Murmansk region, on the shore of Kola Bay. The city was closed relatively recently – in 1996. Although the naval base appeared here back in the 30s of last century.

Severomorsk is a large settlement with a population of about 55 thousand people. On its territory you can find many memorable places, monuments and objects related to the history of the naval fleet of the USSR and Russia.

Nuclear center Snezhinsk

This populated place located in Chelyabinsk region is closed for free visits due to the fact that on its territory there is a Russian Federal Nuclear Center. Here a whole galaxy of scientists deals with the development of nuclear weapons.

Snezhinsk is a cozy city from which breathes the spirit of Soviet Union.

Here you can find unusual structures, ventilation pipes sticking out from the ground. It is said that there is a secret system of roads and communications underground.

Материалът The 38 closed cities in Russia, where a tourist will never be allowed е публикуван за пръв път на Vihrogon.bg.