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Voronezh Oblast, Russia

The capital city of Voronezh oblast: Voronezh .

Voronezh Oblast - Overview

Voronezh Oblast is a federal subject of Russia, part of the Central Federal District. Voronezh is the capital city of the region.

The population of Voronezh Oblast is about 2,288,000 (2022), the area - 52,216 sq. km.

Voronezh oblast flag

Voronezh oblast coat of arms.

Voronezh oblast map, Russia

Voronezh oblast latest news and posts from our blog:.

9 September, 2015 / Kalacheevskaya Cave - the longest cave in Voronezh region .

10 May, 2010 / Voronezh oblast palace of the princess photos .

History of Voronezh Oblast

The first people began to settle in the territory of the present Voronezh region in the Paleolithic age, about 30 thousand years ago. In the Iron Age, this region became part of Scythia. Then the Sarmatians came to replace the Scythians. It is assumed that they gave the name to the Don River.

In the early Middle Ages, the Alans, the descendants of the Sarmatians, moved on to a settled way of life, mastered the skills of urban culture and entered into a complex symbiosis with nomads (the Bulgars and the Khazars). In the 7th century, the steppe part of the region became the territory of the Khazar Kaganate.

In the 9th-10th centuries, the Slavs began to settle in the north of the region. Central and southern areas were controlled by nomadic tribes. In the first half of the 13th century, during the Mongol invasion, the ancient Russian settlements were destroyed, and Voronezh land for several centuries turned into a so-called “wild field” crossed by the main Tatar roads - Nogai and Kalmius roads.

In the 15th century, several districts up to the Khopyor River, the Vorona River and the mouth of the Voronezh River were part of the Ryazan principality, but the Russian settlements here were few in number. Between the Russian territory and the Tatar nomads lay a vast, devastated by nomadic raids, neutral buffer land.

More historical facts…

In 1521, the Ryazan principality became part of the Moscow state, which opened the way for the beginning of the Russian colonization of these territories. The Cossacks began to form from the Christian population of the region that assimilated certain elements of the culture of nomads.

In 1585, in place of the Cossack village, Voronezh was founded as a fortress of the Moscow state on the border of the Wild Field. For more than 50 years Voronezh was the only town on the territory of the present Voronezh region. Up to the 17th century, the Tatar raids on the Voronezh land continued.

In 1696, by decision and with the personal participation of Peter I, a shipyard was built on Voronezh land for the construction of the first Russian fleet - the foothold for the development of the Black Sea region. From here the Azov campaigns of Peter I began. The centers of Russian colonization in the east of the region were the towns of Borisoglebsk (1698) and Novokhopersk (1716).

In 1711, (after the loss of Azov), Voronezh became a provincial town, the administrative center of the Azov gubernia (province). In the 18th century, the development of the entire territory of the region began. In 1725, the province received the name of Voronezh.

Voronezh Governorate became one of the main bread baskets of the Russian Empire. In the 1860-1870s, railways passed through the territory of the region and connected Central Russia with South Ukraine, the North Caucasus and the Trans-Volga. The region’s economy remained largely agrarian.

In 1934, Voronezh Oblast was established. In 1937, Tambov Oblast was singled out of the Voronezh region. During the Second World War, it became the scene of fierce battles. The city of Voronezh was almost completely destroyed. In 1954, large western and northern territories were transferred to Belgorod and Lipetsk oblasts. In 1957, the boundaries of Voronezh Oblast took the current form.

In the mid-1960s, the Novovoronezh nuclear power plant was built, the Stavropol-Moscow gas pipeline passed through the territory of the region. Voronezh became a major center of the country’s military-industrial complex. In 1972, the Voronezh reservoir was created.

Nature of Voronezh Oblast

Birches in the middle of the field in the Voronezh region

Author: Stepygin Evgeny

Golden autumn in Voronezh Oblast

Author: Constantin Silkin

Cows in the Voronezh region

Author: Galina Linn

Voronezh Oblast - Features

Voronezh Oblast is located in the south-west of the European part of Russia. The length of the region from north to south is 277.5 km, from west to east - 352 km. In the south it borders on the Lugansk region of Ukraine.

The climate is moderately continental. The average temperature in January is minus 10 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 20 degrees Celsius.

The largest cities and towns of Voronezh Oblast are Voronezh (1,048,700), Rossosh (61,800), Borisoglebsk (57,200), Liski (52,000).

The most important resource of Voronezh Oblast is its fertile black soil rich in humus (chernozem), which occupy most of the territory. The largest rivers are the Don, Voronezh, Khopyor, Bityug.

Voronezh Oblast has rich deposits of non-metallic raw materials, mainly building materials (sands, clays, chalk, granites, cement raw materials, ocher, limestone, sandstone). Also there are deposits of phosphorites, nickel, copper, and platinum.

The local economy is an industrial-agrarian one. The main industries are mechanical engineering, electric power industry, chemical industry, and processing of agricultural products. This region is a major supplier of agricultural products: wheat, sugar beet, sunflower, potatoes, and vegetables. There is a nuclear power plant on the territory of Voronezh oblast - Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant.

Two federal highways pass through the territory of the Voronezh region: E 115 - M4 “Moscow-Novorossiysk” and E 119 - M6 “Moscow-Astrakhan”.

Attractions of Voronezh Oblast

Voronezh Oblast has a significant recreational and tourist potential. There are 7 historical towns in the region (Bobrov, Boguchar, Borisoglebsk, Voronezh, Novokhopersk, Ostrogozhsk, Pavlovsk), about 2,700 historical and cultural monuments, 20 museums and 3 reserves.

Pine forests and oak groves in the valley of the Voronezh River are known for their favorable effect on human health. There are a lot of summer and winter tourist bases and sanatoriums.

The main sights of the Voronezh region:

• Natural Architectural-Archaeological Museum-Reserve Divnogorye in Liskinsky district - one of the most popular and recognizable sights of the Voronezh region. One of the main attractions is a church built by monks inside a chalk cliff;
• Archeological Museum-Reserve “Kostyonki” in the village of Kostyonki in the Khokholsky district;
• Museum-Estate of D. V. Venevitinov in the village of Novozhivotinoye in Ramonsky district - a complex of residential and park buildings that belonged to the old Russian noble family in the second half of the 17th - early 20th centuries;
• Castle of the Princess of Oldenburg in Ramon - a picturesque manor house built in the style of brick neo-Gothic in the late 19th century;
• Voronezh Biosphere Reserve with the world’s only experimental beaver cattery;
• “Village of the 17th-19th centuries” - a museum in the open air in the town of Ertil;
• Khrenovskaya and Chesma stud farms;
• Museums and memorial places in Voronezh.

Voronezh oblast of Russia photos

Churches in the voronezh region.

Country life in Voronezh Oblast

Church in the Voronezh region

Author: Lantsov Dmitriy

Orthodox cathedral in Voronezh Oblast

Author: Feliks Radev

Voronezh Oblast scenery

Lonely locomotive in the Voronezh region

Author: Gribanov D.

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Best Things To Do in Voronezh Oblast, Russia

Voronezh Oblast is a small place in Russia and can be easily explored within a day. There aren’t many things to do and attractions to visit in this town. Also, being a small town, there are fewer accommodation options. People usually consider making a quick stop here before heading to the neighboring cities. You can halt here for a quick snack and take a little break from your journey.

You can check out the list of the cities near Voronezh Oblast and find out the top things to do in these towns. So, the next time you are in Voronezh Oblast, you can decide which neighboring city to visit for a memorable trip.

• Things to do in Belogorye
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• Fall Travel Ideas

22 Picturesque Mountain Towns To Visit This Fall With Fewer Crowds And Fabulous Foliage

Brown W. Cannon III

While there are many things to miss about summer once it has left us, we can't help but get excited about the start of a new season full of stunning scenery , cozy fires, and warm seasonal dishes. Ah, fall—we love you so. Whether you're looking for outdoor excursions, great scenery, or quaint villages, these charming Southern mountain towns should be next on your list of places to visit this fall.

Alpine, Texas

We consider Alpine a West Texas showstopping stunner. Big Bend National Park is a must-see when visiting this part of Texas, and you'll have a front-row seat to stunning mountain vistas and views. Explore the bustling little town in between ventures into the rugged terrain.

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is a mountain town with undeniable character and quirk. There are endless activities, hiking trails, and great food and drinks to experience during a trip to this artsy town. Make sure to visit the Biltmore while you're there, too.

Banner Elk, North Carolina

This North Carolina town has long been a favorite of Southern travelers due to its restaurants, wineries, and breweries that welcome visitors with plenty of Southern hospitality and menus filled with delicious dishes to try. It has all the small-town charm you want near the season's changing leaves.

Blowing Rock, North Carolina

If you choose to visit Blowing Rock, you can look forward to beautiful, far-reaching views along the Blue Ridge Parkway and a charming mountain village. Popular attractions such as Tweetsie Railroad and The Blowing Rock await, along with the outdoor adventures of hiking, biking, and bouldering.

Blue Ridge, Georgia

Blue Ridge is one of the special places where you can do just about anything and you'll always have a great view. Hike to local waterfalls, go horseback riding in the Chattahoochee National Forest, go on a whitewater rafting excursion, ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, or enjoy water activities on Lake Blue Ridge. As we said, anything is possible here.

Boone, North Carolina

Enjoy a luxury stay in small-town Boone, North Carolina. Start by booking a room in The Horton Hotel's beautiful property, which has a rooftop lounge for taking in the charming downtown and picturesque Blue Ridge views. You can also stay in the area's cozy mountain cabins to enjoy fresh mountain air out among the stars.

Bristol, Virginia

With all due respect to Nashville lovers, Bristol—located in the Blue Ridge Highlands region of Virginia—was the location of the first country music recordings made for national distribution. You'll find "The Birthplace of Country Music" on The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail. Fun fact: It lies directly on the Virginia/Tennessee state line, so you can stand in two Southern states at once in the bustling downtown area.

Cashiers, North Carolina

Located on a plateau in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Cashiers is a traditional mountain town full of quiet lakes, scenic peaks, and calming waterfalls. This town is an amazing destination if you're looking for a relaxing nature escape.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga is no stranger to lists of top destinations in the country. As far mountain getaways go, it offers the best of both worlds: urban dining, entertainment, and nightlife, as well as beautiful scenery and plenty of outdoor adventure. One of the best places in town: the riverfront near the Tennessee Aquarium.

Dahlonega, Georgia

Dahlonega, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, gives you a rustic mountain getaway only an hour or so north of Atlanta. Hike breathtaking mountain vistas, climb stairs alongside the steep Amicalola Falls, visit local wineries, and shop around in the thriving historic downtown.

Ellijay, Georgia

Flannel-clad visitors love Georgia's apple capital in the fall. They travel to this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains to pick apples, enjoy cups of cider, and take in the beautiful views. Check out B.J. Reece Orchards and nearby Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge for a seasonal apple crop to savor.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

There's no shortage of things to do in Eureka Springs . It's a town that prides itself on being a gateway to many outdoor activities. In addition, you'll also find it to be an oasis of great culinary delights, a thriving village for shopping, and a destination for entertainment and relaxation.

Helen, Georgia

Get a Bavarian Village experience in this charming small town that encompasses only 2.1 square miles. Little hotels and inns, cobblestone walkways, and outdoor activities will make your visit the most memorable. You will love the quaint architecture of the German-inspired village, and if you play your cards right, you can catch plenty of fall fun when the town hosts its annual Oktoberfest celebration beginning in September.

Highlands, North Carolina

Highlands can only be described as a refined mountain town. Apart from its breathtaking scenic views during the fall, it's a quiet, secluded retreat with amenities like fine art galleries, elegant dining, and a charming Main Street.

Lewisburg, West Virginia

Nestled among the Allegheny Mountains, Lewisburg offers travelers more than just outdoor fun. The 241-year-old town offers original architecture and a thriving Historic District where you can enjoy a Lewisberg's history and tradition. You don't want to miss the surrounding mountains drenched with rich hues during autumn.

Mentone, Alabama

Check into rustic, charming lodging, such as the Mountain View Inn, perched on Lookout Mountain's edge, for stunning views when visiting Mentone. Visit DeSoto Falls, a 100-foot waterfall on the outskirts of town, via an easy, paved path for those not looking for an arduous hike.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Not only are you on the cusp of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but you have access to Dollywood, an outdoor gravity park, and plenty of shows when you visit Pigeon Forge. This mountain town is great for families because it's full of things to do, many of which are kid-friendly.

Roanoke, Virginia

For unforgettable country sights, travel to Roanoke, Virginia. This Blue Ridge destination has markets, boutiques, restaurants, and hiking along the Appalachian Trail. Nearby Smith Mountain Lake also offers boating or kayaking on the Upper James River Water Trail. Visit once, and you'll leave plotting your return trip.

Staunton, Virginia

 Warren Faught

You're at a great vantage point in Staunton because you can explore both the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Spend time in the fun downtown and along historic Main Street. The town is also home to the iconic Hotel 24 South , which has been in operation for 100 years, and 13 breweries in the area.

Vanderpool, Texas

Located in the Texas Hill Country, the town of Vanderpool lets you escape city life and immerse yourself in nature. (OK, so maybe there aren't actual mountains here, but Vanderpool has such gorgeous fall vistas that we couldn't keep it off the list.) Gaze at some beautiful scenery at Lost Maples State Natural Area , and visit the historic Lone Star Motorcycle Museum , with its 50 classic motorcycles, to get an authentic taste of Texas.

Bryson City, North Carolina

An hour west of Asheville sits a tranquil mountain town that borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park . Visitors can enjoy various water activities, from fishing to kayaking on the Nantahala River. The scenic trails offer even more family-friendly activities. The railroad excursions, trout fishing, and horseback riding will keep you occupied for days.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

There is something special about the historic community of Harpers Ferry. This gem tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains immerses visitors in the area's history while uncovering the beauty found in the natural surroundings. The Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers converge around this town, which is also a landmark for the first successful American railroad.

Related Articles

6 Great Places to Visit Before or After Your European River Cruise

Many river cruises are seven nights in length — a somewhat short stay in Europe after a long transatlantic flight. While cruise lines often offer pre- or post-cruise tours for an added fee, you can also easily visit nearby cities or regions on your own to extend your vacation. It’s a great way to combine tour-centric river cruising with independent exploration. Here are six great places to visit before or after your European river cruise.

1. From Basel, Switzerland: Head to Zurich and Lucerne or the Jungfrau 

If you’re taking a Rhine River cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland (or vice versa), you can add to your Swiss experience by exploring nearby regions. If you love big cities, Zurich is a short train ride away, and from there you can continue on to Lucerne. Prefer smaller towns, outdoor adventure, and epic scenery? The Jungfrau will astound you.

How to get there: Switzerland is only about the size of Maryland, Swiss trains are efficient, and the journey between Basel and Zurich takes an hour — making the city ideal for a pre- or post-cruise stay. From Zurich, it’s just 45 minutes by train to Lucerne. The Jungfrau region — known as the “Top of Europe” — offers views of 401 mountain peaks, a valley with 72 waterfalls, and a sky-high railway. To get there, you’ll take the train from Basel to Interlaken (two hours), then board a Bernese Oberland Railways train to Grindelwald, a scenic trip of about 45 minutes. If you have enough time, you can combine a visit to Zurich and Lucerne with the Jungfrau.  

What to see and do: Zurich may be Switzerland’s largest city, but it is easy to explore on foot. The top historic sights are centered in Altstadt (Old Town) and include Fraumünster church, with its modernist stained-glass windows by artist Marc Chagall. Wander the area’s picturesque cobblestone streets, ducking into “bierkellers” (beer cellars) and perusing local art galleries. You can also learn about the early 20th-century Dada movement at Kunsthaus Zurich, which has the world’s largest collection of Dada artwork, and people-watch along the shore of Lake Zurich. 

Lucerne will charm you with its photogenic lakeside setting, vibrantly painted buildings in Altstadt, and restored 14th-century Kapellbrücke covered footbridge (the original was destroyed by fire in 1993 and meticulously rebuilt). The city is surrounded by the Alps. Ride the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to the top of the 6,983-foot Mt. Pilatus. You’ll be rewarded with scenic views and a soothing soundtrack of cowbells echoing across the mountain slopes, before enjoying an aerial cable car ride back down. 

More majestic scenery awaits in the Jungfrau region, where Grindelwald is the jumping-off point for outdoor adventures such as hiking and biking. You can also ride a high-speed gondola and then a train to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, which at 11,362 feet guarantees you’ll be surrounded year-round by snow and ice.

2. From Amsterdam: Explore Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp in Belgium

Rhine River cruises also begin or end in Amsterdam, where you can spend a few days enjoying the city’s world-famous canals and museums. But if you’re looking to branch out, head to neighboring Belgium and visit three cities while you savor Belgian beer, chocolate, waffles, and frites.

How to get there: It’s about a two-hour train ride between Amsterdam and Antwerp, 1.5 hours between Antwerp and Bruges, and 45 minutes between Antwerp and Brussels. If you’re planning a pre-cruise Belgium visit, fly to Brussels, then head to Antwerp and Bruges before making your way to Amsterdam to board your ship; for post-cruise exploration, head first to Antwerp, then Bruges, and end in Brussels for your international flight home. (Bonus: If you have the time, you can also add on Paris, since some train rides between Brussels and Paris are under 90 minutes.)

What to see and do: In Antwerp, a city known for its Flemish-Renaissance architecture and beer culture, top sights include the Gothic-style Cathedral of Our Lady, photogenic Grote Markt (Grand Market Square) with its guild houses and splashing fountain, and the waterfront modernist Museum aan de Stroom (MAS). Also look around at the early 20th-century Antwerp Central Station as you exit — it’s a landmark.

Spending a day — or better still, an overnight — in Bruges is a must. Most of the UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed historic center dates to the 14th through 16th centuries and is easily explored on foot or via a scenic canal cruise. Don’t miss Grote Markt, the buzzy central square, and the 13th-century Church of Our Lady, home to the famous “Madonna and Child” statue by Michelangelo. Most of all, Bruges is about enjoying the well-preserved architecture while sampling local specialties: beer, of course, but also waffles dripping with sweet toppings, indulgent chocolates, and heaping servings of moules et frites (steamed mussels and fries).

Brussels has two personalities: Its bustling modern sector is home to NATO Headquarters and the futuristic Atomium sculpture (created for the 1958 World’s Fair), while its historic center offers exceptional charm. The main historic square, Grand-Place, is especially photogenic and is home to the Gothic Hotel de Ville (Town Hall), but don’t miss the nearby Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert (an elaborate 19th-century shopping arcade) and the famous Manneken Pis (the tiny bronze cherub doing his business in the fountain). You’ll find a place to sip Belgian beer around every corner — so order a flight and taste several varieties.

3. From Bordeaux: Visit Cognac and La Rochelle, France

After a week of cruising the Garonne and Dordogne rivers in the heart of the Bordeaux wine region — where vineyard tastings are on the itinerary and local vintages are uncorked onboard — why not extend your indulgence? Head to Cognac to learn about how some of those same grapes are distilled and aged to become the prized, eponymous spirit by legendary Cognac houses in and around the city. You can also hop over to the coastal city of La Rochelle, known for its old harbor and medieval and Renaissance architecture.

How to get there: From Bordeaux, take a train to Cognac (a connection is required and the trip takes 90 minutes to 2.5 hours). Once in Cognac, you can book day tours that visit your favorite Cognac house or tour several to find a favorite. It also takes about the same time to travel from Cognac to La Rochelle by train, so you should plan to stay overnight there.

What to see and do: Cognac, a small town of about 20,000 inhabitants, is pretty much all about, you guessed it, Cognac. This dark amber spirit is produced by legendary houses set in historic castles and manors scattered amid rolling vineyards. In Cognac proper, choose from the House of Hennessy on the banks of the River Charente or the House of Baron Otard in the historic Chateau de Cognac castle. The House of Remy Martin is located just south of Cognac and the House of Courvoisier is in neighboring Jarnac. 

Next, step back in time in the historic maritime city of La Rochelle, which grew from a small fishing village to one of France’s most important seaports from the 14th to 17th centuries. Historic architecture — half-timbered houses, white-limestone buildings, shady arcades, and an assortment of lighthouses — is the main draw, along with fresh seafood. You can also explore nearby Île de Ré, which is home to quaint villages, beautiful beaches, and more than 60 miles of bike paths. Don’t miss the local food markets, especially the one in the island’s capital, Saint-Martin-de-Ré, with its picturesque harbor and 17th-century fortifications.

4. From Lyon, France: Discover Switzerland’s Lake Geneva region

The Rhône River, which cuts through the historic city of Lyon in Southern France, originates in the Swiss Alps, which are just over the border. That means that once you’ve enjoyed a Rhône River cruise to Arles, Avignon, Vienne, Viviers, and other towns in France’s Auvergne-Rhône -Alpes and Occitanie regions — or before you even start your cruise — you can easily enjoy the scenic vistas of Switzerland’s Lake Geneva region. 

How to get there: From Lyon, take the train directly to Geneva (it’s a scenic two-hour ride) and plan your return flight to the U.S. from there rather than from Lyon. If you’ll be doing the Swiss portion before your Rhône River cruise, fly into Geneva and afterward you can take a train to Lyon. Either way, this sophisticated city will serve as the starting point for exploring several lakeside towns known for stunning views, flavorful wines, and cinematic and Olympic history.

What to see and do: Geneva is Switzerland’s second-largest city and its French-speaking populace makes the transition from France easy (although the currency is the Swiss franc, not the euro). Sights here include the Jet d’Eau water fountain, which shoots 460 feet into the air in the middle of Lake Leman (the official name of Lake Geneva). It is best viewed during a stroll in the Jardin Anglais (English Garden), home to the L’horloge Fleurie (Flower Clock) which represents the city’s watchmaking history. On a clear day, you can also see 15,777-foot Mont Blanc (France’s tallest peak). Don’t miss Old Town, where you’ll find St. Peter’s Cathedral and Place du Bourg-de-Four, the city’s oldest square. One night in Geneva is plenty to enjoy the sights.

Next, take a train (45 minutes) from Geneva’s Cornavin station to Lausanne, a hilly city that’s home to the International Olympics Committee and the engaging Olympics Museum as well as Lausanne Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Switzerland. Spend a night or two and then take a 20-minute train ride to Vevey, which has a lovely waterfront promenade and offers access to the beautiful hillside vineyards of Lavaux, where the Chasselas and Gamay varietals are definitely worth sipping. Vevey is also home to Chaplin’s World, a delightful museum located on the estate where film legend Charlie Chaplin lived the final 25 years of his life. Spend two nights here and you can also hop a train for an 8-minute ride to Montreux, famous for its annual jazz festival and landmark Château de Chillon. It’s just 90 minutes by rail back to Geneva for your connection to Lyon or to Geneva airport.

5. From Vienna: Experience Prague, Czech Republic

While many Upper Danube river cruises begin or end in Budapest, a few itineraries start or finish in Vienna. Spending a few days in the Austrian capital is worthwhile and it’s easy to then hop on a train and add on a few more nights in Prague, a fairytale city with a hilltop castle and a one-of-a-kind medieval bridge.

How to get there: The train from Vienna takes about four hours. You should plan to spend at least three nights in Prague.

What to see and do: Prague is a city that’s ideal if you love to wander — strolling back and forth across the 15th-century Charles Bridge with its centuries-old statues of Catholic saints is never boring. The views at dusk are especially magical as the “City of a Hundred Spires” shows off its distinctive skyline. You’ll be crossing the Vltava River between Staré Město (Old Town) and Malá Strana (Lesser Town) — and each side offers plenty to see. 

Staré Město is home to Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí), a medieval landmark lined with significant Gothic and Baroque buildings as well as lively bars and cafes. You’ll be captivated by the 250-foot, multi-spired towers of the Gothic-style Church of Our Lady Before Tyn and delight in the movements of the twelve apostles on the 15th-century Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall Tower. This area is also home to Prague’s historic Jewish Quarter, the National Gallery, the 15th-century Powder Gate Tower, and plenty of beer halls (Czechs consume the most beer per capita worldwide).

Across the Charles Bridge in Malá Strana, the star attraction looms high above the river: Prague Castle. This hilltop fortress is a mini city housing two palaces, two churches (most significantly the Gothic-style St. Vitus Cathedral, where Czech kings and queens were coronated), and tidy, whimsical homes along 15th-century Golden Lane (Czech writer Franz Kafka once lived here). Malá Strana is also home to the Franz Kafka Museum, the gardens of Petřín Hill, and beautiful building facades and doorways painted in bright hues and adorned with sculptures. Depending on your interests — museums, churches, local cuisine — Prague will fill your stay with vivid experiences. 

6. From Bucharest, Romania: Tour Transylvania

If you begin or end your Lower Danube cruise in Bucharest, Romania (the other embarkation or disembarkation city is Budapest, Hungary), it’s worth staying another day or two to explore this historically complex city. If you can go farther afield, head to Transylvania. Though fictional association evokes Dracula nightmares, it is actually quite bucolic and full of scenic and architectural charm.

How to get there: Transylvania is expansive and public transport can be tricky among the main points of interest, so your best bet is to search online and book a guided tour. Options generally range from one to three days and cover the top sights.

What to see and do: There are four main places to visit in Transylvania, each in a spectacular setting. Among the most famous is Bran Castle, a photogenic landmark originally constructed in 1377. Widely known as “Dracula’s Castle,” it resembles the description of the vampire’s residence that English writer Bram Stoker described in his 1897 novel “Dracula” — even though Stoker never visited Transylvania.  Historical figure Vlad Tepes is associated with the castle; as the one-time ruler of Wallachia, he had the nickname Vlad the Impaler. Another more elaborate castle to visit is Peleș Castle, which was built in the late 19th century by the first king of Romania, Carol I, in a stunning display of architectural styles: mainly German neo-Renaissance with touches of neo-Ottoman and neo-Rococo.  

Most tours of Transylvania visit three cities: Brașov, set against a backdrop of the Carpathian Mountains and home to elaborate 15th and 16th-century buildings and Romania’s largest Gothic church; Sibiu, celebrated for its Germanic architecture and picturesque main square; and Sighișoara, a 16th-century walled town with turrets, winding cobblestone streets, a medieval clock tower, and the reported home of Vlad Dracul, father of Vlad the Impaler.    

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Voronezh Oblast

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Voronezh Oblast on your mind?

Top places to eat

1 gastronomicheskiy restoran moskva.

2 Kulinarnaya Lavka Varvary

5 staryy gorod, explore nearby places.

• Novaya Usman
• Khvoshchevatka
• Novozhivotinnoye
• Petrovskoye
• Novovoronezh
• Novouglyanka
• Vorob'yevka
• Verkhneye Kazachye
• Nizhneye Kazachye
• Ostrogozhsk

All related maps of Voronezh Oblast

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Voronezh Oblast throughout the year

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A tax on tourism? To visit these destinations, it’ll cost you extra.

New zealand announced it is nearly tripling its tourist tax, joining places from venice to bali, indonesia, that are trying to offset overtourism..

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Tourist taxes are increasingly being deployed by authorities around the world as a way to tackle “overtourism.”

New Zealand this week announced it is nearly trebling its visitor fee, introduced in 2019 to help protect the country’s natural beauty. Iceland reinstated its tourist tax this year after a brief pandemic suspension — raising the levy and expanding it to cruise ship operators — to fund conservation efforts.

In the spring, Venice began charging admission fees for day-trippers , while Amsterdam has increased taxes on overnight stays. Both cities are concerned that tourists are crowding out residents and putting a strain on creaky infrastructure.

Tourist taxes aren’t an entirely new idea. France first introduced a tourist tax on resorts in 1910. In the United States, most places have a hotel tax, as do many cities in Europe . More than 60 destinations worldwide have some kind of tax on visitors, tourism researchers say .

Bhutan, a small, Himalayan nation wedged between China and India, charges one of the highest fees globally — about $100 a day — to help preserve its pristine peaks from the hordes that visit nearby Nepal .

These are some of the destinations that are imposing new tourist taxes or planning to in 2024.

Iceland’s natural beauty — bubbling hot springs, pristine ice caps and glaciers, and lava-spewing volcanoes — have made it a tourist hot spot. Millions visit the island nation annually, outnumbering the local population of about 400,000. This year, Iceland reinstated a tourist tax suspended during the coronavirus pandemic. The rate for hotel stays doubled to 600 Icelandic krona ($4.32) per night. For cruise ships stopping at Icelandic ports, for the first time, a charge of 1,000 krona applied.

Bali, Indonesia

A sharp decline in visitors during the pandemic led residents on the Indonesian resort island of Bali to reconsider their relationship with foreign tourists and their environmental impact. In February, authorities imposed a tourist tax of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah ($9.70) to be used to preserve cultural sites and beaches, and to fund a crackdown on bad behavior by tourists.

Venice has a love-hate relationship with tourists , who contribute about $3 billion annually to the economy but crowd its narrow laneways and famed piazzas and leave behind a trail of trash. In April, it started charging day-trippers a fee of 5 euros a day (about $5.53). Overnight visitors already pay a tourist tax between 1 and 5 euros. Italian officials are considering raising the nationwide tax to as much as 25 euros , a prospect that has alarmed tourism advocates.

New Zealand

Seeking to protect the country’s natural beauty from an influx of tourists descending each year on small towns, once-lonely beaches and snow-capped peaks, New Zealand imposed a tourist tax in 2019. The government recently announced that the levy would nearly triple to 100 New Zealand dollars ($61.82) from Oct. 1. (Australians and many Pacific Island residents are exempt.)

Amsterdam has been trying to counter overtourism in a number of ways, including banning the construction of new hotels , capping the number of overnight stays and launching a “ Stay Away ” campaign to deter “nuisance tourists,” attracted by the city’s relaxed drug policies and liberated party scene. In 2024, it raised the tourist tax on hotel rooms to 12.5 percent , up from 7 percent. Day-trippers on sea and river cruises pay 14 euros ($15.52).

Thousands of locals took to the streets in this Spanish city over the summer to protest overtourism . Some were armed with brightly colored water pistols that they sprayed at bewildered diners on the city’s patioed streets. In October, the city will raise the tax on tourist lodging to 4 euros ($4.43) per night. Visitors also pay a regional tourist tax, which varies depending on the star rating of the accommodation.

Britain last year introduced an electronic travel authorization (similar to the United States’ ESTA) for visitors from some countries. By the end of 2024, people who do not require a visa — including U.S. and E.U. citizens — will need to apply for an electronic travel authorization before they can visit. Although touted as a measure to improve border security, rather than a tourist tax, it will apply to tourists and cost 10 pounds ($13.12). (The European Union next year will implement a travel authorization for short stays by visitors from 60 countries.) The English county of Kent and officials in Scotland and Wales are contemplating taxes on overnight stays.

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Wonders of the Thar Desert: 5 must-visit attractions around the Great Indian Desert

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Created : Sep 2, 2024, 18:00 IST

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The Thar Desert, also called the Great Indian Desert, offers some of Rajasthan’s top tourist attractions. Highlights include the sheer beauty of Jaisalmer Fort, the rolling Sam Sand Dunes, the historic Bada Bagh cenotaphs, the mys … Read more

The Thar Desert, also called the Great Indian Desert, offers some of Rajasthan’s top tourist attractions. Highlights include the sheer beauty of Jaisalmer Fort, the rolling Sam Sand Dunes, the historic Bada Bagh cenotaphs, the mysterious abandoned Kuldhara Village, and the biodiversity of Desert National Park. Read less

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The Thar Desert, also called the Great Indian Desert, offers some of Rajasthan’s top tourist attractions. Highlights include the sheer beauty of Jaisalmer Fort, the rolling Sam Sand Dunes, the histori...