Nizhny Novgorod, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and proximity to the Volga and Oka rivers, offers some of the most scenic drives in Russia. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history lover, or someone looking to relax while enjoying picturesque views, Nizhny Novgorod provides a variety of routes that offer breathtaking vistas and unforgettable experiences. In this guide, we’ll highlight the best scenic drives around Nizhny Novgorod, each offering something unique in terms of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and opportunities for exploration.
Why Explore Scenic Drives Around Nizhny Novgorod?
The region surrounding Nizhny Novgorod is a blend of lush forests, winding rivers, rolling hills, and charming villages, making it an ideal destination for road trips. Scenic drives offer the chance to explore the countryside, discover hidden gems, and enjoy Russia’s natural beauty from the comfort of your car. The following routes take you through diverse landscapes, picturesque viewpoints, and historical sites, ensuring a memorable journey.
Best Scenic Drives Around Nizhny Novgorod
1. The Volga River Drive
One of the most iconic and scenic routes around Nizhny Novgorod is the Volga River Drive, which takes you along one of Russia’s longest and most important rivers. The route offers stunning river views, charming towns, and historical landmarks, making it a perfect way to experience the essence of the region.
Key Features:
- Stunning River Views: The drive follows the Volga River, providing panoramic views of the water, lush riverbanks, and surrounding landscapes.
- Charming Villages: Along the way, you’ll pass small villages and towns where you can stop and explore local culture, traditions, and architecture. Bor, located just outside Nizhny Novgorod, is a beautiful spot to visit with its charming riverside location and historical sites.
- Historical Landmarks: The route offers access to several historical landmarks, including old Russian churches, fortifications, and unique monuments along the riverbank.
- Fishing and Outdoor Activities: The Volga River is known for its excellent fishing spots, and there are numerous opportunities to stop for a relaxing break by the water or try some local fishing.
This scenic drive provides the perfect combination of natural beauty and historical exploration. The river views and quaint towns make it one of the most scenic routes near Nizhny Novgorod.
2. Nizhny Novgorod to Diveevo
The drive from Nizhny Novgorod to Diveevo, located about 130 kilometers east of the city, offers both cultural significance and natural beauty. Diveevo is known for its spiritual importance and stunning landscapes, making it a peaceful and scenic journey.
Key Features:
- Volga-Kama Nature Reserve: On the way to Diveevo, you’ll pass through the Volga-Kama Nature Reserve, which is known for its rich flora and fauna. The reserve is home to dense forests, tranquil lakes, and an abundance of wildlife.
- Diveevo Monastery: Diveevo is home to one of the most important Russian Orthodox monasteries, the Diveevo Convent, which is a popular pilgrimage site. The journey to Diveevo offers beautiful views of the countryside, and the monastery itself is surrounded by peaceful gardens and ponds.
- Picturesque Villages: As you travel through the Russian countryside, you’ll pass through charming villages where you can stop and enjoy the simplicity and serenity of rural life.
- Lush Greenery: The drive offers lush green landscapes, especially during the spring and summer months when the fields and forests are in full bloom.
The drive to Diveevo is a perfect blend of spiritual exploration and scenic beauty, with a peaceful atmosphere that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.
3. The Nizhny Novgorod – Arzamas Route
For those looking to explore more of the Volga region, the drive from Nizhny Novgorod to Arzamas offers a scenic route through rolling hills, charming towns, and beautiful countryside landscapes. Arzamas, located around 100 kilometers to the east of Nizhny Novgorod, is an interesting town with historical significance.
Key Features:
- Rolling Hills and Greenery: The route takes you through the Ural foothills, offering beautiful views of rolling hills, lush forests, and expansive farmlands.
- Historical Arzamas: Arzamas itself is known for its historical churches, monuments, and charming streets. It’s a lovely place to visit and explore, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy local cuisine and architecture.
- Cultural Stops: Along the way, you’ll pass by small Russian villages that offer glimpses into traditional life. These villages often feature beautiful wooden houses and local crafts that reflect the region’s cultural heritage.
- Rivers and Lakes: The route also takes you past several rivers and lakes, providing perfect spots for relaxing or stopping for a peaceful picnic.
This drive is ideal for those who want to experience both the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Volga region, all while enjoying the open road.
4. The Nizhny Novgorod to Gorodets Drive
The route from Nizhny Novgorod to Gorodets, located about 40 kilometers north of the city, is a delightful and scenic drive that takes you through quaint villages, forests, and the picturesque Volga River. Gorodets is a historic town that is famous for its traditional Russian wooden architecture and is known for its cultural heritage.
Key Features:
- Gorodets Wooden Architecture: Once you arrive in Gorodets, you can explore its stunning wooden houses and beautiful architecture, which reflect the town’s rich cultural traditions. Gorodets is famous for its painted wooden houses and traditional Russian crafts.
- Volga River Views: The drive offers wonderful views of the Volga River, with opportunities to stop at various viewpoints along the way.
- Rural Landscapes: As you travel through the countryside, you’ll pass through picturesque rural landscapes, including expansive fields, forests, and quaint villages, providing a peaceful and scenic escape.
- Cultural Heritage: The town of Gorodets is known for its museums and festivals that showcase traditional Russian culture, including wooden toys and crafts. It’s a great place to learn about Russia’s folk traditions.
This scenic drive is perfect for those looking to experience both the natural beauty of the Volga River and the cultural heritage of the Russian countryside.
5. The Nizhny Novgorod to Makaryev Route
For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, the drive from Nizhny Novgorod to Makaryev offers a scenic and peaceful journey through lush forests and rural landscapes. Located about 70 kilometers southeast of the city, Makaryev is a small town known for its religious significance and proximity to the Volga River.
Key Features:
- Tranquil Forests: The route takes you through dense forests and picturesque landscapes, offering a serene and peaceful atmosphere for a relaxing drive.
- Volga River Views: As you approach Makaryev, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the Volga River, which adds to the scenic charm of the drive.
- Makaryev Monastery: The town of Makaryev is home to the Makaryev Monastery, which is an important spiritual site for the Russian Orthodox Church. The monastery is located near the river, providing a scenic backdrop for visitors.
The drive to Makaryev offers a perfect escape into the Russian countryside, combining nature, spirituality, and tranquility.
Conclusion
Nizhny Novgorod offers some of the best scenic drives in Russia, with routes that take you through lush forests, charming villages, rolling hills, and alongside the majestic Volga River. Whether you’re exploring the Volga River Drive for its river views, heading to Diveevo for its spiritual significance, or venturing to Arzamas for a glimpse of Russian history, each of these scenic drives provides a unique experience. These routes not only offer natural beauty but also the opportunity to explore Russia’s rich cultural heritage and fascinating historical sites. So, take your time, enjoy the open road, and experience the stunning landscapes around Nizhny Novgorod.