Kemerovo is more than a city shaped by industry — it is a gateway to the landscapes, villages, and cultural heritage of central Siberia. While the city itself offers plenty of charm and discovery, its surroundings invite travelers to venture outward and experience a broader picture of the region. Whether you’re seeking natural beauty, historical context, or quiet rural life, the day trips from Kemerovo offer something for every kind of traveler. With this guide from Russia Vibes, you’ll discover the best places to visit within a day’s reach, opening up a Siberia few outsiders ever get to see.
What to Expect Beyond Kemerovo
Siberia is vast, and even a short drive from Kemerovo can bring dramatic changes in landscape and atmosphere. Rolling hills give way to dense forests, and rivers weave through untouched valleys. Time seems to slow down in the villages, where life is shaped by tradition and community rather than speed. The Kuzbass region is also rich in local culture — from ancient petroglyphs to working farms and eco-lodges.
Travelers choosing to base themselves in Kemerovo can enjoy these locations as easy day trips, each reachable within one to two hours by car or public transport. Here’s where to begin.
Tomskaya Pisanitsa Museum Reserve
Distance from Kemerovo: ~50 km
Travel Time: 1 hour by car
Perhaps the most well-known destination outside Kemerovo, Tomskaya Pisanitsa is an open-air museum that blends culture, nature, and ancient history. Situated along the banks of the Tom River, it is a peaceful yet intellectually stimulating place to explore.
Highlights:
- Ancient petroglyphs dating back more than 3,000 years
- Traditional wooden dwellings that recreate Siberian village life
- Wildlife enclosures showcasing native animals like elk and foxes
- Seasonal festivals celebrating Siberian folklore and crafts
Who It’s For: Families, history lovers, and anyone interested in combining nature and heritage in one visit.
Russia Vibes Tip: Try to visit during a local festival to enjoy folk music, dances, and traditional Siberian food stalls.
Sheregesh Mountain and Ski Resort
Distance from Kemerovo: ~160 km
Travel Time: ~2.5–3 hours (best for a full-day excursion or overnight)
Though it’s technically possible as a long day trip, Sheregesh deserves mention for travelers in Kemerovo during the winter season. One of Siberia’s most popular ski resorts, it draws visitors for its reliable snow, friendly atmosphere, and views of the Kuznetsk Alatau Mountains.
Winter Activities:
- Downhill skiing and snowboarding
- Snowmobiling and tubing
- Après-ski in cozy mountain cafés and cabins
Summer Activities:
- Alpine hiking
- Scenic chairlift rides
- Forest picnics and mountain air
Ideal For: Outdoor adventurers, ski enthusiasts, or travelers seeking a change of pace and altitude.
Yashkino and Its Surrounding Villages
Distance from Kemerovo: ~70 km
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
For a taste of rural life, a day trip to Yashkino and nearby villages offers tranquility, local color, and authentic hospitality. The drive itself is part of the experience, passing through farmlands, forests, and gently undulating hills.
What to Do:
- Visit a working dairy or vegetable farm
- Explore wooden churches and community museums
- Join a local cooking workshop (if arranged in advance)
- Enjoy traditional Siberian meals made with regional produce
Cultural Note: Locals are proud of their customs and often welcome respectful visitors warmly, even offering home-cooked meals or tea from a samovar.
Kuznetsk Fortress (Novokuznetsk)
Distance from Kemerovo: ~130 km
Travel Time: ~2 hours by train or car
For those interested in Siberia’s imperial history, a trip to Novokuznetsk and its Kuznetsk Fortress offers a fascinating glimpse into the military and trade history of the region.
Key Attractions:
- Remains of the 18th-century stone fortress
- Small historical museum with local exhibits
- Panoramic views over the Tom River and city
- Nearby Siberian Orthodox churches and old merchant quarters
Russia Vibes Insight: Combine your visit with a walk through Novokuznetsk’s central park and river promenade for a well-rounded experience.
Kondoma and Its Hidden Nature Spots
Distance from Kemerovo: ~90 km
Travel Time: ~2 hours
Kondoma is a quiet area nestled among wooded hills and river valleys — an ideal choice for nature lovers and travelers who prefer lesser-known paths.
Activities:
- Light hiking and forest walking
- Birdwatching and photography
- Visiting small chapels or monuments tucked in rural landscapes
Nature Tip: Autumn is a particularly beautiful time to visit, as the forests come alive with color and soft light.
Belovo and Its Coal Mining History
Distance from Kemerovo: ~110 km
Travel Time: ~1.5–2 hours
If you’re interested in understanding the industrial backbone of the region, a visit to Belovo can help deepen your appreciation for the realities of coal mining life.
Points of Interest:
- Local mining museum with artifacts and personal stories
- Working mining towns with active railways and equipment
- Stark industrial landscapes and contrasting green belts
Suggested Experience: Pair the visit with a conversation at a local café to hear firsthand about the past and present of the mining economy.
Gornaya Shoria Region (Southern Kuzbass)
Distance from Kemerovo: ~120–150 km
Travel Time: ~2–3 hours
For those seeking wild nature and ethnic diversity, the Gornaya Shoria region offers mountain beauty and cultural depth. This area is home to the Shors, one of Siberia’s indigenous groups, and holds deep cultural significance.
Activities:
- Visiting Shor cultural centers and museums
- Exploring mountain trails and alpine meadows
- Experiencing traditional Shor music, food, and crafts
Cultural Respect: When visiting indigenous communities, always seek permission before photographing people or sacred sites.
Salair Ridge and the Surrounding Forests
Distance from Kemerovo: ~100–130 km
Travel Time: ~2 hours
The Salair Ridge is a hilly and forested area perfect for hikers, foragers, and anyone who enjoys immersion in nature. Rich in mineral springs, rare plant species, and geological formations, it’s a destination for slow, deep travel.
Highlights:
- Spring-fed lakes and clear streams
- Rock formations and geological curiosities
- Mushroom and berry foraging in late summer
Outdoor Tip: Take a local guide for better orientation and safety — the forest is vast, and trails are often unmarked.
Shorter Trips and Half-Day Options
Not all trips from Kemerovo require a full day. Some destinations within 20–40 km can be explored in just a few hours and still provide rewarding experiences.
Krasnaya Gorka and Surroundings
An extension of the mining museum complex, this area also includes:
- Small forest paths
- Local viewpoints over the city
- Historical buildings and Soviet-era sculptures
Small Lakes for Summer Picnics
There are a number of small lakes just outside the city that locals frequent in summer for swimming, sunbathing, and simple picnics. Some have basic facilities; others are completely wild.
What to Bring: Blanket, drinks, snacks, and a good book.
Orthodox Chapels and Hilltop Crosses
Several religious monuments and chapels lie just beyond the city limits. These quiet spiritual sites are often set in beautiful locations with views of surrounding valleys and rivers.
How to Plan Your Day Trips from Kemerovo
- Transport: Public buses run to some villages, but hiring a car or driver offers flexibility, especially for remote areas.
- Packing: Bring water, snacks, layers of clothing, and a translation app for ease of communication.
- Timing: Most destinations are best visited during daylight hours; start early to make the most of your day.
- Respect: Always ask before entering private land, and respect the customs of rural communities.
- Local Insight: Many guesthouses and hosts in Kemerovo are happy to help arrange transportation or give route advice.
Conclusion
The true richness of Siberia reveals itself not only in its cities but in the landscapes, traditions, and people that surround them. From ancient carvings along the Tom River to alpine air in Sheregesh, and from quiet villages to lively ski slopes, the area around Kemerovo invites you to slow down, explore deeper, and embrace the unexpected. With Russia Vibes guiding your way, every day trip becomes a story — a chance to witness the diversity, strength, and quiet beauty of the Siberian heartland.