Kemerovo, a city nestled in the heart of Siberia, is surrounded by a variety of landscapes, including lush forests, scenic rivers, and mountain views. These natural wonders provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing picnic with family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot near a river, an open meadow with panoramic views, or a peaceful forest glade, Kemerovo offers numerous locations for a delightful outdoor experience. In this guide, we will explore the best picnic locations in and around Kemerovo, ideal for enjoying nature and spending time outdoors.
1. Tom River Embankment
The Tom River runs through Kemerovo, offering beautiful waterfront views and a peaceful environment perfect for picnicking. The embankment, with its well-maintained walking paths, is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Why It’s Ideal for a Picnic:
- Scenic Views: The Tom River provides a picturesque backdrop with its flowing water and surrounding greenery. The riverbanks are lined with trees and grass, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a meal while taking in the peaceful atmosphere.
- Accessibility: The embankment is easily accessible from the city center, making it a convenient location for a quick picnic. It also offers benches and picnic areas, ideal for those who prefer a more comfortable picnic experience.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: The gentle sound of the river, combined with the natural surroundings, creates a tranquil environment, perfect for relaxation.
Recommended Activities:
- Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the river.
- Bring a blanket and enjoy a relaxing lunch with views of the water.
- Try some local snacks and drinks, and take in the peaceful ambiance of the area.
2. Victory Park (Park Pobedy)
Victory Park, located in the heart of Kemerovo, is a large green space that combines beautiful landscapes with historical monuments. The park is well-known for its open meadows, tall trees, and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a family picnic.
Why It’s Ideal for a Picnic:
- Wide Open Spaces: Victory Park offers vast, open meadows perfect for spreading out a picnic blanket and enjoying lunch in nature.
- Shaded Areas: The park has numerous trees providing shade, which is perfect for those looking to escape the sun during the warmer months.
- Historical Significance: The park is also home to several monuments and sculptures dedicated to the Soviet victory in World War II, adding a cultural dimension to your picnic experience.
Recommended Activities:
- Visit the park’s monuments and learn about the city’s history.
- Relax under the trees with a homemade picnic.
- Take a leisurely walk around the park’s trails and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
3. Sheregesh
Located about 250 kilometers south of Kemerovo, Sheregesh is a renowned ski resort during the winter months, but in the warmer seasons, it transforms into an idyllic picnic destination. Surrounded by the majestic Kuznetsk Alatau Mountains, Sheregesh offers spectacular views and pristine nature that make for an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Why It’s Ideal for a Picnic:
- Breathtaking Views: The mountains surrounding Sheregesh provide stunning panoramic views, perfect for enjoying a picnic in a truly majestic setting.
- Tranquil Environment: Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Sheregesh offers a peaceful atmosphere where you can unwind and enjoy nature.
- Access to Nature: The resort area is surrounded by forests and meadows, offering a variety of spots where you can lay out a picnic blanket and enjoy the scenery.
Recommended Activities:
- Hike to one of the nearby mountain meadows and enjoy your picnic with a breathtaking view of the mountains.
- Take a dip in one of the nearby mountain streams.
- Explore the local flora and fauna and bring your camera for some wildlife photography.
4. Kuznetsk Alatau Mountains
The Kuznetsk Alatau Mountain Range, located to the south of Kemerovo, is an excellent destination for those who enjoy a more rugged outdoor experience. The area is known for its dense forests, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes, making it an ideal spot for a secluded picnic surrounded by nature.
Why It’s Ideal for a Picnic:
- Diverse Landscapes: The diverse landscapes of Kuznetsk Alatau offer plenty of options for picnickers, whether you prefer to enjoy a meal by a mountain lake, in a lush forest, or on an open meadow with sweeping mountain views.
- Seclusion: The more remote areas of the mountains offer a peaceful, quiet environment where you can escape the noise of the city and enjoy the sounds of nature.
- Wildlife Watching: The area is rich in wildlife, so if you’re lucky, you may spot animals like deer, moose, or birds of prey while enjoying your picnic.
Recommended Activities:
- Hike to one of the mountain lakes and enjoy your picnic near the water.
- Explore the area’s many trails and immerse yourself in nature.
- Capture photos of the stunning landscapes and wildlife.
5. Tisul River
The Tisul River, located to the north of Kemerovo, offers a more secluded and tranquil alternative to the Tom River. With its peaceful waters and surrounding forests, the Tisul River provides the perfect setting for a relaxing picnic away from the crowds.
Why It’s Ideal for a Picnic:
- Peaceful Riverbanks: The Tisul River is surrounded by quiet forests and open meadows, offering an ideal spot for laying out a picnic blanket and enjoying the natural surroundings.
- Tranquility: The Tisul River offers a peaceful environment, perfect for those seeking solitude and a chance to escape the busyness of everyday life.
- Fishing and Canoeing: If you enjoy outdoor activities, you can combine your picnic with some light fishing or a canoe ride along the river.
Recommended Activities:
- Enjoy a picnic by the riverbanks and take in the peaceful sounds of flowing water.
- Go canoeing along the river for a scenic adventure.
- Explore the surrounding forests and observe the local wildlife.
6. Forest Glades Near Kemerovo
Just outside the city, Kemerovo is surrounded by a vast network of forests that offer several quiet glades perfect for picnicking. These glades are often secluded, making them ideal for those who want to escape into nature without venturing too far from the city.
Why It’s Ideal for a Picnic:
- Seclusion: These forest glades are typically off the beaten path, offering a peaceful and private setting for your picnic.
- Natural Beauty: The glades are surrounded by tall trees, wildflowers, and sometimes even small streams, providing a beautiful natural backdrop for a relaxing meal.
- Wildlife: You may encounter some local wildlife, such as deer, squirrels, or various bird species, adding to the charm of your outdoor experience.
Recommended Activities:
- Wander through the forest trails before setting up your picnic.
- Enjoy the serenity of the glades while taking in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
- Observe local wildlife and enjoy the tranquility of the forest.
7. Victory Park (Park Pobedy) Riverside
In addition to its central location in the city, Victory Park is located near a river, which makes it an even more appealing picnic destination. The combination of open fields and riverside views provides an excellent setting for outdoor dining.
Why It’s Ideal for a Picnic:
- Riverfront Views: The proximity to the river adds an extra layer of charm to your picnic, with the option to enjoy both the open park space and the peaceful river environment.
- Family-Friendly: The park’s spacious grounds and nearby amenities make it an ideal location for a family picnic.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: The park’s combination of open fields and river views offers a relaxed environment where you can unwind and enjoy a meal in nature.
Recommended Activities:
- Take a walk along the riverbanks after your picnic.
- Enjoy games or sports with family and friends on the park’s open fields.
- Explore the park’s historical monuments and enjoy the local greenery.
Conclusion
Kemerovo and its surrounding areas are full of beautiful spots that offer perfect picnic settings. Whether you prefer the peaceful riverside of Tom River, the tranquil mountain meadows of Sheregesh, or the secluded forest glades near the city, there is a spot for everyone to enjoy nature and relax in the fresh air. So pack your picnic basket, bring a blanket, and head to one of these stunning locations for a day of relaxation and outdoor enjoyment in the heart of Siberia.