Welcome to Volgograd – the administrative center of Volgograd Oblast and an important industrial city in the south of Russia. It is situated on the western bank of the Volga River, after which the city was named, and stretches along the river from north to south for almost 80 kilometers (50 miles). Population: 1,021,215 (2010).
Founded by Prince Grigori Zasekin at the confluence of the Tsaritsa and Volga Rivers as the fortress of Tsaritsyn in 1589, the city was twice renamed in the 20th century: it became Stalingrad after Joseph Stalin on April 10, 1925, and in 1961, after Stalin’s death, it received its present name of Volgograd (the City on the Volga).
From its early days, the city has always been one of the most important strategic, transport, and industrial centers of southern Russia. The area owed its economic growth at the end of the 19th century to the development of the railway junction between the Caucasian oil production centers and the industrialized European part of Russia. The construction of oil refineries, steelmaking, and shipbuilding plants pushed Tsaritsyn’s infrastructure and social development. By 1913, the Tsaritsyn regional centre had 137,000 residents and outran many provincial cities by this measure. This was a period of significant growth in residential and industrial construction, as well as rapid evolution of public entertainment facilities, hospitals, schools, and hotels.
Modern Volgograd hosts various industries, including shipbuilding, oil refining, steel and aluminum production, manufacture of machinery and vehicles, and chemical production. The Volgograd Hydroelectric Power Station – the largest hydroelectric station in Europe – is a short distance to the north of the city.
Volgograd is a major railway hub served by the Privolzhskaya Railway. It stands at the eastern end of the Volga–Don Canal, opened in 1952 to link the two great rivers of southern Russia, making Volgograd literally a “port of the five seas.” The Volgograd International Airport provides air links to major Russian cities as well as some foreign countries.
The city became famous worldwide for its resistance during the beginning of the Battle of Stalingrad in 1942, followed by the encirclement and capitulation of the German 6th Army during World War II on February 2, 1943. It is often regarded as the largest and bloodiest battle in the history of warfare. That is why the city has a great number of monuments and attractions dedicated to those days of the great battle. It is this most recent history that determines the city’s tourist image and attracts fans and military history experts during the high season.
However, more than four hundred years of Volgograd’s history have left their imprint on its historical, architectural, and cultural image. There are many monuments relating to different epochs in the city, which will not leave tourists of all ages and interests indifferent. Moreover, a unique combination of landscape and climatic conditions has created several natural parks in the region, where everyone can spend a pleasant time in the open air!
The layout of Volgograd, at least of its historical center, is very simple: avenues run from north to south parallel to the river, and streets run from east to west perpendicular to it, making it very difficult to lose one’s way in the city. Informally, the city is divided by the Tsaritsa River gully into two parts: the Northern and the Southern.
The historical downtown and most of the main tourist attractions, including the world-famous Mamaev Kurgan memorial, are located in the Northern districts of the city. However, the Southern Districts are also rich in historic sites, museums, and other places of interest, so do not miss the opportunity to visit and admire them!
Normally, the tourist season in Volgograd starts in April and lasts until the very beginning of November. Volgograd summers are known for their heat and bright sun; temperatures in July and August sometimes reach 40 degrees Celsius, with infrequent rain, so be sure to stock up on hats and UV protection. And do not forget to bring your swimming suits – don’t miss your chance to enjoy swimming in the Volga and sunbathing on our beaches.
If you want to visit Volgograd in winter – to celebrate New Year or Christmas, or to take part in the annual commemoration of the victory at Stalingrad on February 2 – keep in mind that winters in our region are very cold, so bring warm clothes with you!
Make sure to check whether you need a visa to come to Russia – and of course, to Volgograd.
So, book now, come to Volgograd, and let’s explore the city and its environs together. I am sure I know how to turn your trip into an unforgettable experience!