Located at the end of the line and not far from Russia’s Arctic coast, the two-day train trip from St.Petersburg is enough to put off all but the most bored or determined explorers. The town is relatively small and consists of the usual cluster of Soviet-era apartment blocks and somber streets. Vorkuta’s only claim to fame lies in the fact that it was once the centre of a system of gulags (forced labour camps). Later still, during the Cold War, it also served as a base for strategic bombers.
There is nothing specific to do in Vorkuta though a visit does acquaint one with the harsher aspect of everyday life in Russia: unemployment and lack of money. If staying over-night, which will probably be necessary, the local hotels will be found to be over-priced and nothing to shout about. The surrounding countryside consists of tundra which, although bleak, can turn many interesting shades in summer. It also provides an ideal breeding place for mosquitoes. If you decide to go hiking be sure to take a good supply of repellant, especially if you decide to camp.
