10 Photos Of Soviet Russia's Most Bizarre Bus Stops

Dotting some of the most remote roads of the post-Soviet states are some of the most striking and outlandish architectural designs of the USSR, albeit some of the smallest. At a time when resources were often rationed or sparse, and design and art fed State ideology, the humble Soviet bus stop became an eccentric landmark, embellishing the countryside with idiosyncratic architecture. Feeding into the idea of collectivised transport, architects channelled their creativity into designing concept pushing structures, as photographer Christopher Herwig discovered while adventuring through the post-Soviet states.

Inside the strict Soviet Union, which valued uniformity across cultural aspects, these bus stops often utilised materials easily accessible in the local area to create individualistic structures, unique to their region.

Bus stops were one way artists could make money. So many of them grabbed the resources at hand and went to town with their creativity.

On some highways, ostentatious and impressive bus stops were constructed with surprising frequency, given that there were no towns or villages nearby.

Many of these bus stops were connected to factories, transporting workers to and from work.

As a popular seaside destination with an abundance of sanatoriums, Luhove has many charming and detailed bus stops for the holidaymakers.

Herwig also believes that this culture of flamboyant bus stops came out of a want for public art and a desire to be creative in a tightly controlled state, as well as a way to preserve local culture.

In some of the former Soviet states, locals were really suspicious of a Westerner taking photographs of old relics, so Herwig took to keeping two memory cards on him. A dummy one to show the police if the gave him trouble and the real one he kept in his pants for safe keeping.

Many of these bus stops are in states of disrepair and are at risk of being demolished.

Life behind the Iron Curtain is often portrayed as a life governed by strict rules, with the purpose of assisting the collective greater good. These bus stops challenge that assertion, by showing the individuality, creativity and sense of fun that was cultivated at the time.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.