The Best Things to See and Do in Perm, Russia

Russia has so much more to offer than just the undeniable charms of Moscow and St Petersburg. The Ural Mountains are one of its undiscovered gems. Perm, one of the most significant cities in the region, is most certainly a place worth visiting. If you find yourself in the area, here are the best things to see and do in Perm.

Go for a walk along the Kama River and discover that happiness is closer than you might think

Perm lies on the banks of the Kama River, the proximity of which is a huge part of the city’s identity. A walk down the embankment is a truly local way to spend a Sunday afternoon. At some point during your stroll, you are bound to come across a sculpture that grew to be one of the symbols of Perm. The red letters read Счасте не за горами, Russian for ‘Happiness is not behind the mountains’. They are appropriately placed against the beautiful background of the river and its opposite bank.

Happiness is not behind the mountains, a sculpture by Boris Matrosov on the embankment of the Kama river in Perm

Attend one of the local festivals

Quite a few internationally renowned festivals take place in Perm every year. The most prominent ones include the International Documentary Film Festival Flahertiana. Every October, the festival, inspired by the art of Robert Flaherty, draws the brightest stars of both international and Russian documentary scenes. International Diaghilev Festival is another prominent event in Perm. It is entirely devoted to classical art and theatre and occurs every year in June.

Experience the incredible landscapes of the Urals

The Ural Mountains are incredibly scenic and largely undiscovered. Whether you’re a fan of hiking, rafting or simply camping for days in pristine nature, Perm and its surroundings have something to offer you. If you happen to find yourself with a little bit of time while in Perm, go camping and explore. Your trip will soon turn into an adventure you will never forget.

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