Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is the city of Kamchatka Krai, Russia.

Currently, all foreign nationals are required to have Russian entry visas for travel to Russia. This must be organised well in advance. However, visas may not be required for this port so check this in advance of your trip.

Monuments in the city include Vitus Bering (the city's founder), Charles Clark (English Explorer) and Glory monument, a five sided obelisk with a gilded top.

Museums include Kamchatka State United Museum (closed Mon/Tues), Kamchatka Regional Art Museum, Military History Museum of North-East Forces (closed Tues/Fri) and Scientific Museum of RAS Far Eastern Branch Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. All operate varying times during the day and booking in advance is advisable.

There are 29 active, about 160 large and medium extinct and more than 1,000 small extinct volcanoes in the area. One of the world’s largest volcanoes - Klyuchevskoy (4,850m high) is located on the right bank of the Kamchatka river. Its slopes are covered with cracks and lava flows and it's top is ice capped.

Volcano/hot spring excursions can be arranged as well as hiking, fishing, helicopter and boat trips.

There are many protected natural areas and reserves, including breeding grounds for marine animals. Many are UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites.

Traditional dishes include beef stroganov, 'coulibiac' (filled fish and rice pie) and 'kalduny' (stuffed dumplings). 'Blini' (thin pancakes) and caviar (salted roe) are also well known Russian foods.

Cruise ships anchor and tender passengers ashore.

There are few roads here so reaching some of the local attractions is both tricky and expensive.

Note: trips have been cancelled in the past due to bad weather.