Vorkuta

Vorkuta is a coal mining town in Komi Republic.

Understand


The town of Vorkuta is closely associated with Vorkutlag, one of the most notorious forced labour camps of the Gulag. It was established in 1932 after massive depots of coal was found in the vicinity. By the early 21st century many mines had closed as problems with the high costs of operation plagued the mine operators. This has resulted in a decline in population.

Climate
Vorkuta has subarctic climate, with very cold winters. Temperatures can easily reach -40 C during January and February. Summers are short and cool, with an average high of 10-15 C.

By plane
There are flights several times each week with Moscow and Syktyvkar, the capital of Komi Republic.



By train
Train connections are available daily from Moscow, taking two nights. Long-distance services with Saint Petersburg and Nizhniy Novgorod are more irregular, usually departing 1–2 times per week. Regional night trains also link Vorkuta with Pechora and Syktyvkar. During holiday season sporadic services from the Black Sea appear, serving mostly domestic tourists.



Go next

 * Salekhard. Just across the Ural Mountains and into Asia, the train journey will take you through the remote wilderness to Labytnangi, across the water from Salekhard.