Listvyanka Hostels

A popular destination for tourists wishing to visit Russia's famed Lake Baikal, Listvyanka is a charming little lakeside village. The village has easy minibus connections to the city of Irkutsk, boat connections to other towns on Baikal, and has a very laidback village atmosphere. Many of the buildings are built in a traditional Siberian-style, and are a treat for visitors wishing to experience a smaller Russian settlement.

Listvyanka itself is quite easily walkable, as it is essentially just one long street with several smaller ones branching off from it. The village is so quiet that it’s not unheard of to see police cars stopped by stray cows that have wandered across the road. There is no proper public transport within the village, but it’s not really necessary.

Visitors should look for Listvyanka hostels not far from Gorkogo Street, which runs parallel to Lake Baikal. All the necessary amenities are located along this street, from the local market to a post office. The market is a good place for visitors who are looking for a cheap meal, as they sell freshly-cooked shashlik and cured omul, a popular Baikal fish. Also on the main street is a "nerpinarium" -- an aquarium that features Baikal’s famous fresh-water seal, the nerpa. Visitors wishing to explore the Listvyanka area during the summer are advised to bring a good pair of shoes for walking or to inquire at their hostels and guest houses about bicycle rental.

Although not in Listvyanka itself, there is an ethnographic museum located just off the highway running between Irkutsk and Listvyanka. Local minibuses known as marshrutka make regular trips between the two towns and will stop at the museum on request.