Omsk

Omsk is one of Russia’s great Siberian cities, sitting right where the Irtysh and Om rivers meet on the vast western Siberian plain. It has a bold, determined character shaped by centuries of history, from its origins as a military fortress to becoming a major industrial and cultural hub. The city feels like a place that takes pride in enduring tough winters and building something lasting, with grand theatres, lively markets, and wide streets that hint at its ambition.

Omsk is famous for being one of the largest cities in Siberia, which is impressive given how enormous that region already is. It also has a surprising literary connection, as the great Russian writer Fyodor Dostoyevsky once lived here, and the city remembers him well. For anyone curious about a side of Russia that goes far beyond Moscow, Omsk offers a fascinating and rewarding glimpse into Siberian life.