Opt for Siberian health: what to do in the Tyumen region in winter

And don’t forget to book your stay. Tourists often stay at the Eurasia business hotel, the Remezov concept hotel in Tyumen and the Mirros 4* in Tobolsk. After checking in, head out to explore the local attractions. We’ve compiled a guide of what to do when you arrive.

We have Karlovy Vary at home! Tyumen is officially recognized as the capital of thermal waters – there are more than 20 sources of natural mineral water in the region. You can swim in thermal pools all year round (in winter it is a special pleasure) – the water temperature ranges from +36 to 48°C. Hot springs contain 19 trace elements and minerals – they restore, relax and invigorate. You can get first-hand information about the thermal waters (and more) on the regional brand’s website VisitTyumen.

We recommend visiting the Mayer Resort Martial with its natural geothermal outdoor pool, mineral pool, jacuzzi, water park and spacious spa area. You can also relax in the Taiga eco-park – this is a country base with houses, swimming pools (thermal with mineral water in the fresh air and mineralized with panoramic views), saunas , a salt cave and a relaxation room. And don’t forget to visit the “City Steam Baths” bath and restaurant complex: here they offer individual and collective steam baths to music with oak, fir and birch brooms.

You can get from Tyumen to Tobolsk by car, train or bus. The distance will be 245 kilometers, but it’s worth it! It is here that the only white stone Kremlin in Western Siberia is located, built in the 17th-18th centuries – a unique example of Siberian architecture. Also on the territory of the architectural complex are the Sophie-Ouspensky Cathedral, Pryamskoy Vzvoz, Gostiny Dvor, the prison castle (the only museum of its kind about Siberian forced labor and exile) and other places.

“The small town of great people” is famous for its culinary achievements – a 3-meter Yalutorovsky pancake, cooked by local pancake makers, is included in the Russian Book of Records. To immerse yourself in ancient Siberian life, visit Yalutorovsky Fort. It will be enough to spend a few hours there: archery, sawing firewood, visiting a folk rag doll workshop, drinking tea from the largest samovar in the country (volume – 250 liters).

You can also admire collectible samovars at the nearby Trading Rows Museum. The small building displays antique tableware, designer porcelain from the Soviet era, and antique musical instruments. In the lobby you can buy original Gulliver candies, produced in the city.

Siberian products are famous for their beneficial properties. Among the local specialties you should try muksun stroganina, nelma fillet, venison meat and grilled venison fillet with lingonberry and juniper sauce. All this is on the menu of the Chum restaurant-museum in Tyumen. But you can taste ravioli soup and original rum baba with melting fudge, pine nuts and candied fruits, prepared according to a 17th century recipe, at the Povarnya restaurant of old Siberian cuisine in Tobolsk.

Another calling card of Tyumen is the restaurant “#SiberiaSiberia”. In the center of the room there is a wood-burning stove, natural birch trees, painted matryoshka dolls, columns with carved dumplings and dried bread. The menu includes traditional and modern cuisine from the Siberian region (e.g. cold smoked omul mimosa with pickled blackcurrants, duck breast with lingonberry sauce and apple fritters).

And don’t worry about the calories. You always have time to go to the gym, but such delights are not available every day – seize the moment! Traveling around the Tyumen region, you will find out what is the secret of Siberian good health, Siberian character and true Siberian hospitality.