A merchant town of 1663 on the Sylva, on Russia's list of historic towns: trading arcs, churches above the water and a calm that many showcase museums would envy.
Kungur
Kungur was founded in 1663 at its present site and since 1970 has been on Russia's list of historic towns. The town grew on the salt and tea trade: Kungur merchants ran caravans along the Sylva and the Kama, and their earnings settled into stone mansions, trading arcs and churches that still stand. The best angle on the town is from above, from the hill over the Sylva: you can see the river bend, the domes rise and the merchant streets with their trading arcs stretch out. Worldwide fame came to Kungur from the ice cave in Ledyanaya Gora right beside the town — but the town itself deserves at least half a day even without it. Kungur is a convenient base for the region's south-east: the Ordinskaya cave, Molebka and the Sylva's karst country are all within reach. In the evening the town is quiet, and the morning starts with mist over the Sylva.
How to get there
About a hundred kilometres south-east of Perm along the Yekaterinburg road; roads to Orda and Molebka branch out from Kungur.
Best season
All year round; in summer — the river and viewpoints, in winter — quiet snowy streets.
Travel tips & stories
The climb to the hill above town is a must: the view of the Sylva bend and the domes is worth the stairs.
The cave is nearby — but allow the town its own time: the trading arcs and the embankment.
Kungur is a good base for a loop: Orda, Molebka and back in one long day.
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Local guides
- TR
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