In the center of Vologda

Vologda (Во́логда, VOH-log-dah) is a city in Northwestern Russia.

Understand

While Vologda is becoming increasingly popular among Russian local tourists, it is still remaining undeservedly undiscovered by international visitors.

During the Orthodox Christmas and the New Year holidays Vologda acts as the major transit point for crowds going to Veliky Ustyug, Russian Ded Moroz (Farther Frost) residence.

History

Vologda was firstmentioned under year 1147. It was major transit city before St.Petersburg was founded (1703). 1565-1571 Ivan the Terrible proposed Vologda as the new capital of his domain (instead of Moscow).

Get in

By plane

VGD airport is not busy at all. There are only 2 flights a week from Vnukovo (Moscow) 8pm and 2 flights return to Vnukovo 8am, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Airport is situated 8 km north from city centre, easily reachable by bus or taxi.

By train

Multiple daily overnight trains to/from Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Arkhangelsk.

By car

Vologda is 470 km to the north by the road from Moscow. It takes 5-7 hours drive to reach the city depending on traffic. Road conditions are generally good for Russia, excluding the total mess with street navigation when passing Yaroslavl. So, using GPS navigator is recommended.

Get around

A victory parade near the kremlin of Vologda

See

• 1 Vologda Kremlin (Вологодский кремль). 
• 2 Saint Sophia Cathedral (Софийский собор) (Next to the Kremlin). Constructed between 1568-70, it's the oldest standing building in Vologda. It no longer functions as a cathedral but rather as a museum with the exquisite frescos as a highlight. 

Eat

Budget

There's a nice coffee shop near the Tourist Information centre.

On Mira street (улица Мира), fast food and restaurants are not hard to find.

Sleep

Mid-range

• 1 Atrium Hotel, ul. Gertsena, 27, ☏ +7 8172 78-78-25, fax: +7 (8172) 75-33-13, hotel@atrium-vologda.ru. This business-class hotel is centrally located, easily found while driving, and newly built. Rooms are comfortable, 4 stars are claimed, at least 3 stars are really delivered. Free wi-fi in rooms and lobby. single 3,400 - 4,600 RUR, double 3,800 - 5,000 RUR dependig on room class. 

Splurge

• 2 Angliter, ul. Lermontova, 23, ☏ +7 8172 76-24-36. The most expensive and probably the only deluxe hotel in the city of Vologda 3,100 - 8,900 RUR depending on room.