A hundred years ago, Russian engineers embarked on an audacious endeavor, building a railroad along the western shore of Lake Baikal as part of the Trans-Siberian Railway.
Today, only a section of the Circum-Baikal Railway remains functional, but it still stands as a triumph of human ingenuity, with the most parts of any railroad.
Embark on a multi-hour retro train journey. Unique and scenic sights will greet you all along the line, from the marble train station in Slyudyanka to Port Baikal’s steam locomotive and railway museum.
One of the world’s most beautiful environments forms the background for this journey. Herring gulls nest in the “Birds’ Bazaar” on sheer cliffs near Angasolka. Polovinnaya’s sublime river valley and sandy beach cannot but raise your spirits.
But nature also posed incredible challenges for the workers. The difficult rocky terrain necessitated the construction of many remarkable tunnels and bridges. The iron bridge with a viaduct at Polovinnaya is bound to impress.
Cape Kirkirey’s two tunnels tell the tale of hard-earned triumph over many complications. Along the way, astounding avalanche galleries and retaining walls will keep you both safe and awed. Stone-workers from Friuli in Italy helped build them and gave the Italian Wall its name.
Come to visit us at the address: Irkutsk, Kievskaya str. 7, office 505A, 5th floor
