APEC 2012 → Vladivostok Guide → RUSSKY ISLAND

Russky Island stretches in front of Vladivostok across the narrow strait of Bosphorus Vostochny. During the Soviet era, the island was primarily of military importance.  As a result, its unique nature and strong fortifications, dating back to the 19^th and 20^th centuries, have been preserved.

   

Russky Island is an ideal place for those who love military history.  The total area occupied by Vladivostok’s Fortress is 400 sq. kilometers, with Russky Island’s defense system composing about 100 sq. kilometers of this. By 1915 there were 16 forts and 27 batteries on the island guarding the coast.  The simultaneous volley of all of the island’s cannons was equal to 1,500 shells.

      

Voroshilov Battery is one of the main attractions of Russky Island. Its huge cannons were  dismantled from the Poltava battleship and brought to Vladivostok in 1925.   With their 37-kilometer range, enemy ships did not have the slightest chance of closing in on Vladivostok’s harbor. 

 

A fort named after Ivan the Terrible is the highest point on the island.   The view of Vladivostok from here is simply breathtaking.  Even modern engineers are amazed by the quantity and quality of its engineering.

 

Russky Island is also an ideal place for nature lovers.  Visitors who like to fish will enjoy their hobby here.  They can also dive in the clear waters of the Sea of Japan to search for sea cucumbers, shellfish and other exotic marine life. There are ample opportunities for naturalists to observe trees and plants from various climatic zones growing side by side.  Visitors can admire brightly colored butterflies, historic trees, mushrooms, and bushes characteristic of Russia’s Far East taiga.  Also hidden in the thicket of the forest is a Christian monastery where the monks are always happy to welcome guests.

 

Russky Island is truly a wonderful place to visit!