Magadan Russia
Russia
Frequently Asked Questions
In Nagaev Bay, which opens in a half-circle onto the Sea of Okhotsk. On the eastern shore Magadan lines up its port cranes, fishing boats and faded apartment blocks: this is a working harbour.
Yes, that is the recommended approach. The sites are spread out and taxis are scarce. Magadan mostly receives expedition ships working along the Sea of Okhotsk, and visits are arranged by guided coach.
The Mask of Sorrow on Krutaya Hill, about 3 km from the centre, then the regional museum — allow one to two hours — and the seafront to end on a lighter note.
The most striking monument in the Russian Far East: a concrete work by the sculptor Ernst Neizvestny, unveiled in 1996 on Krutaya Hill. A monumental face weeps tears shaped like small masks, and its other eye takes the form of a barred window.
Because that is where the ships carrying prisoners came in. The monument commemorates the hundreds of thousands of people landed at Magadan during the Stalin era before being sent to the Kolyma camps.
For gold. The port of Nagayevo was established in 1929 to serve the Kolyma goldfields inland. The city became the gateway to that immense region, and then the landing point for the camp prisoners.
Collections on the nature of the Okhotsk region, on the indigenous Even and Evenk cultures, on the gold rush and on the history of the Kolyma camps. Everyday objects belonging to prisoners, plainly presented, complete the memorial visit.
It is a sombre call, dealing with forced labour camps and deportation. It is worth hearing, but it is not a light day. The seafront and its promenade give you room to breathe at the end.
Pack warm clothes even in summer. The weather turns quickly over Nagaev Bay, and the sea breeze cools late afternoons fast. An extra layer of wool and a windbreaker always earn their place.
The Russian rouble and Russian. Bring cash: foreign-issued cards do not work and banking services open to visitors are limited. English is not widely spoken — another reason to take the guided coach.
