Long Reads 2 min read
The Steel Buckle: the Story of the Circum-Baikal Railway
Lake Baikal was the greatest obstacle on the route of the Trans-Siberian Railway. First, trains were ferried across on an icebreaker; once, rails were laid across the…
Articles
Topic: railway
History, architecture, Baikal, food and the seasons — writing that helps you see more than meets the eye.
Travel Tips 1 min read
Six routes in Pribaikalsky National Park closed because of bears
The closed routes include the Circum-Baikal Railway and the Great Baikal Trail. Check the status of the area before you set off.
Long Reads 1 min read
Slyudyanka: a marble station, a steam locomotive and a water tower
One of the most beautiful stations in Russia is getting a locomotive as a neighbour, and the tower built by exiled Poles may become a Circum-Baikal Railway museum.
Lake Baikal 1 min read
A 1950 “Lebedyanka” steam locomotive is being installed at Slyudyanka station
The freight locomotive L-4046 will become a new monument by the marble station. The unveiling is planned for the autumn.
Food & Local Cuisine 1 min read
Following the Great Tea Road: Chinese tour operators travel through Irkutsk
An international rail tour covered 5,600 km in 11 days. In 2025 the Irkutsk Region won with the route “Baikal — the Heart of the Great Tea Road”.
Lake Baikal 1 min read
A museum of the Circum-Baikal Railway may open in Slyudyanka’s water tower
It is proposed to turn the brick tower of 1911–1913, built by exiled Poles, into a visitor centre.
Lake Baikal 1 min read
32 platforms and monument locomotives to be repaired on the Circum-Baikal Railway
The East Siberian Railway will renew decking, signs and photo spots, repair the stele in Kultuk and restore the locomotives at Polovinnaya and Port Baikal.
Lake Baikal 1 min read
Slyudyanka’s marble station named among the ten most beautiful stations in Russia
In a RIA Novosti ranking, the 1904 station of white and pink marble came sixth.
Travel Tips 1 min read
The Circum-Baikal Railway closed again because of a problem bear
The aggressive animal was spotted at kilometre 113; inspectors had to go out on the route armed.