Founded in 1716 as a military outpost, this Siberian city on the Irtysh River has an ornate Kremlin, restored churches, and museums documenting its role in Russian history.
Omsk is Russia's seventh-largest city, located where the Om and Irtysh rivers meet in southwestern Siberia. You'll find century-old Art Nouveau buildings along Lyubinsky Avenue, including the former merchant houses with their detailed stone facades. The five copper domes of the Dormition Cathedral are visible throughout the city center. Inside the Vrubel Museum of Fine Arts, you can explore Russian paintings from the 18th to 20th centuries. Throughout the year, more than 500 events take place in Omsk, from the Siberian International Marathon to performances at the 19th-century Drama Theatre.
Getting to Omsk
You can fly to Omsk through Tsentralny Airport, which has direct flights to Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and international cities like Istanbul and Astana. The Trans-Siberian Railway connects Omsk to Moscow (40-hour journey) and cities in the Russian Far East (4-5 day journey).
Climate and Seasons
From November through March, winter temperatures in Omsk drop to -30°C (-22°F) with regular snowfall. Summer brings temperatures between 25°C and 28°C (77-82°F), occasionally reaching 35°C (95°F). The city gets 300-400mm of annual rainfall, mainly during summer, with clear skies common throughout the year.
Moving Around the City Center
Most points of interest near Lyubinsky prospekt are within walking distance. Public transport operates from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Buses, trolleybuses, and trams cost RUB22 per ride. Marshrutkas (minibuses) run more frequently during peak hours and cost RUB25.
Art and Museums
The Vrubel Museum of Fine Arts contains Russian paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from three centuries. In the former West Siberian Governor's mansion, you'll find the State Museum of Regional History with its ebony Kalmyk throne and pre-colonial nomadic clothing collections. The Dostoyevsky Museum of Literature displays the writer's manuscripts and personal items from his time in Omsk.
Architecture Along Lyubinsky Avenue
The early 1900s buildings on Lyubinsky Avenue include the former Gostiny Dvor trading complex and two historic chapels. You'll see merchant houses with carved stone details, government buildings with classical columns, and the St. Nicholas Cossack Cathedral from 1843. The Dormition Cathedral, rebuilt in 1896, represents Russian Revival architecture with its five copper domes and detailed stonework.
Cultural Calendar
Each August, 20,000 runners participate in the Siberian International Marathon. The "Velo-Omsk" cycling festival fills city streets every summer. The Drama Theatre performs Russian classics in its 19th-century building. You can also attend concerts at the Organ Music Hall or watch performances at the State Circus.
Parks and Natural Areas
At Bird's Harbor park, you can walk along the Irtysh River and watch local water birds. The region includes 28 protected natural areas, with the Bolshereche complex located north of the city. Where the Om and Irtysh rivers meet, walking paths give you views of both waterways.
