Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The legendary Golden Ring of Russia, celebrating its 60th anniversary, is being given a new lease of life and scope. It will now be significantly broader, more diverse, and more engaging for every tourist. Instead of the usual nine-city circle, the Golden Ring will connect 49 unique points of interest: from ancient capitals and merchant towns to protected natural parks. For the first time, its orbit will include the Nizhny Novgorod and Tver regions, as well as the pearls of Russian nature—the Pleshcheyevo Lake and Meshchera national parks.
"The Golden Ring will turn 60 in 2027. In anticipation of this anniversary, it is undergoing further development and expanding by 49 settlements. For the first time, it will include towns and villages in the Nizhny Novgorod and Tver regions. This expansion will further enhance the tourist appeal of the Golden Ring regions and help achieve the goal set by our President Vladimir Putin of increasing the share of tourism in the country's GDP to 5% and the number of tourist trips to 140 million by 2030," said Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko.
The Deputy Prime Minister added that the Golden Ring regions are actively taking advantage of the "Tourism and Hospitality" national project. Thanks to the preferential lending program, approximately 60 investment projects for the construction of hotels and multifunctional complexes are being implemented in Moscow, the Moscow Region, Vladimir Region, Kostroma Region, and the Yaroslavl Region, as well as more than 10 major investment projects for the creation of amusement parks and aquathermal complexes, with a combined annual attendance of over 20.5 million. Furthermore, the Moscow Region, Vladimir Region, Kostroma Region, and the Yaroslavl Region received a unified subsidy for 2025–2027.
The development of the Golden Ring is a response to the growing demand from tourists for a comprehensive and diverse journey through Russia's historic center. This expansion of its geography isn't simply a matter of adding new cities to the map. It's an opportunity for every tourist to experience the authentic, multifaceted, and hospitable Russia in all its depth and diversity. The key innovation is freedom of choice. Every tourist can now create their own ideal itinerary, compiling it from dozens of points, each with its own character and history. After Yaroslavl, you can discover Rybinsk, and a visit to Suzdal can easily be complemented with a stroll through the quiet town of Gorokhovets, with its wooden Art Nouveau architecture.
The "Golden Ring" brand now encompasses a whole range of tourist products to suit every taste. These include traditional bus tours, 14 special self-drive tours, river cruises with new stops, and train tours. For those seeking a thrill, there's a packed calendar of events: from a cheese festival in Vyatskoye to historical reenactments in Gorodets. Craft enthusiasts can visit the crystal factory in Gus-Khrustalny or the guipure factory in Chkalovsk, while those seeking solitude can opt for a relaxing, sleepy experience in authentic small towns. This is a new take on a familiar brand, where the power of history meets modern trends.
Travel becomes an immersion into living history. Previously, tourists saw mostly the "ceremonial" history of the principalities' capitals. Now, the geography includes cities where crafts and merchant life thrived for centuries. You can understand how Russia lived centuries ago, not only in the kremlins, but also on the quiet streets of Mstera, the center of lacquer miniatures, or in Pavlovo, the capital of metalworkers. All new destinations will be developed under the auspices of the unified "Golden Ring" brand, which for tourists means clear navigation, developed infrastructure, and a guaranteed level of service.
"It's crucial for us that tourists receive more than just a list of must-see attractions, but the opportunity to create their own unique adventure. By expanding the Golden Ring, we're also expanding the range of experiences for tourists. It's now an entire travel ecosystem where you can choose the pace, format, and theme: from a pilgrimage tour of Diveyevo to a gastronomic weekend in Vyatskoye. We're combining a powerful brand with modern trends to create a truly personalized and unforgettable travel experience," noted Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dmitry Vakhrukov.
This project will also serve as a catalyst for development for dozens of small towns, helping to create new jobs, restore landmarks, and make these areas more attractive to live in. The updated Golden Ring 2.0 is an invitation to deep Russian exploration, full of discoveries.
The updated Golden Ring's geography, in addition to the classic cities, will encompass the following settlements:
— Vladimir region
G. Aleksandrov, p. Bogolyubovo, g. Vyazniki, g. Gus-Khrustalny, g. Gorokhovets, g. Kideksha, g. Kirzhach, g. Kolchugino, urban-type settlement Mstera, g. Murom, g. Yuryev-Polsky.
— Yaroslavl region
S. Vyatskoye, s. Godenovo, village Karabikha, town Myshkin, town Rybinsk, town Tutaev, town Uglich.
— Ivanovo region
Gavrilov Posad, Kineshma, Palekh, Plyos, Kholuy, Shuya, Yuzha, Yuryevets.
— Kostroma region
Galich, Nerekhta, Krasnoe-on-Volga, Sudislav, Susanino.
— Moscow region
S. Abramtsevo, s. Gzhel, Likino-Dulevo, Muranovo village, Sofrino town, Khotkovo.
— Tver region
City of Kalyazin, city of Kashin.
— Nizhny Novgorod region
G. Arzamas, Bogorodsk, Vyksa, village. Bolshoye Boldino, Gorodets, village. Diveevo, s. Purekh, Nizhny Novgorod, Pavlovo, Chkalovsk.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.