Vladivostok

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Vladivostok is more than 6000 km east of Moscow, on the Pacific coast opposite Japan. Before WWII Vladivostok was a thriving commercial center, where people from all nationalities mingled and ran their businesses. But decline started in 1958 when the entire area was closed to foreigners. This situation lasted until the break-up of the Soviet Union and nowadays the port city is regaining some of its prewar glamour. Vladivostok is home to an important naval base. It is surrounded by picturesque hills that provide excellent views over the city. The Far East Maritime Reserve and the Ussuri Nature Reserve also cover part of the surrounding area and are both home to black and brown bears, Siberian boars, Ussuri tigers, the rare Amur leopard and numerous local and migratory bird species.

There are several hotels and restaurants in Vladivostok, but there is little of interest in the city itself.