Surgut is the largest city of Ugra, one of the main industrial and cultural centers of the region. Its history begins in 1594, and today historical monuments, modern architecture, museums, cultural spaces and landscaped public areas are located here.

Even if you only have one day to explore the city, you can see Surgut from a variety of angles - learn more about its past, get to know the cultural life and see the iconic city attractions. We suggest starting the walk from one of the most picturesque places in the city.

Historical and Cultural Center "Old Surgut"

We recommend starting sightseeing from the historical and cultural center "Old Surgut". It is located in a picturesque location in the central part of the city on the banks of the Saimaa River. In this place, you will see the reconstruction of buildings that once stood in various parts of the city. They were assembled into a single architectural ensemble. It is here that you can see what Surgut looked like at the turn of the 19th–20th centuries.

Various expositions are constantly operating in "Old Surgut", excursions, master classes, festive festivities, traditional evenings and even meetings with old-timers are held.

After an exciting tour, you can buy a memorable gift – there is a souvenir shop on the territory of the "Old Surgut". The works of craftsmen reflecting the peculiarities of the culture of our region are presented here. There are products made of beads, leather, wood, souvenirs with the symbols of the city, amulets and national souvenirs of the Khanty and Mansi peoples.

Before visiting, we recommend that you clarify the current working hours and schedule of excursions and events.

Monument to the black fox

When entering the historical and cultural center, pay attention to the sculpture of the Black Fox, one of the recognizable symbols of Surgut. It is based on the legend of the heavenly horseman, who descended in the form of a fox to the inhabitants of Surgut land and became its patron saint.

There is also an urban belief associated with the monument: it is believed that if you rub the paw of a Black Fox and make a wish, it will surely come true. It is also one of the most popular places for commemorative photography.

Surgut Art Museum

You can continue exploring the city at the Surgut Art Museum. His collection combines works of Russian and modern art, works by Siberian artists, art of the peoples of the North and archaeological collections.

The museum hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions, cultural and educational events. This is a good opportunity to get to know Surgut not only through its history and industrial development, but also to see the cultural side of the city.

Neftyanik Palace of Arts

The modern side of Surgut is represented by the Neftyanik Palace of Arts, one of the city's notable cultural venues. Concerts, theatrical productions, festivals, exhibitions and other events take place here.

The building is also interesting from an architectural point of view: its modern appearance stands out noticeably in the urban environment. If time permits, it is worth looking at the poster before the trip - perhaps a walk around Surgut can be completed with a concert or a performance.

Monument to the founders of Surgut

One of Surgut's most recognizable monuments, the monument to its founders, is located on the square of the 400th anniversary of the city. The composition consists of four bronze figures. Two of them depict Prince Fyodor Boryatinsky and Voivode Vladimir Onichkov, who were sent to Siberia to found the city.

Two more figures are collective images of a Cossack carpenter and a priest, symbolizing the first builders of Surgut and the spiritual history of the city. A capsule with a message to the descendants is placed at the base of the monument.

Surgut Big Ben

An unusual architectural landmark of Surgut is the building of the school of foreign languages, known to the townspeople as Surgut Big Ben. It was built in 2004 and, thanks to its distinctive tower, quickly became one of the most recognizable buildings in the city.

The tower is decorated with clocks made in the UK, and the architectural appearance of the building refers to the famous London clock tower. Surgut Big Ben looks especially impressive in the evening when the backlight is turned on.

Neftyanikov Square

Another important point of the route is the Neftyanikov Square and the monument to the labor feat of generations of Surgutneftegaz employees located here. The composition symbolically depicts an oil fountain at a drilling rig, and the bronze figures represent people of different professions related to the development of deposits.

The monument recalls the role of the oil industry in the formation and development of modern Surgut and well complements the acquaintance with the history of the city.

Memorial of Glory Square

The Memorial of Glory is one of the main memorable places of Surgut. The complex unites objects dedicated to important events of the city's history and the memory of Surgut residents who died during the Great Patriotic War.

The Eternal Flame is burning here, commemorative plaques, busts of Heroes of the Soviet Union, military equipment and the chapel of the Holy Trinity are installed. Today, the Memorial of Glory remains an important historical and public space of the city.

Borovaya Airfield Aviation Museum

If you are traveling around Surgut by car and have extra time, you can visit the Borovaya Airfield Aviation Museum. Here is a collection of aircraft related to the history of Russian and Surgut aviation.

One of the most interesting exhibits is the historic Douglas DC-3 aircraft. A visit to the museum will allow you to get acquainted with another page of Surgut's history, the development of which has been closely linked to aviation over the years.

This route will allow you to get to know different sides of Surgut in one day - its history, culture, industrial heritage and modern urban architecture. And if you have more time, you can always continue exploring the city with other interesting places.

Surgut does not reveal itself at first glance - it seems too calm and ascetic. But it is worth staying a little longer, and the city begins to share its routes: a morning park near the cedars, a chamber concert in "Port", a warm pub with live blues. This guide contains 10 places where Surgut residents themselves go for inspiration, relaxation and a real city mood.

Places in Surgut that citizens choose:

The main park, where the city lives

Botanical garden with plants from all over the world

Cultural center "Port" - art and music

Philharmonic with classics and jazz

Creative cluster for sports and creativity

Theater with classics and modern productions

Cedar oasis within the city

Traditional steam rooms

Palace of Arts with large-scale events

Rock pub with live music

Park "Za Saimaa"

Address: Central part of the city, between Universitetskaya Street and Proletarsky Prospekt

Admission: free

If there is a common place of attraction in Surgut, it is the park "Za Saimai". Here people walk, play, relax, briskly run their kilometers and leisurely return from lunch. Perhaps the most famous park in the city, where it is easy to turn and accidentally spend half a day there. The park is gradually being improved, new areas for active and quiet recreation are appearing. Local residents note that it is especially pleasant to spend weekends here, enjoying the fresh air and picturesque views: "a great place to escape from the bustle of the city", "I really like to spend morning runs and family weekends here."

Surgut Botanical Garden

Address: 3 Universitetskaya St.

Admission: free

The Surgut Botanical Garden is a unique scientific and educational institution and, concurrently, a favorite place for city residents to relax. It features a collection of plants adapted to the harsh northern climate, as well as decorative and rare species from all over the world. By the way, the oak alley at the exit from the park "Behind Saimaa" is the merit of scientists from Surgut State University and part of their work in the botanical garden.

In the warm season, you can see blooming flowerbeds in the garden, attend thematic excursions and master classes for the whole family. In winter, the garden becomes a hot oasis thanks to greenhouses with tropical plants.

Cultural center "Port"

Address: Mayskaya st., 10

Entrance: by tickets

The Port Cultural Center is one of the most vibrant venues in Surgut for creativity and communication. It is a space for exhibitions, concerts, master classes, and lectures. Port actively supports young artists and creative groups, combining an art gallery, a cinema, and a club area.

Residents note that you can always find an interesting event here — from jazz evenings to contemporary art exhibitions. Young people appreciate Port for its lively atmosphere and the opportunity to meet like-minded people.

“I really like Port — it’s cozy, interesting, and always something new. I especially love their film screenings and exhibitions,” “a good place to relax after work, something is always happening, the atmosphere is inspiring,” the guests note.

Surgut Philharmonic

Address: Engelsa St., 18

Admission: by tickets

The Philharmonic is the center of classical music and high-culture events in Surgut. Symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, opera and jazz stars perform here. The Philharmonic building is modern, with excellent acoustics and comfortable halls.

This place attracts music lovers of all ages - from schoolchildren to pensioners. In addition to concerts, lectures and creative meetings with artists are held here.

"The Philharmonic is the pride of our city. Each concert is a real holiday for the soul", "Always a pleasant atmosphere. I go there with my family" - writes one of the Surgut residents.

Sportzavod — cultural and sports space of Surgut

Address: ul. 30 years of Victory, 21/3

Admission: free (separate activities — paid)

Sportzavod is a city platform for sports, creativity and the creative industry, like the Moscow design plant Flacon. Here you can rent equipment, take part in master classes, drop in on a festival or just sit in a street food cafe surrounded by graffiti and music.

The place brings together young athletes, artists and entrepreneurs - the whole space lives with the energy of the city and free self-expression.

Surgut Musical and Drama Theatre

Address: Griboyedov St., 12

Admission: by tickets

The Surgut Musical and Drama Theatre is an important cultural space of the city, where classical dramatic productions, musical performances and modern theatrical experiments are combined. Founded in the 1980s, the theatre has earned the recognition of residents and guests of Surgut thanks to its diverse repertoire and high level of performance skills.

Many city residents note that visiting the theatre is always a holiday, an opportunity to touch art, see live emotions on stage and enjoy the skill of the actors.

Kedrovy Log Park

Address: Naberezhny Prospekt, 39/1

Entrance: free

Kedrovy Log is another city park, but with a different landscape. It is a forest area where ancient cedars grow — rare and valuable trees.

In winter, Kedrovy Log turns into a place for skiing and sledding, and in summer — into a cool oasis in the midst of the city bustle. Local residents note that here you can feel the real northern nature and recharge your batteries. Many praise the convenient paths and cleanliness of the territory — in recent years, Kedrovy Log has been paying a lot of attention to landscaping and preserving the environment.

Reviews from city residents emphasize that this is an ideal place to relax with children and pets, where you can enjoy the sounds of the forest and fresh air without going far from home.

City steam rooms

Address: Dekabristov st., 11

Entrance: from 1,200 to 2,000 rubles depending on the day and time of visit.

The City Steam Rooms are a legendary place on the map of Surgut, familiar to almost every local resident. This is a traditional public bathhouse that combines centuries-old bathhouse customs and the spirit of true Siberian comfort. Here you can not only have a good steam bath, but also chat, meet old friends or just relax your body and soul.

The complex includes men's and women's sections with steam rooms, showers and relaxation areas. The atmosphere inside is simple and comfortable: wooden shelves, hot steam, birch and oak brooms. For many, this is not just a bathhouse, but a kind of urban ritual - an opportunity to recover, "steam your thoughts", relieve fatigue and gain strength.

Citizens write in their reviews that "the city steam room retains something of the good old Surgut", and even with the opening of modern bath complexes, traditional steam rooms remain in hearts - for their atmosphere, accessibility and "honest heat". “Bath days” on weekends are especially popular here – for many this is already a family tradition.

Palace of Arts "Neftyanik"

Address: Yugorsky tract, 5

The architecture of the building resembles a crystal - hence the interior design: a spacious foyer, light installations, well-thought-out acoustics and modern halls. The main hall is designed for a thousand spectators and is equipped with a rotating stage, a movable orchestra pit and stage equipment that is compared to the technical level of the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theaters.

Inside there are studios, workshops, rehearsal rooms and an art cafe. In the evenings, concerts, symphony programs, ballets, opera productions and festivals are held here - from the Rachmaninov Seasons to tours of troupes from all over Russia. The art cafe has a cozy stage for local musicians and chamber concerts.

The townspeople love Neftyanik not only for its scale and convenience, but also for the atmosphere: here you can spend the whole evening - from an exhibition to a performance and a jazz set:

"There are not many places in our city where you can feel real theatrical delight. "Neftyanik" is exactly that. Acoustics, light, stage - everything is on the level. Even just coming to the exhibition is already an event," writes one of the viewers.

Bar "The Wall Pub"

Address: Lenin Avenue, 50/1, (floor 2)

Entrance: free, average bill — from 1000 rubles.

The Wall Pub is one of the most atmospheric places in Surgut for those who love live music, warm light and a rock-n-roll mood. The establishment resembles classic British rock clubs: dark wood, vinyl posters on the walls, a stage with instruments and the right sound. They play covers of legendary bands, and sometimes local bands that delight with their original music.

The menu is European, with an emphasis on hearty snacks and dishes for beer. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the pub is lively, music is playing, applause is heard, and on weekdays people come here for dinner in a more relaxed atmosphere.

The townspeople praise The Wall for its coziness, delicious cuisine and friendly atmosphere. Many call it "a place where you want to come back" - for the mood that the music creates and for the feeling that you are among friends.