Pripyat Visit Or The Soviet Union Through Our Eyes

Oct 3, 2020

Last Updated on: Oct 18, 2024

Europe

  • Have you ever wondered what destruction happens to a city or region post a nuclear radiation accident?
  • Are you aware of the Chernobyl Plant and Pripyat city, the site of the nuclear accident situated in the erstwhile USSR?
  • Did you know that there are countless documentaries and movies been made about the Chernobyl disaster?

There are countless stories and myths, which abound about Chernobyl. While some say that it was just an accident at a nuclear plant, others point to a warring country being responsible for executing the same. The nuclear accident at Chernobyl happened in the erstwhile USSR era.

This was roughly around the same time when the Cold War was raging between Communist USSR and the Western Capitalist world. The stories, myths, controversies have made Chernobyl somewhat of an urban legend.

Chernobyl has become so famous that it has been featured in a Netflix series. It has also started attracting audiences and tourists from all over the world, who want to see one of the most significant remnants of our modern history.

An Introduction to Pripyat, the city surrounding Chernobyl

Visiting Pripyat today we could only imagine that it was a city of opportunity, where almost every resident had a prestigious job and a promising future. This city is located on the Pripyat River, 3 kilometers from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, has been prosperous and advanced since its foundation.

Until April 26, 1986, when the explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant forced more than 300 thousand people to leave their homes due to the threat of radiation. This is how the exclusion zone appeared – an area of 2,600 square kilometers, free of people.

Before the Chernobyl incident, Pripyat was one of the most economically developed and bustling cities of the USSR. The trade, commerce, and lifestyle of the people were as good as it could get under a Communist regime. Culturally, Pripyat embodied the best of the USSR. The Chernobyl accident was a major turning point in the fortunes of the city and its inhabitants.

The Problems faced by Inhabitants of Pripyat after the Chernobyl Accident

Many inhabitants were forced to shift to government camps and medical facilities. They were monitored for radiation and many also faced isolation and therapy. Even after the nuclear winter ended, traces of radiation were found in water, soil, etc. The government could not ever settle inhabitants in the city. Many were forced to migrate thousands of miles to different regions, often starting from scratch.

The accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant changed hundreds of thousands of destinies, caused enormous economic damage, and a crushing blow to the nuclear industry. In the shortest possible time, the whole city was to be empty, people were not allowed to take anything except documents. Visiting Pripyat now, we can see how much pain it was for people to leave in a hurry all their property acquired over the years.

As Pripyat was a bustling center of trade and commerce, you can still see so many markets, big complexes, theatres, and auditoriums. Many historians have stated that Pripyat was as rich and powerful as Moscow was. However, after the accident, there was just chaos and destruction as far as the eye could see.

How Chernobyl looks like today?

Here is what you can expect if you visit Chernobyl today

Visiting Chernobyltoday is like returning to the distant Soviet Union. Here you can still see elements of communist propaganda, personal belongings scattered on the streets, and abandoned buildings. The hammer and sickle adorn the lanterns on the eve of the May holidays, which were not destined to take place. Toys are scattered across the schoolyard, abandoned by children in the confusion. The clock in the city shows 11:55 – the time of the power outage.

Visiting Chernobyl safe is possible with the help of the professional guides, who know all the impressive but at the same time safe places of the abandoned city. Chernobyl visit is available in several options:

  1. One-day tour (Includes 27 top locations, lasts for 11 hours including comfortable bus. The price is from 35 euro per person)
  2. Two-day tour (Includes 57 top locations, lasts for 36 hours including top comfortable bus. The price is from 95 euro per person)
  3. Private tour (No restrictions on the number of locations, no limitation on hours – one, two, or even five days in Chernobyl)

Present-day Chernobyl: What is happening?

Whatever tour you choose Chernobyl visit will give you an opportunity to see how nature conquers human error. Pripyat turns into a forest. Houses begin to collapse, asphalt turns into moss, houses grow into trees, wide avenues disappear. Visiting Pripyat, it will be interesting to see:

  • Shelter “Sarcophagus”. It covers the destroyed Unit 4 to protect the environment from continued exposure to radiation.
  • The Exclusion Zone. Excursions along this area are conducted with visits to local “attractions”, museums, and communication with self-settlers.
  • Amusement Park. The official opening of the amusement park was planned for May 1, 1986.
  • Red Forest. It has absorbed a huge dose of radioactive dust. Most of the trees died, and the survivors took on a rusty hue.
  • The Bridge of Death. The townspeople came here to see the burning reactor, not knowing that the radiation level here was one of the highest in the city.

Over the past decade, hundreds of thousands of tourists made a visit to Chernobyl and Pripyat. But, believe me, the emotions that you feel when you find yourself in this city cannot be compared with anything.

The Final Word

If you are someone who is fascinated by Cold War history or seeing the height of Communist Power in the USSR, you will love Chernobyl. Even though the city and the region lie in ruins, there is a quaint romance about the place. Describing how you would feel after visiting Chernobyl is something that even the best travel writers cannot do.

Part of the reason is that Chernobyl and Pripyat remain one of those rare places on Earth, which can still give you goosebumps. You have a city, without inhabitants, you have markets without shoppers, and you have buildings without owners.

Read Also:

Share on Social Media

Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

title-img Related

READ MORE Les Deux Alpes

Top 4 Reasons to Visit Les Deux Alpes for Your Ski Break

BY  Barsha Aug 16, 2023

There's something magical about the snowy mountainside that can entice even the most reluctant of travelers to take a chance and experience the exhilaration of skiing. And when it comes to skiing destinations, few places compare to Les Deux Alpes in southeastern France.  In this article, we'll explore the top four reasons why you should visit Les Deux Alpes for your next ski break. 4 Reasons To Visit Les Deux Alpes During Ski Break Situated right at the center of the French Alps, Les Deux Alpes offers breathtaking views, endless slopes, and an abundance of activities for all levels of skiers. Reason 1: Extensive skiing terrain One of the biggest draws of Les Deux Alpes is its extensive skiing terrain. With over 220 kilometers of slopes, skiers of all levels will have plenty of runs to choose from. From gentle beginner slopes to challenging black runs, there's something for everyone. The resort also offers off-piste skiing for the more adventurous skiers, with opportunities for heli-skiing and ski touring.  The resort is also known for its high-altitude skiing, with runs reaching up to 3,600 meters. This means that skiing is possible even in the late season, making Les Deux Alpes a popular destination for spring skiing. Don’t forget to book your ski pass at Erna Low in order not to waste your time waiting in long lines. Reason 2: Great for families and beginners  While Les Deux Alpes offers plenty of challenging runs for experienced skiers, it's also a great destination for families and beginners. The resort has a dedicated beginners' area with gentle slopes and ski schools for all ages.  The ski institutes provide a range of lessons, from group lessons to private lessons, which is relatively easy for everyone to gain knowledge at their own speed. The resort also has a range of activities for non-skiers, including snowshoeing, ice skating, and tobogganing.  There are also child-friendly activities, like a sledding area and a snow garden, making Les Deux Alpes a great choice for families with young children. Reason 3: Apres ski and nightlife Les Deux Alpes isn't just about skiing - it's also one of the most awesome Alpine Apres-ski resorts. The resort has a range of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs catering to all tastes. Whether you want to enjoy a quiet drink after a day on the slopes or party until the early hours, you'll find something to suit your mood.  One of the most popular apres-ski activities in Les Deux Alpes is ice skating. The resort has a large ice rink that is open throughout the day and into the evening, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes. There is also a range of restaurants and cafes around the rink, serving everything from hot chocolate to cocktails. Reason 4: Stunning scenery Finally, Les Deux Alpes is known for its stunning scenery. Located at the heart of the infamous French Alps, the resort offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.  There is also a range of activities for those who want to take in the scenery, including snowshoeing and guided mountain walks. One of the most popular activities in Les Deux Alpes is a ride on the Jandri Express cable car.  Tips To Keep In Mind While Visiting Les Deux Alpes  Who doesn’t enjoy a holiday with their favorite set of people at Les 2 Alpes? The snow across the glacier and cannons surely make you refreshed and energized. But there are certain factors one should keep in mind while traveling to Deux Alpes. Shortlist The Places You Wish To Travel Visiting a ski resort is fun, but not everyone in your group will agree on a common plan. Different people would want to travel to different parts of the city. Hence, in order to avoid confusion and conflicts, prepare a list beforehand. Hand out the list of common places everyone will visit collaboratively to each group member. This way, each one of you can enjoy without worrying about individual interests. Catalog Skiing Needs People with their personal cars and ski equipment have no worries about storing the boards, skis, and shoes in their trunks. But what about the rest? They might want to try new skis. The skis technology never stands still- a titanium and carbon plate adds extra speed to the ski. Choose an all-mountain freeride ski if you wish to travel off-piste.  In case you are a technical skier, rent an additional sharp-carved ski. Maximum hotels have preset agreements and collaborated with ski rental companies offering extra discounts. Check Out Fun Things To Do In Les Deux Alpes It’s time to spice things up a bit. This step is also important to determine the individual interests of each group member. Les Deux Alpes offers everyone a range of entertainment zones. Check them out here: Ice Glider Who doesn’t love to drive bumper cars? But would you dare to drive them on icy ground? This activity might charge you around 5 euros for 5-6 minutes, and only two people are allowed in a single Ice Glider. Also, it is open from 4 pm to 10 pm on Thursdays. Bowling At 12 Place de L’Alpe de Venosc, you get bowling with six lanes. A maximum of 8 players in each lane can play, which makes advance booking highly significant. The cost is somewhere around five euros for each person in the game. There are also darts and air hockey, along with a minibar.  Wrap Up Winter sports holidays are totally fun for your physical and mental well-being. And when you visit Les 2 Alpes, fun is guaranteed. Make sure you take note of the aforementioned tips to make your stay a pleasurable experience.  So, this was all about it. I hope you liked the article which guided you all the way through ski holidaying in Les Deux Alpes. Don’t forget to share your experiences with us. Happy reading! Read Also: Taco Bell Breakfast Hours: When Does Taco Bell Serve Breakfast? You Won’t Believe The Best Things To Do When In Fiji! Romantic Weekend Breaks Scotland

READ MORE Backpacking Tips

5 Backpacking Tips for an Unforgettable Euro-Trip

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 2, 2021

Everyone should travel abroad and explore the mysterious corners of the world at least once in their lifetime. And what better place to start your journey than Europe, which literally has it all. From quaint little hamlets to breathtaking natural wonders, bustling spired cities to soul-soothing golden beaches, Gondola rides in the Venetian canal to romantic candle-lit dinners atop the Eiffel Tower. Not to mention, the friendly indigenous folk, the local cultural events, and the refreshingly unique food. Indeed, traveling across Europe is sure to turn your life around for the better, enriching it with precious memories of interesting adventures. But there are a lot of factors to take into consideration before you can begin this Euro trip. Let me help you with a few backpacking tips if you prefer to travel on foot and point you in the right direction. Here are 5 Backpacking Tips for an Unforgettable Euro-Trip: Everything depends on your budget. If you can afford to stay in one of those pricier hotels, then go for it. But if you’re a backpacker, then you might want to save on the accommodation costs, for which there are plenty of options. Here are a few helpful backpacking tips: 1. Seasonal Selection: If it is during wintertime that you decide to begin your Euro-tour, then head over to the places with the best skiing facilities and the most tasteful New Year parties, like Finland, Sweden or Austria, etc. In the case of the spring season, perfectly balanced between the dying winter and the emerging summer, select Netherlands, Greece, France, or Ireland as your European destinations, in full bloom. For an autumnal golden view mixed with browns and greens, travel to the Mediterranean. As the tourist traffic dies down, enjoy the pleasant quietness of the coastlines and explore the eerie cities of Spain and Italy, etc. Finally, if the hot summer season is your choice for the trip, then make your way to the Baltic regions, the eastern Slovenian mountains and the wonderful Balkan coastline. Just make sure to pick your season wisely and not begin your journey haphazardly. 2. Euro-Train Travel There are many ways you could go around Europe, but the best mode of transportation for backpackers is the railway. It is featured in many wanderlust movies, like Before Sunset (2004) which shows the characters getting the most out of their journey via train travel. You can order these movies by visiting here, for further inspiration. Why the train, you ask? Well, for starters, you can better enjoy the multi-colored view of the European landscape from your train window, rather than from an airplane. Other than that, if you sleep overnight in your cabin on one of those long rides, then you’ll save on accommodation costs. Plus, most countries require a single train pass, like a Eurail or an Interrail Global pass, in order to become accessible. Cool, right? 3. Accommodation Options Visiting Europe is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity. From searching hotels in west London to packing your bags for the southernmost tip of Prague, there is so much to do. If you truely want things to be just right, here are a few useful tips: Guesthouse: This is a private mode of lodging, where the hosts allot one separate section of their house to a paying guest for staying in. It also goes by the name of the bed and breakfast. You can book your spot in such guesthouses online by going for digital accommodation apps like Airbnb etc. They give a much homelier welcome than the super-formal hotels, so you won’t feel home-sick. Hostel: Also known by the name of an ‘inn’, this accommodation system goes way back to medieval times. It is an establishment that gives inexpensive lodging and food to students, workers, and travelers mostly. Book your rooms beforehand to avoid any sort of inconvenience. Camp: If you want to truly test yourself and connect with the nature on the rawest level, then book your spot on a well-equipped camping site. It is not only quite affordable, and but comes with a special bonfire bonding. University Stays: Most of the universities in certain countries offer cheap lodgings to students. You can avail of this option as well. There are other accommodation options too, but these are the ones which I’d recommend. 4. Cultural Delve Once you reach a place, be sure to collect as many experiences as you can, and such experiences begin once you indulge in the local cultures. Festivals are a major part of any culture, so plan your trip around such events in advance. There’s the orange battle festival in Italy, the bullfight in Spain, the shamrock-jeweled St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Ireland, and the interesting naked run Roskilde festival in Denmark, etc. In addition to such events, be sure to savor the curious, indigenous cuisines. Instead of going to the expensive restaurants, save on your backpacker’s budget by eating like the locals. Refresh your taste buds with the multi-colored street food. Popular dishes include French crêpes, Denmark’s smørrebrød, the Italian trattoria, currywurst of Berlin and the Belgian fries, etc. Apart from this, the best option would be to cook your own food. Handpick ingredients from the local markets, which come with their own titillating flavors. Markets are a hubbub of interesting activity. Don’t forget to add them to your tour. Do buy small souvenirs, like key chains, to hang from your backpacks. 5. Nightly Forays One word: pubs. Even though the days are full of invigorating explorations, nights are equally alive with inebriation in the European countries. So, there are plenty of reasons to stay up late and go on nightly forays. There are hipster dives in London and Berlin, ruin bars in Budapest, and wine tastings in France and Italy. Moreover, the flamenco music scene in Seville, historic pubs of Oxford, and cafes in Brussels are a must-visit too. Do not miss out on these dark, happy hours by wasting them away on sleep. One important tip that you should definitely keep in mind is that your safety is your own responsibility once you go backpacking tips across Europe. So, do not take any chances with expensive cameras or jewelry, and always be on your guard. Especially, when you go on the roads less taken and explore under-the-radar areas, like Berat or Olomouc. Be sure to take the basic precautions to stay safe. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: How long is the backpacking trip to Europe? A:  For larger Europen sites you will need 2 to 4 full days and 3 to 5 nights. For smaller sites, you will need 1 to 2 days maximum. So it all depends on how much time you can spend on your trip to Europe.  Q2: Is backpacking to Europe is cheap? A: If you choose the peak time which is the Summer season, then it is going to be expensive for you as well as the place will be crowded. To have a smooth trip to Europe with any crowd and also where accommodations are 50% cheaper, travel during the shoulder or offseason. Q3: Are hostels in Europe safe? A: Not that much, the common security issue you will face is theft, especially in larger cities like Paris and Rome. therefore the hostels have lockers that save your belongings from getting robbed. But always carry your purse along with your passport, credit cards, IDs with you.  Q4: Is there any age limit to take a trip to Europe? A: Hostels and Hotels will only allow you if you are 18 or above, otherwise a guardian accompanying you will be nice. Exception when counted, Germany’s Bavarian Region does not consider this age thing in most hostels.  Wrapping Up: So, whenever you plan your backpacking tips journey, be sure to pay attention to the aforementioned tips. These will surely benefit you in the long run and make your Euro-trip bump-free. Read More: How to Choose A Backpack 10 Best Places To Visit In Europe Top 3-Week Itineraries For A Perfect Tour Of Europe

READ MORE card-img

10 Best Places to Visit in Europe

BY  Abdul Aziz Apr 24, 2019

Visiting Europe is the dream of everybody around the world. There are dissimilar places around Europe that will delight you while visiting. Below are some of the best places to visit in Europe. The architecture of Europe makes it the best destination for anybody thinking about traveling there. The best places to visit in Europe have so much to offer for families, newlyweds, children, and adults. You will enjoy every minute you spend while visiting Europe. Below are some of the best places to visit in Europe. 1. Matera, Italy The unique architecture, with walls made of pale stones and ancient dwellings carved in the hills, are reasons enough to make you visit Matera. The Basilicata jewel is getting its moment the spotlight as the capital of culture in Europe and Bulgaria. It not only means endless festivities and events taking over in the year, but also derelict grottoes of limestone that turn to restaurants, galleries, and smart hotels with vaulted rooms. 2. Riga, Latvia Riga is the capital of Latvia with close to thirty thousand votes. It is among the best places to visit in Europe. You will be dazzled by the beauty of Riga. The city has been the meeting point for diverse cultures. It has a connection to forests, water, and nature. You might not know that it has beautiful hills, beaches, and highlands. Come to Riga to discover romantic and Romanesque buildings, art deco, renaissance, and baroque. 3. Outer Hebrides, Scotland If you want authentic, natural beauty and local experiences, these islands in Scotland are the best to watch this year. Also called the Western Isles, they offer a mix of the Caribbean looking beaches, thoughtfully preserved the culture and northern lights. Spend hours here in the countryside in the midst of thick, wildflowers, and coastal paths that tower above whirling, wild seas. Air is fresh, views are endless, and nature stillness is close to the soul. Hurrying and technology make no sense in this place. Enjoy the leisure space of life, drink at local pubs, and eat the best farm to table and seafood in Britain. 4. Colmar, France Colmar is among the best places to visit in Europe because of its romantic, charming, and magical destinations. Colmar makes travelers from all over to dream. When you visit, you will enjoy its charming hotels, gastronomy, architecture, and neighborhood of tanners. It is perfect for both the old and the young since it is among the best places to visit in Europe. You need to come to Colmar to discover the Unterlinden museum, toy museum, or the Bartholdi museum. 5. Berlin, Germany It is time to go to Berlin if it has been one of your dream visit destinations. This cool capital has a lot of festivities because it is celebrating the Bauhaus Centennial, and thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall. It means that added to the vibrant art, brilliant food scene, and glorious nightlife, travelers will get a log of special events to honor these anniversaries. Cultural centers and museums in the city will host thematic exhibitions with a lot of lectures, concerts, and theatrical performance that will keep you busy. You will also witness the largest festival of Europe, opening of the Humboldt forum, and the new museum housed in the Berlin Palace. 6. Tbilisi, Georgia With delicious food, cobblestoned old town, and stylish hotels coming up, it not surprising for Tbilisi to be among the best places to visit in Europe. Nestled in River Mtkyari valley against the picturesque backdrop of the mountain, this capital is weird, unique, and wonderful. It has a mélange of eras and styles with great bathhouses on the Armenian crumbling Soviet factories and churches that became hipster hangouts. The medieval old town here consists of narrow cobblestone alleyways, pastel-colored houses, and mysterious courtyards with carved wooden balconies that beg to be explored. There are old churches, vintage shops, and funky ventures all over. The culture of coffee is booming, the nightlife is vibrant, renaissance landscape, and tolerant pumping electronic music. 7. Zadar, Croatia While the majority of visitors focus on fashionable or Dubrovnik islands like Korcula and Hvar, Zadar has its mark with exceptional cultural heritage, public art installation, and magical sunsets. This city boasts of gleaming marble streets, vibrant coffee scenes, and notch seafood restaurants. The walled old town is a treasure of atmospheric lanes, fascinating medieval churches, and Roman remains. The main draw of Zadar is the beautiful waterfront where there is an award-winning installation known as the Sea Organ that utilizes the waves of the ocean to come up with a hypnotic, soothing sound. 8. Copenhagen, Denmark Copenhagen has been rarely from the spotlight. Considering that it is named among the best places to visit in Europe, it is the most likable, design-forward, bike-friendly city that is not a surprise. It has chic new hotels, dining places, and excellent taste in design have changed Copenhagen into a great attraction. It has a wealth of cultural treasures and stunning architecture that lend this Danish capital charm, but the creative vibes of the city, ambitious green agenda, and clean Scandinavian design make it the best place to visit in Europe. 9. Ljubljana, Slovenia If you have experienced the delights of Croatia or the coast of Montenegro, go to Ljubljana for a mixture of leafy parks, cobbled streets, and cool cafes along the riverside. The young and vibrant capital of Slovenia is getting into the limelight with new hotels, burgeoning cultural life, and forward-thinking restaurants. The city architecture celebrates the rich past and the bright future, with all things from Viennese secessionist and graceful Baroque buildings to modern marvels of Joze Plecnik. 10. Almeria province, Spain Almeria is the most unique, diverse, and very beautiful. It is a strange location where beaches coexist with barren landscapes in Europe. The rocky coastline is long and has many flamingoes for you to discover while visiting. It also has dry riverbeds, worldly ochre-colored formations, and theme parks used for filming. It is overlooked by many travelers of south Spain. It has the best scenes in the country and tranquil squares, spectacular Moorish fortress, and splendid churches. Conclusion Visiting Europe has never been as interesting as now because of the experiences you will get. There is no specific time of the year when you should visit because you can always find something during your time in Europe. There are many hubs of entertainment and enjoyment while at this destination. Plan your timetable well and you will get it all in the best places to visit in Europe. Read Also: Top 3-Week Itineraries for a Perfect Tour of Europe 5 EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS NEGATIVELY IMPACTED BY ‘OVER-TOURISM Top Places to Visit in Italy on your next Travel Escapade