Western Russia forms the first major stretch of our Trans‑Siberian journey beyond Moscow. This section of the travel journal covers our rail trip to Kazan, our walks through the city’s historic streets and Kremlin, and the onward journey to Yekaterinburg at the edge of the Ural Mountains. Each page includes photos, impressions, and day‑by‑day notes from this early part of the route.
Train Trip from Moscow to Kazan
This overnight rail segment marks the true beginning of the journey east, leaving Moscow’s urban sprawl behind and settling into the rhythm of long‑distance train travel. The ride offers a first glimpse of rural Western Russia as the landscape gradually opens toward the Volga region and Kazan.
Train Trip from Moscow to Kazan
Walking Around Kazan
Kazan blends Tatar and Russian culture in a way that feels completely different from Moscow, with the Kazan Kremlin, mosques, and riverside promenades creating a unique atmosphere. Our walk through the city captures its architecture, history, and the calm rhythm of daily life along the Volga.
Train Trip from Kazan to Yekaterinburg
This rail segment carries you east toward the Ural Mountains, marking the symbolic boundary between European and Asian Russia. The journey offers long stretches of forest, small rural stations, and a sense of steadily moving deeper into the heart of the country.
Train Trip from Kazan to Yekaterinburg
Walking Around Yekaterinburg
Yekaterinburg introduces a modern, energetic city at the edge of Siberia, known for its mix of Soviet history, contemporary architecture, and the Church on the Blood. Our walk highlights the city’s central landmarks and the feeling of reaching a major crossroads on the Trans‑Siberian route.