Nenets Autonomous Region

You can only get to the Nenets Autonomous Okrug (Region) by plane, but it’s worth it! Naryan-Mar is the capital and the only city in the entire region. Its name translates to “Red City” - red as in “beautiful, sincere, hospitable”. You can get around it in a few hours. Don’t forget to admire the tallest building - the Bogoyavlensky cathedral. 

The Nenets lexicon largely reflects the nomadic life of tundra-dwelling Nenets, which is almost entirely associated with deer herding. The Nenets have dozens of words for ‘deer’, depending on sex, age, color and the level of domestication. 

You should definitely try the northern cuisine - especially the stroganina (“shavings”). Thin sliced chips of frozen fish literally melt in your mouth! Another favorite local delicacy is venison. It is eaten both raw and boiled.