Many mountains in Russia were originally volcanoes, including Elbrus – the highest peak in the country – and a significant number of active volcanoes in Kamchatka.
Top 10 Most Beautiful Volcanoes in Russia
There are over 200 volcanoes in Russia, with 30 to 60 considered active, while the rest are believed to be extinct.
1. Shiveluch, Kamchatka
Kamchatka is home to most of the active volcanoes in Russia, though the exact number is unclear. Some have been inactive for centuries or have transformed beyond recognition, some have sunk into the sea and become islands, while others have evolved into ordinary mountains.
Shiveluch, the active volcano in the northernmost part of Kamchatka, erupts quite frequently, approximately every two years. One of its recent eruptions occurred in November 2022, with ash plumes reaching heights of up to 4.5 km, covering the village of Kluchi at its base.
2. Klyuchevskaya Sopka, Kamchatka
Together with Shiveluch, its close neighbor Klyuchevskaya Sopka is the highest volcano in Russia and Eurasia (4850 m), having “woken up” in November 2022. This volcano has erupted 50 times in 270 years of observation, producing ash columns as high as 5 km. Its eruptions can last from a few weeks to several years.
Klyuchevskaya Sopka is a relatively young volcano, only 7,000 years old. Despite its dangers, its picturesque beauty attracts many tourists.
3. Tolbachik, Kamchatka
Tolbachik is formed by two volcanoes: Sharp Tolbachik and Flat Tolbachik. The Flat is active and one of the most “spectacular” volcanoes. Whenever it erupts, streams of liquid lava flow down both sides, creating rivers of fire. This phenomenon last occurred in 2012.
4. Kronotsky Volcano, Kamchatka
The last recorded eruption of this volcano on the Pacific coast was in 1923. Although covered by glaciers and currently inactive, visitors can still enjoy the beautiful Kronotsky National Park at its base, featuring Kronotsky Lake and the famous Geysers Valley.
5. Tyatya, Kunashir Island
A significant part of the Kuril Islands was once comprised of volcanoes. Many have sunk underwater, but some volcanoes remain active. For instance, the emblem of Kunashir Island is the volcano Tyatya (1,819 m), which last erupted in 1981. Scientists predict it will remain dormant for another century. The volcano is located in a picturesque setting, and despite its remote and desolate location, it remains a dream destination for many adventurous tourists.
6. Alaid, Atlasov Island
On the other hand, Alaid, the highest volcano in the Kuril range (2,339 m), has been quite active in recent years. It erupted in September and October 2022, spewing ash up to 3.5 km high. Due to frequent eruptions, it has recently changed shape, with many new conical forms and tunnels emerging.
7. Moneron, Sakhalin Region
The entire island in the Sakhalin region was once a volcano. Today, Moneron Island boasts one of the most beautiful parks in the Far East, where visitors can witness bird breeding sites in the rocks, seal habitats, and pristine nature. The Moneron volcano became extinct millions of years ago.
8. Kropotkin Volcano, Buryatia
In the Vostochnye Sayany mountain range lies a volcano that became inactive 12,000 years ago. Named after the famous Russian geographer and revolutionary Pyotr Kropotkin, this volcano is not very tall by volcanic standards – about 120 meters. However, it is located in a beautiful area, surrounded by rivers and valleys of extinct volcanoes.
9. Hirvas, Karelia
The Hirvas volcano is one of the oldest volcanoes on the planet, having ceased activity over 2 billion years ago. Today, it resembles boulders covered by forest, with many depressions containing dams, lakes, and waterfalls. It is one of the most stunning natural sights in Karelia.
10. Elbrus, Caucasus
Elbrus is also an inactive volcano. Some scientists believe it could awaken as early as this century. Elbrus is over two million years old, with its last eruption occurring more than 1,500 years ago. The peak rises to 5,642 meters, making it the highest point in Russia.
