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A World War II Travel Blog

18 Must-Visit Normandy Museums for WWII History Buffs (2024)

Last Updated: September 2, 2024 //  by  Ashley Smith 12 Comments

Visiting the many Normandy museums (and other amazing D-Day sites) should be at the top of every World War II history buff’s bucket list. Very few other places evoke the kind of historical energy that the battlegrounds and memorials of Normandy do. It will truly be a trip you’ll never, ever forget .

Table of Contents

The best Normandy museums for WWII enthusiasts

As you can imagine, there’s an exhaustive amount for a World War II enthusiast to see in Normandy, France. There are landing beaches and battle sites, cemeteries, museums and memorials… so many memorials.

If you’ve got a few months to dedicate to seeing all these, fantastic. But for those of us who don’t , let me make it a little easier for you. As far as museums go, here are 18 of the best WWII museums in Normandy (in no particular order).

Pro tip: Now while I love museums, Normandy has so much more to offer a WWII enthusiast. I recommend choosing a couple museums from this list and spreading your time between those, some battle sites, some beaches, and a cemetery or two to get a well-rounded Normandy experience. Check out my post on the best D-Day sites to visit in Normandy for a great starting point.

Best Normandy Museums: Map

This map contains all the top Normandy museums I mention in this post.  To save this map:  Click on the star ⭑ next to the map’s title to save in your Google Maps.  To use this map:  When you get to Normandy, open Google Maps on your phone, click “Saved” at the bottom, then click “Maps.”

Many of these museums are included in the awesome Normandy D-Day day tours you can take here. Check out that link for the 10 best ones for 2024. (Or click here for the best Normandy day tours from Paris .)

1. Mémorial de Caen (Caen Memorial Museum)

The Caen Memorial Museum is considered by many to be the best World War II museum in France . It opened on D-Day in 1988 and covers not just the subject of D-Day but all of World War II.

This enormous museum was built on a former German bunker (which you can also visit) and displays countless historical artifacts, video and sound recordings, artwork, props and replicas, vehicles and airplanes, and much more to tell the story of the Second World War.

The Caen Memorial Museum is located in the Sword Beach landing sector. Here’s everything else you can see and do at Sword Beach .

What to see at the Caen Memorial Museum

The Caen Memorial Museum has sections dedicated to:

• The start of the war and how it spread throughout the world
• The many global resistance movements
• Genocide and mass violence
• Liberation and the end of the war
• The D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy (naturally)
• The Cold War
• And much more

This museum also has an extensive gift and bookshop (drinking out of my Army ration coffee mug as we speak), two cafés, three gardens dedicated to American, Canadian, and British soldiers who died in Normandy, and a movie theater. You could definitely spend the better part of a day here.

Pro tip : Don’t miss the General Richter Underground Bunker exhibit located under the museum. This former German command bunker contains some great artifacts and information on the German occupation.

Visitor information : Get opening hours, admission costs, and all other essential visitor information here: memorial-caen.com .

2. Airborne Museum

Normandy’s Airborne Museum opened in 1964 and centers around the US Army paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions who parachuted into Normandy in the wee hours leading up to D-Day.

You can find the Airborne Museum in the town of Sainte-Mère-Église, the first French town liberated by Allied forces. It faces the church belfry where paratrooper John Steele became famously suspended. (You can see this story in the movie The Longest Day .)

The Airborne Museum is located in the Utah Beach landing sector. See what else you can see and do at Utah Beach here.

Heading to Paris before or after your Normandy trip? Don’t miss all the WWII sites in Paris too!

What to see at the Airborne Museum

In May 2024 (my most recent visit), the museum unveiled the extensive renovation and expansion it had been working on. The Airborne Museum now boasts three exhibition buildings and completely redesigned outdoor grounds. Be sure to check out:

The WACO Building

Previously the smallest building at the Airborne Museum, the WACO now has a brand new (much larger) exhibition space. This section focuses on gliders and their use in the Normandy invasions. (More than 500 gliders were used on D-Day and the days following to transport vehicles, ammunition, equipment, and troops into France.)

Inside the WACO Building you can see a Waco CG-4 glider, the only one of its kind on display in France.

The C-47 Building

The C-47 Building, itself shaped like an open parachute, completely immerses you in what it was like to be a WWII paratrooper. You learn everything from D-Day preparations to what it was like to drop into a war zone. You get to attend a virtual military briefing, hear some of the event’s personal stories, and see a Douglas C-47 Skytrain up close.

This building was also recently (completely) redesigned and it’s truly an immersive experience. When picking up your ticket upon entering, you have the (free) option of taking a Histopad along with you. With this device you can learn more about each of the exhibits, watch video footage, and more. I really like the displays here; it’s so interesting to see all the gear the paratroopers dropped with up close.

Operation Neptune

A third building named Operation Neptune (after the first assault phase of the grander Operation Overlord) opened in 2014 on the 70th anniversary of D-Day. This building covers 13,000 square feet and aims to “make you experience a night jump as if you were there!” which sounds fun and interesting yet truly terrifying at the same time, no?

Through what they call a “hyperrealist museography” you’ll first board a C-47 then drop into the town of Sainte-Mère-Église in the midst of battle. This building also provides background on some of D-Day’s more specific, localized events as well as stories from the individuals involved. (This is my favorite part of the museum.)

The open-air exhibition area

Between the (new) WACO and Neptune buildings you’ll find an outdoor exhibition space that displays several war-era vehicles.

Why the Airborne Museum is one of the best Normandy museums

The Airborne Museum is one of the best Normandy museums for WWII enthusiasts because of:

• How interactive and engaging the exhibits are
• How well the museum is organized
• Its impressive collection of artifacts (and the chance to see them up-close)
• The ability to learn more about certain subjects with the Histopad
• Its brand new renovation for the 80th anniversary of D-Day which means everything is super updated and modernized
• Its location in the center of Sainte-Mère-Église which is perfect for exploring the other interesting sites here

Airborne Museum: Need to know

Here are a few helpful tips and things to know for your visit to the Airborne Museum:

About tickets: First, this is a popular museum. Prepare to wait in at least a little bit of a line to buy your tickets. Yes, even if you bought your ticket online; you still have to wait in the line to enter. (It’s silly, I know.) But, as of May 2024, they’ve closed online ticket sales for the rest of the season while they regroup. (Hopefully they’re figuring out a more efficient system.)

About parking: Parking for the museum is in the (paid) public lot in the town square (which is great because you can visit all of Sainte-Mère-Église’s landmarks from here). But, there’s only ONE parking payment machine and nobody knows how to use it.

If it’s a busy day, prepare to wait in a line while everyone fusses with the machine. Plan accordingly by adding a little extra time to your visit, and be sure to have your license plate number ready when it’s your turn to pay.

Visitor information : Get opening hours, admission costs, and all other essential visitor information here: airborne-museum.org .

Read more about driving and parking in Normandy in my helpful guide in that link.

3. Utah Beach Landing Museum

Like the Caen Museum, the Utah Beach Landing Museum was also built atop a former German bunker. You can find it right here on Utah Beach, the first of the five D-Day landing beaches to be stormed by Allied troops.

This museum tells the story of D-Day from the extensive preparations to the final outcome through a chronological series of exhibits. Understandably, it focuses on the events and stories behind the landings at Utah Beach specifically.

What to see at the Utah Beach Landing Museum

At the Utah Beach Landing Museum, you’ll find tons of historical artifacts, oral histories, and original vehicles as well as an award-winning film. Be sure to check out the exhibits on:

• The German defenses
• Daily life in the nearby towns under German occupation
• The Allied strategy behind Operation Overlord
• What happened on D-Day as far as naval, air, and land forces
• The journey from landing on Utah Beach to liberating the town of Cherbourg
• The artificial harbor built at Utah Beach

Among several original vehicles, you can also check out a well-preserved B-26 bomber (one of only six still in existence).

Why this is one of the best Normandy museums

There are several reasons I love the Utah Beach Landing Museum, such as:

• Its location right on the beach – You can view the beach itself from some of the exhibit spaces which I find incredibly thought-provoking.
• Its extensive collection of artifacts, especially vehicles, military uniforms, and weapons
• The personal narratives from those involved in the Utah Beach landings
• The way it presents the information in a thematic way

Utah Beach Landing Museum: Need to know

Here are a few helpful tips and things to know for visiting the Utah Beach Landing Museum:

About parking: Parking at the Utah Beach Landing Museum is both free and plentiful. When you arrive at the beach, you’ll find several small dirt parking lots in the area as well as parking in the grass along the fence line. Park wherever you find space and you’ll be able to check out many of the Utah Beach-area memorials and other sites .

About lunch: If you want an interesting spot to have lunch, stop by the Roosevelt (across the street from the museum). This historical building is now full of memorabilia, photographs, and handwritten messages from veterans. It’s a veritable museum itself. (For what it’s worth, the “French hot dog” was pretty good.)

Visitor information : Get opening hours, admission costs, and all other essential visitor information here: utah-beach.com .

4. Overlord Museum

Located in the town of Colleville-sur-Mer, just a few minutes’ drive from Omaha Beach, is the Overlord Museum. (Named for Operation Overlord—the codename for the Allied invasion of the German-controlled beaches of Normandy.)

This museum tells the story of World War II from the very beginning to the liberation of Paris. And it all started from the personal artifacts collection of Michel Leloup, a local who witnessed the war as a teenager and helped rebuild the area afterwards.

At the Overlord Museum you’ll get the chance to see his (now grand) collection which includes more than 10 tanks and armored vehicles (plus 30 others), a reconnaissance plane, artillery pieces, documents and other memorabilia, plus many personal effects he picked up directly from the battlefields.

The Overlord Museum is located in the Omaha Beach landing sector. See all the best things to see and do at Omaha Beach here.

Why the Overlord Museum is one of the best Normandy museums

Some of the many reasons I like the Overlord Museum include:

• The authenticity of the very cool collection of artifacts
• There are equal parts Allied and Axis artifacts.
• The way they’re displayed in diorama form gives such great context to them all.
• The size of the museum—It’s not overwhelmingly large but still definitely thorough.
• Its location near Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery couldn’t be more convenient.
• You can also find D-Day beer and cider here in their gift shop—I don’t hate that.

Overlord Museum: Need to know

About visiting : Given its (super convenient) location just a couple minutes away from two of the most popular D-Day sites in Normandy , this museum can get extremely crowded.

I absolutely love the flow of exhibits here, but because of this unique layout, when I visited in May 2024, there were full-on bottlenecks at several points inside the museum. Luckily there’s enough to keep you occupied in the meantime, but maybe plan to spend a little bit longer here just in case of “traffic.”

Visitor information : Get opening hours, admission costs, and all other essential visitor information here: overlordmuseum.com .

5. D-Day Omaha Museum

Much like the Overlord Museum, the D-Day Omaha Museum was born from a military history buff’s massive personal collection—this time, Michel Brissard. It’s also conveniently located between the notable Omaha Beach sites of Normandy American Cemetery and Pointe du Hoc.

This museum’s unique collection of thousands of original artifacts was compiled over 50 years and includes a particular focus on the D-Day landings. Among it are paratrooper motorcycles, an Enigma machine, sabotage materials, plane motors, an LCVP landing barge, and tons more. Outside the museum you can see five restored Mulberry footbridges. The museum itself is an artifact too—it’s located inside an original Quonset hut.

Why the D-Day Omaha Museum is one of the best Normandy museums

I feel this museum is one of the best because:

• It’s in a great location near many other D-Day sites you’re surely going to visit.
• It has a wonderfully varied collection of authentic items. (Museums based on private collections tend to be my favorites.)
• The collection of bikes is great for a motorcycle enthusiast.
• It’s a small museum but packed with tons of great stuff (and stories—like how the founder discovered an original “Sonderkraftfahrzeu 2” tracked motorcycle with his metal detector when he was 9 years old).

D-Day Omaha Museum: Need to know

Here are a few helpful tips and things to know for visiting the D-Day Omaha Museum:

About visiting : This museum is very small in terms of physical space, especially if you’ve visited some of the others already. But, it’s packed with artifacts and information. I’d say budget somewhere between 30 minutes to an hour here.

About lunch : If you’re looking for lunch either before or after your visit here, skip the museum’s snack bar and walk three minutes down the road to the food truck called Aux DÉLICES d’Alice .

This little trailer is run by two lovely women and they sell just a handful of items. I can’t emphasize this enough–order the sausage and onion crepe. All ingredients come from the local farm and this is hands down my favorite meal in Normandy.

Visitor information : Get opening hours, admission costs, and all other essential visitor information here: dday-omaha.fr .

6. Normandy Victory Museum

One of the newer Normandy museums on this list, the Normandy Victory Museum opened in 2017 on the site of the former Normandy Tank Museum. It houses 10,000 original artifacts, 20 military vehicles, archival film, and more than 20 historical exhibits.

The Normandy Victory Museum is also sometimes referred to as the Hedge Battle Museum as it focuses largely on the Battle of the Hedgerows , one of the lesser known episodes of World War II. In this museum you’ll specifically learn about what happened in the days and months following D-Day.

This museum aims for an immersive experience and utilizes sound and visual aids on 20 sound stages to fulfill this mission. They showcase German occupation of the region, the resistance movements, the actions of the paratroopers, the region in ruins, and many more.

And If you’re interested in World War II tanks and other military vehicles, definitely check out my post on the American Heritage Museum where it’s all WWII transportation, all the time .

Why the Normandy Victory Museum is one of the best Normandy museums

Visitors feel the Normandy Victory Museum is one of the best Normandy museums for WWII enthusiasts because:

• Tours of this museum are self-guided so you can focus more on the parts that interest you.
• The artifacts are incredible—especially the Sherman tank, Higgins boat, military uniforms, trucks, dioramas, and more.
• It covers more than just the D-Day landings and tells the story of what happened afterward to ensure an Allied victory.
• There’s a café, a bar, and a pizzeria on site.
• Plus the fact that you have opportunities to handle actual WWII weaponry, sit inside a WWII Jeep, and ride in a working tank (!!!)

Visitor information : Get opening hours, admission costs, and all other essential visitor information here: normandy-victory-museum.fr .

7. Musée du Débarquement

Musée du Débarquement (the Landing Museum) is located in one of my favorite parts of Normandy—the commune of Arromanches-les-Bains. Unlike the five Normandy beaches where the majority of fighting took place, the beaches of Arromanches were used to accommodate Mulberry harbors (artificial ports).

Because there wasn’t adequate space for unloading military vehicles (et al), Allied forces built temporary harbors here. Using these, they were able to unload and transport 9,000 tons of materials, equipment, vehicles, troops, etc. per day . You can still see the remnants of these artificial harbors today.

Here at the Musée du Débarquement, you can explore seven new galleries of museum space dedicated to topics like the German occupation of Arromanches and the D-Day landings, as well as working models and video projections to explain how the harbors worked. You’ll learn about the design and construction of these “Mulberry” harbors as well as the very important role they played in winning the war.

Why Musée du Débarquement is one of the best Normandy museums

I voted this one of the best museums in the area because:

• The artificial harbors you learn about in the museum are right outside the window. Being able to see both the actual site and historical footage simultaneously is a unique experience.
• The subject matter is especially interesting and one not typically covered in other museums. Some visitors are learning about these harbors for the very first time.
• Arromanches is purely delightful.

Musée du Débarquement: Need to know

Here are some helpful tips and things you should know for visiting the Arromanches Museum:

About the museum: The Landing Museum opened on June 5th, 1954 and was the first museum built to commemorate the D-Day landings. But as of April 2023, it has been completely redesigned and rebuilt. If you’ve been here before, it may be worth another visit.

About parking: This museum is located smack in the center of a very small town and doesn’t have a parking lot of its own. There are several small (paid) lots around the area or you can park at the large lot next to the Arromanches 360° museum (next on this list) and walk down the hill to this museum.

About visiting: An audio guide is included with your admission price and is available in 10 languages.

About Arromanches: This is a great place if you’re looking for some Normandy/D-Day souvenirs or looking to take a relaxing lunch break. My favorite place to eat in town is Fish & Co. for great fish & chips, local beer, and the friendliest staff in Normandy. (Seriously!)

Visitor information : Get opening hours, admission costs, and all other essential visitor information here: musee-arromanches.fr .

8. Arromanches 360°

While in Arromanches you should also visit Arromanches 360°, a unique kind of “museum.” Arromanches 360° is actually a circular, 360-degree cinema that transports you back into ‘Normandy’s 100 Days.’ The theater uses nine screens and archival footage from the United States, Canada, France, and Great Britain.

This 360° aspect of the film makes it feel as if you are right in the center of the action. This very popular Arromanches attraction lasts 20 minutes and starts every 30 minutes on the hour and the half hour.

Why Arromanches 360° is one of the best Normandy museums:

This is one of the top area museums because:

• It’s so much more interesting and engaging than watching a standard film.
• It’s the perfect introduction to many of the other sites you’ll visit in Normandy.
• The location of the theater (up on a hill overlooking Arromanches) provides some awesome views of the town and the artificial harbors.
• The 360° aspect of the film translates to more than just the circular theater. In other words, it really shows you the war from all different angles and perspectives. I found this to be a truly unique aspect of it.

Arromanches 360°: Need to know

Here are some helpful tips and things you should know for visiting Arromanches 360°:

About parking: There’s a large (paid) parking area just a few minutes’ walk from the museum entrance, but you can also easily walk to this museum from the center of Arromanches. The walk is just a quick 7-10 minutes but be warned that it’s almost entirely uphill.

About the theater: Arromanches 360° is a standing theater but there are some benches around the perimeter. You can still see most of the screens from here, so if you’ve just trudged up the hill and are looking to sit down in the theater, fear not.

Visitor information : Get opening hours, admission costs, and all other essential visitor information here: arromanches360.com .

9. Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy

Unlike many of the other Normandy museums on this list that center on just a particular portion of the war, the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy in Bayeux focuses on the entire Battle of Normandy .

This museum describes, in detail, all military operations from June 7 to August 29, 1944 – day-by-day and some hour-by-hour. They have a wide collection of historical equipment, vehicles, uniforms, and other personal artifacts of both German and Allied soldiers.

In addition to these artifacts, the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy uses dioramas and the film “Normandy ’44, Decisive Victory in the West” to illustrate the battles.

Why this is one of the best Normandy museums:

I particularly like the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy because:

• Of how it describes lesser-known aspects of the war, like how the Allies got fuel to their troops on the frontlines, for example
• You can learn about the entire Battle of Normandy in one place which really helps connect the dots
• It provides commentary on all the equipment and personal effects on display and how each piece played a part in the war
• It’s informative without being boring

Battle of Normandy museum: Need to know

Here are some helpful tips and things you should know for visiting the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy:

About tickets: You can buy a combination ticket that includes the Bayeux Tapestry Museum and/or the MAHB Museum of Art and History Baron Gérard. If you have some non-WWII plans here in Bayeux, this is an easy way to save some money. You can purchase the combination ticket when you get to whichever one you visit first.

About parking: The Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy has its own (free) parking lot. From here you can also visit the Bayeux War Cemetery and the War Correspondents’ Memorial. For everything else worth seeing in the Gold Beach sector , check out that link.

About the film: The documentary film “Normandy ’44, Decisive Victory in the West” lasts 25 minutes and is shown in both French and English. Museum staff will make the rounds to let you know when it’s about to start.  

Visitor information : Get opening hours, admission costs, and all other essential visitor information here: bayeuxmuseum.com .

10. Juno Beach Center

Located right on Juno Beach is the Juno Beach Center–the only Normandy museum dedicated to Canadian troops in World War II . 🍁

Though the location is where Canadian troops landed on D-Day, the Juno Beach Center focuses on more than just their D-Day contributions. Instead, this museum tells the story of Canada’s military and civilian contributions to all of World War II in addition to life in Canada before, during, and since the war.

What to see at Juno Beach Center

At Juno Beach Center, be sure to check out their exhibits on:

• Courseulles , June 6th, 1944 – Visitors stand in a simulated amphibious landing craft to get inside the minds of troops landing on Juno Beach on D-Day
• Canada in the 1930s – The state of Canada before the war: its economic, military, and political situations
• Canada goes to war – The transformation of the country as it entered World War II
• Road to Victory – Each of the military campaigns Canada participated in during the war
• Some Came Back, Others Did Not – A memorial to the 45,000 Canadians who lost their lives fighting in WWII
• They Walk With You – An immersive film using archival footage and reenactments of Canada’s role in D-Day and the Battle of Normandy

The Juno Beach Center also offers temporary exhibitions throughout the year. It’s located in Juno Park, a one-time D-Day battleground that still contains many remnants of the war you can explore.

The Juno Beach Center is located in the Juno Beach landing sector. Here’s everything else you can see and do at Juno Beach .

Why the Juno Beach Center is one of the best Normandy museums

I definitely recommend a visit to the Juno Beach Center because:

• It’s a must-see for Canadian visitors and tells Canada’s history like none of the other Normandy museums do
• Seeing the remaining structures from WWII in Juno Park is pretty cool
• It describes so much more than the war, like the events leading up to it and what life was like afterwards in Canada
• They employ Canadian tour guides and staff

Juno Beach Center: Need to know

Here are some helpful tips and things to know for visiting the Juno Beach Center:

About parking: The parking lot at the Juno Beach Center fills up really fast but you can park for free just a short walk away either up next to the beach (near the Lorraine Cross) or in the lot a little further down on Avenue du Général de Gaulle.

About the bunkers: Outside the Juno Beach Center are some former German bunkers. You can go inside these yourself, but only as part of a guided tour through the museum. Just add on this tour when you purchase your museum ticket.

Visitor information : Get opening hours, admission costs, and all other essential visitor information here: junobeach.org .

11. Le Grand Bunker (Museum of the Atlantic Wall)

Le Grand Bunker (also known as the Museum of the Atlantic Wall) is located within the five levels of the former German bunker at Ouistreham. This grand bunker is the last visible evidence of the most powerful coastal battery in the region and has been completely renovated to appear as it was in June 1944.  

During World War II, this blockhouse served as the nerve center for German command and controlled all batteries in the area. This 52-foot tall concrete tower remained under German control until June 9th when British lieutenant Bob Orrell and his men took it over.

What to see at Le Grand Bunker

Today, the museum encompasses all five floors which are all arranged to appear as they did on D-Day. Each level and all rooms show how they organized operations inside the bunker through use of documents, plans, maps, and lifelike(ish) mannequins. You’ll see spaces like:

• Generator and machine rooms
• Ammunition bunker and anti-gas rooms
• Officers’ rooms
• Armory, first aid, and equipment rooms
• German flak

Why Le Grand Bunker is one of the best Normandy museums

Visitors love this museum mostly because:

• It’s a highly immersive experience
• It’s a great way to learn about the Nazi operation side of things
• Getting to the rooftop platform is an adventure of its own
• Who doesn’t love Tom Hanks and Saving Private Ryan ?

Le Grand Bunker: Need to know

Here are a couple helpful tips and things to know for your visit to Le Grand Bunker:

About the roof : Head to the museum’s rooftop and enjoy 360° views of the city, the D-Day landing beaches, and the estuary of the Orne River.

About the boat: Here at Le Grand Bunker you can also check out the D-Day landing craft used by Tom Hanks’s character in the movie Saving Private Ryan . This craft, PA 30-31, was used in the actual D-Day landings, then fully restored and modified for use in the film, then brought here to be put on display.

Visitor information : Get opening hours, admission costs, and all other essential visitor information here: museegrandbunker.com .

12. Memorial Pegasus

Memorial Pegasus is both a memorial and museum dedicated to the 6th Airborne Division of the British Army , also known as the “Red Berets.” This division’s D-Day mission (Operation Deadstick) was to prevent German counterattacks coming from the east. To accomplish this they had to:

• Capture, preserve, and prevent German troops from using the bridges over the Orne River and Caen Canal
• Neutralize the Merville battery (#15 on this list)
• To destroy the bridges over the Dives River

One of the major bridge objectives on D-Day was the Bénouville Bridge, later renamed Pegasus in honor of the division’s winged horse emblem. The taking of the Pegasus Bridge is another story featured in the movie The Longest Day .

What to see at Memorial Pegasus

The Memorial Pegasus museum covers the capturing of the Pegasus Bridge as well as the personal stories behind it. It’s full of fantastic artifacts including a full-size replica of a Horsa glider—the most widely used glider by British troops.

There’s also an open-air section behind the museum that displays several vehicles, the glider replica, the remains of an original Horsa glider (which perfectly shows how fragile these things were), a handful of small exhibition areas, and—my favorite part—the original Pegasus Bridge.

The original Pegasus Bridge was replaced by a more modern version in 1994 and the original one taken by British troops is on display here at the museum. You can also check out a Bailey Bridge–a special kind of bridge that could be constructed on the fly to support heavy loads.

Why Memorial Pegasus is one of the must-see Normandy museums

I love the Memorial Pegasus museum because:

• You can visit the original bridges and structures
• It covers both the operation and the personal stories behind it really well
• There’s really a lot to see here, both indoors and out
• It’s nice to learn about one of the lesser-known operations of D-Day and World War II
• They have Bill Millin’s bagpipes on display! This is one of my favorite (weird) stories from WWII. (Read more about this in my post on Sword Beach WWII sites .)

Memorial Pegasus: Need to know

Here are some helpful tips and things you should know for visiting the Memorial Pegasus museum:

About the bridge: The original Pegasus Bridge may have been replaced, but it was replaced with the same unique kind of bridge—a Scherzer rolling lift bascule bridge. Basically, it’s a drawbridge that rolls back on a curved structure, lifting up the entire road, instead of opening in the middle.

Even though the original is on display at the museum, the replacement is just a 2-minute walk from the museum’s entrance, in the original spot. This is such a cool bridge and definitely a kind I’ve never seen before. I was lucky enough to get to see it in action when both a super tall sailboat and a huge barge needed to pass. If you hear the alarms start blaring , get yourself over to the bridge to see how it works.

Visitor information : Get opening hours, admission costs, and all other essential visitor information here: musee.memorial-pegasus.com .

13. D-Day Experience

Located in the Utah Beach sector, the D-Day Experience museum is most well-known for its C-47 flight simulator (AKA, the “D-Day experience”). However, I feel the actual museum part of this place is one of the best.

As the name suggests, this museum focuses on giving you the “D-Day experience.” In other words, providing you with the information, personal stories, and historical artifacts you need to understand what it was like to participate in the D-Day invasions. And they do this in a variety of interesting ways!

What to see at the D-Day Experience

During your visit to the D-Day Experience, don’t miss out on its many different offerings, like:

D-Day flight simulator – This 5-minute “ride” takes you aboard a genuine C-47 plane from WWII that’s been turned into a flight simulator so you can get a feel for what it was like to fly over the English Channel on D-Day.

The museum – The permanent exhibition here opened in 2019 and is dedicated to artifacts and stories related to the Normandy invasions with a special focus on the battle for Carentan. I really appreciate this museum for bringing a sincere personal touch to D-Day. (Bring your tissues, that’s all I’m saying.)

3D movie theater – Also opened in 2019, their giant-screen 3D movie theater shows a two-part film featuring the D-Day Normandy 1944 documentary and another on the battle of Carentan.

Outdoor spaces – You can see a Sherman tank and variety of artillery and defense pieces as well as a memorial wall in the outdoor areas around the museum.

Why the D-Day Experience is one of the best Normandy museums

The D-Day Experience gets my vote for one of the best museums in Normandy because:

• The flight simulator is something totally unique in these parts.
• The personal stories behind the museum’s artifacts just give it something different you don’t get from other museums.
• The quality of artifacts here is way above average. Kudos!

D-Day Experience: Need to know

Here are a few helpful tips and things to know for your visit to the D-Day Experience:

About the other museum: Included with your admission to the D-Day Experience is admission to the Dead Man’s Corner Museum. This small museum is located just next door in the former German paratrooper headquarters.

About the simulator: Yes, the D-Day flight simulator is neat, but don’t expect to be talking about it for years to come. It’s worth the extra few dollars to add it to your ticket, but it shouldn’t be the whole reason you come here. The museum here is fantastic so be sure to give it its due time in your itinerary!

My favorite part of the simulator experience is actually the stuff that happens beforehand. Before you board the plane, you first have to be briefed by Lieutenant Colonel Wolverton. I found this to be the most interesting and engaging part of the whole experience.

Visitor information : Get opening hours, admission costs, and all other essential visitor information here: dday-experience.com .

14. America & Gold Beach Museum

The America & Gold Beach Museum is actually comprised of two museums, the topics of which have virtually nothing to do with each other. (So yes, the name is quite confusing. Remember, Gold Beach was a British landing zone!) The two museums are:

America Museum – All about the US plane that crashed here in June 1927. Four American aviators were attempting to make the first mail flight from the US to France when their Fokker Tri-Motor (named “America”) crashed just off the beach here in bad weather. This museum centers around the men, the mail, and the meteorology related to this event.

Gold Beach Museum – All about the D-Day invasion and the landing of British troops on Gold Beach. You should definitely check out both museums while you’re here, but this is the one I’m focusing on.

What to see at the Gold Beach Museum

In this small museum you’ll find everything you want to know about the Gold Beach side of things. There are dioramas to explain certain events, helpful illustrations, video footages, tons of historical photographs, and easy-to-follow displays of all kinds.

Why the Gold Beach Museum is one of Normandy’s best museums

I’ve officially dubbed the Gold Beach Museum one of the best I’ve ever visited in Normandy because:

• It offers the perfect combination of artifacts, information, descriptive dioramas, illustrations, photographs, and video footage. It doesn’t rely too heavily on one or omit others; it utilizes them all brilliantly.
• This museum is small but concise. No fancy bells and whistles like so many other museums that tend to distract from the material.  
• It will only take you about 30-40 minutes to go through, but in that time you’ll learn everything you need to know. Not a lot of walking, no wasted time, no fluff.
• It’s not overwhelming or unorganized. It’s very easy to follow along and the information is easy to understand.

America & Gold Beach Museum: Need to know

About the museums: Again, this museum has nothing to do with American contributions to D-Day . Gold Beach was a British landing sector; the “America” part is completely unrelated to WWII. That being said, you should still check out the America section if you have time. Historical aviation is still cool no matter what. (Both museums are included in the ticket price anyway.)

Visitor information : Get opening hours, admission costs, and all other essential visitor information here: goldbeach.org.uk .

15. Museum and the Merville Battery Site

The Museum and Merville Battery Site is both a museum dedicated to the Merville battery and a memorial to the 9th Parachute Battalion of the British Army . The 9th’s mission on D-Day was to destroy the German battery at Merville before British troops could land on nearby Sword Beach.

What to see at the Merville Battery Site

At this museum you’ll be able to see the entire battery and gun casemates and learn all about the 9th Battalion and how they completed this mission. You’ll also see planes, tanks, and weaponry; the ammunition bunker and dormitories; and more.

Visitors love the Museum and Merville Battery site because:

• The entire museum is located within the concrete casemates which makes it an interesting way to learn about the Merville mission
• The displays are well laid-out and maintained
• You can sit inside the Douglas C-47 Dakota plane
• It serves as a great memorial to the 9th Parachute Battalion

Merville Battery Site: Need to know

About the show: In addition to the exhibits, every 20 minutes they present their “Sound and Light” show. Inside Pillbox 1, the museum recreates the (terrifying) events of D-Day using light and sound effects and even “odor spreaders.” So if you ever wanted to know what D-Day smelled like, here you go.

Visitor information : Get opening hours, admission costs, and all other essential visitor information here: batterie-merville.com .

16. Memorial des Civils dans la Guerre (Falaise Memorial)

The Memorial des Civils dans la Guerre (known in English as the Civilians in Wartime Memorial and also known as the Falaise Memorial ) is one of Normandy’s lesser-known museums, but I included it because of its unique view of World War II. It focuses on what life was like for Normandy’s civilian population during the war —a topic not typically covered in Normandy’s D-Day museums.

At this museum you’ll learn about how civilians in Normandy lived during and survived World War II. It was designed by the Mémorial de Caen (see #1 on this list) and opened in 2016 making it another of Normandy’s newer WWII museums.

What to see at the Memorial des Civils dans la Guerre

Each floor of the museum covers a different topic. They are:

Ground floor: The Immersive Room

According to the official website, the ground floor of this memorial features an “exceptional film [that will] plunge you into the hell of the Second World War bombings.” And if that’s not how you want to spend your vacation in France, I don’t know what is.

1st floor: Civilians and Liberation

Many of Normandy’s towns were destroyed by the Allied bombing that preceding liberation (including 80% of the town of Falaise where this museum is located). This section explores the complex relationship between civilians and soldiers during that challenging time.

2nd floor: Civilians and the Occupation

This section focuses on the daily life of French citizens during the German occupation. It also covers topics of Norman resistance, Jewish persecution, and the exodus of 1940.

Why the Falaise Memorial is one of Normandy’s best museums

Visitors love the Falaise Memorial because:

• Listening to locals relay their experiences of the war is incredibly moving
• It gives you a chance to understand what civilian life was like during this time, something not many people know much about or fully appreciate
• The material is informative, yes, but also thought-provoking

Visitor information : Get opening hours, admission costs, and all other essential visitor information here: falaise-suissenormande.com .

Best Normandy museums: Honorable mention

Here are a couple more great Normandy museums I want to share with you but that maybe don’t fit into this list. If you have the time, consider adding these to your itinerary:

17. Normandy American Cemetery Visitor Center

There’s a good chance you’ll be visiting the Normandy American Cemetery on your trip here, and when you do, be sure not to miss the visitor center. Inside you can get further information on the cemetery, ask your questions to the staff members at the info desk, and more. But go downstairs and you’ll find one of the best little museums in Normandy.

This museum takes you through the events of D-Day on an hour-by-hour basis. It’s mostly information driven but there are a good number of artifacts and some video footage as well. You’ll find some moving memorials down here too.

This museum is virtually hidden and, with so much other stuff going on here, it would be easy to miss. (I missed it completely on my first visit here.)

Need to know:

• This museum is totally free to visit.
• You’ll have to go through airport-like security to enter the visitor center—i.e., metal detectors for you and an x-ray scan for your personal property.
• You can find all visitor information here: abmc.gov/normandy .

18. Bayeux Tapestry Museum

It’s true; this museum has nothing to do with D-Day but I’m putting it on this list anyway given its relevance to World War II.

As such, the Bayeux Tapestry is one of the most important artworks in The Monuments Men —the preeminent book on the Allied recovery mission of Nazi stolen art. (There’s a movie too , but the book is so much better!) This is a topic I find especially interesting so it was an honor getting to see it in person.

The Tapestry is now back home on display at the Bayeux Museum and I find the way it’s displayed (and the accompanying audio guide) to be one of the most interesting museum experiences. Definitely check it out if you have the time.

• You can get a combination ticket for this museum and the Battle of Normandy Museum (#9 on this list) to save some money. Buy this at whichever museum you stop at first.
• If you just want to see the Tapestry and skip the rest of the stuff in the museum, plan to spend about 30 minutes there.
• The Tapestry Museum will be closed for renovations from September 2025-2027.
• You can find all visitor information here: bayeuxmuseum.com

More info for your visit to the best Normandy museums

• Hotels:  Read reviews and  find great places to stay here on Booking.com (my personal favorite). Expedia and Hotels.com usually have good deals too.
• Rental cars:  Check out the  best local rental car deals here.
• For Normandy tours : Check out the best local options and the best day tours from Paris here.
• Travel planning : Pick up a  Normandy guidebook  and this super helpful  France customs and culture guide .
• Be sure to watch   Saving Private Ryan , The Longest Day , and  Band of Brothers  before your visit!
• What else have I covered in France? Check out my France archives .

Like this post? Have questions about visiting any of these Normandy museums? Let me know in the comments below. Have fun in France!

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About Ashley Smith

Ashley is a World War II historian and travel expert who has visited 39 countries. She specializes in quick trips throughout Europe and the Americas with a focus on World War II museums, memorials, battlefields, and other sites of interest. Originally from Memphis, TN, she currently lives in Boston with her husband and two feline commanders.

Reader Interactions

February 10, 2022 at 2:17 pm

Thanks for all these great resources. How long do you allow yourself to hit a museum usually? I know some of it can be really dependent on what it focus’ on, but I’m trying to get an idea of how long it would take to get around all of these while visiting the area. Are you a “wanderer and reader”, or “read every plaque slow as you go” sort of visitor? and if so what would be your best guess…

February 11, 2022 at 8:49 am

Hi Amber! I’m definitely a “wander and read” kind of museum visitor so I tend to breeze through museums myself. I tend to concentrate on the exhibits that contain artifacts and other things I can *see* vs reading all the plaques. If there’s something I want to know more about, I’ll take a picture of the info plaque and do more research on it when I’m back at home. Some museums you can get through in about an hour. The museum in Caen may take at least two because of how big and thorough it is. That’s definitely going to be the one you spend the most time in, so maybe start there and then you’ll have a better idea of how long the others will take. 🙂 Hope that helps!

October 26, 2022 at 11:53 am

Hi Ashley, thanks for all the information. We just came back from 4 day Normandie/d-day trip and we took your information to guide us. It was very helpful. We visit US and GER cemetery, Utah and Omaha beach, Arromanches. Memorial, Overloard and Airborne museum. We had a great time thanks to you guidance.

Greatings, Richard and family

October 27, 2022 at 9:14 am

That’s great to hear, Richard! Thank you for letting me know. 🙂 I’m glad you had a great time in Normandy!

March 18, 2023 at 9:25 am

Hi Ashley thanks for all of the information you have on this page it’s very useful and informative, not just for US visitors but also visitors from elsewhere such as myself, I’m English. I did visit Normandy 20 years ago although as you know there is so much to see it’s impossible to see it all in one trip. I have bookmarked your page as I’m hopefully visiting Normandy this summer and the information will be very useful. Cheers Nige

March 19, 2023 at 8:07 am

Thank you so much Nigel! Yes, there is so much to see, many visits are totally warranted. I hope you have a great time in Normandy this summer. 🙂

July 2, 2023 at 2:56 pm

Ashley, Great Site!! I am also a WWII buff and have read many books on the Landings in Normandy. While I have been around the world and to France a couple of times, I was never able to get to Normandy. We are (wife and friends) planning to go next summer with the 80th Anniversary. A question, I would assume that going actually on June 6th is not a good idea because of the crowds. Would you recommend going either before or after the actual anniversary date? Also, I saw your list of locations to visit there in Normandy. While I would stay for days and days, the rest of the group probably not. After Omaha, Utah and the cemetery, would you recommend a couple more places if you only had three days. Thanks, Scott

July 4, 2023 at 11:16 am

Hi Scott! I was last there on June 7 and it was a fantastic time! I think either one (before or after) would be just as thrilling no matter what. But perhaps with such a major anniversary, perhaps after would be a little more relaxed than before, with everyone preparing for all the festivities, etc. Just a thought. 🙂

As for the rest of your trip, I would definitely add the others from this post . Pointe du Hoc, Arromanches-les-Bains, and the Caen Museum for sure. Then take a look at this post and see if there are any other museums that stand out to you. Perhaps the Airborne Museum?

July 10, 2023 at 9:25 am

Ashley, Thanks for the response! You were there on my birthday! I agree with after, but now the group wants to be there on the actual anniversary, which would be cool and we are making reservations now. Thanks for the suggestions and I will revisit your other posts, as I think I have visited all of them. This is probably the best web site for WWII history buffs, thanks again for maintaining, such a great resource!

July 10, 2023 at 10:39 am

You’re going to have an amazing time there on the anniversary! And thank you so much for your compliments, Scott – that means the world to me!

June 24, 2024 at 12:23 pm

Hi Ashley, We are using these recommendations for a trip we are doing next month with our Grandson. He loves all things to do with WW 1/2 and make me proud keeping the memories alive for our fallen.

Anyway, my question is…what are your recommendations for Belguim/Bastogne and the surrounding area please.

June 25, 2024 at 2:01 pm

Hi Allan! That’s great to hear about your grandson. I just returned from Belgium and Bastogne myself and will be writing about those places very soon! I’ll be sure to let you know when I do. UPDATE: Belgium posts can be found here .

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Exploring the National WWII Museum in New Orleans

Relive the triumphs and tragedies of the war from the "day of infamy" to victory.

COVID-19 Update

The museum is currently operating at reduced capacity with entry-timed tickets to manage crowds (avoid the line by buying tickets in advance online). It has implemented social distancing guidelines and enhanced sanitizing and cleaning procedures. The USS Tang exhibit is temporarily closed. Check the website for updates .

The steel Higgins landing craft awaits with its door open, as if inviting you to climb aboard for the 1944 D-Day assault . Above, a C-47 propeller plane hangs ready to drop paratroopers with support from looming artillery pieces. Immersed in these full-size instruments of war, you can almost imagine sailing on the jarring ride to Omaha Beach, packed in with two dozen other soldiers, salt spray flying over the sides, explosions all around. As your Higgins craft reaches shore and its ramp lowers, you “enter into Hell,” as a display quotes a soldier who was there.

Welcome to the stark concrete-pillbox atrium of the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, the main entrance to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans . You'll likely feel such visceral emotions in the atrium and throughout all five of the museum's buildings, which bring to life the entire wartime experience — from the home front to the European and Pacific battlefields, from the “Day of Infamy” of Pearl Harbor to the ultimate victory over fascism.

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Walking through the museum's exhibit halls not only reveals the grand story arc of World War II, but within it the triumph and tragedy of individual soldiers’ daily lives shared through humble artifacts and oral histories. Viewing the battered boots, the shattered guns, the tiny life preservers and the diary pages with shaky script describing a young soldier's horror and fear has an impact beyond what you can read in a book or see in a movie. The combination of sweeping narrative and personal touches describing the war's origins, impact and aftermath makes the National WWII Museum a must-visit not only for history buffs, but for any American. As Curator Kimberly Guise says, “Even visitors who think they're not history people find something they really like here.”

Plan Your Trip

Location: 945 Magazine St.

Getting there: The museum is located in New Orleans’ Arts & Warehouse District, about a mile from the French Quarter, but still close to many area hotels, restaurants and entertainment options. The city's streetcar line has a stop about two blocks away, and city buses drop off visitors directly in front of the campus. Paid parking is available in the museum's garage across the street from the entrance, with several other garages in the neighborhood.

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and, of course, Mardi Gras Day (Fat Tuesday)

Admission: $28.50 ($24.50 for people 65 and older)

Best time to visit: Weekday mornings are typically less crowded, but school groups may fill hallways.

Best season to visit: The museum is good for all seasons. The climate-controlled interior is a nice escape during New Orleans’ hot, humid summer days. Special programs and events commemorate important anniversaries such as D-Day, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Memorial Day, Pearl Harbor Day, V-E Day, Veterans Day and V-J Day.

Accessibility: The museum provides comprehensive accessibility support services, including plentiful handicapped parking spots in its garage, wheelchairs (no charge, first-come, first-served), ramps and elevators in all buildings, as well as programs for the deaf and blind.

A pivotal local connection

The Higgins boat in the atrium gives a clue to the museum's origin and location. During World War II, the Navy needed a shallow-draft landing vessel to bring soldiers ashore for combat. New Orleans-based Andrew Higgins had been building similar boats to navigate Louisiana's shallow bayous, and modified his design for battle. By war's end, Higgins’ local factories produced more than 20,000 of the essential landing craft, inspiring Dwight Eisenhower to declare him, “the man who won World War II for us.” The museum's Bayou to Battlefield exhibit details Higgins’ (and the city's) important contribution to the war effort.

University of New Orleans professor and author Stephen Ambrose's 1995 book on D-Day inspired him to found the National D-Day Museum, which opened in New Orleans in 2000 with a single building. Since then, the museum's mission has expanded to encompass all of the war, with Congress officially designating it as the National WWII Museum in 2004. The campus continues to expand as well, with a sixth building, the Liberation Pavilion (covering the war's end), currently under construction.

Touring the museum

Like WWII, the scale, scope and details of the museum are massive and can be intimidating to tackle. To help visitors, the museum has created full-day, half-day and even two-day recommended itineraries. It's well worth spending a full day to appreciate all the exhibits and to see the film and submarine attractions, refueling for lunch at the museum's restaurant. A half-day will feel rushed, but is better than not visiting at all. History buffs will find enough to do over two days (with a $7 second-day pass) by joining guided behind-the-scenes tours .

To instantly immerse yourself in the WWII journey, begin your tour by picking up a soldier's replica Dog Tag card. You can enter the card at kiosks throughout the museum to track that individual soldier's story throughout the war and even follow up online.

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The five campus buildings are organized thematically with permanent installations and special exhibitions. The Louisiana Pavilion houses the home-front story in the Arsenal of Democracy , as well as the original D-Day exhibits .

The juxtaposition of the two gives a true feeling about the massive undertaking of the war effort, and provides a direct link between New Orleans workshops and the Normandy beach landings.

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In the Campaigns of Courage building, walk through the European and Pacific battlefields in the Road to Tokyo and Road to Berlin exhibits. But these are more than just static museum displays — they are deep sensory experiences imbedded in full-size dioramas infused with the sounds of battle. Guise stresses how the curators have “placed you in time and an evocative space to really grab you.”

Walking through the pine forest of the Battle of the Bulge section, seeing war-shattered artifacts with the drum of artillery in the background while listening to soldiers’ recollections of the battle, is a haunting experience.

The highlight for many is the  Beyond All Boundaries  4-D film in the Solomon Victory Theater. The Tom Hanks-narrated 30-minute overview of WWII is immersive and intense with battle scenes amplified by seats vibrating to explosions, the air filled with smoke and even imitation snow falling. “People sometimes come out of it looking pretty shook,” says Guise.

Visit and revisit the Hall of Democracy to see rotating exhibitions ranging from a recent one on counter-intelligence programs to an upcoming feature on Women in War in 2022. Then, to appreciate the scale of the machines of war, tour the U.S. Freedom Pavilion to gawk at fighter and bomber planes suspended from the ceiling, tanks and battle vehicles on the floor, and the USS Tang submarine experience simulating a battle under the sea.

Even the museum hallways contain historic artifacts that stir emotions. Discover the staggering losses suffered by civilian fleets during the war in the Merchant Marine Gallery on the bridgeway between the Louisiana Pavilion and Solomon Theater. Here, you'll see Curator Guise's most treasured donations on display: a silver plate and memorial pin given to the mother of a New Orleans sailor lost at sea after a German U-boat torpedoed his ship. The sailor's sister still sometimes gives museum tours, sharing the war's impact on her family.

Where to Stay

Splurge: The 341-room Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans is scheduled to open this summer downtown on Canal Street, on the Mississippi River and sandwiched between the French Quarter and the Warehouse District. The luxury property's amenities include a rooftop pool, two-level rooftop observation deck and spa. An added bonus: direct access to the streetcar line.

Save: Conveniently, the new 230-room Higgins Hotel & Conference Center (by Hilton) has opened right on the museum campus, making it a good base for visiting the museum and exploring the neighborhood. Rooms from $130.

Where to Eat

Mother's: On Poydras Street, just a short walk from the Four Seasons, start your day at this nothing-fancy diner popular with locals since 1938 — and a popular hangout with Marines during World War II. Try the Grits served with either Crawfish Étouffée or Shrimp Creole. Arrive early to beat the rush; lines do form.

Rosie's on the Roof: At the Higgins Hotel, head up to this bar and café (celebrating the Rosie the Riveter icon of WWII women in factories) for local favorites such as chicken gumbo and crab beignets, complete with a city view from its rooftop patio.

More to Explore

After visiting the museum, continue exploring military history in and around New Orleans, starting with Confederate Memorial Hall, just a block away. This museum, the city's oldest, gives a thoroughly southern perspective of the Civil War. Travel further back in time at the Cabildo Museum in Jackson Square in the French Quarter to learn about the 1815 Battle of New Orleans and additional regional history.

Farther Afield

To gain an appreciation about New Orleans’ strategic military value at the mouth of the Mississippi, drive about 30 miles northeast on Interstate 10 and U.S. Highway 90 to Fort Pike State Historic Site. There, you'll learn about this stone stronghold's role in area defense from 1819-1871 (and also eye the shallow waters in nearby bayous where Higgins’ pre-WWII boats plied). The fort's scenic ruins facing the Gulf of Mexico provide a glimpse into the old days of Caribbean pirates and British privateers through the Civil War era.

Bill Fink is an award-winning travel writer covering global adventures for BBC , Lonely Planet , Thrillist and many other outlets. Follow him @finktravels.

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16-day World War II Memorial Tour of Europe

NORMANDY, FRANCE

The Higgins boat monument at Utah Beach

Colleville-sur-mer, france.

The American Cemetery near Omaha Beach honors over 9000 fallen soldiers

Paris, france.

The Arc de Triomphe stands at the end of the famous Champs-Élysées Avenue

Amsterdam, the netherlands.

Quaint row houses line the canals of this influential city

Dachau, germany.

The memorial at Dachau Concentration Camp was designed by Holocaust survivor Nandor Glid

Munich, germany.

Get a taste of Oktoberfest all year round at the Hofbräuhaus beer hall

Caen, france.

The Caen Peace Memorial & Museum

Nuremberg, germany.

The colossal Congress Hall was built to seat the Nazi Party congress

Rhine river, germany.

This legendary waterway is lined with castle ruins, vineyards, and romantic villages

Pricing disclaimer.

16-day tour through Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, Belgium, Holland, and France, revisiting the dramatic history of World War II at famous battle sites, war museums, and memorials. This journey offers scenic and cultural highlights. Contemplate the past at Hitler’s Nuremberg Rally Grounds and the eye-opening exhibits at Dachau Concentration Camp. Listen to the Glockenspiel chime in Munich’s main square, tour part of the Maginot Line defense structure at Fort Hackenberg, and explore Bastogne, synonymous with the “Battle of the Bulge.” Enjoy a scenic Rhine River boat ride past castles and vineyards, and see firsthand the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Experience a serene boat tour through the famed canals of Amsterdam and tour the Normandy Landing Beaches and Military Cemetery. Join us for an unforgettable journey through history and culture! Highest Elevation : 2,500 feet in the Apline Village of Austria. Walking Expectations : “Active” - An average of 3 1/2 miles per day often encountering uneven surfaces, steps and inclines.

Tour Year 2024

Tour itinerary.

DAY 1 - Overnight flight to Europe.

The Trip Documents will provide guidance for airport check-in and for your arrival in Europe. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.

DAY 2 - GERMANY . . Arrival at Frankfurt Airport – Bavaria.

Upon arrival, clear passport control and collect your luggage. Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” in the Trip Documents for directions on where and when to meet your tour manager. Settle into your comfortable motor coach on the way to your hotel in the scenic and festive state of Bavaria. Get acquainted with your fellow tour members during the “Welcome to Europe” dinner. (Dinner)

DAY 3 - GERMANY . . Nuremberg - Bavaria.

Your bus transfer into the city center introduces you to the history of Nuremberg. Hitler staged his propaganda rallies here and, after his fall, it was chosen as the location for the War Trials. You will have an opportunity to see the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, Congress Hall, and Palace of Justice where the War Trials were held. Consider the causes and consequences of Nazi Germany during a visit to the Documentation Center (visit the temporary exhibit during the 2023 renovations).  Discover the Old Town’s half-timbered buildings and gingerbread shops before returning to your Bavaria hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 4 - GERMANY . . Dachau - Munich - Tyrolean Village.

Travel to Dachau for a somber visit to the Concentration Camp Memorial. At the entrance, you are prompted to reflect on the incomprehensible as your tour manager translates the German phrase on the iron gate: ARBEIT MACHT FREI (Work Makes One Free). Study the exhibit recounting the “path of the prisoners” and see the site of the former barracks. Your tour continues to Munich, the elegant capital of Bavaria. Pass points of interest, such as the Hitler Building, on your way to the Marienplatz, a pedestrian-only zone where historic buildings are cleverly interspersed with modern store fronts. The centerpiece of the square is the Rathaus (Town Hall) with its captivating Glockenspiel (clock tower). Following your visit to Munich, head south into the mountain range along the German/Austrian border, where you will spend the next two nights in a Tyrolean Village. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 5 - GERMANY/AUSTRIA . . Tyrolean Village.

Enjoy a relaxing day in the surroundings of your hotel. Your Alpine Village offers a variety of options for leisure activities amid the spectacular mountain scenery. Another choice is to join the full day optional Salzburg & Eagle’s Nest with Dinner  excursion (see Optional Excursions), which includes a guided visit to the Kehlsteinhaus, Hitler’s mountain hideaway, followed by an afternoon in Salzburg, known as Mozart’s birthplace and the setting for “The Sound of Music.” Spend a second night at your peaceful Tyrolean Village hotel. (Breakfast)

DAY 6 - GERMANY . . Ulm – Bad Herrenalb.

After breakfast, travel to Ulm to view the imposing Ulm Minster with the tallest church steeple in the world. This afternoon, make a stop at the grave of Erwin Rommel, the German general who was forced to commit suicide when Hitler suspected him of treason. End the day with a buffet dinner at your hotel in Bad Herrenalb, on the northern edge of Germany’s Black Forest. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 7 - FRANCE . . St. Avold – Fort Hackenberg & GERMANY . . Trier.

Follow a scenic route through the Alsace Region and the Vosges Mountains. This area was the site of heavy fighting in the fall of 1944. You will make a stop at Lorraine’s American Cemetery in St. Avold, the largest American World War II cemetery in Europe. The afternoon is reserved for a tour of Fort Hackenberg, part of the Maginot Line, which was constructed between the world wars as a defense against any future German invasions. Your hotel for the next two nights will be in Trier, the oldest city in Germany, located near the three-country border of France, Luxembourg and Germany. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 8 - LUXEMBOURG . . American Cemetery - Diekirch, BELGIUM . . Ardennes – Bastogne & GERMANY . . Trier.

The morning stop is at the American Cemetery in Luxembourg where General George Patton is buried. Continue into the Belgian Ardennes Region and arrive in Bastogne to view the star-shaped Mardasson Monument, a tribute to the soldiers who died in the Battle of Ardennes. You will also see the fox holes used by Easy Company, whose stories inspired the TV mini-series “Band of Brothers.” Your travels this afternoon take you to the Luxembourg National Museum of Military History in Diekirch. Trier's famous Porta Nigra provides an intriguing backdrop for your independent dinner before returning to your hotel. (Breakfast)

DAY 9 - GERMANY . . Rhine River – Remagen – Rhine-Ruhr Region.

Motor to one of the most beautiful stretches of the Rhine River where you will board a river steamer for a boat ride past endearing villages, medieval fortresses, and hillside vineyards known for producing the distinctive Rhine wines. Continue through the Rhine River Valley to Remagen to view the remains of the Ludendorff Bridge, the last standing bridge on the Rhine, which was captured by U.S. soldiers on March 7, 1945. By mid-afternoon, continue to your Rhine-Ruhr region hotel. Dinner will be served at the hotel this evening. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 10 - HOLLAND . . Groesbeek – Nijmegen – South Holland.

Crossing the border, focus on sites significant to World War II liberation efforts in The Netherlands (Holland), including locations associated with Operation Market Garden. The bridge over the Waal River at Nijmegen was a strategic asset reclaimed after the historical crossing of American paratroopers. Travel Hell’s Highway and stop at the memorial in Overasselt, commemorating the site of the largest airborne operation of all time. This day will also feature a visit to one of the local museums documenting the World War II resistance in The Netherlands. Continue to your South Holland hotel for check-in and dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 11 - HOLLAND . . Amsterdam – South Holland.

Travel through Holland's countryside, characterized by canals, dikes and windmills, as you make your way to the dynamic city of Amsterdam. Your visit begins with a ride aboard a glass-topped boat through Amsterdam’s harbor and canals where you will see numerous bridges, boathouses and bicycles while gliding past 17th-century gabled houses. During an independent lunch, try a pannekoek (Dutch pancake) or other local specialties. This afternoon, walk to the main square, an ideal focal point for your individual exploration. Return to your South Holland hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 12 - BELGIUM . . Antwerp & FRANCE . . Caen.

Today consists of a full day of travel from Holland to Caen, France, with a stop in the port city of Antwerp, Belgium. Explore the central market square with its irresistible chocolate shops and convivial outdoor cafés serving Belgian Waffles. Continue the drive into France for an early evening check-in at your Caen hotel where dinner is served shortly after your arrival. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 13 - FRANCE . . Normandy Landing Beaches – Caen.

The entire day is spent touring the famous Normandy Landing Beaches. From Caen, drive to the coast and stop at Pointe du Hoc to view the German fortifications. You’ll also travel to Utah Beach and Sainte-Mère-Église, the site where paratroopers landed during World War II as portrayed in the movie “The Longest Day.” Visit Sainte-Mère-Église Airborne Museum before continuing to Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. Proceed to the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer. At today’s final stop in the village of Arromanches, view remnants of the artificial harbor and reflect on the sights of the day over an independent dinner. (Breakfast)

DAY 14 - FRANCE . . Caen – Paris.

Spend the morning touring the Caen Peace Memorial and Museum, established to honor the liberators, victims, and all those who continue to fight for peace. As you depart Caen, pause at the Pegasus Bridge to understand how its capture by the British 6th Airborne division was instrumental in deterring a German counterattack. Arrive in Paris by early evening and join your travel companions for a festive “Farewell Dinner” of enticing French dishes at an authentic Parisian bistro with roving musicians. The return transfer provides additional impressions of the city at dusk. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 15 - FRANCE . . Paris.

The day is devoted to Paris, La Ville Lumìere ("City of Light"). On your way into the center, see the Arc de Triomphe which has been the staging area for victory parades throughout history including those following World War II. Your tour manager will also direct you to the location of other principal sights, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, and Louvre Museum (open every day except Tuesday). Before beginning your free time, we suggest joining the optional Seine River Cruise excursion (see Optional Excursions). Spend the evening exploring the Montmartre District, where Paris looks as it does in old paintings and artists still display their works. An uphill walk to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica rewards you with expansive views of the cityscape. Montmartre boasts excellent restaurants and characteristic sidewalk cafés perfect for an independent dinner in the French capital. (Breakfast)

DAY 16 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A.

Transfer to the Paris Airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)

Travel Time

Overnight flight from the U.S.A. to Frankfurt.

Arrival at Frankfurt Airport . Meet your tour manager, board your deluxe motor coach and travel (1¾ hrs) through the Franconian Wine Region . After a rest stop, continue (1½ hrs) to your hotel located in the festive state of Bavaria for a "Welcome to Europe" dinner. ( Dinner )

During an introductory sightseeing (1 hr), experience the history of Nuremberg and view the site of the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, the Congress Hall, and the Palace of Justice where the War Trials were held. Return (½ hr) to your hotel in Bavaria  for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 4 - GERMANY . . Dachau - Munich - Alpine Village.

Depart Nuremburg (1¼ hrs) and after a morning stop travel (1¼ hrs) to Dachau Concentration Camp . In the afternoon continue (½ hr) to the elegant Bavarian capital of Munich . Depart Munich in the late afternoon and head south (2 hrs) to an Alpine Village hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 5 - GERMANY/AUSTRIA . . Alpine Village.

Enjoy a day of leisure or join your tour manager for the full day optional Salzburg & Eagle's Nest with Dinner  excursion, including a guided visit to Hitler's mountain hide-a-way (1 hr), sightseeing in Salzburg (½ hr) and an authentic Austrian dinner (1 hr) before returning (1 hr) to your Alpine Village hotel. (Breakfast)

Return to Germany (2 hrs) and after a morning stop proceed (1½ hrs) to Ulm for an independent lunch and views of the imposing Ulm Minster. Next, travel (1 hr) to the Rommel Memorial. Continue (2¼ hrs) to Bad Herrenalb , on the northern edge of Germany's Black Forest. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 7 - FRANCE . . St. Avold – Fort Hackenberg & GERMANY . . Igel.

Follow a scenic route (1¾ hrs) through the Alsace Region and Vosges Mountains. On to (1 hr) Lorraine's American Cemetery, the largest American World War II cemetery in Europe. From here continue (1 hr) to Fort Hackenberg , part of the Maginot Line. After a visit, continue (1½ hrs) to your hotel in Igel . (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 8 - LUXEMBOURG . . American Cemetery - Diekirch, BELGIUM . . Ardennes – Bastogne & GERMANY . . Trier – Igel.

It's a short ride (¾ hr) to the American Cemetery in Luxembourg . Drive (1½ hrs) through the Belgian Ardennes Region and arrive in Bastogne . In the afternoon travel (¾ hr) to the Luxembourg National Museum of Military History in Diekirch . Transfer (1 hr) to Trier , the oldest city in Germany, for an independent dinner before returning (¼ hr) to your hotel in Igel . (Breakfast)

In the morning, travel (2 hrs) to the legendary Rhine for a boat ride along one of the most beautiful stretches of the river. After disembarkation, proceed to Remagen (1 hr) to view the Ludendorff Bridge. Continue (1¼ hrs) to your hotel in the Rhine-Ruhr Region . (Breakfast, Dinner)

Cross the border (2¼ hrs) on the way to Nijmegen to focus on the sites significant to WWII liberation efforts in the Netherlands. Visit (½ hr) one of the local museums before traveling (1½ hrs) through the Dutch countryside to your South Holland hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Transfer (1½ hrs) to Amsterdam where a boat ride through the canals is followed by ample free time. In the evening, return (1½ hrs) to your South Holland hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

A full day of travel. Head south (1¾ hrs) into Belgium to visit the historic town of Antwerp . After free time in Antwerp, drive (2 hrs) to a lunch break near the French/Belgian border. Continue (2¼ hrs) to an afternoon stop in northwestern France. Just before dinner time, arrive (2 hrs) at your hotel in Caen . (Breakfast, Dinner)

The entire day is spent touring the famous Normandy Landing Beaches , including a visit to Pointe du Hoc, Utah Beach, Sainte-Mère-Église Airborne Museum and stops at Omaha Beach, the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer and Arromanches (travel time between stops varies from ¼ hr to ¾ hr). Short transfer (½ hr) back to Caen . (Breakfast)

Transfer (¼ hr) to the Caen Peace Memorial and Museum for a visit and then continue (½ hr) onto the Pegasus Bridge. Stop for lunch (1¾ hrs) in the French countryside on the way (1¾ hrs) to Paris . Spend the evening in the Montmartre District, an ideal place for your independent dinner (¼ hr). (Breakfast)

A full day for individual exploration (¾ hr transfer in each direction) of Paris , during which you may wish to join the optional Seine River Cruise excursion. This evening, join your travel companions for a festive “Farewell Dinner” at an authentic Parisian bistro. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Transfer (1 hr) to Paris Charles de Gualle Airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)

Favorite Traveler Experiences

•   View Hitler’s Nuremberg Rally Grounds with solemn contemplation
•   Examine the eye-opening exhibits at Dachau Concentration Camp
•   Listen to the chiming of the Glockenspiel on Munich’s main square
•   Tour part of the Maginot Line defense structure at Fort Hackenberg
•   Explore Bastogne, synonymous with the “Battle of the Bulge”
•   Glide past castles and vineyards on a scenic Rhine River boat ride
•   See first hand the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe in Paris
•   Take a serene boat tour through the famed canals of Amsterdam
•   Tour the Normandy Landing Beaches and Military Cemetery
•   Accommodations in Superior Tourist Class or First Class hotels
•   14 Breakfasts and 10 Dinners in addition to any in-flight meals
•   Tour Manager for the full European duration of the tour
•   Land Transportation in Europe by deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach
•   Image Tours Touroclopedia® trip preparation tips
•   Trip Documents with luggage tags, final details and travel guidance

Traveler Reviews

Kenneth & tammie j., andrew & jean b., paul & tammy k..

The Availability, Departure Dates, and Rates are for illustration and planning purposes only. Since final pricing and single availability can only be confirmed with a travel agent, steps 4 & 5 of this on-line booking module is reserved for your travel agent only. (Please Call) indicates that we still have some tour availability; however, you should have your travel agent call our office to confirm air availability.

Select Departure Month

Upcoming departures, may 07, 2025, may 22, 2025, $4,990 p.p.d.o., almost sold out, jun 11, 2025, jun 26, 2025, sep 03, 2025, sep 18, 2025, oct 01, 2025, oct 16, 2025, tour hotels.

NH Collection Nürnberg City

• Air Conditioning
• Satellite TV
• In-Room-Safe

Seminaris Hotel Nuremberg

• satellite TV
• in-room safe
• fitness center

Landhotel Kirchenwirt

• wellness area

Parkhotel Luise Bad Herrenalb

• indoor swimming pool
• safety deposit box at reception

Vienna House Easy Trier

NH Hotel Capelle

• air conditioning
• in room safe

Van der Valk hotel Ridderkerk

Mercure Caen Côte de Nacre

• restaurants

Holiday Inn Express - Canal de la Villette

• internet center

Optional Excursions

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS DETAILS

Our tours are carefully planned to offer a comfortable balance of sightseeing, entertainment and leisure time. Optional Excursions provide the flexibility to choose between leisure time or additional guided sightseeing activities. Unless otherwise noted, optional excursions must be booked with and paid to your tour manager during the tour. Prices are in U.S. Dollars. MASTERCARD®, VISA®, or DISCOVER® (no other credit cards are accepted) are recommended to avoid carrying excessive cash and exchange rate fluctuations. You must be able to present the actual card to your tour manager. If you bring a DISCOVER® card, also bring a VISA® or MASTERCARD®, as DISCOVER® is not widely accepted in Europe. Cash payments during the tour must be in Euros. Personal checks and traveler’s checks are not accepted. The operation of all excursions is subject to sufficient participation, and some excursions are subject to favorable weather conditions. Your tour manager reserves the right to make changes or cancel excursions at their sole discretion.

SALZBURG & EAGLE'S NEST WITH DINNER

Upon arrival in Berchtesgaden, Germany, you will take a bus and elevator up to the Eagle’s Nest, Hitler’s mountain hide-away. In the case of halted bus operation, we will substitute a visit to the Obersalzburg Documentation Center. After an independent lunch, become acquainted with nearby Salzburg, famous home of the “Sound of Music” and Mozart. This excursion includes a traditional Austrian dinner at an alpine village restaurant.

SEINE RIVER CRUISE

Glide along the Seine River by boat, while viewing the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and several other impressive sights in Paris. This excursion provides for excellent photo opportunities.

Tour Extensions

Paris post-tour extension, paris and london post-tour 3-night extension, tour year 2025.

Today begins your World War II Memorial Tour of Europe adventure. The Image Tours "Departure Instructions" will provide guidance for airport check-in. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.

Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” for directions on where and when to meet your Tour Manager. Settle into your comfortable motor coach on the way to your hotel in the scenic and festive state of Bavaria. Get acquainted with your fellow tour members during the “Welcome to Europe” dinner. (Dinner)

Your bus transfer into the city center introduces you to the history of Nuremberg. Hitler staged his propaganda rallies here and, after his fall, it was chosen as the location for the War Trials. You will have an opportunity to see the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, Congress Hall, and Palace of Justice where the War Trials were held. Consider the causes and consequences of Nazi Germany during a visit to the Documentation Center. Discover the Old Town’s half-timbered buildings and gingerbread shops before returning to your Bavaria hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Travel to Dachau for a somber visit to the Concentration Camp Memorial. At the entrance, you are prompted to reflect on the incomprehensible as your Tour Manager translates the German phrase on the iron gate: ARBEIT MACHT FREI (Work Makes One Free). Study the exhibit recounting the “path of the prisoners” and see the site of the former barracks. Your tour continues to Munich, the elegant capital of Bavaria. Pass points of interest, such as the Hitler Building, on your way to the Marienplatz, a pedestrian-only zone where historic buildings are cleverly interspersed with modern store fronts. The centerpiece of the square is the Rathaus (Town Hall) with its captivating Glockenspiel (clock tower). Following your visit to Munich, head south into the mountain range along the German/Austrian border, where you will spend the next two nights in a Tyrolean Village. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Enjoy a relaxing day in the surroundings of your Tyrolean Village hotel, which offers a variety of options for leisure activities amid the spectacular alpine scenery. Another choice is to join the full day optional Salzburg & Eagle’s Nest with Dinner  excursion (see Optional Excursions), which includes a guided visit to the Kehlsteinhaus, Hitler’s mountain hideaway, followed by an afternoon in Salzburg, known as Mozart’s birthplace and the setting for “The Sound of Music.” Spend a second night at your peaceful Tyrolean Village hotel. (Breakfast)

DAY 10 - THE NETHERLANDS. . Groesbeek – Nijmegen – South Holland.

Crossing the border, see sites significant to World War II liberation efforts in The Netherlands (Holland), including locations associated with Operation Market Garden. The bridge over the Waal River at Nijmegen was a strategic asset reclaimed after the historical crossing of American paratroopers. Travel Hell’s Highway and stop at the memorial in Overasselt, commemorating the site of the largest airborne operation of all time. This day will also feature a visit to one of the local museums documenting the World War II resistance in The Netherlands. Continue to your hotel, in the region of Holland, for check-in and dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 11 - THE NETHERLANDS. . Amsterdam – South Holland.

Travel through Holland's countryside, characterized by canals, dikes and windmills, as you make your way to the dynamic city of Amsterdam. Your visit includes a ride aboard a glass-topped boat through Amsterdam’s harbor and canals where you will see numerous bridges, boathouses and bicycles while gliding past 17th-century gabled houses. During an independent lunch, try a pannekoek (Dutch pancake) or other local specialties. This afternoon, walk to the main square, an ideal focal point for your individual exploration. Return to your Holland hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Today consists of a full day of travel from The Netherlands to Caen, France, with a stop in the port city of Antwerp, Belgium. Explore the central market square with its irresistible chocolate shops and convivial outdoor cafés serving Belgian Waffles. Continue the drive into France for an early evening check-in at your Caen hotel where dinner is served shortly after your arrival. (Breakfast, Dinner)

The entire day is spent touring the famous Normandy Landing Beaches. From Caen, drive to the coast and stop at Pointe du Hoc to view the German fortifications. You’ll also travel to Utah Beach and Sainte-Mère-Église: the site where paratroopers landed during World War II as portrayed in the movie “The Longest Day.” Continue to Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. Proceed to the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer. At today’s final stop in the village of Arromanches, view remnants of the artificial harbor and reflect on the sights of the day over an independent dinner. (Breakfast)

Spend the morning touring the Caen Peace Memorial and Museum, established to honor the liberators, victims, and all those who continue to fight for peace. As you depart Caen, pause at the Pegasus Bridge to understand how its capture by the British 6th Airborne division was instrumental in deterring a German counterattack. Arrive in Paris by early evening and join your travel companions for a festive “Farewell Dinner” of enticing French dishes at an authentic Parisian bistro with roving musicians. The return transfer provides impressions of the city at dusk. (Breakfast, Dinner)

The day is devoted to Paris, La Ville Lumìere ("City of Light"). On your way into the center, see the Arc de Triomphe which has been the staging area for victory parades throughout history, including those following World War II. Your Tour Manager will also direct you to the location of other principal sights, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, and Louvre Museum (open every day except Tuesday). Before beginning your free time, we suggest joining the optional Seine River Cruise excursion (see Optional Excursions). Spend the evening exploring the Montmartre District, where Paris looks as it does in old paintings and artists still display their works. An uphill walk to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica rewards you with expansive views of the cityscape. Montmartre boasts excellent restaurants and characteristic sidewalk cafés perfect for an independent dinner in the French capital. (Breakfast)

•   Examine the sobering exhibits at Dachau Concentration Camp
•   Take a boat tour through the famed canals of Amsterdam
•   Tour Manager for the full duration of the tour within Europe
•   Trip Documents with final details and travel guidance

Upon arrival in Berchtesgaden, Germany, joined by a local guide, you will take a bus and elevator up to the Eagle’s Nest, Hitler’s mountain hide-away. In the case of halted bus operation, your Tour Manager will substitute a visit to the Obersalzburg Documentation Center. Return to Austria to become acquainted with Salzburg, famous home of “The Sound of Music” and Mozart. This excursion includes a traditional Austrian dinner at an alpine village restaurant before returning to your hotel.

16-day World War II Memorial Tour of Europe Map

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Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra, Russia

The capital city of Khanty-Mansi okrug: Khanty-Mansiysk .

Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra - Overview

Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra is a federal subject of Russia, part of the Urals Federal District. Khanty-Mansiysk is the capital city of the region.

The population of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra is about 1,702,200 (2022), the area - 534,801 sq. km.

Khanty-Mansi okrug flag

Khanty-mansi okrug coat of arms.

Khanty-Mansi okrug map, Russia

Khanty-mansi okrug latest news and posts from our blog:.

21 March, 2020 / Nizhnevartovsk - the view from above .

8 November, 2017 / Surgut - the view from above .

4 March, 2017 / Khanty-Mansiysk - the view from above .

12 February, 2016 / Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug from above .

21 May, 2013 / The most powerful thermoelectric power station in Russia .

More posts..

History of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra

Yugra is the historical homeland of the Ob-Ugric peoples: Khanty, Mansi, Nenets, and Selkup. They were engaged in hunting, fishing, cattle breeding. After the Turkic peoples pushed them from south to north, these peoples had to apply their skills in more severe conditions. It is at this new location Ugrians began to domesticate deer.

In the first half of the second millennium AD, the main features of the material and spiritual culture of Khanty, Mansi and forest Nenets were formed. It is believed that since then they have not undergone major changes. Since the second half of the 13th century, a new factor in the development of the region was its entry into the Golden Horde.

At the end of the 14th century, the collapse of the Golden Horde led to the emergence of a separate Tyumen Khanate. In 1495, the Siberian Khanate appeared. At that time the basic principles of political, administrative and socio-economic organization of this territory were developed. The region was called Ugra or Yugra.

More historical facts…

The region became part of Russia in the end of the 16th century. From the middle of the 18th century, this region became a place of exile for criminals. December 10, 1930, Ostyako-Vogul national okrug was formed with the center in the settlement of Samarovo. Construction of a new center began 5 km away from it. In February 1932, the new center of the region was named Ostyako-Vogulsk.

In 1934, the first steps to find oil and natural gas in the region were taken. October 23, 1940, Ostyko-Vogul national okrug was renamed Khanty-Mansi national okrug and Ostyko-Vogulsk was renamed Khanty-Mansiysk. August 14, 1944, the region became part of Tyumen Oblast. On January 27, 1950, Khanty-Mansiysk became a city.

On September 21, 1953, in Berezovo, the first natural gas in Western Siberia was produced. On June 23, 1960, the first oil in Western Siberia was discovered near Shaim. This was followed by the discovery of many other oil and natural gas fields. Along with the industrial exploitation of oil and gas fields, the timber industry developed rapidly.

By the end of the 20th century, under the influence of demographic and socio-economic developments the Khanty-Mansi region in fact lost its national basis. On July 25, 2003, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug was renamed Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra.

Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra views

Rest on the lake in Yugra

Author: O.Frolov

Golden autumn in the Khanty-Mansy region

Author: Leonid Karpushin

Beautiful nature of Yugra

Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra - Features

The name of the region is associated with the self-names of the two main groups of northern peoples - Khanty and Mansi. In the Middle Ages, the word “Yugra” was used to refer to peoples and lands beyond the Northern Urals.

This region, located in the middle of Russia, occupies the central part of the West Siberian Plain. Its territory stretches from west to east for almost 1,400 km, from north to south for 900 km. The area of the region is comparable to France or Ukraine.

The climate is temperate continental characterized by rapid change of weather especially in spring and autumn. Winters are long, snowy and cold with frosts below minus 30 degrees Celsius. Summers are short and warm. From the west this region is protected by the Ural mountains, from the north it is open to cold arctic air.

The highest points of the region are Mount Narodnaya (1,895 m) in the Polar Urals and Mount Pedy (1,010 m) in the Northern Urals. Two major rivers flow in Khanty-Mansi autonomous okrug: the Ob (3,650 km) and its tributary the Irtysh (3,580 km). About 30% of the territory is covered by swamps. There are more than 300,000 lakes surrounded by marshes and forests.

The largest cities of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra are Surgut (396,000), Nizhnevartovsk (280,800), Nefteyugansk (128,700), Khanty-Mansiysk (106,000), Kogalym (69,200), Nyagan (58,500). Today, only about 32,000 people are representatives of indigenous peoples: Khanty, Mansi and Nenets. Half of them live in the traditional way.

This region is very rich in oil and natural gas. The largest oil and natural gas fields are Samotlorskoye, Fedorovskoye, Mamontovskoye, Priobskoye. There are also deposits of gold, coal, iron ore, copper, zinc, lead and other mineral resources.

The climate is not favorable for agriculture. Most of the agricultural products and foodstuffs is brought from other Russian regions. Waterways and railways are the main shipping ways. The total length of the pipeline network is 107,000 km.

About 60% of Russian oil is produced in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra. In total, more than 10 billion tons of oil were produced here. The total number of oil and natural gas fields discovered is 475. In the coming decades, the Khanty-Mansi region will remain the main resource base of hydrocarbons in Russia.

Tourism in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra

Yugra has unique natural, cultural and historical resources for the development of recreation and tourism. On the territory of the region there are historical and cultural monuments, as well as modern infrastructure for lovers of cultural, educational, recreational tourism, and outdoor activities. International events (sports competitions, festivals and forums) help to open this place to foreigners as an amazing corner of the globe.

Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra has a number of wonderful natural sites worthy of attention: two nature reserves (“Malaya Sosva” and “Yugansky”), four nature parks (“Samarovsky Chugas”, “Siberian ridges”, “Numto”, “Kondinskie lakes”), ten monuments of nature, archeological complexes (“Barsova Mountain”, “Saygatino”, Sherkaly settlement).

Holidays of the northern peoples are also popular among tourists: Reindeer Herder’s Day, Day of indigenous Peoples of the North “Crow day”, Fisherman’s Day, Bear holiday and others.

Active and extreme types of tourism (skiing, snowboarding, kiting) are gaining in popularity. There are seven ski resorts in the region. In summer, travelers can go rafting on mountain rivers of Siberia. Tourists can also go on a special oil tour that includes a visit to the oil-producing companies. They learn about the oil industry and the history of oil exploration in Siberia.

Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra is a region of endless charm of the beautiful nature and modern tourist facilities. True lovers of northern landscapes and local cultures will be able to fully enjoy the incomparable scenery and generous hospitality in Ugra.

Khanty-Mansi okrug of Russia photos

Khanty-mansi autonomous okrug scenery.

Road through autumn forest in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug

Deep winter snow is not a problem in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug

Author: Chernenko

Yugra scenery

Author: Sergej Fedotov

Pictures of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra

Winter in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug

Orthodox church in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug

Author: Alexey Borodko

Church in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug

Author: Peter Sobolev

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Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug

Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug — Yugra [lower-alpha 1] , commonly shortened to Khantia-Mansia, is a federal subject of Russia (an autonomous okrug of Tyumen Oblast ). It has a population of 1,532,243 as of the 2010 Census . [4] Its administrative center is located at Khanty-Mansiysk .

Administrative divisions

Demographics, settlements, ethnic groups, vital statistics, external links.

The peoples native to the region are the Khanty and the Mansi , known collectively as Ob-Ugric peoples , but today the two groups only constitute 2.5% of the region's population. The local languages, Khanty and Mansi , are part of the Ugric branch of the Finno-Ugric language family, and enjoy a special status in the autonomous okrug. Russian remains the only official language.

In 2012, the majority (51%) [7] of the oil produced in Russia came from Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, giving the region great economic importance in Russia and the world. It borders Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug to the north, Komi Republic to the northwest, Sverdlovsk Oblast to the west, Tyumen Oblast to the south, Tomsk Oblast to the south and southeast and Krasnoyarsk Krai in the east.

The okrug was established on December   10, 1930, as Ostyak-Vogul National Okrug ( Остя́ко-Вогу́льский национа́льный о́круг ). In October 1940, it was renamed the Khanty-Mansi National Okrug . In 1977, along with other national okrugs of the Russian SFSR , it became an autonomous okrug (Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug). In 2003, the word " Yugra " was appended to the official name. [8]

The okrug occupies the central part of the West Siberian Plain .

Principal rivers include the Ob and its tributaries Irtysh and Vatinsky Yogan . There are numerous lakes in the okrug, the largest ones are Numto , Tormemtor , Leushinsky Tuman and Tursuntsky Tuman , among others. [9]

The northeasterly line of equal latitude and longitude traverses the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug.

Population : 1,674,676 (2020); [10] 1,532,243   ( 2010 Russian census ) ; [4] 1,432,817   ( 2002 Census ) ; [11] 1,268,439   ( 1989 Soviet census ) . [12]

Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug has an area of 523,100   km 2 , but the area is sparsely populated. The administrative center is Khanty-Mansiysk , but the largest cities are Surgut , Nizhnevartovsk , and Nefteyugansk .

The Indigenous population ( Khanty , Mansi , Komi , and Nenets ) is only 2.8% of the total population in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug. The exploitation of natural gas in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug has attracted immigrants from all over the former Soviet Union. The 2021 Census counted 17 ethnic groups of more than five thousand persons each. The ethnic composition is as follows:

Population of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug: [13]

Historical population figures are shown below:

Source: [15]

According to a 2012 survey [16] 38.1% of the population of Yugra adheres to the Russian Orthodox Church , 5% are unaffiliated generic Christians , 1% of the population adheres to the Slavic native faith (Rodnovery) or to Khanty-Mansi native faith. Muslims (mostly Tatars ) constitute 11% of the population. In addition, 23% of the population declares to be spiritual but not religious , 11% is atheist , and 10.9% follows other religions or did not give an answer to the question. [16] According to recent reports Jehovah's Witnesses have been subjected to torture and detention in Surgut. [18]

In Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, the primary transport of goods is by water and railway transport; 29% is transported by road, and 2% by aviation. The total length of railway tracks is 1,106   km. The length of roads is more than 18,000   km.

• Hockey Club Ugra
• List of Chairmen of the Duma of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug

Related Research Articles

Khanty-Mansiysk is a city in west-central Russia. Technically, it is situated on the eastern bank of the Irtysh River, 15 kilometers (9.3 mi) from its confluence with the Ob, in the oil-rich region of Western Siberia. Though it is an independent city, Khanty-Mansiysk also functions as the administrative centre of Khanty-Mansiysky District, and the administrative center of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug–Yugra.

Nyagan is a town in the northwest of Khanty–Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia, located near the Ob River and 230 kilometers (140 mi) northwest of Khanty-Mansiysk. It is named after the Nyagan-Yugan River, a tributary of the Ob River. Population: 63,034 (2021 Census) ; 54,890 (2010 Russian census) ; 52,610 (2002 Census) ; 54,061 (1989 Soviet census) .

Megion is a town in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug–Yugra, Russia, located at the altitude of 45 meters (148 ft) above sea level, on the right bank of the Ob River, 380 kilometers (240 mi) east of Khanty-Mansiysk and 760 kilometers (470 mi) northeast of Tyumen. The area of the town is 50.51 square kilometers (19.50 sq mi) and the nearest airport is in Nizhnevartovsk. Population: 49,449 (2010 Russian census) ; 46,566 ; 39,783 (1989 Soviet census) .

Yugorsk is a town in Khanty–Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia, located in the northwestern part of the East-West lowland, 420 kilometers (260 mi) from Khanty-Mansiysk. Population: 34,067 (2010 Russian census) ; 30,285 (2002 Census) ; 24,928 (1989 Soviet census) .

Sovetsky is a town and the administrative center of Sovetsky District in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia, located 470 kilometers (290 mi) west of Khanty-Mansiysk, the administrative center of the autonomous okrug. Population: 26,495 (2010 Russian census) ; 23,230 (2002 Census) ; 21,123 (1989 Soviet census) .

Lyantor is a town in Surgutsky District of Khanty–Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia, located on the Pim River, 625 kilometers (388 mi) northeast of Khanty-Mansiysk, the administrative center of the autonomous okrug. Population: 38,992 (2010 Russian census) ; 33,011 (2002 Census) ; 22,071 (1989 Soviet census) .

Pokachi is a town in Khanty–Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia, located on the right bank of the Vatyegan River, 350 kilometers (220 mi) east of Khanty-Mansiysk and 800 kilometers (500 mi) northeast of Tyumen. Population: 17,171 (2010 Russian census) ; 17,017 (2002 Census) ; 11,536 (1989 Soviet census) .

Kogalym is a town in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia, located on the Inguyagun River 325 kilometres (202 mi) northeast of Khanty-Mansiysk. Population: 58,181 (2010 Russian census) ; 55,367 (2002 Census) ; 44,297 (1989 Soviet census) .

Beloyarsky is a town and the administrative center of Beloyarsky District in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia, located on the Kazim River, northwest of Khanty-Mansiysk, the administrative center of the autonomous okrug. Population: 20,283 (2010 Russian census) ; 18,721 (2002 Census) ; 20,534 (1989 Soviet census) .

Raduzhny is a town in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia, located on the Agan River, 475 kilometers (295 mi) northeast of Khanty-Mansiysk and 975 kilometers (606 mi) northeast of Tyumen. Population: 43,399 (2010 Russian census) ; 47,060 ; 43,726.

Pyt-Yakh is a town in Khanty–Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia, located on the east bank of the Bolshoy Balyk River, southeast of Khanty-Mansiysk. Population: 41,488 (2010 Russian census) ; 41,813 (2002 Census) ; 17,101 (1989 Soviet census) .

Beloyarsky District is an administrative and municipal district (raion), one of the nine in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug of Tyumen Oblast, Russia. It is located in the north of the autonomous okrug. The area of the district is 41,574 square kilometers (16,052 sq mi). Its administrative center is the town of Beloyarsky. Population: 9,766 ; 9,493 (2002 Census) ; 8,927 (1989 Soviet census) .

Khanty-Mansiysky District is an administrative and municipal district (raion), one of the nine in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia. It is located in the center of the autonomous okrug. The area of the district is 46,400 square kilometers (17,900 sq mi). Its administrative center is the town of Khanty-Mansiysk. As of the 2010 Census, the total population of the district was 19,362.

Kondinsky District is an administrative and municipal district (raion), one of the nine in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug of Tyumen Oblast, Russia. It is located in the south of the autonomous okrug. The district is 55,170 square kilometers (21,300 sq mi). Its administrative center is the urban locality of Mezhdurechensky. Population: 34,494 ; 35,018 (2002 Census) ; 36,640 (1989 Soviet census) . The population of Mezhdurechensky accounts for 32.1% of the district's total population.

Nizhnevartovsky District is an administrative and municipal district (raion), one of the nine in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia. The area of the district is 118,500 square kilometers (45,800 sq mi). Its administrative center is the city of Nizhnevartovsk. Population: 35,745 ; 33,508 (2002 Census) ; 28,288 (1989 Soviet census) .

Oktyabrsky District is an administrative and municipal district (raion), one of the nine in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug of Tyumen Oblast, Russia. It is located in the western central part of the autonomous okrug. The area of the district is 24,500 square kilometers (9,500 sq mi). Its administrative center is the urban locality of Oktyabrskoye. As of the 2010 Census, the total population of the district was 32,224, with the population of Oktyabrskoye accounting for 11.3% of that number.

Sovetsky District is an administrative and municipal district (raion), one of the nine in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug of Tyumen Oblast, Russia. It is located in the southwest of the autonomous okrug. The area of the district is 29,768.74 square kilometers (11,493.77 sq mi). Its administrative center is the town of Sovetsky. Population: 48,059 ; 44,720 (2002 Census) ; 73,247 (1989 Soviet census) . The population of the administrative center accounts for 55.1% of the district's total population.

Surgutsky District is an administrative and municipal district (raion), one of the nine in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia. It is located in the center of the autonomous okrug. The area of the district is 105,190 square kilometers (40,610 sq mi). Its administrative center is the city of Surgut. Population: 113,515 ; 106,624 (2002 Census) ; 74,685 (1989 Soviet census) .

Uray a town in Khanty–Mansi Autonomous Okrug, located on the Konda River 350 kilometres (220 mi) from Khanty-Mansiysk. Population: 39,457 (2010 Russian census) ; 38,872 (2002 Census) ; 37,198 (1989 Soviet census) .

Agirish is an urban-type settlement in Sovetsky District of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia. Population: 2,856 (2010 Russian census) ; 2,831 (2002 Census) ; 3,592 (1989 Soviet census) .

• ↑ Russian and Mansi : Ханты-Мансийский автономный округ — Югра, Khanty-Mansiyskiy avtonomnyy okrug — Yugra; Khanty : Хӑнты-Мансийской Aвтономной Округ
• ↑ Президент Российской Федерации.   Указ   №849   от   13 мая 2000 г. «О полномочном представителе Президента Российской Федерации в федеральном округе». Вступил в силу   13 мая 2000 г. Опубликован: "Собрание законодательства РФ", No.   20, ст. 2112, 15 мая 2000 г. (President of the Russian Federation.   Decree   # 849   of   May 13, 2000 On the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in a Federal District . Effective as of   May 13, 2000.).
• ↑ Госстандарт Российской Федерации.   №ОК 024-95   27 декабря 1995 г. «Общероссийский классификатор экономических регионов. 2.   Экономические районы», в ред. Изменения №5/2001 ОКЭР. ( Gosstandart of the Russian Federation.   # OK 024-95   December 27, 1995 Russian Classification of Economic Regions. 2.   Economic Regions , as amended by the Amendment   # 5/2001 OKER. ).
• 1 2 3 Russian Federal State Statistics Service (2011). Всероссийская перепись населения 2010 года. Том   1 [ 2010 All-Russian Population Census, vol.   1 ] . Всероссийская перепись населения 2010   года [2010 All-Russia Population Census] (in Russian). Federal State Statistics Service .
• ↑ "Об исчислении времени" . Официальный интернет-портал правовой информации (in Russian). June 3, 2011 . Retrieved January 19, 2019 .
• ↑ Official throughout the Russian Federation according to Article   68.1 of the Constitution of Russia .
• ↑ В Ханты-Мансийском автономном округе добыта 10-миллиардная тонна нефти
• ↑ "Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of July 25, 2003 No. 841" (in Russian). Official website of the President of Russia .
• ↑ Google Earth
• ↑ 2020 Russian Subjects Population
• ↑ Federal State Statistics Service (May 21, 2004). Численность населения России, субъектов Российской Федерации в составе федеральных округов, районов, городских поселений, сельских населённых пунктов   – районных центров и сельских населённых пунктов с населением 3   тысячи и более человек [ Population of Russia, Its Federal Districts, Federal Subjects, Districts, Urban Localities, Rural Localities—Administrative Centers, and Rural Localities with Population of Over 3,000 ] (XLS) . Всероссийская перепись населения 2002   года [All-Russia Population Census of 2002] (in Russian).
• ↑ Всесоюзная перепись населения 1989   г. Численность наличного населения союзных и автономных республик, автономных областей и округов, краёв, областей, районов, городских поселений и сёл-райцентров [ All Union Population Census of 1989: Present Population of Union and Autonomous Republics, Autonomous Oblasts and Okrugs, Krais, Oblasts, Districts, Urban Settlements, and Villages Serving as District Administrative Centers ] . Всесоюзная перепись населения 1989   года [All-Union Population Census of 1989] (in Russian). Институт демографии Национального исследовательского университета: Высшая школа экономики [Institute of Demography at the National Research University: Higher School of Economics]. 1989 – via Demoscope Weekly .
• ↑ "Russian Census of 2021" . (in Russian)
• ↑ Перепись-2010: русских становится больше Archived December 25, 2018, at the Wayback Machine . Perepis-2010.ru (2011-12-19). Retrieved on 2013-08-20.
• ↑ Russian Federal State Statistics Service
• 1 2 3 "Arena: Atlas of Religions and Nationalities in Russia" . Sreda, 2012.
• ↑ 2012 Arena Atlas Religion Maps . "Ogonek", № 34 (5243), 27/08/2012. Retrieved 21/04/2017. Archived .
• ↑ "7 Jehovah's Witnesses Brutally Tortured in Russia, Spokesman Says" . February 20, 2019.
• Official website of Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Yugra Archived June 6, 2017, at the Wayback Machine
• Official site of Khanty-Mansi Duma (in Russian)
• Informational website of Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Yugra (in Russian)

• Places - European, Western and Northern Russia

KHANTY-MANSI AUTONOMOUS OKRUG: RUSSIA’S MAIN OIL-PRODUCING REGION

Khanty-mansi autonomous okrug.

Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug is usually called Yugra or Ugra for short. It is named after two indigenous groups native to the region — the Khanty and the Mansi, known collectively as Ob-Ugric people. It covers 534,800 square kilometers (206,500 square miles), is home to about 1.53 million people and has a population density of 2.9 people per square kilometer. About 91.5 percent of the population live in urban areas. Khanty-Mansiysk is the capital, with about 80,000 people. The largest cities are Surgut, Nizhnevartovsk, and Nefteyugansk.

As of the early 2010s, about 51 percent of the oil produced in Russia and 7.3 percent of the world’s supply came from Khanty–Mansi Autonomous Okrug, making the region very important economically. More than 10 billion tons of oil has been was recovered from the okrug’s fields so far . The okrug contains around 70 percent of Russia’s developed oil fields, about 450 in total, including Samotlor, which is the largest oil field in Russia and the sixth largest in the world. Gas was first found in the region in 1953 and oil began to be produced in 1960.

As far as tourism is concerned this autonomous okrug combines unique historical, cultural and natural resources, the most important of which is the way of life of its indigenous peoples. If you visit a nomad camp, you can ride on a reindeer sleigh, live in a chum tent, learn to harness a deer, ride a sled and taste stroganina (slices of frozen meat) and patanka (thinly sliced frozen fish). In the Sub-Arctic Ural Mountains, it is popular to climb Mount Narodnaya — the highest peak of the Urals — and go fishing.

The winter in Khanty-Mansiysk is cold. Snow lies on the ground about 200 days of the year and temperature of -50 degrees, C are not unusual. The summer are short but sometimes can get surprisingly hot, with temperature over 30 degree heat. The best time to visit is May or or September, when it is not yet cold and the annoying mosquitos, no-see-ums and midges are not out in full force.

Getting There: By Plane: The flight Moscow or St. Petersburg to Khanty-Mansiysk is about three hours. To Surgut, three and a half. To Nizhnevartovsk, four hours. The cost of an adult round-trip economy class ticket is from 8,000 to 12,000 rubles, depending on the airline. The airport of Nizhnevartovsk. Website: /nvavia.ru. Phone +7 (3466) 49-21-75. By Train: you can reach Surgut, Nizhnevartovsk, Yugorsk, Nyagan and Kogalym. Trains do not reach Khanty-Mansiysk. The nearest station to it, Demyanka, is located 240 kilometers away. From it to the capital of Ugra there are minibuses. A round-trip ticket for a berth in a compartment from Moscow to Surgut is 14,000 rubles. The trip takes two days.

By Car: Two roads lead to Yugra. The main one is the Federal highway R404 Tyumen-Khanty-Mansiysk. This is convenient if you are going to the eastern part of the okrug. If you need to go to the western part or to the capital, it is better to go by the Northern route — through Perm, Serov, Ivdel and Yugorsk. The road quality on both routes is pretty good, but there is much less traffic on the northern one. If you are traveling in Ugra by car, do not forget to refueling. The distances gas stations can reach 200 kilometers or more. It is a good idea to have a canister of fuel in the trunk just in case. Regional Transport By Bus: From Khanty-Mansiysk to Surgut is 300 kilometers, Bus tickets range from 1100 to 1400 rubles. From Surgut to Nizhnevartovsk — 220 kilometers — bu bus costs about 1000 rubles. From Surgut to Kogalym — 80 kilometers — is about 500 rubles. The bus station in Nizhnevartovsk. Website: www.nvav.ru. Phone: 8 (3466) 45-72-97.

Accommodation in the Region: In all major cities there are a lot of hotels. The level of service is high everywhere, but the prices are also high: starting from 5,000-6,000 rubles for a standard price double room. It is much cheaper to rent apartments, at 1,500 to 2,500 rubles.

Khanty and Mansi

The Khanty (pronounced HANT-ee) are a group of Finno-Ugric-speaking, semi-nomadic reindeer herders. Also known as Ostyaks, Asiakh, and Hante they are related to the Mansi, another group of Finno-Ugric-speaking reindeer herders. Only about 60 percent of Khanty speak their native language and a much smaller percentage live in the forest. In the Khanty-Mansiisk District they are fa r outnumbered by other ethnic groups. [Source: John Ross, Smithsonian; Alexander Milovsky, Natural History, December, 1993]

There are about 23,000 Khanty. They live primarily in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug , a region along the northern tributaries of the Ob River in northwestern Siberia about 1,100 miles northwest of Moscow and 200 mile south of the Arctic Circle. Their cousins, the Mansi, also live there. The region has been damaged by oil and natural gas exploration and production.

The Mansi, known in the old days as the Voguls, are close relatives of the Khanty and live primarily in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug.. There are around 8,000 or so Mansi. The Mansi have traditionally survived by fishing, hunting and gathering, The hunting methods they employed and the animals they went after was determined by what was available. Often they relied chiefly on fishing and dried enough fish during the summer to last through the winter. They hunted elk, bears, wild reindeer with spears, bows and arrows and traps until the 19th century when the began using firearms. Elk were caught with a system of traps and triggered bows.

Many Mansi still hunt. They use dogs and firearms and go chiefly after muskrats and squirrels. Sable are hunted with nets and guns by a pair of hunters: one who flushes the sable from its den into the net and the other who shoots the animal. Their traditional religion is often aimed at securing a successful hunt.

KHANTY factsanddetails.com ;

Oil and Natural Gas in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug

Oil was prospected in the West Siberia from the beginning of the 20th century. Local people reported finding discharges on the surface from time to time. The first Soviet prospectors arrived to Ugra in 1935. They confirmed the presence of natural oil seeps on the Ugan river in the Surgut area. Over 2.5 tons of equipment were delivered to the drilling pad by air. Other supplies were hauled by horses, since the nearest railroad ran about 1,000 km away from the prospecting site. The place was very remote and was only accessible during the winter. The early workers lived in a camp under extremely cold conditions. [Source: Technologies Department of Ugra]

In 1953, natural gas was found for the first time in Western Siberia, in Berezovo, about 300 kilometers northwest of Khanty-Mansiysk. in Berezovo. In 1960 the first oil was found in the vicinity of Shaim. Soon after oil fields were discovered in Megion, West Surgut, Pokur, Vatinsky, Mamontovo, Salym, Pravdino and other places. The biggest discovery was in 1965, when the first oil gushed out from the marshland at Samotlor. One of the largest oil fields in the world, it has already produced 2.67 billion tons of oil.

Oil quality in the region is quite high. Some is light, some is black, but most of it is brown. Its characteristics and composition can differ significantly even within the same field. In 2013 255.1 million tons of oil were produced in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug and eight new fields were brought into development. Total gas production in Ugra was 33,0 billion cubic meters in 2013. This was mostly associated petroleum gas.

Owing to its explored and proven raw hydrocarbons resources, production capabilities, industrial infrastructure and oil fields commercial viability Yugra will remain Russia’s main strategic raw hydrocarbons resource base for the next several decades. Over 475 oil and gas fields have been discovered in the territory of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug. Total length of the region's pipelines network is 107,000 kilometers.

Ob River (flowing northeast of Novosibirsk and Tomsk) is the forth longest river in the world if you include its major tributary the Irtysh River and the seventh longest without it. The westernmost of three great rivers of Asiatic Russia, the Ob is 3,650 kilometers (2,270 miles) long and is an important commercial waterway that transports goods back and forth between the Trans-Siberian Railway and the resource rich regions of northern Siberia. Since it is frozen over half the year activity on the river is concentrated mostly in the summer months. The Ob-Irtysh is over 5570 kilometers (3461 miles) long

The Ob and the Irtysh River begin in the Altay Mountains, a range located near where Russia, China, Kazakhstan and Mongolia all come together, and flow northward. Although the Ob and the Irtysh begin at points within a couple of hundred miles of one another the two rivers don't join until the Irytysh has traveled over 1,600 kilometers (1000 miles). Once the two rivers have dropped down out of the highlands the meander lazily through open steppes, then rich farmland, and meet in flat, swampy plains, where the width of river ranges between a half a kilometer and a kilometer and a half. The Ob then passes through fir and spruce forests of West Siberia, then through Arctic tundra before finally emptying into the Kara Sea, an arm of the Arctic Ocean. The Ob is one of the great Asiatic Russian rivers (the Yenisei and the Lena are the other two). According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it has the longest estuary (550 miles long and up to 50 miles wide) and is widest river that freezes solid. The mouth of the river on the Arctic Ocean is ice free only a couple of months a year. Huge flood sometimes form in the spring when high waters fed by melting snow and ice meet still frozen section of the river.

The main city on the Ob is Novosibirsk. Parts of the Ob are very polluted and nearly void of life. At the mouth of the river so much land has been degraded by gas exploration that huge chunks of permafrost land have literally melted into the sea. [Source: Robert Paul Jordan, National Geographic, February 1978, ♬]

Traveling on the Ob and Irtysh Rivers

There is a regualr ferry the Ob and Irtysh Rivers that travels between Omsk – Tobolsk – Khanty-Mansiysk – Berezovo and Salekhard (Yamal Nenets Autonomous Region). Omsk and Tobolsk both have train stations on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Khanti-Mansiysk is accessible by bus from Tyumen, which has a train station. After Khanti-Mansiysk you are beyond the road network. As well as the major stops listed on the route above, the boat also stops at plenty of isolated indigenous villages in between them. Salekhard is the only city in the world located exactly on the Arctic Circle.

The name of the ferry is the Rodina. It travels three times a month in June and September and four times a month in July and August. Going from Salekhard to Omsk: Day 1): departs Salekhard at 5:00pm; Dat 2) stops at Berezovo for 30 minutes ay 7:30pm; Day 3) stops at Oktobraskaya Market for one hour. Day 4) stops at Khanty-Mansiysk for two hours at 8:00am; Day 6) one hour stop in Tobolsk at 7:30. Day 9) arrive in Omsk at 3:00pm. Traveling the other direction, with the current, takes one third less time.

On the Salekhard - Tobolsk - Omsk trip on person posted on Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree forum in 2013: “I'll start by saying that this boat is amazingly good value for money. Here some example prices. The first is for beds in the common area, similar to platzkart on the train, the second is for a bed in a private 4-, 6-, or 8 bed cabin and the third is for a bed in a private 2 bed cabin. 1) Salekhard - Omsk (8 days): 1162 / 1437 / 3926 roubles; 2) Salekhard - Tobolsk (5 days): 774 / 969 / 2632 roubles; 3) Tobolsk - Khanty-Mansiysk (2 days): 429 / 526 / 1394 roubles. Children go half price!

“Tickets can be bought in advance at the airport in Salekhard or on the boat itself an hour before departure (it's apparently never full). Most people get off at one of the stops in the first 24 hours when going south from Salekhard, leaving only one or two people in most of the cabins for most of the route. The beds are comfortable , both longer and wider than on trains. Everything is cleaned several times a day, there's a shower, laundry, restaurant with simple but tasty meals and alcohol. Breakfast about 70 roubles, lunch and dinner 150 - 300, beer 50 - 80, wine, vodka and so on also available. Theres also a small room where films are shown starting in the afternoon and a shop selling all sorts of useful stuff such as toiletries, mugs, books.

“You can walk around on deck as much as you want or sit and read a book on the benches up there. The scenery is more or less the same all the way - endless taiga forest with absolutely no sign of civilisation. There are a few villages such as Pitlyar for which the boat is their only access to the outside world and a couple of towns where you can get off the boat and walk around - Beryozovo 24 hours after Salekhard and Khanty-Manskiysk 3 days from Salekhard. From Khanty Mansiysk there are regular buses to Tyumen on the Trans Siberian which take 8 hours. At Tobolsk the boat stops next to the stunning kremlin, the only one in Siberia.

“Anyone can freely sail the whole route between Omsk and Pitlyar, a small village of 500 and the last stop before Salekhard. Salekhard and areas north are closed to outsiders, Russian or otherwise, unless they get a temporary permit. See the Yamal Peninsula link in my signature line for how to get this permit. Permit in hand, you can continue the journey north from Salekhard a further two days to Antipayuta, well beyond the Arctic Circle, with a similar level of comfort and price.

“It sails the whole route from June to September and once in October from Khanty-Mansiysk to Omsk. Check www.irsc.ru for timetables and fares. Only about half the boats from Salekhard go as far as Omsk, the rest stopping in Tobolsk. Eg in July and August, the most frequent sailing months, 6 boats go from Salekhard - Tobolsk each month but only 3 continue to Omsk. Check the timetable carefully when planning if you want to sail all the way to Omsk!”

Khanty-Mansiysk City

Khanty-Mansiysk is the capital of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug and home to about 80,000 people. Despite its remote location and relatively small size, it has a Norman Foster skyscraper, world-leading medical center that is free and has hosted international film festivals, major sports events and political summits. How is this possible?: Oil wealth and close ties between local politicians and Russian President Vladimir Putin doesn’t hurt.

Khanty Mansiysk has showy headquarters for Russia’s main oil companies: Rosneft, Lukoil and Gazprom-Neft. Not far away enormous drilling towers rise and gas flares burn above the birch forests and pipelines cut through the landscape. Around 90 percent of the city’s economic revenues are tied directly to the oil and gas industries.

The city is located in a picturesque area of the West Siberian lowland, where steep hills overgrown with age-old dwarf pine, rise up from the right bank of the mighty Irtysh River. Two of the largest rivers of Siberia — the Irtysh and the Ob — merge twenty kilometers from the city. Not far from town the “Coniferous Urman” ski complex with a cable car. The cedar forest of the Samarovsky Chugas Park has trails for cross-country skiing and hiking. For children there is a water park and a small zoo in the village of Shapsha 20 kilometers from the city. In the summer, there are boat tours to the confluence of the Ob and Irtysh, where you can see the floating chapel-lighthouse.

Places of interest to tourists the gold domes of the Church of Christ’s Resurrection; the gallery of the artist Gennady Raishev; the Geology, Oil and Gas Museum, which traces the history of Western Siberian oil and gas development; and the open-air Archeopark, which has bronze sculptures of Pleistocene animals like mammoths and woolly rhinosl a sporting venue that hosts international ice and skiing events. A new triple concert hall dominates the center of the town. Servicing villages that cannot be reached by road, is an ultra-modern hospital ship that cruises Ob and Irtish rivers treating the sick on board. Complex operations are supervised by surgeons from the central hospital in Khanty-Mansiysk using TV monitors that relay pictures by satellite.

Accommodation: There are several hotels of different levels in Khanty-Mansiysk. The best service and, accordingly, the highest prices at the Ugra valley Valley Complex. At the Tarey business hotel prices start from 4800 rubles per night; at the Olympics Hotel, from 3000 rubles per night. If you want to save money, it is better to rent an apartment: a one-bedroom can be found in the area of 1500 rubles per day.

History of Khanty-Mansiysk City

The first written mention of the town of the Khanty Prince Samara, where the modern city of Khanty-Mansiysk is located, dates back to 1582. In 1637, a settlement of Russian coachmen was formed in the place of this town. It was named after the Prince Samara — Samarovsky Yam.

By the beginning of the 19th century, Samarovsky Yam turned into a large village of Samarovo and became the center of crafts and trade thanks to the favourable location on the river trade routes. In 1931, a few kilometers from the village of Samarovo, a workers settlement Ostyako-Vogulsk was built, which became the district center of the Ostyako-Vogulsk national district. The settlement began to be built up with new industrial enterprises, administrative buildings, apartment houses, public and cultural institutions. By the end of 1950s, pebble roads were laid in the settlement.

In 1940, Ostyako-Vogulsk was renamed Khanty-Mansiysk, and the district was renamed Khanty-Mansiysk, since at that time Ostyak tribes began to be called Khanty, and Voguls tribes — Mansi. In 1950, Khanty-Mansiysk received the status of a city, including Samarovo village. Since 1977, Khanty-Mansiysk has become the administrative center of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug formed from the national district.

Sights in Khanty-Mansiysk

Torum Maa Open Air Museum (Ulitsa Sobyanina, 20, Khanty-Mansiysk) is located on one of the seven holy hills, in the Samarovsky Churas Nature Park, and features authentically reconstructed buildings and dwelling of indigenous peoples of the North, including a Mansi winter camp and traditional Khanty residential and household structures dating to the early-mid-19th century. You can learn more about hunting culture of the Khanty and Mansi on a special hiking trail.

At the museum you can find a 15th-17th century smithy, reconstructed using materials from archaeological excavations of Emder city; displays of idols and protectors of this land. The museum is especially active during traditional holidays of the Ob river Ugric people when Khanty and Mansi come from all over to celebrate. The most popular of these are: Tylasch pori (the Rite of Offering to the Moon), which takes place in February or March when the moon is waxing; Crow Day, which symbolizes the beginning of spring and is celebrated in April; the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, which is celebrated globally on August 9; and the main holiday for the museum staff and visitors — the anniversary of the Torum Maa Museum on October 30.

Archeopark Cultural and Tourist Complex (in Khanty-Mansiysk) covers 3.5 hectares near a rock outcropping and includes a geological monument, the Samarov Villiage Archaeological Monument (dating from the 11th-18th centuries), and a the Sculpture Park with giant bronze sculptures of mammoths and other Pleistocene-era animals and Paleolithic humans.

The park was set up where the bones of mammoths and other pre-historic animals have been found. The first large bones and tusks were found in the 19th century, when the northern region came to be called the “elephant homeland.” For local inhabitants, the archaeological findings along the river banks were not so uncommon. The bones had been in demand as a decorative material and therapeutic powder.

All the sculptures were created in cooperation with paleontologists, who made sure that the ancient inhabitants of this area look as authentic as possible. Some of the sculptures, for instance, rhinoceroses, were made in life size, while others are two to three times larger. The height of the largest sculpture in the Mammoth composition is eight meters. The sculptures are lit up at night. The little mammoth is named KoJourka. The sculpture probably has the world's only sign that prohibits mammoth climbing.

Sights Near Khanty-Mansiysk City

Floating Chapel-Beacon in Honor of Saint Nicholas (20 kilometers Khanty-Mansiysk) opened in 2013 near the confluence of two mighty Siberian rivers — the Ob and Irtysh. Blessed by Bishop Pavel of Khanty-Mansiysk and Surgut and consecrated by Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus, it is Russia's first floating chapel-lighthouse. The chapel is eight meters high, it weighs 10 tons and is fixed on a pontoon. Below the cross crowning the chapel there is a beacon light. There are eight illuminated alcoves with icons. The chapel is not intended to hold a service inside. Only maintenance personnel looking after the power supply can moor to it.

Originally the idea of building the chapel was suggested by S. Sandulov, president of the local branch of the Association of Ports and River Transport Owners. For river transport workers the Ob-Irtysh confluence is a special place. And for the local people — Khanty and Mansi — this is a sacred area. However, for a long time there was no monument or sign to mark the place. At the confluence of the Ob and Irtysh people have traditionally made a wish by throwing a coin into the water. The water here is considered to be sacred and many tourists wash themselves with the water of the two rivers.

Silava Ethnographic Center (near Uray, 250 kilometers east of Khanty-Mansiysk) and the Ela Hoth community of indigenous peoples "was founded in 2008 to preserve features of the traditional culture and way of life on the site of the former village of New Silava. Visitors can participate in Mansi ceremonies and celebrations and Mansi cooking and engage in recreational activities such as skiing, sledding, tubing, ice sliding and riding a snowmobile "Buran" in the winter; and pick mushrooms, berries, medicinal plants and go boating in the summer. The center may difficult to get to.

Swimming is possible in the cold Konda River. You can also go hiking on eco-trails and participate in various types of fishing and children's entertainment programs. The community has assembled a small museum of household items and fishing items. You can see how fishing camps were set up and a functioning bread oven and a machine for weaving mats and try grinding flour at the mill and baking bread.

Priobskoye Field

The Priobskoye field (65 kilometers east of Khanty-Mansiysk, and 100 kilometers west of Nefteyugansk) is an oil field that occupies an area of 5,466 square kilometers (2,110 square miles. It is located along both banks of the Ob River, and is serviced by the town of

The field was discovered in 1982. The northern three-quarters of the field was controlled by YUKOS via unit Yuganskneftegaz, and began oil production in 2000. In 2004, Yuganskneftegaz was bought by Rosneft, which is now the operating company of that portion of the field. The southern quarter of the field was controlled by Sibir energy, which began a joint venture with Sibneft to develop the field, with volume production beginning in 2003. Sibneft subsequently acquired complete control of the field via a corporate maneuver to dilute Sibir's holding. Sibneft is now majority controlled by Gazprom and renamed Gazprom Neft.

In 2007, the field was producing 675,000 barrels per day: 550,000 barrels per day in the northern Rosneft area and 125,000 barrels per day in the southern Gazprom Neft area. For 2008, Rosneft reported a growth of production to 680,000 barrels per day, while Gazpromneft's share grew slightly. In 2009, Gazprom Neft produced 160,000 barrels per day in its share of the field. In September 2019, Russia’s finance ministry approved tax breaks for developing the Priobskoye oilfield, Russia’s largest, to oil giants Rosneft and Gazprom Neft, Alexei Sazano.

Surgut (300 kilometers east of Khanty-Mansiysk by road) located on the Ob River and is one of the few cities in Russia that has a larger population than the capital of its federal subject. It is home to about 375,000 people compared to 80,000 in Khanty-Mansiysk. Surgut is home to the largest port on the Ob River, the largest road-railway junction in northwest Siberia. Two of the world's most powerful power plants — the SDPP-1 (State District Power Plant 1) and SDPP-2 (State District Power Plant 2), which produce over 7,200 megawatts — are also there supply most of the region with relatively cheap electricity.

Surgut's economy is tied to oil production (the city is known as "The Oil Capital of Russia") and the processing of natural gas. The most important enterprises are the oil firm Surgutneftegaz and Surgutgazprom (a unit of Gazprom). The Surgut-2 Power Station providing Energy for the city is the largest gas-fired power station in the world. In addition, there are factories: gas processing, stabilization of condensate, motor fuel. Enterprises food (meat processing, dairy, etc.) industry, timber industry. Manufacture of building materials (production of reinforced concrete structures, etc.).

The city is served by the Surgut International Airport, which offers flights to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Dubai, Irkutsk, and a number of other cities. Through Surgut are trains to the east (in Novy Urengoy, Nizhnevartovsk), to the south-west (in Tyumen, Moscow, Novosibirsk, Ufa, Chelyabinsk, Yekaterinburg). Road P-404 connects Surgut with Tyumen. Places to stay in Surgut include the Ob, Den, Ark, and Center hotels

Old Surgut is a historical and ethnographic complex with 14 restored copies of wooden houses that once stood in the city. Among them “house of nature”, “House of local historian”, “house of Cossacks”, “House of indigenous peoples of the North” and others. Every winter, the center hosts a festival of ice sculptures.

Barsova Mountain Tract (west of Surgut) is located he state natural and archaeological park. Barosova Gora stretches for eight kilometers along the right Bank of the Ob river. Along the tract there are remains of ancient buildings, sanctuaries, burial grounds, some dating back to the Stone Age. In total, there are more than 400 archaeological sites on Barsova Mountain. It is better to visit this place in the summer or early autumn. The standard tour lasts about three hours.

Nefteyugansk

Nefteyugansk(30 kilometers west of Surgut) is located to south of the Ob River and is home to about 125,000, people. It was founded on October 16, 1967, after an oil field had been discovered on a small forest clearing in the middle of the taiga marshland in 1961. The main and the only big enterprise in the city, Yuganskneftegaz, was founded in February 1966. The name 'Yugansk' comes from the indigenous Khanty name of a small river near the city, neft' means oil in Russian, and gaz is natural gas.

The economy of the city remains petroleum-based, and was a major center for the Russian oil enterprise YUKOS, which owned Yuganskneftegaz. In fact, the "Yu" in "YUKOS" comes from the "yu" in "Nefteyugansk" and therefore from "Yuganskneftegaz". The other three letters come from the oil-refining factory "Kuibyshev-Org-Sintez", situated in Samara.

Nefteyugansk has been at the center of violence and drama involving YUKOS. On June 26, 1998, city mayor Vladimir Petukhov was shot dead on the way to his office. Before his murder, Petukhov had been on a hunger strike demanding that the chairmen of municipal and district tax offices be dismissed from their positions and a criminal case against Yukos be filed on counts of tax evasion. Petukhov's widow later on called for an investigation into Mikhail Khodorkovsky's role in events. Back then Khodorkovsky was head of Yukos. On September 20, 2005 Dmitry Yegortsev, acting mayor of Nefteyugansk, was assaulted and wounded with a knife. After the stabbing of Yegortsev, Igor Gribanov took over City Hall as acting mayor. Just a few months later, he died of carbon monoxide poisoning at his home on January 6, 2006. Since January 2005, Yuganskneftegaz has been owned by the state-owned oil company Rosneft. [Source: Wikipedia]

Hay Al Ruv Ethnographic Center of Indigenous Peoples of the North is an 1.5-hectare open air ethnographic which recreates the Khanty camp and has a house, storage shed, traditional tent, "red" tent for visitors and a bread oven.

Nizhnevartovsk

Nizhnevartovsk (220 kilometers east of Surgut) is home to about 250,000 people. Since the 1960s, the town has grown rapidly in the coat-tails of the Western Siberian oil boom due to its location beside the Samotlor oil field along the right bank of the Ob River. The presence of the petroleum industry has made it one of the wealthiest cities in Russia. Accommodation is available at the Hope, Aviator, Venice and Waters hotels.

Nizhnevartovsk is situated in the Sredneobskaya Lowland of West Siberian Plain, in the middle course of the Ob River on its northern bank. It remained a relatively small settlement until the 1960s when the Soviet authorities began widespread prospecting for the petroleum industry in the Western Siberia region, discovering the Samotlor oil field, one of the largest oil fields in the world, beneath the nearby Lake Samoltor to the north of Nizhnevartovsk. During the early boomtown years, Komsomol volunteers were brought in from across the country to construct the city, whose population soared from 2300 people in 1959 to 15,663 in 1970.

Lake Samotlor is the home of the massive Samotlor oil field. A visit to the lake is part of a local oil tour, during which you can see how oil is produced, and study the history of the development of fields in Western Siberia. Tourists visit the Samotlor oil field, the school of drilling masters and eat in the dining room with the oilmen. The tours are hard to arrange on the spot, They need to booked in advance through a travel company. Oil tours can be combined with a visit to a Khanty camp.

Samotlor Field

Samotlor Field (near Nizhnevartovsk) is the largest oil field of Russia and the sixth largest in the world. Owned and operated by Rosneft, it is located at Lake Samotlor in Nizhnevartovsk district and covers 1,752 square kilometers (676 square miles). The field was discovered in 1965; development began in 1967 and first oil was produced in 1969. Nearby Nizhnevartovsk went from being a small village into a booming oil city as Samotlor became the most important oil production base of the Soviet Union. After breakup of the Soviet Union the field was owned by Samotlorneftgaz and TNK-Nizhnevartovsk, which later formed TNK-BP.

At Samotlor Field a total of 2,086 well clusters (containing more than 17,000 wells) have been built and about 2.6 billion tons of oil has been produced. The peak production occurred in 1980 when Samotlor produced 158.9 million tons of oil. Production has been in decline ever since, although according to TNK-BP the field production has stabilized over the past few years.

The proven reserves are approximately 44 billion barrels. The field is 80 percent depleted with water-cut exceeding 90 percent. At the end of the 1990s, production rate dropped to 300,000 barrels per day. However, through an aggressive exploration program and application of cutting-edge technologies TNK-BP had raised production up to 750,000 barrels per day. TNK-BP plans to invest US$1 billion per year for maintaining oil production at the level of 30 million tons per year. The production of oi in 2012 was 332,782 barrels per day. The estimated oil in place is 4 billion barrels. The oil comes from Cretaceous formations.

Ural Mountains

Ural Mountains are the traditional dividing line between Europe and Asia and have been a crossroads of Russian history. Stretching from Kazakhstan to the fringes of the Arctic Kara Sea, the Urals lie almost exactly along the 60 degree meridian of longitude and extend for about 2,000 kilometers (1,300 miles) from north to south and varies in width from about 50 kilometers (30 miles) in the north and 160 kilometers (100 miles) the south. At kilometers 1777 on the Trans-Siberian Railway there is white obelisk with "Europe" carved in Russian on one side and "Asia" carved on the other.

The eastern side of the Urals contains a lot of granite and igneous rock. The western side is primarily sandstone and limestones. A number of precious stones can be found in the southern part of the Urals, including emeralds. malachite, tourmaline, jasper and aquamarines. The highest peaks are in the north. Mount Narodnaya is the highest of all but is only 1884 meters (6,184 feet) high. The northern Urals are covered in thick forests and home to relatively few people.

Like the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States, the Urals are very old mountains — with rocks and sediments that are hundreds of millions years old — that were one much taller than they are now and have been steadily eroded down over millions of years by weather and other natural processes to their current size. According to Encyclopedia Britannica: “The rock composition helps shape the topography: the high ranges and low, broad-topped ridges consist of quartzites, schists, and gabbro, all weather-resistant. Buttes are frequent, and there are north–south troughs of limestone, nearly all containing river valleys. Karst topography is highly developed on the western slopes of the Urals, with many caves, basins, and underground streams. The eastern slopes, on the other hand, have fewer karst formations; instead, rocky outliers rise above the flattened surfaces. Broad foothills, reduced to peneplain, adjoin the Central and Southern Urals on the east.

“The Urals date from the structural upheavals of the Hercynian orogeny (about 250 million years ago). About 280 million years ago there arose a high mountainous region, which was eroded to a peneplain. Alpine folding resulted in new mountains, the most marked upheaval being that of the Nether-Polar Urals...The western slope of the Urals is composed of middle Paleozoic sedimentary rocks (sandstones and limestones) that are about 350 million years old. In many places it descends in terraces to the Cis-Ural depression (west of the Urals), to which much of the eroded matter was carried during the late Paleozoic (about 300 million years ago). Found there are widespread karst (a starkly eroded limestone region) and gypsum, with large caverns and subterranean streams. On the eastern slope, volcanic layers alternate with sedimentary strata, all dating from middle Paleozoic times.”

The fauna of the vertebrate animals in the Reserve includes 19 fish, 5 amphibian and 5 reptile. Among the 48 mammal species are elks, roe deer, boars, foxes, wolves, lynxes, badgers, common weasels, least weasels, forest ferrets, Siberian striped weasel, common marten, American mink. Squirrels, beavers, muskrats, hares, dibblers, moles, hedgehogs, voles are quite common, as well as chiropterans: pond bat, water bat, Brandt's bat, whiskered bat, northern bat, long-eared bat, parti-coloured bat, Nathusius' pipistrelle. The 174 bird bird species include white-tailed eagles, honey hawks, boreal owls, gnome owls, hawk owls, tawny owls, common scoters, cuckoos, wookcocks, common grouses, wood grouses, hazel grouses, common partridges, shrikes, goldenmountain thrushes, black- throated loons and others.

Mount Narodnaya: the Highest Mountain in the Urals

Mount Narodnaya (700 kilometers northwest of Khanty-Mansiysk) is the highest mountain in the Urals. Also known as Naroda and Poenurr and "People's Mountain", it is 1,894 meters (6,214 feet) high. It lies in in Khanty–Mansi Autonomous Okrug but is only 500 meters east from the border of Komi Republic. The name is derived from the nearby Naroda River.

Mount Narodnaya is the highest point in European Russia outside the Caucasus and rises 1,772 meters (5,814 ft) above the landscape. Narodnaya is located in the Ural mountains water divide, and therefore on the border between Europe and Asia: The mountain is formed with quartzites and metamorphosed slates of the Proterozoic Eon and Cambrian Period. There are some glaciers on the mountain. Also, there are sparse forests of larch and birch in the deep valleys at the foot of the mountain. The slopes of the mountain are covered with highland tundra.

Mount Narodnaya was identified in 1927. If you ascend from the territory of Ugra, you first need to get to the village of Saranpaul (by helicopter from Berezovo, in the winter you can snowmobile), then about 180 kilometers to overcome by all-terrain transport to the camp site “Desired”, where you can climb Narodnaya and Manaragu. The cost of the tour, depending on the time of year, transport and service varies from 15,000 to 200,000 rubles, with a lot of the cost depending on whether you use a helicopter or not..

The easiest route to the summit is a technically easy hike on the moderate north-west slope. Depending on snow and ice conditions, crampons may be required. The south wall of Narodnaya is steeper and less commonly used to reach the summit. Accommodation: The cost of living at the camp site “Desired” — from 2300 rubles per day. In the forest in tent-for free.

Numto Natural Park

The Numto Natural Park (400 kilometers north of Surgut) is in the center of the Western-Siberian plain. The park covers 7,217 square kilometers and was created in 1997 to preserve the unique natural complexes of the Siberian Uvaly and protect the places where the the northern Khanty and forest Nenets live and work. The area is also inhabited by many animals and birds included osprey, white-tailed eagle, golden eagle, red-footed falcon, gyrfalcon, and others.

Because of its remoteness and difficulty to access, the Numto lake area remained a “blank space” during the development of Siberia. It was explored properly only in the early 20th century. It was first described by A. Dunin-Gorkavitch, who reached the place with reindeer teams in November 1901. He wrote: “Thus, during this journey I was able to explore the Kazym River and the watersheds of four other rivers: Kazym and Nadym on one side, Pima and Trom-Yugan on the other, as well as the Samoyed Lake Numto, known as “the lake of God”. The lake is located at the following coordinates: 63°30'N 41°30'E. It's oval in shape and has a narrow sandy spit from the northwest”.

The traveler gives a rather detailed description of some of the area's features: “...to the south from the lake, some 35 kilometers away, there is a watershed of four- rivers, from which the Kazym River begins. The watershed area is actually a tundra with huge hills up to 64 meters high with bogs in between. And these very bogs have springs and that is where the rivers Kazym, Nadym, Pim, and Trom-Yugan begin”.

Numto Lake was a kind of a sanctuary for peoples of the northern Ob. It was worshiped like a living creature. Even fishing was prohibited there. Some of these religious bans still exist; for example, it is not permitted to chop ice with an axe, fix anchoring poles in the lake bottom or block the connection between the lake and the Ukhlor Gulf with nets. With the coming of the winter, the Khanty and Nenets people come to Holy Island to offer a deer in sacrifice.

Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons

Text Sources: Federal Agency for Tourism of the Russian Federation (official Russia tourism website russiatourism.ru ), Russian government websites, UNESCO, Wikipedia, Lonely Planet guides, New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, National Geographic, The New Yorker, Bloomberg, Reuters, Associated Press, AFP, Yomiuri Shimbun and various books and other publications.

Updated in September 2020

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Easy Company: England to the Eagle’s Nest

About the tour.

The HBO miniseries Band of Brothers brought the story of Easy Company to millions of viewers. In the decades since its 2001 premiere, the men of Easy Company have become world famous, with their actions recounted and steps retraced from England to the Eagle’s Nest. Travel with an actor from the miniseries on every departure of this unforgettable bucket-list tour, and dive deeper into the stories of these men, in the places where they happened.

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• August 31 – September 12, 2026
• September 7 – 19, 2026
• September 14 – 26, 2026

2025 Program Pricing

Price per person based on Double Occupancy

$8,799 $8,299*

Price per person based on Single Occupancy

$10,499 $9,999*

$329 per person taxes and fees are additional.

2026 Program Pricing

$9,299 $9,799*

$10,599 $11,099*

$329 per person taxes and fees are additional. *Rates increase by $500 for tours taking place over the D-Day (June 6) anniversary. 

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Book early and save $1,000 per couple!

Tour Itinerary & Map

Pre-Tour Pamphlet

Summary Itinerary

Churchill’s London Optional Three-Night Pre-Tour Extension Itinerary (view details by clicking the button above)

Arrive in London / Transfer to Aldbourne, England

Arrive in London Heathrow Airport (LHR) / Transfer to Aldbourne / Explore the training areas of Easy Company / Aldbourne walking tour accompanied by local villagers

Accommodations: Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa (L, R, D)

Portsmouth / Cross the English Channel

Portsmouth / Golden Lion Pub / Cross the English Channel by ferry / Arrive Normandy

Accommodations: Le Lion d’Or (B, L, D)

Utah Beach / US Airborne

La Fière / Sainte-Mère-Église / The Airborne Museum / Brécourt Manor / Sainte-Marie-du-Mont /Marmion Farm / Utah Beach / Utah Beach Museum

Accommodations: Le Lion d’Or (B, D)

Easy Company in Normandy

Beuzeville-au-Plain / Carentan / Dead Man’s Corner Museum / The church at Angoville-au-Plain / Free time in Bayeux

Accommodations: Le Lion d’Or (B, L)

Pointe du Hoc / Omaha Beach

Pointe du Hoc / Omaha Beach / Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial /Special “Farewell to Normandy” dinner

Transfer to the Netherlands

Travel by coach to the Netherlands / Free time in Amiens, France / Group dinner in Eindhoven

Accommodations: Hotel Pullman Eindhoven Cocagne (B, D)

Eindhoven / Arnhem / Nijmegen

Tour American areas of Operation Market Garden / Tour of Arnhem and “The Bridge Too Far”

Accommodations: Hotel Pullman Eindhoven Cocagne (B, L)

The Ardennes

Optional walking tour of Eindhoven or morning at leisure / Netherlands American Cemetery /Travel to Clervaux, Luxembourg

Accommodations: Hotel Koener (B, D)

Mardasson Memorial / Tour Easy Company’s foxholes in the Bois Jacques /101st Airborne Museum / Bastogne War Museum

Accommodations: Hotel Koener (B)

Luxembourg City / Haguenau

Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial / Haguenau / Overnight in Stuttgart

Accommodations: Maritim Hotel Stuttgart (B, L)

“Why We Fight”

Dachau Concentration Camp / Transfer to the Bavarian Alps

Accommodations: Grand Hotel Zell am See (B)

Kehlsteinhaus*

Tour Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest / Afternoon free in Zell am See / Farewell Dinner

Accommodations: Grand Hotel Zell am See (B, L, D)

*Due to its unique location on top of a mountain at 6,017 ft accessible only by one steep and winding road, various factors contribute to our ability to visit the Eagle's Nest. In the event it is closed during any given tour, alternate touring in Berchtesgaden will be provided:   

Driving tour up the Obersalzburg / Visit former Berghof site / Guided tour of underground bunkers and documentation center / Bavarian lunch at Obersalzburg Golf Course / Farewell dinner

Flights home from Munich

Transfer to the Munich International Airport (MUC) for your independently scheduled flights home

*Hotel accommodations in Normandy vary per tour departure. Other properties include Le Manoir de Mathan and La Ferme de la Rançonnière.

Program Inclusions

• Travel in the company of a cast member from the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers (Actor will be announced to travelers prior to departure)
• Full-time logistical Tour Manager
• Expert local battlefield guides
• Roundtrip Airport Transfers (when arriving & departing on scheduled group tour dates)
• Boutique hotel accommodations in prime locations
• Private, first-class, air-conditioned motor coach transportation
• VIP access to sites not offered on other tours
• Entrance fees to all sites, museums, and historic attractions in itinerary
• Video oral history presentations from the Museum’s collection
• Gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, and servers
• Personal listening devices on all included touring
• 12 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 1 Reception, and 7 Dinners
• Beer, wine, and soft drinks with included lunches and dinner
• Informative map book including useful battlefield maps and archival images to be used throughout your journey
• Personalized luggage tags and customized name badge

Destination Map

For tour questions or for more information, the Travel Sales Team is available

Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Central.

Call: 1-877-813-3329 x 257

Email: [email protected]

Three-Night Post-Tour

From the rubble: berlin in world war ii & the cold war.

Three-night post-tour with Alexandra Richie, DPhil & Michael Neiberg, PhD

May 8 – 11, 2025

Book Post-Tour

Post-Tour Available for April 26 - May 8, 2025 Tour ONLY. 

Berlin post-tour extension available this departure only. BONUS: Receive a complimentary inter-European flight from Munich to Berlin on May 8, 2025.

Day 1: Arrive to Berlin Rocco Forte Hotel de Rome / Welcome reception & lecture

• Accommodations: Berlin Rocco Forte Hotel de Rome (R)

Day 2: Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp / Lunch at the Reichstag / Bunker Story Museum

• Accommodations: Berlin Rocco Forte Hotel de Rome (B, L)

Day 3: Potsdam / Included lunch / Karlshorst Museum / Farewell reception

• Accommodations: Berlin Rocco Forte Hotel de Rome (B, L, R)

Day 3: Individual transfers to Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) for flights home. (B)

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