athos yacht interior

Former known as: Athos of London

At 62 metres in length, Athos (formerly Athos of London ) is world’s largest and most luxurious privately-owned two-masted schooner. One top of that, she is one of the most innovative sailing yachts built since her launch in 2010. Her proud owner has spared no expense to build his dream, providing her with her opulent luxury and technological delights.

The dining table at the starboard side of the deckhouse accommodates twelve guests. On portside of the deckhouse is a cozy seating area with a coffee table as the main centerpiece. The bar is equipped with a dishwasher, refrigerator and ice maker.

Athos’ interior is at least as impressive as her exterior. Below deck she has all possible comforts, such as climate control, a Kaleidescape on-demand audio and video server in all guest cabins and the main saloon, a WiFi network with VSAT broadband and Satellite TV/DVD/CD/Radio/MP3 in all cabins.

The classic, timeless styling, beautiful details and grand furniture create an elegant and comfortable atmosphere on board Athos . Her layout consists of the saloon, galley, the main deck cabin with navigation area, four guest cabins and a master cabin. The engine compartment can be reached directly from the control room. Athos accommodates up to twelve guests and ten crew members to help the guests achieve a relaxed and luxurious sailing experience. To contribute to that experience, she has a wellness area with massage table on board, as well as a cinema with projector and Dolby surround system. The crew members have access to a walk-in fridge and laundry area.

All guest cabins have finishing in a different type of wood, which creates a unique ambiance in every cabin. The matching upholstery has been carefully picked. The two aft cabins (which can be transformed from twin to double beds) have aniegré and maple wood finishing. The two front guest rooms are finished in cherry and pear wood and are both equipped with a double bed and a Pullman. These cabins are also equipped with a couch and a pull-out desk. All guest cabins have adjoining en suite bathrooms.

The master cabin is finished with mahogany and has a kingsize bed, desk, daybed and a couch. The bathroom has a bath, shower/steamroom and his & hers sinks. Adjacent to the master cabin is the private aft deckhouse which is furnished with a secluded sitting area and daybed, as well as a private office. Next to the aft deckhouse is an owners’ cockpit with adjustable table.

The galley and pantry are fully equipped with Miele appliances, including a gimbal oven and hob, steam oven, combi microwave grill/oven, plate and cup warming drawers, an espresso machine, two dishwashers and various other mobile appliances. Everything to ensure the highest culinary standards.

Opposite the galley, is the imposing main salon, including a sitting area by the fireplace and a large ottoman with extendable footrests in the middle.

Designer Andre Hoek from Hoek Design Naval Architects, Holland Jachtbouw and a very dedicated owner worked together on this unique project. This collaboration led to the launch of a number of technical innovations, including a unique hydraulic system that spans more than 30 kilometres of wiring and delivers around 450 kW of power.

This superyacht features an impressive 61.4m mainmast, Reckmann furling systems and Doyle sails. The twin Volvo Penta diesel engines deliver a cruising speed of 12 knots with a maximum of 14 knots and a range of 5,000 nautical miles at 11 knots. Furthermore, Athos has dual redundancy for virtually any system, to eliminate single points of failure. She also has a dynamic positioning system, a fully integrated stern anchor, a 5383 aluminium hull and a hydraulically operated centreboard.

Athos is the most technologically advanced classic sailing yacht built to date. She is Bureau Veritas classified and MCA compliant.

Athos is the most technologically advanced classic sailing yacht built to date.

Specifications

Holland Jachtbouw 2010

Summer Charter

From €220,000 p/w

Winter Charter

Please enquire

Majestic. Powerful. Unique.

The largest – and dare we say it most beautiful – two-masted schooner to grace the ocean, Athos is in a league of her own. Fast, powerful and majestic, her sleek profile sits low and close to the water, delivering an inimitable sailing experience, while her world-class amenities, brought firmly up-to-date by her recent full-scale refit, promise boundless fun whether underway or at anchor. With a dedicated and longstanding crew on board, an outstanding toy collection and freshly reconfigured accommodation, it’s easy to see why so many guests come back year after year.

Not for sale or charter to U.S. residents while in U.S. waters

CHARTER LOCATION

Summer: Mediterranean, West Mediterranean, East Mediterranean

This Is Athos

Close Connection to the Water

Thanks to her super low profile.

Epic Sailing

Total exhilaration.

Refreshed Interiors

Updated in 2023.

Five Unique Cabins

Each with a different wood finish.

Great Toy Selection

Lots of choice for fun on the water.

Sprawling Decks

Space to relax.

Al Fresco Dining

With optional shade.

Relaxation Station

For sun worship or wildlife watching.

Private Deckhouse

For secluded moments.

Media Gallery

Athos Through the Lens

Endless Ways to Unwind

All Decked Out

Athos’ latest transformation gave her a 1.55m extension at the stern and allowed for a completely reconfigured cockpit, with a vast sunbed area and bar for lazy days spent under the sun and seating for up to 12 guests in dining or coffee table configuration. New booms, carbon rigging and a brand-new set of North Sails ensure exhilarating days under sail, with the excitement continuing while the yacht is at anchor, thanks to a brand-new custom X craft tender and vast collection of toys.

Classic Styling. Modern Amenities.

Athos’ original designers Hoek were brought back for her latest transformation, bringing with them their ‘classic above/modern below” approach to yacht design. Rich woods, soft, tactile fabrics and a calming colour palette of blues, greens and neutrals create spaces that are both modern and inviting. Whether socialising in the well-appointed upper salon or curling up in the newly installed media room with its 68” screen, guests will feel completely at home whilst on board.

Perfect for Groups

Perfect for families or groups of friends, Athos promises even more than the thrill of sailing. A great collection of toys provides ample opportunity for letting off steam, while her stately interiors and sociable deck spaces are ideal for dining and swapping stories of the day’s adventures.

Accommodation

Sail. Sleep. Repeat.

Cabin arrangement.

Principal Cabin

With king-sized bed.

Three Double Cabins

Each one has a Pullman berth.

Can be configured as double if required.

Make Your Own Waves

Athos carries an impressive selection of toys to delight guests of all ages. With two custom tenders, an array of towables and inflatables and a wide choice of motorised toys including e-foils, seabobs and electric mountain bikes, guests will have the chance to try something new every day, guided by the experienced crew.

What's in the Toybox

2 X Tenders 2 X Laser Sailing Dinghies 2 X Optimist Sailing Dinghies 2 X seabobs & E-Foils 4 X SUP 2 x Kayak & Kite Surf 3 X Wakeboards 4 x Mountain E-Bikes Waterskis & Knee Board Inflatables & Towables Fishing Gear

Please note that the tenders and toys on board the yachts are regularly updated. Please contact Y.CO for the most up to date list.

Charter Athos in the Med

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weekly rates from €220,000

• Yachts for Charter

ATHOS Yacht for Charter

Holland Jachtbouw’s 203 (62m) ailing yacht ATHOS is a beautiful classic sailing yacht with an atmosphere of fun.

ATHOS can accommodate up to 10 guests in five exceptionally appointed cabins. Her master suite is finished in sumptuous mahogany and offers a king-size double bed, a desk, daybed for lounging and a settee. Her en-suite bath has a shower/steam room and his-and-hers sinks. The master is connected to a private aft deckhouse with secluded seating space and daybed. It also has a private office. This space opens to a sheltered cockpit with adjustable table. Four additional guest cabins are finished in various woods, giving each a unique ambience and flair. Each also has an en-suite bath.

The main salon feels like home with a fireplace and comfortable seating. Starboard, the deckhouse has a large dining table to accommodate up to 12 guests. To port a coffee table and cozy seating area is a sublime spot for morning coffees and teas. A bar forward is a favorite guest space.

Outdoors, the cockpit dining space offers spectacular views during an alfresco meal. The master cockpit can be turned into secluded massage table.

• Classic sailing yacht with fun atmosphere
• Beautiful interior with wood finishes
• Master suite with private deckhouse
• Variety of tenders and toys available
• Alfresco dining space offers panoramic views

Charter Details

For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please inquire.

Accommodations

Specifications

Toys & Tenders

• 1 x Custom Naiad 6.2m with Yanmar 6BY2-260 on ZT-380 outdrive
• 1 x Custom Rib-X 5.3m with Yamaha F100 outboard
• 2 x Laser Vago Sailing Dinghies
• 2 x Optimist Sailing Dinghies
• 2 x Seabobs (2021)
• 2 x E-Foils (2022)
• 1 x Tow Foil board
• 4 x Stand Up Paddleboards (2022)
• 2 x Kayaks (2022)
• 2 x Kite Surf
• 1 x Knee Board
• 3 x Wakeboards
• 4 x Mountain E-Bikes
• 1 x SUB Wing
• 1 x set of water-skis and equipment
• Various assorted inflatable toys and towables
• Various fishing equipment
• Impact vests

Summer Rates

2024 Season. Rates p/week + expenses

€ 220,000

€ 235,000

Cruising Regions

• Venice and Eastern Italy
• Italian Riviera
• Amalfi Coast
• West Mediterranean
• French Riviera

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ATHOS a Holland Jachtbouw Superyacht

• Inspiration

ATHOS has 57 Photos

Western Mediterranean

BOAT International announces winners of ...

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If you have any questions about the ATHOS information page below please contact us .

Sailing yacht ATHOS is a 62 meter (203ft) double-masted schooner, built by Holland Yachtbouw and launched in 2010. ATHOS superyacht is custom made, designed by Hoek Design Naval Architects. Sailing yacht ATHOS is available for charter in the Mediterranean in the summer and the Caribbean during the winter, she offers deluxe accommodation for up to 12 guests in 5 en-suite cabins.

NOTABLE FEATURES: Classic design ~ Ample deck space ~ Sumptuous interior finishes ~ Water toys ~ Wi-fi Crewed charter yacht ATHOS boasts a contemporary elegant interior décor, featuring a fabulous combination of woods such as maple, mahogany, anigre, cherry and pear, complimented by supple leathers, stylish fabrics and a traditional flair. The upper salon is spacious and offers a formal dining table and opposing seating area with U shaped sofa and coffee table. The formal dining table converts into 2 games tables, ideal of a casual game of cards. Forward to port, the upper salon boasts a complete wet bar, perfect for entertaining.

ATHOS’s lower salon is ideal for relaxing boasting a comfortable sofa, occasional chairs, custom pouf with extending foot rests and intimate fire place. The galley is to port of the lower salon and can be incorporated as an open plan, or closed for added privacy, it is fitted with the finest of Miele equipment, ensuring the best in delectable culinary delights.

ATHOS Specifications

Exterior deck space is ample aboard the luxury sailing schooner ATHOS. Aft of the upper salon, guests are offered a large shaded main cockpit area, with plenty of seating, a casual alfresco dining table, perfect for the kids and a formal alfresco dining table. Charter yacht ATHOS has a generous beam of 10.8m (35.7ft) and flush decks, providing easy access fore and aft. Forward are plenty of areas to relax and sunbathe. Aft of the main cockpit, a further deck house has the owners study, followed by a private owners cockpit, with wrap around seating and an adjustable alfresco dining table.

The Holland Yachtbouw ATHOS yacht has a maximum draught of 7.80 meters (25.59ft) and is powered by twin Volvo 651hp D16C-A MH EVC engines, capable of cruising at 10 knots. The super yacht ATHOS has an impressive sail area of 1762m2 (5784ft2) Doyle sails. Her rigging is by Smart Rigging with Rondal spars. All deck hardware was provided by Lewmar and her navigation instruments by Brooke & Gatehouse.

Yacht Accommodation

The 62m (203ft) luxury yacht ATHOS accommodates up to 12 guests, in 5 deluxe cabins below decks. The master stateroom is aft with a full beam layout, king size bed, sofa, vanity/desk and en-suite with bath, shower/steam room and his and his sinks. The master stateroom also includes and upper lounge/study and private cockpit, complete with wrap around seating and alfresco dining. Two guest cabins offer double beds, settee, pull out desk and Pullman berth each. A further 2 cabins offer side by side single beds, with the ability to convert into double beds. Each cabin features en-suite facilities, full entertainment systems and a unique tasteful décor. Superyacht ATHOS also features a crew galley, five crew cabins, and a separate engineer´s area for the captain, including an integrated control room.

Amenities and Extras

Tenders & Toys: Tenders ~1 x Custom Naiad 6.2m with Yanmar 6BY2-260 on ZT-380 outdrive ~1 x Custom Rib-X 5.3m with Yamaha F100 outboard Toys ~Topaz Uno Plus ~2 x Seabobs ~1 x Tow Foil board ~2 x Stand Up Paddleboards ~2 x Kayaks ~1 x Knee Board ~1 x Wakeboards ~2 x Moutain E-Bikes ~1 x SUB Wing ~1 x set of water skis and equipment ~Various assorted inflatable toys and towables ~Various fishing equipment

ATHOS Disclaimer:

The luxury yacht ATHOS displayed on this page is merely informational and she is not necessarily available for yacht charter or for sale, nor is she represented or marketed in anyway by CharterWorld. This web page and the superyacht information contained herein is not contractual. All yacht specifications and informations are displayed in good faith but CharterWorld does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the current accuracy, completeness, validity, or usefulness of any superyacht information and/or images displayed. All boat information is subject to change without prior notice and may not be current.

Quick Enquiry

"The yachts from Holland Jachtbouw speak for themselves and the accolades and awards that the shipyard have received over the years, recognise not only the highest level of design and build, but also the highest possible technical achievement and innovation. Holland Jachtbouw’s leading reputation, built over the last two decades has been defined with a no-nonsense and proactive approach to innovative custom projects that are delivered on time and on budget. The aim is to produce a premium quality product at a realistic price level, whether building a sailing yacht or a motoryacht." - Holland Jachtbouw

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63m schooner Athos pictured following major refit and extension

The results of an extensive 14-month refit of the two-masted schooner Athos have been revealed for the first time in a selection of exclusive images. 

The BOAT International June issue cover star was spotted leaving Huisfit, the refit branch of Royal Huisman , in November last year with a 1.25-metre extension to the stern, a reconfigured deck and a total rebuild of the interior. 

The yacht, now measuring 63.2 metres, arrived at the Huisfit facility in Amsterdam in September 2021 and has had up to 50 people working on her at any one time. She was originally launched by Holland Jachtbouw in 2010 with design by Hoek Design Naval Architects and remains the flagship of the Dutch shipyard.

For the refit, Hoek Design once again stepped in to oversee the naval architecture, interior styling and layout changes of the guest accommodation, main saloon, crew service areas and navigational deckhouse.

The extension was a key component of the refit and involved the careful reconstruction of the yacht's aluminium hull. “It involved seven metres of metalwork to the hull and new structure on deck,” said Huisfit manager Stefan Coronel. “But all of us involved with the project knew how much the owner loved the original look of the boat, and the new elements needed to look like they had always been there and integrate perfectly with the original parts.” 

The additional length allowed for a completely reconfigured owner's cockpit with a two-metre sunbed area and a new teak transom that contains the yacht's original hydraulic stern boarding ladder. The main cockpit area has also been enlarged to create a well-appointed space, including seating for up to 16 guests with flexible tables that can function as coffee tables or dining tables. The flow of the area has been improved too, with easier access to amenities - including a new bar with a  fridge and icemaker. 

Athos's two deckhouses have undergone significant changes to the layout and modification. The owner's deckhouse on the stern has been overhauled with a new configuration and style. The main deckhouse floor has been raised to one level and redesigned with a focus on natural light, with the addition of a classic-looking bar and sofa seating. Further forward, the former crew companionway has been replaced by a larger, third deckhouse that is styled and crafted in the same way as the other two.

This new deckhouse allows space to house a new navigation and secondary steering station, which, in turn, offers an additional social area for the crew below deck.

In terms of lower deck changes, the owner's deck has been ripped out and replaced with additional portholes on both bulkheads. In a bid to create a warmer and more inviting ambience, hard panelling has been replaced by soft fabrics and planked wood flooring has been carpeted. The en suite has been divided into two and a walk-in wardrobe has been fitted as well.

Modifications can also be seen in the remaining guest accommodation, with new carpeting and upholstery throughout. A chandelier has been added to the corridor connecting the cabins and the original staircase has been replaced with a new space-saving stairway. Removing a dayhead made room for a queen berth and more floor space in one cabin, but otherwise each cabin retains its layout and its original, distinct joinery in cherry, pear, maple or anigre wood.

Elsewhere, the yacht has been given a cosy media room and an upgraded galley, which was completely rebuilt with new appliances in line with modern, professional-grade galleys. In the crew quarters, the laundry has all-new appliances, the crew cabins have new floors and the crew mess has enjoyed the benefit of new worktops.

In terms of performance, Athos has received new booms, new sails and new carbon rigging to ensure improved sail management and performance. Other enhancements include all-new navigation, alarm and safety systems and new lighting throughout. New audio-visual equipment has been fitted and the yacht's tender has also been rebuilt, with a second tender added.

Project manager Jeremy “Bear” Wynne from Wynne Projects Ltd. praised the quality of Huisfit's work. "The multiple modifications have been beautifully done. The attention to detail and finish is excellent. The additions and modifications have not only improved the functionality of the yacht, they have also enhanced the appearance," he said.

Huisfit has several other projects in the works, including the 37-metre Atlantide .

Discover the full story on the refit of Athos in the June issue of BOAT International.

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More About Athos

Athos Yacht

Motoryacht athos.

The Athos yacht is a 203ft / 61.9m luxury yacht built and launched by yacht builder Holland Jachtbouw . Delivered to a proud yacht owner in 2010, this luxury yacht sleeps guests in 5 staterooms and has accommodations for 10 crew. She has a beam of 35ft / 10.7m, a draft of 26ft / 7.9m. Her hull is aluminum. Her max speed is 15.6 knots and cruising speed is 10 knots. She is propelled by Volvo engines.

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Athos Yacht Price & Rate

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Athos Amenities & Features

Water Sports & Tenders

Features & Entertainment

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Athos Yacht Specifications

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Athos Yacht Location

In Mallorca

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ATHOS Yacht for Charter

2010 / 2022

Overview | Exterior | Interior | Accommodation | Photos | Layout | Price

ATHOS PRICE

From: $220,000 p/week

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ATHOS, YACHT FOR CHARTER

INQUIRE ABOUT ATHOS

‘Athos’ is a 203.41ft  /62m  Custom yacht built in 2010 by Holland Jachtbouw. Her interior and exterior have been designed by Hoek Design.

Athos’s interior layout sleeps up to 10 guests in 5 rooms, including a master suite, 3 double cabins, 2 twin cabins and 2 pullman beds. She is also capable of carrying up to 10 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience. Timeless styling, beautiful furnishings and sumptuous seating feature throughout to create an elegant and comfortable atmosphere.

Her leisure and entertainment facilities make her perfect for entertaining friends and family on your charter vacation. There’s ample space for enjoying alfresco lunches, delicious dinner on deck, or simply lounging in the sunshine and topping up your tan. Dining and interior spaces are extremely diverse and feature an array of seating arrangements. The deck of this yacht also offers a perfect place from which to marvel.

Athos has a cruising speed of 10 knots so you’ll sail effortlessly across the water as you take in the breath-taking views – images that are sure to live long in the memory.

You’ll find Wi-Fi connection throughout, so you’ll be able to check emails or share your experience on social media. Air conditioning keeps conditions comfortable throughout the cabins, even on the most oppressive of days or nights.

Fun is never far away, and toys onboard include an Inflatable Water Toy, 2 x Laser Vago Sail Boats, 2 x Optimist Sail Boats, 8 x Scuba Diving Equipment, 3 x Wake Boards, 3 x Water-Skis, Towable Toys, and Fishing Equipment, so guests of all ages and interests will be kept entertained throughout.

Athos Photos & Videos

Athos features & pricing.

• AIR CONDITIONING • DIVING • FISHING • INFLATABLES • MOVIE THEATRE • PROJECTOR • SAILING • SATELLITE TV • TOWABLE TOYS • VIDEO-ON-DEMAND • WAKEBOARD • WATER SKI • WI FI

CHARTER RATES

1 x 20.34ft /6.2m Naiad Custom Tender Yamaha 6BY2-260 on ZT-380 outdrive 1 x 17.39ft /5.3m Custom RIB Yamaha Outboard

Inflatable water toy 2 x Laser Vago Sail Boats 2 x Optimist Sail Boats 8 x Scuba Diving Equipment 3 x Wake Boards 3 x Water-Skis Towable Toys Fishing Equipment

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$85,000/wk 140.75ft /42.9m 10 Guests 4 Cabins 5 Crew

$455,000/wk 163.71ft /49.9m 36 Guests 18 Cabins 20 Crew

€695,000/wk 295.28ft /90m 36 Guests 20 Cabins 40 Crew

$185,000/wk 203.41ft /62m 10 Guests 5 Cabins 10 Crew

Kama Bay NOT FOR CHARTER

€28,000/wk 86.94ft /26.5m 12 Guests 6 Cabins 6 Crew

€400,000/wk 282.15ft /86m 12 Guests 7 Cabins 17 Crew

Megaway 128

$126,000/wk 127.95ft /39m 12 Guests 6 Cabins 8 Crew

$60,000/wk 121.39ft /37m 10 Guests 5 Cabins 6 Crew

$61,800/wk 108.43ft /33.05m 9 Guests 4 Cabins 5 Crew

Northern Sun

$133,000/wk 166.99ft /50.9m 12 Guests 6 Cabins 11 Crew

$180,000/wk 193.01ft /58.83m 12 Guests 6 Cabins 14 Crew

€315,000/wk 194.55ft /59.3m 12 Guests 6 Cabins 15 Crew

Silver Fast

252.95ft /77.1m 18 Guests 8 Cabins 18 Crew

€23,100/wk 97.77ft /29.8m 10 Guests 5 Cabins 4 Crew

$245,000/wk 147.64ft /45m 10 Guests 5 Cabins 10 Crew

Isabella Rose

€22,400/wk 68.57ft /20.9m 7 Guests 3 Cabins 3 Crew

$22,000/wk 86.29ft /26.3m 6 Guests 3 Cabins 3 Crew

€10,500/wk 72ft /21.95m Guests Cabins Crew

$53,500/wk 96.78ft /29.5m 8 Guests 4 Cabins 5 Crew

Dream Maldives

$28,840/wk 82.02ft /25m 16 Guests 8 Cabins Crew

Silver Lining

€35,000/wk 103.02ft /31.4m 8 Guests 4 Cabins 5 Crew

€175,000/wk 160.76ft /49m 12 Guests 5 Cabins 9 Crew

$45,000/wk 75.13ft /22.9m 8 Guests 4 Cabins 4 Crew

$85,000/wk 131.23ft /40m 12 Guests 6 Cabins 12 Crew

€440,000/wk 226.38ft /69m 32 Guests 16 Cabins 32 Crew

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Sakhalin: Your Essential Guide to Russia’s Enigmatic Eastern Island

• January 14, 2024

A Journey Through Giant Burdocks, Wild Bears, and the Echoes of Ancient Japanese Temples

From the most dreaded place of exile in the Russian Empire to a Japanese industrial base and one of the most attractive and inaccessible places for domestic tourism in Russia.

Table of Contents

An island that was Russian, then Japanese, and then Russian again

From the 17th to the mid-19th century, it was believed that Sakhalin was a peninsula. This misconception firmly established itself on the maps of the time, as navigators failed to circumnavigate the island. The proximity of Sakhalin’s southern tip to the mainland created a false impression of being impassable for ships. An additional complexity arose from the fact that the route taken by ships from the Russian Empire involved passing through a narrow strait, which Nevelskoy managed to navigate only in 1849.

For a long time, people did not believe Nevelskoy, but he insisted that he had discovered a route through the strait, for which he became something of a hero in Primorye. Monuments and plaques dedicated to him can be found in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Vladivostok, and Khabarovsk. The H4H creative association created a graphic novel based on this story, which won a cultural initiatives contest and became part of the interior of the Khabarovsk Airport. By the way, the Sakhalin region is the only Russian entity entirely located on islands.

The remote and isolated location of the island during the Russian Empire was used as a natural barrier, and it became the site of penal colonies for hard labor prisoners. Its geographical position led to Sakhalin’s hard labor being regarded as particularly cruel.

During the period of the island’s development, Russian ships followed the Amur River and reached the island from the north, where the oldest port, Alexandrovsk, was founded. The Japanese attempted to develop the island from the south, entering through the Kuril Islands (part of the Sakhalin region) and Aniva Bay. For a long time, the Kurils were inhabited by the Ainu, representatives of a small indigenous people. The very word “Kurils” comes from the Ainu: “kuru” means “man.”

In the 17th century, Japan conducted its first expeditions towards the islands and began their development. Russia reached them later. The first mentions of the islands in Russian language date back to the late 17th century. For a long time, Russian, Dutch, Japanese, and Anglo-French navigators studied the islands, landed on them, and disputed their territorial ownership. However, only Russia and Japan managed to establish a foothold. To end the territorial disputes, the governments of the two countries signed an agreement under which the Kuril Islands went to Japan, and Sakhalin to Russia, which continued to develop the island mainly from the north. After the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905, which ended in Russia’s defeat, the southern part of Sakhalin became part of Japan as the Karafuto Prefecture.

Until the second half of the 20th century, the island was owned by Japan and was quite successful in developing its resources. A huge number of mines were opened, several cities and lighthouses were built. In particular, the current regional center, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, was the former Japanese city of Toyohara. The famous Aniva lighthouse, now considered a symbol of Sakhalin, was built by Japanese engineers. After Japan’s defeat in World War II, the island passed to the Soviet Union. Contrary to history, the main life of the island moved from the north to the south. Alexandrovsk, which was convenient to reach by water, lost to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk with its infrastructure built by the Japanese, connections to neighboring cities, and airport. Interestingly, before leaving, the Japanese buried and hid the mining sites, and locals say that not all the old mines have been found yet, and they are sometimes stumbled upon during walks.

Because the island belonged to three different countries in just over a hundred years, it did not have time to develop any significant urban infrastructure. The cities lack outstanding architectural monuments and unique museums. However, some unusual Japanese architecture has remained. Meanwhile, Sakhalin compactly houses incredible natural attractions. Here, one can climb through forests and bamboo thickets to breathtakingly beautiful mountains as if outlined in graphite, and through a mountain pass reach the sea, into which clear mountain rivers flow with fish splashing in them.

The Ainu and Nivkh: Inhabitants of Sakhalin

For a long time, the island was mainly inhabited by the Ainu and Nivkh peoples. These ethnic groups are very different, making their coexistence as unusual as the neighboring of birch and bamboo on the slopes of Sakhalin’s mountains. Both are isolate peoples . However, the Ainu belong to the Australoid race, while the Nivkh are Mongoloids (the main population of Asian territories). It’s fascinating how representatives of different races have coexisted for ages on a small piece of land at the edge of the world.

There is no single version regarding the origin of the Ainu, leading to a multitude of theories — both scientific and conspiratorial. One theory suggests that the Ainu are the ancestors of the indigenous population of Australia, remaining in the north after continental migration. Some researchers write that the Ainu are the forebears of the Japanese. This theory is supported by the fact that before Japanese expansion, the Ainu mainly inhabited the Japanese island of Hokkaido. However, the Ainu suffered greatly from Japanese imperialism, and their culture and language were almost completely destroyed in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Now, there are just over two thousand Ainu living on Sakhalin.

The Nivkh are among the indigenous small-numbered peoples of the north. They suffered less from Japanese rule. However, during the Soviet era, they experienced a difficult phase of literacy development, destruction of tribal communities, and relocation to cities. About 2,200 Nivkh live in the Sakhalin region and another approximately two thousand in Khabarovsk.

During the Karafuto period, Japan brought captured Koreans to Sakhalin for hard labor. By the mid-20th century, the Korean population of the island was about 45,000 people. For comparison, the current population of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is 180,000. This large number of people, deprived of their homeland, was forced to adapt to life first under Japanese and then Soviet rule. In the USSR, Koreans were issued passports, and there were national kindergartens and schools. However, Sakhalin Koreans did not feel part of the larger community of Soviet Koreans (Koryo-saram) and struggled to integrate. Moreover, they were considered members of an ‘unreliable nation’ because they had lived in the Japanese Empire.

In the late 1990s, three countries – Russia, South Korea, and Japan – began a repatriation campaign for the first generation of Sakhalin Koreans (born before August 15, 1945) to their historical homeland. Now, about 3,500 repatriates from Russia live in South Korea. Under the program, the Korean government provides medical insurance and a monthly allowance to the repatriates. The Japanese government, in turn, buys housing (apartments up to 40 m²) and covers transportation costs. Additionally, every two years, Sakhalin Koreans who have moved to their homeland have the right to visit Sakhalin for free, funded by the Japanese government. Most Sakhalin Koreans settled in the city of Ansan , where 500 apartments were specially built for them.

Korean influence is weakly traced on Sakhalin: many Sakhalin Koreans no longer know the language and do not associate themselves with Korea. However, there are several authentic restaurants (for example, “Koba” ) on the island where you can try traditional dishes.

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk — the capital and base for exploring the island

The city is predominantly characterized by typical Soviet architecture, with almost no remaining Japanese buildings. This is because during the Soviet period, the city was radically rebuilt after being liberated from ‘imperialist Japanese rule.’ Many buildings were demolished, and from the few that remained, some were turned into museums. Perhaps the main thing that has been preserved from the Japanese period is the layout. The city was founded from scratch near the Russian village of Vladimirovka, and Chicago was chosen as the model for its layout. Toyohara was divided into four parts by two main streets, O-dori (now Lenin) and Maoka-dori (Sakhalinskaya).

Japan established itself thoroughly on the island. In Toyohara, trade routes converged, new bays were developed, and roads were built. The city’s population grew steadily. Initially due to the military garrison, and later due to a paper mill, a sugar and distillery plant. Now, the buildings of the former Japanese factories are abandoned. Many of them can only be accessed with rare tours, while others are completely closed. However, their presence is still recalled by street names, such as Paper Street.

Another building in the Neo-Japanese style is the Karafuto Governorate Museum built in the 1930s (29 Communist Avenue). It now houses the Sakhalin Regional Museum . And in the former bank of colonial development, there is the Art Museum (137 Lenin Street).

Several other iconic buildings constructed by the Japanese have been preserved: the central hospital of Toyohara (41 Chekhov Street), the conference hall of the Karafuto Governorate (30 Dzerzhinsky Street), and the Toyohara City Hall (41 Communist Avenue). The Sakhalin Railway Museum in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is distinct from many similar museums in Russia due to its exhibits. This is because the island long maintained the Japanese standard of railway gauge, which differs from the Russian standard. Accordingly, the rolling stock was entirely different.

If in Vladivostok everything is named after the Far Eastern explorer and writer Vladimir Arsenyev, then in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, mentions of Chekhov are everywhere. At the end of the 19th century, Sakhalin was both the most dreaded place for exile to hard labor and one of the most tempting corners of Russia, which was not so easy to access. Chekhov received an editorial assignment and embarked on a ship along with prisoners, military personnel, and sailors to the most remote point of the empire. In his notes, which Chekhov compiled under the title ‘The Island of Sakhalin,’ the writer talked about many things: the geography and climate of the island, the life of the convicts, and ordinary residents. This book caused a great resonance at the time, and even now it was very interesting to read it while traveling to Sakhalin: some things have changed drastically, while others have remained the same. Now in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, there is even a museum dedicated to this one book, which turned out to be so significant for the island.

GoSakhalin is the website of the Sakhalin Tourist and Information Center. And in their official Telegram channel , you can find announcements of affordable excursions shortly before they start.

In any case, for travelers, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk remains primarily a hub and a place of rest. Here they return for the night and dinner, and it seems that real adventures begin outside the doorstep.

Surrounding Area

10–20 kilometers from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

The main reason people visit Sakhalin is for its unique nature. Mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, and the sea, all on a small piece of land. In one day, you can travel from the Sea of Okhotsk to the Sea of Japan, cross several climate zones, see bamboo groves, birches, and spruces in one place, spot a running fox and a swimming orca. The island’s landscapes can boldly compete in Instagram appeal with Iceland or Norway.

Within Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk alone, there are about 30 kilometers of marked ecotrails, with brief descriptions and routes available on the official tourism portal. I also found an ecotrail in Nevelsk, which is not mentioned on the official website.

The ecotrails in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk start from the ‘Mountain Air’ ski center on the sopka (a term for mountains in the Far East) Bolshevik. There are five in total: ‘Children’s’ (2.7 kilometers), ‘Eight’ (8 kilometers), ‘Northern Ring’ (9 kilometers), ‘Russian’ (3.2 kilometers), and ‘Yelanka’ (5 kilometers). You can take a cable car to the start of the trails and then slowly descend through the forest and park to the city. However, the lift does not operate in rainy and windy weather.

Hiking the ‘Eight’ trail took me no more than three hours, including stops to catch my breath and take photos. Every kilometer and a half along the route, there are benches. From the top of the mountain, there is a view of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, and it seems you can see a piece of the Sea of Okhotsk.

Chekhov Peak

The route to Chekhov Peak is a high-mountain trekking path that requires a certain level of physical fitness. Chekhov Peak has an elevation of 1045 meters, with an absolute altitude gain of 752 meters. The trail is narrow and slippery in places, hardly suitable for children or people with limited mobility.

Chekhov Peak is part of the Susunai Range, which supports Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk from the southeast. You can exit from Gagarin city park to the foothills in about half an hour. The ascent to the peak itself cannot be missed: a marked trail and informational signs lead to it. On particularly steep ascents, ropes are hung for safety, but it is possible to walk up the slope without them.

In late spring, the forest trail has many streams, as well as May primroses and butterflies. The foothills are scattered with rare, incredibly large, and wonderfully fragrant marsh callas. Halfway to the peak, bamboo thickets are encountered, through which birches break through. This is also a kind of magic because, as a biologist friend explained to me, birch and bamboo are not supposed to coexist in the natural environment, but somehow they manage to do so. Occasionally, spruces are encountered — not tall, but very fluffy. Closer to the top, the vegetation becomes sparser, and the impressive views of the sea, mountains, and lakes open up from the height.

• The entire hike takes five to six hours.
• Even in summer, there is snow on the summit. In the afternoon, it starts to melt, making it more difficult to walk.
• Don’t forget to bring food and water.
• Wear boots with covered ankles, a jacket, and a head covering.
• Inform your family and friends, and someone living in Sakhalin, before setting out on the route. If you’re traveling alone, you could notify, for example, the hotel receptionist or roommates in a hostel.
• Snakes and bears are found around the trail. Watch your feet and try to make as much noise as possible. For example, play music on your phone and sing along occasionally.
• The ascent to Chekhov Peak can be the start of a journey to the village of Lesnoye on the shore of the Sea of Okhotsk. The distance to the village is 27 kilometers. With good preparation and an early start from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, this distance can be covered in one day.

Mud Volcano in Klyuchi

A mud volcano is an eruption on the earth’s surface of clay masses, mineralized waters, and gases. The mechanism of formation of these volcanoes is not fully understood. According to the existing theory, such volcanoes are formed near oil fields.

The mud volcano in Klyuchi consists of a mud field about 200 meters in diameter. There, you can see about 20 points of activity, resembling miniature volcano craters. This mud volcano became active in 1959, 1979, 2001, and 2011 (the last time due to a strong earthquake in Japan). During these eruptions, mud columns reached several tens of meters in height. Bus 189 goes to Klyuchi from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. The distance from the village to the top of the volcano is nine kilometers and takes about two and a half hours to walk.

Ecopark in the Vestochka area: Frog Rock, Aikhor Waterfall, ‘Sunny Glade’ Recreation Park

Not far from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, there is a fairly large ecopark, known primarily for the Frog Rock outcrop. An outcrop is a remnant of harder rock around which softer rock has eroded over time. Outcrops are often known for their unusual shapes and are natural monuments. Frog Rock is part of a series of rocks standing one behind the other. This was once the seabed of an ancient sea, and fossilized shells can be found in its vicinity. From the top of the rock, amazing views of the Aniva Bay, Tunaycha and Changeable Lakes open up. This place was sacred to the Ainu, the indigenous inhabitants of the island.

The trail to the ‘Sunny Glade’ ecopark begins behind the ‘Electron’ culture house. Despite its name, it is not a city park, but a full-fledged forest with laid-out paths. There are houses, glades with tables for rest where you can cook barbecues, and wooden walkways leading to various attractions. These are all paid services.

The path to Frog Rock outcrop goes along the Komissarovka River. In areas of spring flooding, callas bloom and bamboo grows. The outcrop is located on a hill, with a total elevation gain of about 300 meters. The road is quite challenging, usually taking from an hour to an hour and a half. The higher you climb, the more you can see: the sea, the mountain gorge, the road to Vestochka. In the same park is the Aikhor Waterfall, which is also a short climb away, but along a less well-maintained trail. You can plan a whole day to visit Vestochka and even spend the night, without returning to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.

Vestochka is three high-rise buildings on one side of the road and a cottage settlement on the other. It is part of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, though located 15 kilometers from the main part of the city. A taxi there costs about 1000 rubles and takes 40 minutes. About a kilometer after turning off the main road, the asphalt ends and a terribly dusty dirt road begins. If you’re lucky, you can catch a bus that runs three times a day.

What else to see on the island

40 kilometers from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

The oldest city in the south of Sakhalin, founded by Nevelskoy’s expedition. Here you can find a huge number of monuments dedicated to sailors, naval battles, and ships. The most significant monument in the city in recent decades has become the stele dedicated to ‘Koreans interned by the Japanese in Sakhalin, who never returned to their homeland,’ located on Mount Sorrow, created through the efforts of three countries’ governments (Russia, Japan, and Korea).

In Korsakov, some Japanese heritage has been preserved: the former building of the Hokkaido Takushoku Bank, a colonial development bank (Sovetskaya Street, 3), trade warehouses in the port, a document storage facility ‘Bunsyoko’ (Krasnoflotskaya Street, 1), a couple of rusty fire hydrants, and remnants of Shinto temples in the form of pillars with hieroglyphs. One of the local nighttime entertainments is watching the lights of the gas processing plant.

How to get there. Three electric trains a day, the journey takes just over an hour, and the ticket costs 75 rubles (0.73 euros).

Bird and Giant Capes

90 kilometers from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Two capes, recognized as natural monuments in 1990, along whose coasts are many wind and wave-carved grottoes, caves, arches, and columns of various sizes and whimsical shapes, among which colonies of sea birds reside.

The place is not very close, but it’s very picturesque at any time of the year. In the area of one of the rocks, there is a pool where, during the salmon spawning period, you can observe a fascinating spectacle — a huge gathering of pink salmon.

Many tourists stay on the coast overnight to witness the sunset and sunrise. Near Cape Giant, there is a toilet, parking, and a rest area with benches.

How to get there. The journey from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk goes through the village of Okhotskoe, where you can buy fresh crabs, and takes about three hours one way. The road is fully passable only by high vehicles like Mitsubishi Pajero, Suzuki Jimny, as the last ten kilometers of the route have deep puddles, potholes, small cliffs, and rivers.

Nevelsk and Steller Sea Lions

Nevelsk is nestled between mountains and sea. The rocky mountains and the coast, which consists of small stone needles and shells, in every way explain why Chekhov so often mentioned in ‘The Island of Sakhalin’ how harsh the land of Sakhalin is.

Steller sea lions are the largest of the eared seals. One of their habitats is the breakwater in Nevelsk. As soon as you arrive in the town, the smell from the Steller sea lions’ haul-out site hits you. ‘They eat there, live, give birth to their young – that’s why it smells,’ the locals explain. Another feature is the noise. Steller sea lions are very loud!

You can view the sea lions from the central square, where binoculars are installed. However, tourists usually hire a boat and approach the haul-out site to get a closer look at the seals. You can see how the Steller sea lions bark, lie in the sun, jump into the sea and, most interestingly, try to jump back. The views from the square through binoculars are not as detailed and impressive. A place on the boat will cost 1000–1500 rubles (9.76 – (14.65 euros). You can also buy a tour from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk for 3500 rubles (34.18 euros). The most animals are present in spring and early summer. In autumn, there may be a couple of dozen individuals left.

From the embankment, you can observe the huge kelp laminaria floating in the sea. Some travelers catch them themselves and eat them. Although dishes made from seaweed are found in cafes and also sold in stores. Signs are installed on the shore indicating where to run in case of a tsunami. The last major earthquake with waves was recorded in 2007. Many houses were destroyed and two people died. The most famous Sakhalin tsunami was the 1952 tragedy , when the aftermath of the earthquake almost completely destroyed Severo-Kurilsk.

How to get there. From the bus station (Karl Marx Street, 51b) in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, buses go to Nevelsk, the ticket costs 300 rubles (2.93 euros), and the journey takes about an hour. Tickets can be purchased at the bus station ticket office or from the driver (cash or transfer). It’s not possible to board the bus somewhere in the city, as the bus does not make stops. It’s better to buy a return ticket immediately upon arrival in Nevelsk at the Nevelsk bus station ticket office (Lenina Street, 1). The bus is popular with locals, and there may simply be no seats left.

Remnants of structures from the Karafuto period include the Maoka-Jinja temple with a Japanese-style garden and an abandoned railway built by the Japanese. It used to connect Kholmsk with Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Tourists usually come to see two photogenic bridges – Devil’s and Witch’s – and a tunnel in the mountain that makes a full circle inside it. The trail passes along the old rails, and there are many vipers, so one needs to watch their step.

How to get there. The bus to Kholmsk takes two hours, the ticket costs 450 rubles (4.39 euros), with 14 trips a day.

Slepikovsky Cape and Lighthouse

120 kilometers from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

At Slepikovsky Cape, there is the only relic grove of Korean cedar on Sakhalin. Also located here is the functioning Slepikovsky Lighthouse, which is a 27-meter tall round tower, connected by corridors to utility and residential buildings.

The cape and lighthouse are named after the commander of the Russian partisan detachment Bronislav Grotto-Slepikovsky, who operated in Southern Sakhalin during the 1904–1905 war. The route to the lighthouse goes through the villages of Yablochnoe and Sadovniki, where some of the best beaches on Sakhalin are located — with the cleanest water and white sand.

How to get there. The cape is located 29 kilometers north of Kholmsk. From Kholmsk to the turn towards the lighthouse, there is asphalt with dirt sections. From the turn to the lighthouse, there is first a dirt road, then beach sand, which is recommended to be driven on with deflated tires. Visiting time is from spring to autumn, as the road to the cape is not cleared in winter.

110 kilometers from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

In 1891, when the island had a penal colony, this was the Russian village of Siraroko, named after a nearby Ainu settlement. In 1905, the south of Sakhalin was given to the Japanese, and the village was renamed Higashi Shiraura. Here there were a railway station, a brick factory, and a coal mine. 40 years later, the settlement was renamed Vzmorye.

During the Japanese times, there was the Shinto shrine Higashi Shiraura Inari-Jinja. Only the torii gates remain — P-shaped gates without doors that are placed on the path to a Shinto shrine. These are the only torii on Sakhalin. On the torii, there is an inscription ‘In honor of the 2600th anniversary of the foundation of Great Japan’ — this mythological date was widely celebrated in 1940.

On the way to the torii, you can see the famous giant burdocks and bear’s garlic. Vzmorye is also known as a place where poached crabs are sold along the highway.

How to get there. Two electric trains and one train that start from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk stop in Vzmorye. Unfortunately, all three are in the evening. You can also get there on passing buses that go to the north of the island.

Tikhaya Bay

140 kilometers from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

On one side, the bay is framed by Mount Smely, and on the other side, the majestic Zhdanko Ridge begins. To the left in the bay itself is an island-kekur, which can be reached during low tide, as well as the epic cliffs of Tikhaya Cape. By the way, behind this cape, there are waterfalls that become icefalls in winter. At the base of the bay is the mouth of the Tikhaya River, where during the season you can see the spawning of pink salmon and chum salmon. Bears are aware of this, so they are often encountered here.

How to get there. Buses going to Poronaysk stop in the village of Tikhoye, near which the bay is located. There are four trips a day.

Aniva Lighthouse

The lighthouse has a complex history: there were attempts to maintain it under Soviet rule, but Aniva was so remote from inhabited areas that it was not profitable. Eventually, the lighthouse was switched to autonomous mode, bringing in a radioactive isotope to sustain its operation, and then it was completely closed. To this day, you can find signs on the walls reading ‘Caution, radioactive’. But now this warning is outdated, as the radioactive isotope was removed when the lighthouse was decommissioned. The lighthouse is very beautiful, offering views of the island and sea, and inside you can explore the remnants of rooms and working areas.

On the return trip, tourists are also taken to Mramornaya Bay, where you can also climb a mountain and view the jagged coast of Sakhalin from above. Orcas and whales are often encountered in these areas, most frequently in summer. I would also recommend taking a combined tour in summer to Aniva Lighthouse, the Blue Lakes, and Busse Lagoon, where you can see the amazingly blue waters and try sea urchins.

A kilometer from Novikov is Cape Tri Kamnya (46.320342 143.373006), which can even be reached by car. Four kilometers from the cape is the small Strelka waterfall , which requires a walk. If you stay in the village overnight, you can take a hike to the Blue (turquoise) Lakes (46.359603, 143.471909). On the way, there’s an abandoned Japanese power station. You can extend your route by another 15 kilometers and reach the opposite shore of the peninsula – to Cape Evstafiya. The road from Novikov to Cape Evstafyeva through the Blue Lakes can be driven in a jeep, if there hasn’t been prolonged rain before. But it’s better to ask in advance those who have recently been there, and get the phone number of a local tractor driver in Novikov, so that if something happens, he can pull you out.

How to get there. Getting there independently is almost impossible. The lighthouse is located on a rocky outcrop in the sea, and the nearest land is a high cliff. However, some people do reach Novikovo (the nearest village) by bus or car, and then walk 44 kilometers on foot to Aniva (the name of both the lighthouse and the bay). It takes about one and a half hours to drive from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk to Novikovo. And then another two hours of rough dirt road to the boat dock. A tour from the company ‘Friends-Hikers’ costs 6000 rubles (58.59 euros) in May (in summer – 7000 rubles (68.35 euros)).

Klokovsky Waterfall

190 kilometers from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Klokovsky Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls on Sakhalin Island. Its height is variously reported to be 48–49 meters, with a width of up to nine meters. The waterfall is accessible year-round, but is most full in late spring and early summer.

Alexandrovsk-Sakhalinsky

The ‘Tri Brata’ (Three Brothers) rocks are definitely a symbol of Alexandrovsk-Sakhalinsky, and perhaps of the entire island. They are located in the Alexandrovsk Gulf almost opposite Cape Zhonkiyor. From the cape, there is a stunning view of the vast Tatar Strait and the Three Brothers. At low tide, it’s possible to calmly explore all the attractions of the gulf, collect seaweed and shells, see hermit crabs scuttling along the seabed with their shells on their backs, or watch the leaves of laminaria sway. At the strongest low tide, you can even walk to the Three Brothers through the water.

In the 19th century, convicts carved a 90-meter tunnel through Cape Zhonkiyor to service the lighthouse. To reach the tunnel by land, you need to come at low tide. Otherwise, you’ll have to climb the rocks. The tunnel is lined with logs, but there is almost always water at the bottom and a strong wind howls through it. If you pass through the tunnel, you will see the ‘Tri Sestry’ (Three Sisters) rocks and an old lighthouse from the end of the 19th century. All these places are described by Chekhov in ‘The Island of Sakhalin’: ‘Most often we went to the lighthouse, which stands high above the valley, on Cape Zhonkiyor. During the day, the lighthouse, if looked at from below, is a modest white house with a mast and lantern, but at night it shines brightly in the darkness, and then it seems that the penal colony looks at the world with its red eye. The road to the house climbs steeply, winding around the mountain, past old larches and firs. The higher you climb, the freer you breathe; the sea spreads before your eyes, thoughts gradually come, having nothing to do with the prison, the penal colony, or the exile settlement, and only then do you realize how dull and difficult life is down below.’

How to get there. From Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, there is one bus trip per day – at 12:10. The ticket costs 2200 rubles (21.48 euros), and the journey takes nine hours.

600 kilometers from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

The main transit point on the way to the oil refineries. The village might be of interest to those curious to see a harsh northern town living off production: low-rise buildings made of siding and unexpectedly bright murals on the walls of five-story buildings. There is a local history museum in the village (Sovetskaya Street, 3) – it is praised for its excellent exhibition of the Nivkh culture and a monument to Nevelskoy. Also, one of the longest rivers of Sakhalin, the Tym (which translates from Nivkh as ‘spawning river’), flows through the town.

How to get there. A night train goes to Nogliki every day, taking almost 12 hours. The cheapest ticket in a seated carriage costs 1100 rubles (10.74 euros), a compartment – 4100 (40.03 euros). There is even a luxury (SV) carriage for 12600 rubles (123.03 euros).

Where to Stay

Hostels in the Far East are divided into work and tourist types. The former will also accommodate tourists, but the atmosphere there is like a dormitory where their own rules are already established, and you may feel like an uninvited guest. To avoid such a hostel, it’s important to carefully read the reviews, not book the cheapest hostels, not stay on the outskirts or near airports and train stations.

In the Islander hostel , mainly travelers stay, it’s very cozy, with convenient kitchen and showers with toilets. A double room costs 3000 rubles per day, and dorms – from 900 rubles (8.79 euros) per night. If you book directly through the website and for a long term, you can get a good discount.

The ‘Moneron’ hotel is located near the railway and bus stations. It’s a classic budget hotel with small clean rooms. The ‘comfort’ class rooms have a bath, and the hotel provides a complete set with slippers, towels, and a hairdryer. Prices start from 2800 rubles (27.34 euros) per night for a single economy room, while ‘comfort’ costs 4900 rubles (47.85 euros). Breakfast is included in the price.

The ‘Belka’ hotel building is made using Finnish technology in a wooden style from milled timber. The cost of large rooms with wooden walls and huge beds starts from 5800 rubles (56.63 euros). Breakfast is also included in the price. The hotel complex includes a sauna, spa, tavern, and gym.

Near Bussé Bay is the island’s only dome-shaped glamping site. A night for two costs 8000-10,000 rubles (78.12 – 97.65 euros). An extra bed is 2000 (19.53 euros). Each dome has a shower, toilet, and electricity. On cooler days, you can light the stove and sit by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa.

In other towns, apart from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, the choice of hotels is quite modest and usually limited to one or two hotels, which cannot always be booked online. They have to be found on the map and booked by phone.

Transport on the Island

Car. If you’re only traveling between cities, there won’t be any problems – the roads between them are mostly paved, and the dirt roads are of more or less good quality. It gets more complicated with natural attractions. Almost all of them are accessed by dirt roads, which not every car can navigate.

In Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, ‘Yandex.Taxi’ and ‘Maxim’ operate (also in Korsakov and Kholmsk). A trip within the city limits will cost a maximum of 300 rubles (2.93 euros).

Railway. From Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, about 30 electric trains depart daily. Most of them go to nearby areas like Dalnyaya, Khristoforovka, and Novoaleksandrovka stations – 8–23 minutes travel time.

To other cities, there’s only one electric train per day. It takes an hour to Korsakov and the ticket costs 80 rubles (0.78 euro). To Tomari, it’s four hours and 300 rubles (2.93 euros). To Poronaysk, it’s five hours of travel and 500 rubles (4.88 euros) for a ticket. Long-distance electric trains depart in the evening, as these routes are used by residents of the province who return from work in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk to their homes.

There is also one train on the island – Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk to Nogliki, 12 hours of travel and 1100 rubles (10.74 euros) for a ticket in a sitting carriage.

Buses. It seems you can reach even the most remote settlements by bus. Often there’s only one trip per day, but at least it exists. To Kholmsk, Nevelsk, and Korsakov, the journey takes about an hour and a half, with tickets costing around 300 rubles (2.93 euros); to Poronaysk and Uglegorsk, it’s four to five hours and 1200 rubles (11.72 euros) for a ticket. You can check the current schedule on avtovokzaly.ru . But it’s always better to double-check by phone: +7 (4242) 72-25-53. The address of the bus station is Karl Marx Street, 51b.

Airplane. Sakhalin has a quite extensive network of airports, and you can fly from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk to Okha, Zonalnoye, Shakhtyorsk, Poronaysk, Smirnykh, Yuzhno-Kurilsk, and Iturup. Flights are operated by the Far Eastern airlines ‘Aurora’ and ‘Taiga’ . These routes are served by small propeller planes Bombardier and Mi-8 helicopters. Such a flight is an interesting experience in itself. Moreover, some flights are quite inexpensive. For example, to Zonalnoye, Shakhtyorsk, and Poronaysk, tickets cost 2000–3000 rubles (19.53 – 29.29 euros) one way. To Okha and the Kurils – from 6000 rubles (58.59 euros).

Ferry. From Korsakov, ferries run to different settlements in the Kurils every three to four days. The ferry to Kurilsk takes about 22 hours, to Yuzhno-Kurilsk – 22–30 hours, and to Malokurilskoye – about 40 hours. Interestingly, a ticket to any of these settlements costs from 2800 rubles (27.34 euros), available on the website of the ferry company.

How to get there

By plain. To travel to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk from Europe, passengers typically fly through major transit hubs. Common routes involve flying from a European city to one of the major Russian airports offering direct flights to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, such as Moscow’s Sheremetyevo or Domodedovo airports. In 2023 it is only possible to fly to Moscow from major transit hubs such as Istanbul or Erevan. From there, travelers can catch one of the direct flights to the island. Some routes might also include stops or transfers in other large cities in Russia or Asia, depending on the airline and the flight itinerary, for instance, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Ulan-Ude, Chita, Blagoveshchensk, Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Sovetskaya Gavan, and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. There is even one international flight from Harbin, China.

In good weather, on approach to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, you can see the Tatar Strait, the Western Ridge, and the city itself. The airport is located within the city limits, and from there, you can easily reach any point by public transport (buses 63 and 3) or taxi.

Ferry. Vanino (Khabarovsk Krai) to Kholmsk (Sakhalin) . Passenger tickets for the ferry are sold at the Vanino railway station or at the ticket office in Kholmsk (Lenin Square, 5). They can also be reserved by phone: +7 (42137) 74088 (Vanino), +7 (42433) 50880 (Kholmsk). The ferries run daily, with a journey time of 18–20 hours. A seat costs 650 rubles (6.35 euros), while the cheapest cabin spot is 1400 rubles (13.67 euros). There is a dining room on board.

I was on the island in early May, and this has its pros and cons. On one hand, it’s already not very cold in Sakhalin at this time, and you can walk around in a light jacket or sweatshirt, and sometimes even just in a T-shirt. At the end of spring, you can catch the largest number of Steller sea lions in Nevelsk (closer to summer they migrate towards Avacha Bay). Also at this time, you can see the forest awakening: streams penetrate it from all sides, in their floodplains swamp callas bloom, meadows fill with primroses, and the hills are covered with bright green bamboo shoots. On the other hand, there is still snow in the mountains, in which you can get stuck while climbing, and the sea, which is not very warm in these areas, is completely unsuitable for swimming.

In summer, Sakhalin is not very hot, the coast blooms with wild roses, the sea warms up a bit, and there is less chance of bad weather when visiting remote attractions. Also, it’s precisely at this time you can see orcas (June – July) and whales (July – August), as well as the salmon spawning.

In winter, snowboarders and skiers come to Sakhalin. The mountains on the island are not high, so they are suitable even for beginners.

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Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk city, Russia

The capital city of Sakhalin oblast .

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk - Overview

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is a city located in the southern part of Sakhalin Island in the Far East of Russia, the administrative center of Sakhalin Oblast.

The population of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is about 201,700 (2022), the area - 164 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 4242, the postal codes - 693000-693904.

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk city flag

Yuzhno-sakhalinsk city coat of arms.

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk city map, Russia

Yuzhno-sakhalinsk city latest news and posts from our blog:.

29 October, 2019 / Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk - the view from above .

History of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Foundation of yuzhno-sakhalinsk.

The Russians first visited Sakhalin Island in 1742. In 1805, the Russian-American Company sent Adam Johann von Krusenstern, a Russian admiral and explorer, to Sakhalin to hoist the Russian flag on the island. Officially, neither Russia nor Japan claimed Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands. In 1855, a treatise on friendship and the border was signed in Shimoda, which marked the beginning of diplomatic relations between Russia and Japan. According to it, Sakhalin remained jointly owned by the two countries.

The settlement of Sakhalin by Russians was mainly due to exiled convicts. In 1869, Sakhalin was officially declared a place of exile and hard labor. In 1875, the St. Petersburg Treaty was signed between the Russian Empire and Japan, according to which Sakhalin completely went to Russia and the Kuril Islands - to Japan.

In 1881, according to the order of the military governor of the Primorsky region, Major Vladimir Yantsevich was appointed head of exiles in South Sakhalin. He received the following instructions: “For the settlement of those who are finishing their terms of hard labor, a place that is quite convenient for arable farming should be chosen. The selected site, if possible along the main road from south to north, should be planned, divided into sections and, as a new settlement, named by some permanent name.”

In 1883, Yantsevich applied for the approval of the names of four new villages founded in the south of Sakhalin: Solovyovskoe, Mitsulskoe, Vladimirovka (future Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk), and Vlasovskoe. In 1885, 57 people lived in Vladimirovka, in 1895 - 130 people. In 1897, there were 150 residential and commercial buildings here: a church, a school, a post office, a hospital, a mill, trade shops, a number of government buildings, and a lot of residential log houses.

More historical facts…

Japanese period in the history of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

In 1905, after the defeat of the Russian Empire in the Russo-Japanese War, according to the Treaty of Portsmouth, part of Sakhalin south of the 50th parallel was ceded to the Japanese Empire and became the Karafuto Prefecture. The northern part of Sakhalin remained under the control of the Russian Empire.

In 1908, Vladimirovka was renamed Toyohara (“bountiful plain”). In 1915, the settlement received the status of a town. The Japanese made their own plan for the development of the town with a clear rectangular planning system with the direction of streets along the railway and perpendicular to it.

The building density was high, as a result, a significant number of residential buildings were without outbuildings, sheds and other ancillary buildings, as well as yards. On the outskirts of the town there was a well-maintained park with an artificial reservoir. In 1920, the population of Toyohara was 14,176 people, in 1935 - 28,459.

On February 11, 1945, Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill signed an agreement in Yalta on the conditions for the USSR’s entry into the war against Japan. Among the conditions were the return of South Sakhalin to the USSR and the annexation of the Kuril Islands. In August 1945, Soviet troops entered Toyohara.

This is what Toyohara looked like from the words of Dmitry Kryukov, head of the civil administration of South Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands, who arrived in the town in September 1945: “The town mainly consists of wooden buildings. The houses are adjacent to each other, timber-frame, plastered. Many of them look good, but they are cold.” The majority of the population were Japanese and Koreans.

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk - the capital of Sakhalin Oblast

On February 2, 1946, Yuzhno-Sakhalin Oblast was formed on the territory of South Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands. On June 4, 1946, Toyohara became its administrative center. It was renamed Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (“South Sakhalin City”).

On January 2, 1947, Yuzhno-Sakhalin Oblast was liquidated and its territory was included in Sakhalin Oblast, a separate region of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. On April 18, 1947, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk became its administrative center.

In the spring of 1947, the mass repatriation of the Japanese began. By August 1, 1947, 124,308 people left Sakhalin, almost half of the local Japanese. During 1947-1949, about 400 thousand people were brought to Sakhalin from the central regions of Russia, Primorye and the Far East. By 1949, only 2,682 Japanese remained on Sakhalin - those who managed to obtain a Soviet passport. The Koreans from Sakhalin were not forcibly evicted, so most of them stayed. In 1959, the population of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk was 85,510 people.

In subsequent years, the appearance of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk changed again - the frame houses built by the Japanese were demolished. Today, except for the railway and some buildings of that time turned into museums, almost nothing reminds of the Japanese period in the history of this city.

General views of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk from above

Author: Vladislav Yarowind

General view of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk cityscape

Author: Shinya Ichinohe

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk - Features

Sakhalin Oblast is the only region in Russia located entirely on the islands. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk stands at some distance from the sea coast, about 25 km from the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk. Chekhov Peak (1,045 m), one of the highest peaks of Sakhalin, rises to the north-east of the city. Locals call the city simply Yuzhnyy.

Sakhalin Island is part of the temperate monsoon zone. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is located on a plain surrounded by hills, due to which its climate has certain peculiarities. In summer, it can be very hot in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, and in winter, due to the lack of wind, severe frosts. The coldest month is January with an average daily temperature of minus 12.2 degrees Celsius, the warmest month is August with an average daily temperature of plus 17.3 degrees Celsius. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is equated to the regions of the Far North.

The city is located in an earthquake-prone area. The probability of strong earthquakes is relatively high. The distance from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk to Moscow is 9,140 km by road and 6,640 km in a straight line.

The majority of the population is Russian, but the proportion of Koreans is also high (about 20%). Out of 43 thousand Sakhalin Koreans, most of them live in the capital of the region. In the city you can also find representatives of the indigenous peoples: Nivkhs, Ainu and Oroks, but their number is very small.

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is the largest transport hub on Sakhalin. Anton Chekhov Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport offers regular flights to such cities as Vladivostok, Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk, Khabarovsk, Moscow, Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Seoul (South Korea), Sapporo (Japan), Tokyo (Japan).

In Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, there is a high level of air pollution due to the high motorization of the population and the location of the city in the valley, which slows down the dispersion of harmful substances.

Today, it is one of the dynamically developing cities of the Far East, the production and intellectual center of Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands. Oil and natural gas production, as well as their processing, are the most important components of the local economy.

This is one of the most visited cities in the Far Eastern Federal District of Russia. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is often visited by cruise ship passengers (mostly Japanese citizens). Restaurants of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk offer dishes of Russian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Uzbek, Georgian, Italian cuisines.

The architecture of the period of the Karafuto Prefecture gives a special flavor to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Today, in the city there are about 40 objects of cultural heritage of this period. In the future, tourism should become the basis for the economic development of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.

Special thanks to Vladislav Yarowind for the photos of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.

Main Attractions of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Sakhalin Regional Museum of Local Lore - the central museum of Sakhalin Oblast founded in 1896. It is housed in a very picturesque Japanese building constructed in the Imperial Crown Style in 1937. This is the only such building on the territory of Sakhalin and all of Russia, the most significant architectural monument of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Its diverse expositions are devoted to nature, history of the indigenous peoples of the islands, culture and development of Sakhalin. Kommunisticheskiy Avenue, 29.

Sports and Tourist Complex “Gornyy Vozdukh” (“Mountain Air”) - a ski resort and sports complex, existing, according to one version, since the days of the Japanese Karafuto Prefecture (1905-1945). Today, it is one of the most dynamically developing ski resorts in the Far East of Russia.

The unique location of the complex - in the center of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk - allows guests to find themselves in the world of winter sports in just a few minutes. The ski resort offers 10 slopes of various difficulty levels for both beginners and professionals. Their total length is over 23 km. The ski season lasts from December to the end of April.

It is one of the main organizers of excursion tours in Sakhalin Oblast: sports, excursion, business tourism, as well as ecological tourism. The complex has a network of hiking and cycling routes. There are also restaurants and cafes here.

Museum and Memorial Complex “Pobeda” (“Victory”) - a square with a cultural and educational center, where you can find historical expositions dedicated to the Russian-Japanese and World War II. A T-34-85 tank is installed on a pedestal in front of the building. Pobedy Avenue, 1.

Museum of the History of the Sakhalin Railway . This museum is dedicated to the history of railway construction on Sakhalin. The exposition has a lot of interesting and rare exhibits. In the open area of the museum, Sakhalin railway equipment is exhibited: steam locomotives, carriages of various types, etc. Vokzalnaya Street, 55.

Sakhalin Regional State Art Museum - the only art museum in Sakhalin Oblast with over 11 thousand works of art. On the ground floor, temporary art exhibitions are held, the art of artists from Russia, Korea and China is presented. The second floor houses permanent exhibitions: “Contemporary Korean Art”, “Christian Art”, “Russian Art of the 19th - early 20th centuries.” Lenina Street, 137.

Museum of the Book of Anton Chekhov “Sakhalin Island” . This museum is dedicated to Anton Chekhov’s trip to Sakhalin in 1890, as a result of which he wrote the book “Sakhalin Island”. Here you can find the following collections: “Painting”, “Graphics”, “Written Sources”, “Photo Materials”, “Numismatics/Phaleristics”, “Household Items, Arts and Crafts”, “Sculpture”. The personal belongings of Chekhov’s family members and various items belonging to exiles are exhibited here. Mira Avenue, 104.

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Park of Culture and Rest named after Yuri Gagarin - the most beautiful recreational area of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk founded in the Japanese period of the city’s history in 1906. In 1968, when the famous cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin died in a jet crash, the park was renamed in his honor. Today, this place attracts visitors with its amazing landscapes and an abundance of entertainment. Sakura blooms here in spring. Detskaya Street, 1.

Resurrection Cathedral - the first church in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk built in the 1990s. This one-domed cathedral in the pseudo-Russian style looks surprisingly graceful and is located in the immediate vicinity of Gagarin Park. Svyatitelya Innokentiya Boulevard, 3k1.

Cathedral of the Nativity . The height of this church, consecrated in 2016, is 77 m, which is why it effectively dominates the surrounding landscape. Accommodating up to 1,000 people, it is built in the Novgorod style with a gilded dome surrounded by four bright blue ones. Inside, you can admire the five-tiered iconostasis in the Russian style, decorated with 98 icons. The outer walls are decorated with mosaics created in Jerusalem. Ilarion Troitsky Street, 1.

Chekhov Peak . Several picturesque mountain peaks are located in the vicinity of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. The highest one (1,045 m) is named after the famous Russian writer Anton Chekhov. The trip to the top takes several hours. From the height of Chekhov Peak you can admire the city itself, the waters of Aniva Bay and the Sea of Okhotsk. On a cloudless day, you can even see the northern tip of the Japanese island of Hokkaido. There is a small Japanese temple at the top of the peak.

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk city of Russia photos

Architecture of yuzhno-sakhalinsk.

Winter in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk architecture

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk modern architecture

Author: Alexander Mikhalev

Churches of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Wooden Church of St. Nicholas in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

The Roman Catholic Church Parish of Saint James in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Resurrection Cathedral in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Author: Snejanna Baggerovski

Sakhalin Regional Museum of Local Lore

The main building of the Sakhalin Regional Museum of Local Lore

Old Russian 11-inch gun (1867) in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

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