Nizhny Novgorod Oblast

Nizhny Novgorod Oblast is an administrative region in western Russia that stretches along both banks of the Volga and Oka rivers. Deep coniferous forests cover much of the northern territory while gentle hills with grain fields mark the southern districts.

The territory formed in 1929 from the former Nizhny Novgorod Governorate and carried the name Gorky Oblast between 1932 and 1990. After the Soviet period ended the region returned to its original name.

Traditional shipbuilding along the Volga once employed thousands of workers who transported grain and timber downstream to southern markets. Today local artisans continue this craft in smaller workshops near the riverbanks.

Travelers reach different parts through a network of highways and rail lines that connect westward to Moscow and eastward across the Volga region. Winter snowstorms can slow movement on rural routes while summer months offer drier roads.

The forests near Bor produce rare mushroom species that collectors seek in autumn and sell at small local markets. This area is known among foragers as one of the best places for this traditional practice.

Location: Russia

Inception: January 14, 1929

Capital city: Nizhny Novgorod

Reference: RU-NIZ

Part of: European Russia, Volga Federal District

Shares border with: Kostroma Oblast, Kirov Oblast, Mari El, Chuvashia, Mordovia, Ryazan Oblast, Vladimir Oblast, Ivanovo Oblast, Nizhny Novgorod

Website: https://nobl.ru

GPS coordinates: 56.48333,44.53333

Latest update: December 11, 2025 20:07