Nizhny Tagil

Nizhny Tagil is an industrial city in Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia, extending along the Tagil River and surrounded by numerous factory complexes. The city sits in a valley between forested hills, and its skyline is shaped by smokestacks and cranes that dominate the urban landscape.

The settlement was founded in 1722 as a metal production site and developed into a major center for iron and steel processing during industrialization. In the 20th century, the city expanded further through the establishment of defense plants and has remained an important location for heavy industry to this day.

The name means 'Lower Tagil' and refers to its downstream location along the river of the same name. On weekdays, the central streets fill with workers heading to the factories in the morning, while evening life shifts to the residential neighborhoods.

Express trains connect the city regularly with Yekaterinburg, making it easy for visitors to reach. It is advisable to use a local taxi or public buses once there, as many areas are far apart and difficult to access on foot.

The city houses a collection of steam locomotives and tanks from different eras, displayed in an open-air museum next to old production halls. Visitors can also admire hand-painted metal trays that have been made in the region for centuries and continue as a craft tradition today.

Location: Nizhny Tagil

Inception: 1722

Elevation above the sea: 200 m

Part of: Sverdlovsk Oblast

Website: http://ntagil.org

GPS coordinates: 57.91667,59.96667

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:00