Vasyugan Swamp, Extensive wetland ecosystem in Tomsk Oblast, Russia.
Vasyugan Swamp covers a large portion of southwestern Siberia and forms one of the biggest continuous wetland areas in the northern hemisphere. Lakes alternate with peat fields while many waterways cross the territory and sometimes create small islands with birches and pines.
Formation started after the last ice age ended, when water collected in shallow depressions and slowly deposited peat. Most of the current extent grew during the past five centuries through further expansion of the wet zones.
Local groups still visit the outer edges during summer, where they pick berries and catch fish from smaller streams that flow toward the interior. Their words for different sections come from old languages and describe water routes or animal sightings.
Reaching the area requires guidance from experienced leaders who know the waterways and safe routes. The best time for a visit falls in late spring or early autumn, when frozen ground or drier paths make movement easier.
The peat layers act like a natural filter that cleans water before it reaches larger rivers. At the same time, the area stores large amounts of carbon that would otherwise enter the atmosphere.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
