Arkaim - the unsolved mystery of the Southern Urals

There are places in the world where you must spend the night because it's the only way to truly feel their magic. One of these places is Arkaim, unsolved mystery of the Southern Urals.  If you do not see the sunset there, you cannot really grasp the charm of this ancient monument of civilization.

 A city from the Bronze Age

 Arkaim is about 4.000 years old. It is older than Troy. The settlement has the shape of a circle, with external and internal walls. The diameter of the circle is 170 meters. Residential premises were attached to both ring walls. In the very center of the settlement, there was an area to which the streets lead directly. Scientists have come to the conclusion that Arkaim was created according to a previously well-thought-out plan.

The inhabitants were pastoralists, farmers, and warriors. They knew how to craft skins, make pottery, and weave. It was here that fire was first used not for cooking, but for melting metal. People lived, worked, raised children, and then suddenly all the population left the city. What caused this? It remains unknown.

Museum tours

In the vicinity, scientists discovered 16 ancient settlements. Together they received the name the Country of Cities. In 1991, the Arkaim Historical and Cultural Reserve was founded here. The museum offers several excursions. Firstly, it is Arkaim - a settlement of the Bronze Age.  Here you can see a fragment of the fortress wall, the dwelling of ancient people with the remains of a well, stove, and columns supporting the roof. In addition, you will get acquainted with the technologies of archaeological excavations, the way of life of archaeologists themselves, and even a glimpse into their professional "secrets".

The museum-reconstruction “Temir Barrow” is very popular among the guests of the reserve. This is an exact copy of the clan tomb of nomads. The excursion “Dwellings of the Stone Age” will allow you to learn about the life of ancient people, to see a unique collection of stone knives, arrows, spears, harpoons, scrapers, incisors, and other products. You yourself can make an ancient tool and learn how to use it. You will also find here the Museum of Ancient Production, Historical Park, Cossack Manor, and a windmill.

Tourist customs

Tourists usually enjoy listening to legends and observe traditional rituals – rub certain places at the monuments, throw coins into fountains to gain some good luck. In Arkaim, there is a whole list of tasks that a tourist could do to get good fortune. Stock up on colorful ribbons and a wish list. The procedure is simple - tie your ribbon on trees or stones and make a wish. Tie the most beautiful ribbon on Mount of Love. Make sure to wear comfortable non-slippery shoes, as there are no easy roads to reach the mount.

At the top of Shamanka Mountain, there is a mandala. Enter the mandala with an open heart. Make a wish. It will be fulfilled if it does not harm the lives of other people. According to the legend, the Bolshaya Karaganka River has healing powers. Wash your feet, and ask for health. 

 How to get there

The best way to get to Arkaim is from Chelyabinsk. From June 1 to September 15, a bus leaves the Yunost Bus Station at 16:20. Travel time is about 6 hours. You can stay at hostels "Arkaim" and "Arkaim Open Spaces". You can also use the services of travel agencies in Yekaterinburg. 

Archaeologists who excavate here claim that after visiting Arkaim, their life will never be the same. A lot of tourists feel the same. In addition to new knowledge and impressions, you will receive a powerful charge of energy, and you will remember Arkaim, the unsolved mystery of the Southern Urals, with pleasure. The memory will be relived once again when the wishes that you made there come true.

The Arkaim Historical and Cultural Reserve, Southern Urals

M8MQ+39 Izmailovskii, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Russia