On the banks of the glittering waters of Lake Baikal, with the snowy peaks of Khamar Daban mountains in the background, the pretty fishing village of Listvyanka is the main gateway to the delights of the depths. The town is home to one of the few hotels in the world dedicated to a lake. Bustling and buzzing, Listvyanka is full of fishermen and sailors offering a taste of island hopping adventure and, at the fishmarket, a taste of the local delicacy, smoked Omul fish, freshly caught.
But the town has attractions beyond the lake that laps at its jetties. The streets are decorated with striking architecture, from the distinctive Hotel Mayak to St Nikolai Church, and cozy family-run restaurants serve the authentic dishes of Buriat. Learn about Baikal in its dedicated museum, meet the friendly seals in the Nerpinarium and, after a day of exploring, relax in a traditional Russian sauna.