One of the most catastrophic nuclear accidents in history, Chornobyl has evolved into a haunting but intriguing location for adventurous tourists. Seeing this area provides a special window into a time capsule locked in 1986. You really should not miss these five must-see Chornobyl experiences.
5 Things Not to Be Missed in Chernobyl
1. Visit the Site of the Chornobyl Nuclear Plant and See the New Safe Confinement
The New Safe Confinement (NSC) has been moved into its final position, covering the old sarcophagus of the destroyed Reactor No. 4. This vast structure is impressive in its scale. The metal frame alone weighs 25,000 tonnes—3.5 times more than the weight of the Eiffel Tower. With a total equipped weight of 36,000 tonnes and a height of 108 meters, it's tall enough to cover Notre-Dame de Paris. The total length of the NSC is 162 meters, longer than two jumbo jets. It's safe to visit the site of one of the biggest nuclear accidents in history today.
2. Explore the Ghost Town of Prypiat
About 50,000 Prypiat residents were evacuated within three hours on April 27th and never returned. Abandoned schools, kindergartens, a hospital, stores, malls, cafes, gyms, swimming pools, and stadiums provide an endless field for exploration. You can see how quickly nature is reclaiming the area and experiencing the Soviet era that no longer exists.
3. Chernobyl-2 with Radar “Duga-1”
Chornobyl-2 is a top-secret military settlement near Chornobyl town, built for military personnel and their families who operated the early warning system of the Soviet Union. The Radar “Duga” is an impressively vast structure, 500 meters long and 150 meters high. Not every day do you have the chance to visit a top-secret military facility.
4. Talk to Local “Babushkas”
About 1,200 people returned to their homes after the evacuation and live around Chornobyl despite all the rules. Mainly elderly people, there are 148 “self-settlers” in the Chornobyl Zone nowadays. They are very friendly and always happy to share their hospitality with visitors.
5. Stay Overnight in Chornobyl Town
How many of your friends can say, “I stayed overnight in Chernobyl?” Definitely not many. It's an unforgettable experience to stay in the town with a curfew and try “Chernobeer” at the local café. This is possible only during a 2+ day tour.
By experiencing these unique aspects of Chornobyl, you will gain a deeper understanding of the impact of the disaster and the resilience of those who lived through it.