Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant tours

It’s been 34 years since the Chernobyl reactor #4 exploded and caused the biggest nuclear fallout in humans history. Being covered with a large temporary concrete sarcophagus, and later with a proper giant protective steel dome, the RBMK reactor and its premises around were untouched and unseen by tourists. Things changed in the summer of 2019. By decision of the Ukrainian government, Chernobyl, which used to be seen as a negative part of Ukrainian history, now has a chance for a new life. 

And before you make your decision to step on the intriguing and previously forbidden land, we would like to share some interesting facts about the power plant, its history and construction, radiation and its impact on human bodies and, of course, safety concerns. 

A small history flashback

The plant’s first name was Central Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plant. It was later renamed to Vladimir Lenin power plant officially, but was often and still is referred to as Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.  It consisted of four reactors by the time of the incident, and another 2 were under construction; it was one the best technological achievements of the USSR, powering millions. 

The Soviet Union was famous for its desire for superiority around the globe. When it came to constructing power sources, it was decided to create the biggest nuclear station that will produce 12 mWt of energy to provide electricity to not only Soviet countries but also to the “rich West” who was always in need. It was a genius and an ambitious plan to conquer the world.

It probably would have been a success if, in 1986 the accident hadn’t happened. That’s partially the reason why the truth was hidden from the world for such a long time. The explosion wiped out this dream and had many effects on the USSR and the world. 

Former USSR president Gorbachev claimed that one of the main victims of the disaster was the Soviet Union itself. The disaster shook confidence in the Soviet system as well as the world’s perception of the USSR’s capability. In many ways, this location is where, arguably, the soviet empire began to crumble. 

Chernobyl reactor 4 control room (UCR 4)

We do not want to spoil for you what exactly you’ll see or feel once you’re inside the room. Today UCR 4 is the premise with partially dismantled Unit control panel equipment, but this makes it look even creepier. And yes, the button AZ-5 is still there and you can try to press it if you dare. 

This control room, number 4, is only available for visits in the “Basic+” option. There is also reactor number 3. It looks absolutely the same as reactor 4, and has the same control panels, buttons, etc. because they are both part of the same building. Control room of reactor number 3 is available on both “Basic” and “Basic+” tours. Please check our itineraries for details. 

What’s special about Chernobyl power plant tour

Experiencing the inside of the power plant is essential if you are eager to know the entire story of Chernobyl. There are so many reasons to come to the power plant: 

• Visit first-hand the location of a historical event – this is the chance for an inside look of the power plant which the infamous disaster occurred at.
• See a Soviet nuclear power plant with a unique RBMK reactor – for those of you who are interested in nuclear energy, its history and or its physics, this place is a must-see.
• Learn about the history, science and technical side of the disaster from an expert.
• Enter the underground bunker where the authorities had the first emergency meeting regarding the accident.
• Stand in the reactor hall, a stone’s throw from the exploded reactor number 4.
• Take photos of you and your friends in the control room.
• See (or even press) the AZ-5 button and experience how it feels.

Here you have the chance to take a look at the very unique and rare RBMK reactors which are now only used only in 3 places in Russia. Initially modified after the disaster, many of them were phased out. The RBMK type reactor is the only kind of reactors that has a positive void coefficient, which was one of the factors that led to the accident. It was a very common reactor in the USSR and even post-soviet countries. 

Interestingly, in the HBO series the control room scenes were filmed in a decommissioned RBMK power plant in Lithuania (named Ignalina), closed down in 2004 as part of an agreement for them to join the EU. Ignalina was chosen for filming because in the USSR, uniformity in style and design was demanded in almost all areas across the empire, hence it is almost identical to the Chornobyl plant. You can come and see for yourself, feel like you are in the TV series, compare the differences or feel like you’ve gone back in time. 

You will have a great opportunity to learn a lot about science, history and anything else you want to know. The guide who takes you on this tour is an expert and will inform you about the finer details of the power plant, how and why the disaster took place that fateful night in 1986. 

Safety concerns

Before we start to talk about radiation inside the power plant, let us tell you that radiation is everywhere around you: phones, microwaves, even just the air itself has some kind and some amount of radiation. The question is in its quantity – some levels are not harmful for people, while some actually are.  6-7 sieverts per hour considered to be a lethal dose. 1 sievert is equal to 1 000 000 microsieverts. The amount of radiation visitors are exposed to in a short time is not harmful and equal to about 4 microsieverts (μSv). It’s well under the 100-microsievert total dose the safety instructions allow visitors. 

Radioactive dust is the main hazard you can face during the visit, but you’ll be fine as long as you obey the rules. Each visitor is provided with a full body costume, respirator, gloves, helmet and a dosimeter. After your visit there will be 2 radiation control frames of different sensitivity that will ensure you didn’t take any radioactive particles with you. 

Any other questions? Maybe you can find your answer here: 

FAQs

To summarize, if you come on this tour you’’ll be able to see Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant from the inside and the control room, (On basic+ tour also the Chernobyl reactor #4 control room), see an RBMK reactor which is very rare and just like the one that exploded, see the location of an historical event and come away with a lot of new knowledge and memories that will stay with you forever.