IZMA

The first Izma village was settled at the end of the 16th century. The founders of it were Komi people. The village grew very fast because of its advantageous location on the commercial road. Izma people hunted, fished, were engaged in farming and bred reindeer to trade for other resources.

Local people always strive for education. That’s why the first school in the countryside of the Komi Republic was opened in Izma. It is also interesting to note that such a small district has three Olympic skiing champions! So, Izma and its people are a very important part of the culture, economics, and education of the Komi Republic (http://www.izhma.ru/history/ )

The centre of the Izma district is a village of the same name. According to the general census of the population, there are 19,303 people in the district. Ethnographical tourism and culture attract a lot of scientists, explorers and tourists in Izma. But it’s very difficult to get to know the life of reindeer breeders in summer. That’s why winter is the best time for ethnographical-enthusiast.

In Izma you can find the peculiar culture. It exists even nowadays because there is no nation without a culture.

(http://www.nbrkomi.ru/kk/base/raiony/izhma/kultura/muzei/)

How to get there? 

It’s quite easy! First, you need to take a train from Syktyvkar to Irael. 

When you get to Irael, take a bus to Izma. There are a lot of buses at the Irael station, you need a bus named “Irael-Izma.” Buses wait for passengers right after the train arrival. It will cost 270 rubles. It’s 91 km from Irael to Izma.

Hotel “Izma” 

Izma village, Hatanzeyskogo street 66

Tel.: +7 (82140) 9-42-47)

Lud holiday

So, if you’re looking to take a holiday, the summertime will be perfect! The first interesting thing that takes place only in Izma is Lud holiday.

Since the beginning of time, the inhabitances of Izma go out of doors on one of the July white nights. The holiday is conducted in the Komi language, and it lends importance to the national colour of the Komi Republic. Today the Lud holiday is a brand of Izma. It’s the official holiday. The holiday begins with a long walking procession.  

Women put on beautiful inherited national sarafans. Then people build fires on the holiday part of the field. Lud holiday includes different kinds of dances and games. There are no spectators, everybody participates! After a general round dance, the beauty contest starts. Well-dressed ladies go on the stage, show their abilities, embroidery, and treat with pies. There is also a sports part of the holiday. It includes jumping and throwing.

Sebys Nature Reserve

The next interesting place is the Sebys nature reserve. Сэбысь is a wonderful wild preserve, where hunting and fishing are allowed. The territory is considered to be the part of Europe’s virgin forests.

On the territory of the wild preserve are hunter’s paths and paths that were devised by ecologists. 

For those who like active leisure time, extreme kayaking is organized. It’s a perfect opportunity to get to know the northern nature. 

A 10-day fishing tour (with game hunting in autumn) will leave you with unforgettable emotion.

If you don’t like physical activities, there is an opportunity to go to taiga houses by motorboat with an instructor. 

If you are keen on mysticism and secrets, you can visit the ancient sanctuary and feel the influence of something supernatural.  

(http://tourkompas.ru/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=396:cebis&catid=95:komi&Itemid=56)

The way to the preserve is extreme. You should go to the centre of Izma and then by motorboat up the river Sebys.

Maloe Gomovo Stones

There is a unique place in Izma. It is a pile of stones near the village Maloe Gamovo.  There is nothing else like it in the Komi Republic. All the stones are of a regular spherical shape. 

Scientists explain their appearance because of a giant glacier. Some villages consider them to be cosmic aliens. Anyway, the Galfed Stones won’t leave you indifferent.

It’s located on the river Izma, 8 km from the mouth.

http://www.ruschudo.ru/miracles/4363/descr/

Preobrajenskaya church

The centre of Izma is Preobrajenskaya church. The church is its adornment and pride. In 1700 there was a great fire in Izma which destroyed the church; in 1728 a new wooden church was built. Because of its frailness, parishioners asked for a permission to build a stone church. Building began in 1806 and in 1828 it was ended. 

Izma people are very proud of their church. But currently, it’s closed.

http://m-iz.ru/?p=652

House of V. M. Popov

The most beautiful house belonged to V.M.Popov (1886). Only in Izma you can see such an original house. But now it’s a historical museum. In the museum, you can find a cabinet of curiosities. There you can find a mammoth’s tusk, an arrowhead, and even a telescope from London which belonged to the local merchant. 

Also, you can see articles of a northern peasant lifestyle, for example, household bags.

Address: Sovietskaya Street 62

Tel.: +7 (82140) 9-4682