From relatively obscure beginnings as a 17th century garrison fort for Cossack troops, Krasnoyarsk developed into a prosperous township - thanks mostly to the discovery of gold in the 19th century.  

The gold boom fuelled the arrival of prospectors and others eager to make their fortunes from this serendipitous discovery. Once the Trans-Siberian railway lines were laid, the region opened up making it easy to transfer factories and industries to this remote outpost where they were safe from the rigours and restrictions of the World War I and had easy and uninterrupted access to raw materials. Under Soviet rule, Krasnoyarsk became a high security centre for defence industries and naturally the region was closed to visitors.

The end of the USSR meant a relaxation of restrictions, Krasnoyarsk's scenic attractions have begun to lure travellers. Not really a cosmopolitan city, its main attraction is its picturesque surroundings. The Yenisey River meanders its way through the city centre and distant hills add to its charms.

Krasnoyarsk has a few fine museums like the Surikov Museum Estate, the house of the 19th century painter Vasily Surikov. More of his works and art from 18th -20th century are on display at the Surikov Art Museum.

The Stolby Nature Reserve, a forested hilly area with strange and awesome rock formations is a good place to touch base with oneself and with Mother Nature. Some distance from the city and upstream of the Yenisey River is the hydroelectric dam at the Krasnoyarsk Reservoir. Summer months find many boats travelling up the river to Divnogorsk.

Krasnoyarsk is connected to other destinations in Russia via its two airports - both at some distance from the city but close to one another.  Flights come from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk and many other places in the region. Many of the east/west bound trains on the Trans-Siberian, Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian routes pass through Krasnoyarsk. Intercity bus services connect to Abakan, Shushenskoe and Sayanogorsk.

Krasnoyarsk has comfortable hotels to stay in - from the expensive to the budget. Gastronomically speaking, options range from shashliks, steaks, grills to hotpots. Come summer and the city mushrooms with cafés and open air stands selling chargrilled meats and kebabs.

On Mira, the Inkombank gives advances on major credit cards. The main post office at ulitsa Lenina has EMS, fax and email service. The travel agency at ulitsa Karla Marxa provides information and bookings for air tickets and for the cruises on the Yenisey River.