In Surgut, traces of the city’s history meet an expansive forest landscape. Its heritage ranges from a merchant’s house at its original location to an ensemble of reconstructed buildings; exhibitions explore the city’s history and traditions. Those wishing to include nature in their visit will find another focal point at Za Saymoy Ecopark.
Architecture and Remembrance in Surgut
The house of merchant Galaktion Stepanovich Klepikov is Surgut’s only architectural monument from the late 19th century that has been preserved at its historic location. The historical and cultural centre “Staryy Surgut” offers a different way to explore the city’s history: its architectural ensemble consists of 14 reconstructed buildings that once stood in various parts of the city. The difference is clear: the Klepikov House remains at its historic location, while the ensemble brings together buildings from different former locations.
Public memorial sites also tell the story of Surgut’s past. The Memorial of Glory brings together objects relating to the city’s history and commemorates Surgut residents who lost their lives in the Great Patriotic War. The monument to the city’s founders, a group of four bronze figures, stands in the Square of the 400th Anniversary of the City. Another unusual architectural landmark is the foreign-language school building, known to residents as Surgut’s Big Ben.
Exhibitions and Cultural Insights
The “Semeynyy albom Surguta” exhibition preserves the oral history of the descendants of the city’s founders, along with their traditions and customs. The “Dom kraeveda” displays documents, photographs, printed materials and personal belongings of local historians from Surgut. In this way, family history passed down orally and materials from local historical research offer distinct perspectives. Before visiting the “Semeynyy albom Surguta” exhibition, check access arrangements with the venue.
At “Staryy Surgut”, the programme includes various exhibitions, guided tours, master classes, festive events, traditional evenings and meetings with long-time residents. The exhibitions are permanent; it is worth checking the current programme for the other events. The Chyornogo Lisa Museum also presents an interactive exhibition using VR technology at the historical and cultural centre. Opening hours may change, so check them before your visit.
Forest Landscape at Za Saymoy Ecopark
Za Saymoy Ecopark is one of Surgut’s oldest and largest natural areas. It combines a natural forest landscape with developed infrastructure, offering a different focus from the city’s historic buildings and exhibitions. When planning a visit, you can decide whether to focus on the city’s history or its natural setting, without treating them as the same experience.
A municipal report dated 21 September 2026 described a comprehensive renewal of the path network, with pedestrian and bicycle traffic separated. Since this is a time-specific project, check the latest information about the paths if their condition is important to your plans.
Surgut’s attractions offer a range of experiences: architecture and memorial sites reveal the city’s history, exhibitions preserve oral accounts and historical materials, and the ecopark adds a forest landscape to the mix.
Discover more destinations: Khanty-Mansiysk, Izluchinsk, Sovetsky, Bazyany, Megion, Beloyarsky, Nyagan, Promyshlennaya Zona Pionernaya
Return to the main travel overview: Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug.
