At Erestem Cape, in the Vikurdan spring area and beside an ancient pine, Uvinskiy District reveals different sides of itself: as the source of named rivers, a forest landscape with numerous springs, and a place of Udmurt traditions. It also offers craft and cultural activities where visitors can learn individual techniques.
River Sources, a Protected Area and a Pine
Erestem Cape lies 299 metres above sea level and is known as the “Roof of Udmurtia”. The rivers Uva, Nylga, Chur and Loza rise there. Thus, four named rivers point to their source at the cape, while its nickname also highlights the cape’s elevation.
The Vikurdan spring area offers a different perspective on water: numerous springs lie in a forest ravine and form the headwaters of a right-bank tributary of the Uva. While four rivers rise at Erestem Cape, the springs at Vikurdan come together at the beginning of a single tributary.
The “Zateryannyy Klyuch” eco-tour also passes through a landscape with a clearly defined protected-area connection: one section of the route runs through the Oblastnovskoye State Integrated Hunting Reserve. Children are permitted on the eco-tour. Route details may change; check them before your visit.
In Chabishur stands a pine tree about 400 years old, added to the national register of ancient trees in 2015 and designated a “Monument of Living Nature”. Udmurt rituals at the site and the worship of the god Inmar are associated with the pine. In this tradition, the Udmurts regarded it as a place of power. The tree’s official recognition is thus linked to its significance in traditional beliefs.
Hands-on Crafts
At the “Artel” tourism and crafts centre in Uzey-Tuklya, visitors can learn the basics of traditional crafts through workshops and guided tours. Activities include traditional and vertical weaving (tapestry weaving), artistic birch-bark work, carpentry and woodturning, decorative painting, wood carving and patchwork. If you would like to learn about a particular craft, arrange workshops and guided tours with the centre in advance.
At the Udmurt Cultural Centre in Bulay, the programme features not only crafts but also a performance: “Tangyra” is an ethno-futurist game involving ancient signal instruments, in which visitors can take part. The centre also offers interactive tours and workshops for adults and children. Visitors can learn to use a historic loom or weave bast shoes. Household items, tools, clothing and furniture are on display, and the hosts serve guests national dishes. Arrange your visit with the cultural centre in advance.
Museum Estate and Village Church
Visits to the Sidorov family’s museum estate are by prior arrangement. The workshops there focus on gathering local herbs and grains, as well as colour composition and canvas weaving. The wooden sculptures depict Udmurt creation myths and ancient beliefs, along with guardian spirits of families and clans. Other subjects include a pantheon of gods and totem animals. By arrangement, the hosts serve hot tabani and herbal tea.
In the village of Mushkovay, the wooden Church of Dmitry of Thessaloniki, built in 2007, stands on the site of an earlier wooden church. It is described as the only church in Udmurtia dedicated to the memory of a warrior and martyr. Its construction date, building material and location give the church a direct connection to the former wooden church on the same site.
Discover more destinations: Izhevsk, Zavyalovskiy District, Izhevsk, Sarapulsky District, Zvenigovsky District.
See the main travel overview: Udmurt Republic.
