Yoshkar-Ola

Rent a car - Mini-hotels, hotels

Yoshkar-Ola is a city in Russia and is the capital of the Mari El Republic. It has a population of 281,165 (2002 Census), which is slowly increasing as people from neighboring areas move to the city.

Yoshkar-Ola means red city in Mari. The current name is the third to have been given to the city. The city was known as Tsaryovokokshaysk (Russian: Царёвококшайск) before 1919 and as Krasnokokshaisk (Russian: Краснококшайск) between the years of 1919 and 1927. These names were derived from the river Small Kokshaga, which runs through the city.

During the Soviet era, especially post-WWII, the city was a regional industrial and transport center and grew to its current size. The collapse of the Soviet Union removed support for state enterprises, and led to the shutdown of most manufacturing activity in the area. Much of the city's economic activity was supported by shuttle traders who would transport (often counterfeit) goods from the bustling markets of Moscow to Yoshkar-Ola's bazaars. The sharp decline in living standards led to the emigration of specialized professionals to larger cities in Russia.

Travel to Yoshkar-Ola: Yoshkar-Ola airport after takeoff

Millions travel here each year from the USA, Europe and Asia to see the city’s glorious monuments and unspoiled natural surroundings. Residents treat each visitor like an honored guest, no matter his budget or nationality. The best time to visit Yoshkar-Ola is during the fall and spring, when tourist crowding is at a minimum.

Hotels / Accommodations

Many hotels are available, ranging from three to five stars, though you needn’t book a room. Simply walk up to any random Yoshkar-Olinian and say to him “I just arrived and need a place to stay”. A citizen of Yoshkar-Ola simply cannot refuse giving hospitality to a complete stranger. He will take you home to his family and you will live there, free of charge, for as long as you wish. If there is no room, the kids will sleep out on the balcony or in the bathub.

Getting There by Air:

Yoshkar-Ola is home to an international airport with direct flights from almost every major city in the world including London, Hong Kong, New York, Zurich, Dubai, Buenos Aires and Kinshasa. A superconducting mag-lev monorail is under construction that will transport passengers from the airport to the city center. With a top speed of 300mph, reaching Sovietskaya Street will take only five minutes.

By Car:

Travelling to Yoshkar-Ola directly by airplane is optimal, though some choose to fly to Moscow or St. Petersburg in order to see those cities first, thereby saving the best (Yoshkar-Ola) for last. Driving to Yoshkar-Ola by car along Russia’s autobahn is highly recommended. The highway is a magnificent five lanes in each direction with no speed limits and no potholes. A local saying goes “Just set it and forget it”, referring to your car’s cruise control, which can be set to its maximum, normally 150-200mph for the average Lada. At those speeds Yoshkar-Ola can be reached from Moscow in only four hours. Most choose to make stops along the way at various tourist attractions that include castles, ufo crash sites, national parks, geysers and waterfalls.