The tunnels
Cut in rock.
Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0 · Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0 · Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0 · Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0 · Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0
The Circum-Baikal Railway is a historic line in Russia's Irkutsk Oblast that runs along the northern shore of the southern tip of Lake Baikal, from the town of Slyudyanka to the settlement of Baikal. Its listed point lies about 8 km from Slyudyanka in a straight line. Until the mid-20th century it was part of the Trans-Siberian main line; a replacement line was then built, and the old route became a scenic one. It is often called a remarkable feat of engineering, cut into rocky cliffs along the lakeshore. The line winds beside Baikal's clear blue water through tunnels carved in the rock, over red iron bridges across streams and past rocky capes and small bays, with slopes of birch and pine rising above. A slow tourist train runs in summer, stopping for photos and short walks, and you can also hike sections of the track. June to September is the best time. The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Russia, and non-Russian bank cards may not work, so read the current advice before you plan.
Cut in rock.
Over streams.
Blue water.
South shore of Lake Baikal, Irkutsk Oblast, Russia
Yes, sections of it.
June to September.