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Voykit pocket guide · Russia
Seversk
Северск
Skip Seversk unless you have a pre-approved entry pass and a specific reason to visit a closed nuclear city. One day is enough if you get in.
Seversk, formerly Tomsk-7, is a closed city (ZATO) north of Tomsk. It was built for the Siberian Chemical Combine, which produced plutonium and enriched uranium. Non-residents need a government-issued entry pass, which is rarely granted to tourists. If you do get in, the city offers a museum, parks, and churches, but the main draw is the Cold War secrecy itself. Most travellers should skip it and visit Tomsk instead.
- Country
- Russia
- Local name
- Северск
- Best months
- Jun–Aug
- Avoid
- Nov–Mar (cold, short days)
- Stay
- 0 nights
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- RUB
- Money
- Foreign-issued cards, ATMs and most transfers do not work: see Insurance & payments above.
- Daily spend
- Budget RUB 1,500–2,500 excl. bed · Mid RUB 3,000–5,000 excl. bed · High RUB 6,000+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
- Emergency
- Police 102 · Fire and ambulance 101 or 103 · General emergency 112
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Coffee | RUB 150–300 |
| Lunch at a cafe | RUB 400–800 |
| Beer (0.5 L) | RUB 100–200 |
| Bus within Seversk | RUB 25–40 |
| Taxi from Tomsk to Seversk checkpoint | RUB 600–1,000 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- TOF · Bogashevo Airport (Tomsk)
- About 40 km (25 mi) south of Seversk; taxi or bus to Tomsk, then onward.About 25 mi (40 km) south of Seversk; taxi or bus to Tomsk, then onward.
Typical fares
- Bus Tomsk–Seversk checkpoint
- about RUB 100, about 30 min (check)
- Taxi Tomsk–Seversk checkpoint
- RUB 600–1,000
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
Inside Seversk: marshrutka or taxi. From Tomsk: bus or taxi to the checkpoint; entry requires a pass.
See and do
Known for
- Closed nuclear city (Tomsk-7)
- Siberian Chemical Combine
- Cold War secrecy
- Museum of the City of Seversk
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tomsk | Bus or taxi from Seversk checkpoint to Tomsk centre, about 30 min | About 40 min |
Sleep
- Seversk centre
- Hotels inside the closed city; only accessible with a pass.
- Tomsk
- Most visitors stay in Tomsk and attempt a day trip to Seversk (if they have a pass).
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Hello | Здравствуйтеzdra-stvooy-te |
| Thank you | Спасибоspa-SEE-ba |
| Where is the checkpoint? | Где КПП?gde ka-pe-pe |
| I have a pass | У меня есть пропускoo me-NYA yest' PRO-pusk |
| How much? | Сколько?SKOL-ka |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Scams and watch-outs
- Entry is strictly controlled: you must apply for a pass weeks in advance, and it is rarely granted to non-residents without a family or business connection.
- No photography near the chemical combine or checkpoints.
- Seversk remains a restricted area; expect identity checks.
- Last bus from Seversk to Tomsk: check locally; taxis are available but expensive.
Seversk is a restricted area with military and nuclear facilities. Follow all rules, do not photograph restricted sites, and carry your pass and ID at all times. The city itself is safe for residents, but the main risk for visitors is being denied entry or detained for violating restrictions.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Seversk yet. Suggested stay: 0 nights. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Closed nuclear city (Tomsk-7)
- Siberian Chemical Combine
- Cold War secrecy
- Museum of the City of Seversk
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Wikivoyage: Seversk, revision 5024810 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5024810
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
SeverskСеверск
По этому адресу, пожалуйста
To this address, please
My hotel (write the name and address in the local script)
- Police102
- Fire and ambulance101 or 103
- General emergency112
Most embassies are in Moscow. The nearest consulate for many countries is in Novosibirsk (check).
Voykit · checked 2026-09
Printed from Voykit (/seversk). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.