General Information
Geography:
Location: north - east of the Vologda Oblast
Border regions: Arkhangelsk Region, Kirov Region
Total area: 7.700 sq km
Area - comparative: the oblast's 5th largest district
Population:
Total: 65.200
Administrative centre: Veliky Ustyug
District centre population: 33.400
Foundation: beginning of the 12th century
Distance: 445 km away from Vologda, 600 km from Cherepovets, 700 km from Arkhangelsk
Administrative division: 21 administrative areas
Transportation: a railway station (branch Konosha-Vorkuta), an airport, a pier
Renowned residents: explorers and navigators Vladimir Atlasov, Semyon Dezhnyov, Erophei Khabarov, Mikhail Buldakov and Vasily Shilov, Russian seaman Sergei Preminin, who prevented the world from a nuclear catastrophe, founding father of northern gardening Vladimir Spirin
History. Veliky Ustyug was founded in 1147. The network of navigable rivers connecting Ustyug with Kholmogory, Arkhangelsk and Pomoriye (along the Dvina), with Vologda, Yaroslavl and Moscow (along the Sukhona), with Vetluga, Vyatka and Kazan (along the Yug and the Luza), with Mezen and Pechora (along the Vychegda) was a major transportation route in the north of Russia in the 16th century. It is not by chance that the old coat of arms of Ustyug did justice to Aquarius, the master and patron of the town. Breaking away from the jugs the strained streams merge into a torrent. The streams symbolize the Sukhona and the Yug, and the torrent - the Northern Dvina. In the 17th century the town was awarded the status of "Veliky" (Great) for its special services in boosting trade. Stone building was quite characteristic of that era. Early in the 20th century divine sevices were held in 27 churches and 4 monasteries.
Since 1708 Veliky Ustyug belonged to the Arkhangelsk gubernia and had the status of a provincial town. In 1780 the town went to Vologda again with the status of a regional town.
Such outstanding explorers and navigators as Semyon Dezhnyov, Erophei Khabarov, Mikhail Buldakov and Vasily Shilov glorified Veliky Ustyug. The residents of the city are remembered for Siberia exploration and exploration of the islands in the Pacific Ocean. They were the first ones to discover new lands in Russian America and to circumnavigate the world.
Main enterprises:
- Veliky Ustyug alcoholic beverage company
- AO SEVERLYON (natural linen cloth)
- Plywood company NOVATOR (veneer and plywood production)
- Novatorsky forestry (timber felling and processing, souvenirs)
- Brush-producing factory (paint-brushes, brushes made of natural and artificial fibre)
- Company SEVERNAYA CHERN (niello, jewellery)
- AO GALANTEREYA (haberdashery - balls, bags)
- PCHYOLKA (baking of bread, processing of livestock products)
- AO USTYUGMOLOKO (dairy products)
- Wood processing enterprises
The industrial sector producing consumer goods is dominated by nonproductive sphere (64%). In the branch structure, light industry takes a dominating position (47%).
Agriculture products: cereals, potatoes, livestock products (milk and dairy produce, meat, eggs, poultry)
Consumer market: the share of foodstuffs in the commodity turnover makes up about 53%.
Education. 42 secondary schools, 51 kindergartens, several vocational and professional schools function on the territory of the district of Veliky Ustyug. The total number of all those who study makes up more than 11,700 people. There is a teacher's training college, medical and agricultural schools, a college of inland water transport and a motor college. They give an opportunity to acquire a secondary education and almost any profession, which might be in demand here. Nor have the traditions been forgotten. In Veliky Ustyug, a vocational school trains restorers and renovators.
International links and tourism. The district of Veliky Ustyug is a picturesque and original land at the confluence of two large rivers the Sukhona and the Yug which merge into a third - the Northern Dvina. Blue water expanses, green fields and coppices, pine and mixed forests create good conditions for tourism and rest. Since 1998 the project Veliky Ustyug - Hometown of Russian Father Frost has been implemented in the district. The residence of Father Frost is situated 15 km off the town of Veliky Ustyug in a pine forest. It consists not only of the stately home of Father Frost, but also of comfortable timbered cottages, a restaurant, a recreation centre with a sauna, a swimming pool and a billiard room.
Veliky Ustyug has become home to a town residence of Father Frost, his post office and a souvenir shop. There are seven tourist agencies in the town, the biggest are AO DED MOROZ (Father Frost) and AO VOTCHINA OF FATHER FROST. In developing of inter-regional ties the main emphasis is placed on fair activity. Every year two fairs are held in Veliky Ustyug.
Culture. A great amount of libraries, clubs and a museum - preserve represent the national culture, folk trade and history of the district of Veliky Ustyug.
News
Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved creation of a special economic zone in Veliky Ustyug called the Ded Moroz Theme Park.
On November 19, 2024, the Ded Moroz Train set off from the platform of Veliky Ustyug on a journey throughout Russia.
During New Year and Christmas holidays over 36,000 tourists visited the official residence of Ded Moroz located in Veliky Ustyug (about 450 km northeast of Vologda, the capital of the Vologda Region).
The local lakes and rivers freeze around mid-November and this is when the festivals begin with Ded Moroz’s official birthday.
On November 13th Ded Moroz, the main holiday season miracle maker in Russia set off for his pre-New Year journey.
Veliky Ustyug, located in the north - east of the Vologda Region, Russia’s North-West, turns 877 years old. Celebrations on this occasion will be held on July 19 and 21.
The Novator +52 project aims to increase plywood production in the Vologda Region.
Veliky Ustyug is in the list of Russia's cities that are most popular destinations for New Year holidays.
On preliminary data 21,000 tourists visited the official residence of Ded Moroz located in Veliky Ustyug (about 450 km northeast of Vologda, the capital of the Vologda Region).
The official residence of Ded Moroz in Veliky Ustyug (Vologda Region) is in the first place.
Ded Moroz who gives children presents during the festive period has received 4,584,000 letters and postcards for 25 years. Ded Moroz receives over 240,000 letters and postcards annually.
Veliky Ustyug is one of the most beautiful places not only in the Vologda Region but also in the entire Russia. It’s really a fairy-tale city. Established in 1147 as an outpost on the northern border, it is a contemporary of Moscow and Vologda.
The local lakes and rivers freeze around mid-November and this is when the festivals begin with Ded Moroz’s official birthday.
XIX All-Russian competition of jewelers "The Best jewelry of Russia” was held within the framework of International Exhibition of Jewelry and Watch Brands JUNWEX Moscow.
Veliky Ustyug, located in the north - east of the Vologda Region, Russia’s North-West, turns 876 years old. Celebrations on this occasion will be held on July 21 and 22.
Veliky Ustyug and its environs is one of the most beautiful places not only in the Vologda Region but also in the entire Russia. It’s really a fairy-tale city. Established in 1147 as an outpost on the northern border, it is a contemporary of Moscow and Vologda.
The exhibition the National Jeweller Competition "St. Petersburg's Recognition" was held as aprt of the exhibition JUNWEХ ST. PETERSBURG. Companies that participated in the event showed their best products including jewellery, clocks, tableware, promotional and souvenir gifts and a lot more.
19 January is a holiday for craftsmen who produce fine niello silverwork. This year it is celebrated in the Vologda Region for the first time.
Ded Moroz set off on his traditional New Year trip on October 22, 2022. It lasted till January 14, 2023. He travelled from Veliky Ustyug to Vladivostok. The main holiday-season miracle-maker visited Russian cities and gave long-awaited presents to children before New Year.
Ded Moroz set off on his traditional New Year trip on October 22, 2022. It will last till January 14, 2023.
The study was conducted by the Research Centre SuperJob.
Veliky Ustyug is now a member of the Association of the most beautiful villages of Russia.
Veliky Ustyug is now a member of the Association of the most beautiful villages of Russia.
The celebration is to take place at Ded Moroz's Votchina, a few miles outside Veliky Ustyug. Festive performances, fireworks, sport events and concerts are part of the program.
According to a newly created legend, Ded Moroz was born on November 18th in Veliky Ustyug, a small town in the Vologda Region.
Xl Russian Hansa Days were timed to coincide with celebrations of 875th anniversary of Veliky Ustyug.
After a two-year break, the time has come again: from July 22 to 24, Veliky Ustyug will host the international festival of the cities participating in the Hanseatic League "XI Russian Hansa Days".
After a two-year break, the time has come again: from July 22 to 24, Veliky Ustyug will host the international festival of the cities participating in the Hanseatic League "XI Russian Hansa Days".
Over centuries, the Vologda Region was a link between medieval Europe and Old Russia, a unique ‘door’ to Europe and a centre of international integration and trade.
Veliky Ustyug is to host Xl Russian Hansa Days on July 8-10, 2022.
Over centuries, Vologda Region was a link between medieval Europe and Old Russia, a unique ‘door’ to Europe and a centre of international integration and trade. Traditions of medieval Hansa that is considered to be an original model for the modern single European market, resulted in the Hanseatic League of the Modern Age. It was established in 1980 and now includes about 200 cities and towns from European and Russian states.
The Ded Moroz Train set off for a New Year journey on December 5 and travelled to the Black Sea coast.
New Year and Christmas season are the busiest times in Veliky Ustyug as numerous visitors are keen to experience the true magic of New Year and Christmas in the Official Hometown of Ded Moroz.
The All-Russian competition of jewelers "The Best jewelry of Russia” was held within the framework of an Exhibition of Jewelry and Watch Brands JUNWEX Moscow. The jewelry exhibition in Moscow displayed the works of the best jewelry masters from Russia. All jewellery product range was presented at the show.
A gray-haired bearded wizard arrived at the Russian House of Science and Culture, Berlin. As soon as darkness came, the Christmas tree was lit by Ded Moroz on Breitscheidplatz Square in Berlin.
Governor of the Vologda Region Oleg Kuvshinnikov, Deputy General Director of Russian Railways Dmitry Pegov and Ded Moroz launched a unique project - Ded Moroz Train.
Veliky Ustyug is in the list of Russia's cities that will be most popular destinations for winter vacationing.
According to a newly created legend, Ded Moroz was born on November 18th in Veliky Ustyug, a small town in the Vologda Region. The date of the magician's birthday was chosen by weather chart makers as their long-term observations register that on that very day the ground of Veliky Ustyug is usually covered with a heavy snow blanket.
During this holiday season, Moscow citizens will be able to take a trip to a fairy tale in Veliky Ustyug. Several speed trains will connect Moscow with Residence of Ded Moroz, Russian equivalent of Santa Claus.
Over centuries, Vologda Region was a link between medieval Europe and Old Russia, a unique ‘door’ to Europe and a centre of international integration and trade. Traditions of medieval Hansa that is considered to be an original model for the modern single European market, resulted in the Hanseatic League of the Modern Age. It was established in 1980 and now includes about 200 cities and towns from European and Russian states.
The contest of tourist video presentation “Miracle of Russia “ has been held since 2013.
The 27th international trade fair for travel & tourism OTDYKH LEISURE 2021 is held on September 7th–9th, Moscow.
Veliky Ustyug is in the list of Russia's cities that will be most popular destinations for winter vacationing, according to a study conducted by e-service for searching hotels Tvil.ru.
JUNWEX PETERSBURG exhibition was established by Media-Holding JUNWEX in late 90s. Since then it has grown and became one of the main jewellery events of Russian jewellery industry.
New Year and Christmas season are the busiest times in Veliky Ustyug as numerous visitors are keen to experience the true magic of New Year and Christmas in the Official Hometown of Ded Moroz.
New Year and Christmas season are the busiest times in Veliky Ustyug as numerous visitors are keen to experience the true magic of New Year and Christmas in the Official Hometown of Ded Moroz.
The local lakes and rivers freeze around mid-November and this is when the festivals begin with Ded Moroz’s official birthday.
The International competition of bayan and accordion players AccoPremium was held from October 30 to November 2, 2020 in Belarus. Taking into account the adverse epidemiological situation, it transferred to a remote and online format.
Veliky Ustyug is in the list of Russia's cities that are most popular destinations for New Year holidays, according to a study conducted by e-service for searching hotels Tvil.ru.
The marketing and investment strategy for the development of the regional project "Veliky Ustyug - Hometown of Ded Moroz", which will run until 2025, was approved by Governor Oleg Kuvshinnikov. The Vologda Region's main fairytale brand will become a tourism cluster of the federal level.
TourStat Analytic Agency published the list of Russia's most popular destinations for the upcoming New Year holidays. Veliky Ustyug is in the list of Russia's cities that will be most popular destinations for winter vacationing.
The Vologda Region enters top five Russia’s most popular destinations for New Year and Christmas holidays. Veliky Ustyug received the status of the Official Hometown of Ded Moroz in 1998.
The main objective of the video conference meeting was on tourism development in Veliky Ustyug, hometown of Ded Moroz, Russian equivalent of Santa Claus.
Organised by the Eurasian community of travel industry specialists, the international competition “Probrand-2020” named the winners of the 2nd International marketing competition in the field of tourism.
On June 9th Vologda Region Governor Oleg Kuvshinnikov held a working meeting aiming to discuss the socioeconomic situation in the District of Veliky Ustyug.
III international practical conference A Family for Every Child gathered experts from 24 Russian regions and 3 foreign states (Ireland, Belarus, Armenia), representatives of the local government, the Department of Social Protection of the Population, charitable foundations, heads of organizations for orphans and children left without parental care, public figures, cultural and art figures.
III international practical conference A Family for Every Child will gather international and Russian experts, representatives of the local government, the Department of Social Protection of the Population, charitable foundations, heads of organizations for orphans and children left without parental care, public figures, cultural and art figures.
The study was conducted by e-service for searching hotels Tvil.ru. It searched for the most popular and affordable options for tourists, compiled its results based on the number of hotel reservations for this winter.
On preliminary data 30,000 tourists visited the official residence of Ded Moroz (Russia's Santa Claus) located in Veliky Ustyug (about 450 km northeast of Vologda, the capital of the Vologda Region).
Vologda Region Governor Oleg Kuvshinnikov paid a working visit to Veliky Ustyug District on December 19th. The main objective of the visit was to inspect a new plywood-making facility in the Vologda Region.
The local lakes and rivers freeze around mid-November and this is when the festivals begin with Ded Moroz’s official birthday.
Veliky Ustyug is in the list of Russia's cities that are most popular destinations for New Year holidays, according to a study conducted by e-service for searching hotels Tvil.ru.
The International Exhibition of Jewelry and Watch Brands JUNWEX Moscow will be held on September 25-29 with the support of the Russian Jewelry Trade Club, RosYuvelirExpert RIA and Yuvelirnaya Rossiya (Jewelry Russia) Publishing House.
Veliky Ustyug is in the list of Russia's cities that are most popular destinations for New Year holidays, according to a study conducted by e-service for searching hotels Tvil.ru.
Veliky Ustyug is in the list of Russia's small cities that will be most popular destinations on Defender of the Fatherland Day that is celebrated in Russia on February 23rd.
Veliky Ustyug is in the list of Russia's cities that are most popular destinations for New Year holidays, according to a study conducted by TourStat agency. Over 100,000 tourists visited Veliky Ustyug where the residence of Ded Moroz, Russia’s equivalent of Santa Claus is situated.
Ded Moroz, who like Santa Claus gives children presents during the festive period, receives almost 200,000 letters and postcards annually. The main holiday season miracle maker in Russia gets letters from every corner of Russia. People of all ages write to Ded Moroz. Russians send letters to Ded Moroz's official residence in Veliky Ustyug, in the northeast corner of the Vologda Region in the north of European Russia.
Veliky Ustyug is in the list of Russia's cities that are most popular destinations for New Year holidays, according to a study conducted by e-service for searching hotels Tvil.ru.
The study conducted by e-service for searching hotels Tvil.ru compiled its results based on the number of hotel reservations in 2018.
About 5,000 people visited Veliky Ustyug yesterday. Ded Moroz, or Grandfather Frost, lives more than 1000 kilometers northeast of Moscow, among pine forests on a cliff above the Sukhona River.
The date of the magician's birthday was chosen by weather chart makers as their long-term observations register that on that very day the ground of Veliky Ustyug is usually covered with a heavy snow blanket. No one knows his exact age. The first mentions of his appearance in noble Russian families on Christmas and New Year eve date back to the beginning of the 19th century.
The working visit of Mr. Alexander Beglov to the District of Veliky Ustyug had a focus on implementation of the May 2018 Presidential Executive Orders.
Vologda Oblast Governor Oleg Kuvshinnikov and local government officials arrived in Veliky Ustyug to inspect the water resources situation in the region. Means and facilities of the territorial subsystem of Emergency Situation Department of the Vologda Oblast are ready for reliable and accident-free passage of snowmelt floods and flood waters, said Vologda Oblast Governor Oleg Kuvshinnikov.
The study conducted by e-service for searching hotels Tvil.ru compiled its results based on the number of hotel reservations during spring vacation on March 24-April 1.
The study conducted by e-service for searching hotels Tvil.ru compiled its results based on the number of hotel reservations.
Shrovetide (a pancake week) will be celebrated in Veliky Ustyug with pancakes, fun songs, games, sledging, and other entertainment activities from Monday February 12th to Sunday February 18th.
Veliky Ustyug is in the list of Russia's small cities that will be most popular destinations for winter vacationing.
The local lakes and rivers freeze around mid-November and this is when the festivals begin with Ded Moroz’s official birthday.
On this special occasion Ded Moroz will welcome his friends - holiday-season miracle-makers, wonderland creatures and helpers from Russia. Of course, children from all parts of Russia will be there too.
Veliky Ustyug is in the list of Russia's cities that are most popular destinations for New Year holidays, according to a study conducted by the Federal Agency for Tourism of the Russian Federation.
The celebration will take place at Ded Moroz' Votchina, a few miles outside Veliky Ustyug. Festive performances, fireworks, sport events and concerts are part of the program.
Veliky Ustyug is in the list of Russia's cities that are most popular destinations for New Year holidays, according to a study conducted by the Federal Agency for Tourism of the Russian Federation.
Veliky Ustyug, located in the Vologda Oblast, Russia’s North-West, turns 870 years old. The celebration of the 870th anniversary of its founding began on July 20th. The program included numerous events.
Veliky Ustyug is in the list of Russia's small cities that will be most popular destinations for summer vacationing, according to a study conducted by TourStat agency.
Vologda Oblast Governor Oleg Kuvshinnikov paid a working visit to the District of Veliky Ustyug as part of a series of visits throughout the Vologda Oblast examining economic and social development of regions.
Veliky Ustyug takes the third place in the list of Russia's cities that are most popular destinations among foreign tourists in 2017, according to a study conducted by e-service for searching hotels RoomGuru.ru.
A delegation from the Vologda Region led by Deputy Governor Oleg Vasiliev visited Madrid, Spain to participate in FITUR, one of the first tourism fairs in the world.
In 2017 the honour to become New Year’s Capital of Russia’s North fell upon Vologda again. The New Year was celebrated in a special way, because every Russian city has its own traditions of celebrating. Vologda’s authorities planned a number of major festive actions and events not only in Vologda, but also in Veliky Ustyug, the hometown of Ded Moroz, Russia’s equivalent of Santa Claus.
Veliky Ustyug has made the top in the list of Russia's small cities that were most popular destinations in 2016, according to a study conducted by e-service for searching hotels RoomGuru.ru.
Russian Ded Moroz from Veliky Ustyug is recognized as the official Ded Moroz of the Sochi Winter Olympics.