Exploring an Abandoned Soviet Ghost Town on Svalbard | PYRAMIDEN
♡ Go to Squarespace.com for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch, go to to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.
This has been by far my most requested video and I am SO excited to finally post it! We went to Pyramiden, the Russian Ghost Town on Svalbard, and explored. We ate lunch at the Hotel, talked to some of the 10 local people and checked out some old buildings. Part 2 of this trip will be up sooner than later so subscribe to get notified. I hope you enjoy this spooky ghost town in the arctic!
Let me know what you think in the comments and subscribe for more videos from my life on Svalbard, an island close to the North Pole!
► SUBSCRIBE for new videos every week!
► Instagram:
► Tiktok:
► - I want to thank every single one who has signed up to my patreon, the support means everything to me!
Guyyysss! I made merch!
Music from Epidemic Sound!
Camera gear:
↠ Sony a7iii + Tamron lens
↠ Sony ZV-1 + Zhiyun Crane M2
↠ DJI Mavic 2 Pro + Smart Controller
↠ DJI Ronin SC
About Cecilia:
Cecilia Blomdahl is originally from Sweden and moved to Svalbard 5.5 years ago. She works as a photographer and videographer in Longyearbyen, and with her social media channels, check her out on tiktok and instagram. Here on youtube she posts videos about her daily life in her cabin with her boyfriend and her dog Grim, living just outside of Longyearbyen. They are currently building a cabin extension, which is set to be finished in June. Subscribe for videos about her daily life as well as adventures on an island close to the North Pole, with polar bears.
Going INSIDE the abandoned houses of the soviet GHOST TOWN | Svalbard
This place is soooo spooky!! We are in the abandoned soviet-era ghost town in Coles Bay to explore the old houses, and what has been left behind. Svalbard is full of fascinating places, and this is definitely one of them. I hope you enjoy the video! :)
To support our PATREON and get exclusive content:
???? All music is from Epidemic Sound, affiliate link below or:
Use code CECILIA50 FOR 50% OFF the annual Personal Plan subscription
↠ SUBSCRIBE for new videos every week!
↠ Instagram:
↠ Tiktok:
♡ How you can support us!
↠ PATREON
↠ Amazon Storefront:
↠ MERCH:
♡ Camera gear:
↠ Sony a7siii + Tamron lens
↠ Sony a7c + Tamron lens
↠ DJI Mavic 3 Cine
About Cecilia:
Cecilia Blomdahl is originally from Sweden and moved to Svalbard 6.5 years ago. She works as a photographer and videographer in Longyearbyen, and with her social media channels. Check her out on tiktok and instagram under her handle @sejsejlija! Here on youtube she posts videos about her daily life in her cabin with her boyfriend Christoffer and her dog Grim, living just outside of Longyearbyen. Subscribe for videos about her daily life as well as adventures on an island close to the North Pole. They have polar bears there!
Exploring an Abandoned Soviet Town in the Arctic (Barentsburg)
✅ Watch BTS of this story:
???? Get My Top 100 Travel Pics FREE!
Did you know that there is an abandoned Russian settlement in the Arctic called Barentsburg? Wait until you see this story, it will blow your mind!!
I had to take a 2-hour boat ride from Longyearbyen (the biggest town in Svalbard) which is under Norwegian control, over to Barentsburg (the second-biggest town in Svalbard) which is under Russian control.
The two towns could not be any more different.
After visiting 169 countries and more than 500 cities, I find Barentsburg to be the absolute most bizarre town in the world.
It was purchased by the Soviet Union about 90 years ago from the Dutch because of the on-site coal mine... While there are about 400 Russian & Ukrainian miners still working here today, it's a failing business, and it's obvious that Russia keeps this place alive because they want a presence in the Arctic (think natural resources, trade routes, etc).
Walking around Barentsburg gave me flash backs to North Korea. Abandoned buildings. Seemingly staged people and culture. I still can't quite wrap my head around this!
If you enjoyed this video, please share it! It's one of my top 10 favorites of all time.
#abandoned #adventure #travel
FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
►FB: (I post daily videos there too!)
►IG:
►TW:
MORE ABOUT ME:
CONTACT ME:
drew (at) drewbinsky (dot) com
Abandoned RUSSIA (2022) Pyramiden, Svalbard, Arctic Circle.
In one of the eeriest experiences we’ve had yet, in the documentary we explore the abandoned Russian settlement of Pyramiden on the arctic island of Svalbard. Join us as we discover why the Russians settled on Norwegian land and why they left in such a hurry…
A special thanks to the Svalbard Museum for granting us permission to use the archived photos in their collection for this film. If visiting the Longyearbyen, we highly recommend taking a couple of hours to visit the carefully crafted museum that’s full of history and information on this incredible island.
Instagram -
Leave a comment below, we would love to answer any questions about vanlife and travel.
WATCH THIS NEXT!
The Scandi Drama -
The Road to Norway playlist -
Follow us real-time on our socials:
Instagram -
Facebook -
Postcards from Chris & Paloma (& Doreen ????) ????
???? About Us:
We met living in Cornwall UK and have been planning big adventures ever since. We converted our Ford Transit and are now discovering the world at our own pace! Come say hi and follow us on our adventures and guaranteed mishaps.
00:00 - Abandoned Russia
00:25 - Looking for a Soviet ghost town
01:00 - Pyramiden, Svalbard
01:31 - The Svalbard Treaty
02:10 - Why did the USSR come here?
03:08 - The iron curtain showcase town
04:00 - The heart of Pyramiden
04:58 - The Swimming pool
05:20 - Was it hard living in the arctic?
06:14 - The downfall of Pyramiden
06:56 - Johan, the rifle and the polar bears
07:14 - The Culture House, The end of the road
10:00 - Outro, where do the profits go?
10:22 - Next time
----- Script snips for SEO ---
Today We are boarding the MS PolarGirl in Longyrbean, the northernmost permanent settlement on Earth, yet we are heading even further north, looking for a soviet ghost town.
2.
We are looking for Pyramiden, a Russian settlement technically on Norwegian land that was abandoned overnight. And we are here to find out why.
This is Pyramiden. Once home to over 1000? people, now home to 6.
It is overlooked by the mighty Nordenskiöld glacier.
But why did the Soviets come here, and why did Russia end up leaving so quickly?
Once a lawless state, Svalbard, in a bid to solve conflict between mining owners and workers, came under Norwegian sovereignty with The Svalbard Treaty in 1920
The countries who signed the treaty agreed to give full and absolute sovereignty to Norway over the islands, under the conditions that signatories citizens could live there without discrimination, that the environment was protected, *AND that the land would not be militarised.
Today, there are 46 countries who have signed the treaty, but only the Russians and Norwegians have an active presence on the archipelago.
As well as being home to bountiful coal, the Soviet coal company’s move to take over Pyramiden very quickly served political and strategic purposes.
It was a showroom of Soviet communism that was otherwise not seen due to the iron curtain. It was one of two presences here in the high arctic which could help with future claims to sea and land territories as well as potential strategic shipping routes as Arctic ice melts away. (Something like this)
At a time when life inside the Soviet Union was largely unknown, Pyramiden was used to portray a Soviet Utopia of sorts - boasting of helicopters for transport, self sufficient farmland and a strong community that thrived in the long polar nights. They created a village that was designed to alleviate the hardships that Arctic living presented, including a school, hospital, gym and swimming pool, and culture house, making workers and their families feel at home in these high arctic fjords.
Miners, mainly from Ukraine at the time, were eager to come to make the most of good wages, free accommodation and food allowing them to save for a better future.
A carefully crafted portrayal of the very best that the Mainland had to offer, conveniently on a platform for the whole world to see.
The Canteen was the heart of the village, the place where everyone came for every meal of the day. It was decorated with lavish mosaics and even had a lushus garden in the entrance hall in a bid to make people forget the harsh conditions outside.
There was also grass indoors for kids to play as parents socialized.
- As the Soviet economic crash casted a shadow of uncertainty on Pyramiden’s future, the Russian company eventually realised they couldn’t sustain Pyramiden. Barentsburg.
America vs Russia. conspiracy.
- In 1994, miners started to be laid off, families sent home and, by 1998, the once bustling village quickly waved off the last boat of 18 miners, leaving, Johan totally alone with some unwelcome visitors, polar bears.
#russia #abandoned #documentary
Exploring the abandoned Soviet mining city of Pyramiden ⚒️ The Chernobyl of the Arctic?
An abandoned Russian settlement high up in arctic circle. It's been a time capsule since 1988 ever since the workers left. Now it's mainly just tourists, birdlife and polar bears that visit.
Pyramiden. A soviet-era ghost town in the middle of Arctic.
✅Go to use code NORWAY to save 25% off today, that’s only $14.99 a year. Thanks to Curiosity Stream for sponsoring today’s video.
If you would like to support Ukraine:
????Join the merch movement:
????Music libraries that I use:
Find more quality music here:
An extensive library of music and sound effects that I use:
And more music you can find here:
???? FCPX plugins used in this episode:
Instagram:
Exploring Vorkuta - Russian Ghost Town in Arctic | The Most Depressing Town in Russia
Despite the richest coal deposits that gave boost to the development of the city, Vorkuta and the adjacent settlements are rapidly emptying today. The mega project of the Soviet machine was not in demand among the heirs of the empire. Today, some districts of Vorkuta and surrounding villages are abandoned or are about to be completely deserted. How is Vorkuta living today? What's going on around her? What are the prospects for the main coal mining region in the north of Russia? I personally went to the Arctic to answer these questions.
DOG SHELTER DONATION:
PayPal:
News from the shelter:
You can also support my channel by making donation via:
PayPal: ivantrains@yandex.ru
Donation Alerts:
Patreon:
Instagram: @vagafuckabond
Pyramiden a Russian Ghost Town | Travel Film from Svalbard with Drone
Pyramiden is an abandoned ghost town 78,4 degrees north. Only 800 miles from the North Pole. Take a tour with me in inside this deserted town from the Soviet - Era.One of the northernmost permanent settlements.
And maybe, just maybe, I will show you how it looks from above!
I say maybe because sometimes not everything goes as planned.
Come with me as I walk through the city and inside the cultural center where I will play on the northernmost piano.
I have one major goal here. As a man with a drone I have my mind set that I want to fly in and over this abandoned russian town. And this is a unique location! A premium destination to explore.
This town was founded by Sweden in 1910 and sold to Soviet Union in 1927.
In 1998 all 1000 inhabitants was gone leaving everything behind.
Today only six people inhabit this village, working as guides or in the hotel or the bar made availble for the tourist that travel here.
The buildings is, and will be, preserved a long time ,up to 500 years, because of the artic climate.
In the city they had a hospital, kindergarden, school, a house for single women, one for single men and one for the families. The latter called the Mad House because of all the noise.
This is the final part of my 3 part series from Svalbard or Spitsbergen as it is also refered to. And what a trip it has been. So much we experienced in this short time. Fossilhunting in Longyearbyen, Boattrip on the road to the Pyramid and finally this tour through and maybe over Pyramiden.
I ve spent alot of time on these videos and I hope that you appreciate the effort I put into these drone film /videos. And I hope you will like and subscribe to my channel!
Filmed with and in 4k:
Phantom 4 Pro
Dji Osmo Mobile
Samsung S8 Plus
Please checkout
Part 1: Fossilhunting With a Drone in Longyearbyen | Travel Film from Svalbard
Part 2: Boatride to Pyramiden | Travel Film from Svalbard
Music used in this:
Ross Bugden. He is my go to composer for making really good quality music for youtube creators! check him out
Ghiblis Waltz
Skies
Flight hymn
Where Silence Is Nonexistent - A Himitsu SoundCloud (No Copyright Music)Where Silence Is Nonexistent by A Himitsu
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
Gregorian Chant Royalty Free Camelot Monastery made availble by Darren Curtis
PYRAMIDEN / SOVIET ARCTIC GHOST TOWN / 2020
Pyramiden ([pʏrɑˈmìːdən]; Russian: Пирами́да, tr. Piramida) (literally The Pyramid) is an abandoned Russian coal mining settlement on the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. Founded by Sweden in 1910 and sold to the Soviet Union in 1927, Pyramiden was closed in 1998 and has since remained largely abandoned with most of its infrastructure and buildings still in place, the cold climate preserving much of what has been left behind.
WIKIPEDIA
Pyramiden The Frozen Ghost town
Pyramiden is frozen in time. A former Soviet coal mining community and today it is abandoned. Guided tours are given and there is a hotel as well. A ghost town at the top of the world.
Also please check out my Etsy channel here: I have great and high quality postcards and picture books for sale of abandoned places from around the world. Check them out!
The abandoned village of Pyramiden, Spitsbergen, Svalbard
Pyramiden is a Russian settlement and coal mining community on the archipelago of Svalbard, Norway. Founded by Sweden in 1910 and sold to the Soviet Union in 1927, Pyramiden was closed in 1998 and has since remained largely abandoned with most of its infrastructure and buildings still in place.
Pavel Gospodinov Photography -
???? Exploring Pyramiden & Barentsburg (Svalbard / Шпицбе́рген)
???? JOURNEY AROUND ICELAND
This is a film about a visit to Svalbard, north of the Arctic Circle, to explore the fascinating Russian coal mining towns of Pyramiden and Barentsburg (Пирамида и Баренцбург (Шпицбе́рген)).
Pyramiden is a ghost town whilst Barentsburg is an active coal mining town.
--- Table of Contents ---
01:06 Trip to Pyramiden
01:51 Nordenskiold Glacier
03:14 Pyramiden (ghost town)
07:35 northern-most bust of Lenin
08:47 Trust Arktikugol emblem
10:48 Trip to Barentsburg
11:59 Esmark Glacier
13:56 Barentsburg (coal mine town)
19:01 Colesbukta
19:08 Grumant
19:53 Longyearbyen
22:26 Longyearbyen Global Seed Vault
__________________________________________________________________
Note: Travelogues and more videos available on my YouTube channel (
Explore the Fascinating Soviet-Era Mining Towns of Barentsburg and Pyramiden in Svalbard
Embark on an Arctic adventure to the captivating Soviet-era mining towns of Barentsburg and Pyramiden in Svalbard. These two unique Arctic settlements are a must-visit and can be experienced in a single day trip from Longyearbyen. Their rich Soviet and Russian heritage adds a distinctive charm to the experience, as both towns are renowned by their Russian names: Пирамида (Pyramiden) and Баренцбург (Barentsburg).
Located approximately 800 miles from the North Pole, on the island of Spitzbergen, Barentsburg and Pyramiden offer an intriguing glimpse into the past and present of Arctic life. An Arctic Explorer expedition takes you first to Barentsburg in the morning and then to Pyramiden in the afternoon, providing an immersive encounter with these historical gems.
Barentsburg, now an active Russian coal mining town, boasts the distinction of being the northernmost inhabited place on Earth. Immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere and enjoy a stay at Barentsburg's exclusive hotel. Be sure to indulge in the renowned 78 degrees cocktail at the second northernmost brewery in the world, adding a flavorful touch to your visit.
Meanwhile, Pyramiden, a Soviet-era mining town abandoned in 1998, stands as a fascinating testament to history. Once the world's northernmost human settlement, it lies merely 800 miles from the North Pole. Today, this abandoned ghost town draws adventurous souls who are eager to explore its well-preserved remnants. The extreme Arctic conditions have contributed to its remarkable preservation.
Delve into the experience further by choosing to stay at the only hotel in Pyramiden—an unforgettable opportunity for daring travelers. April is an especially thrilling time to visit, as Svalbard Polar Bears begin to awaken from their hibernation. The area becomes a hub of Polar Bear activity, making it an unparalleled adventure.
To deepen your Svalbard journey, don't miss the chance to explore Longyearbyen, where you'll find the northernmost brewery in the world. Discover more in our previous vlog:
Experience the Arctic's captivating history, breathtaking landscapes, and unique culture as you journey through the enchanting mining towns of Barentsburg and Pyramiden. Book your Svalbard adventure today!
If you are looking for Svalbard accommodations, here's our ultimate list of hotels in Svalbard:
And check out these cool Svalbard adventures that you can book before your visit!
Longyearbyen: Northern Lights Hunt by Snowcat
Longyearbyen: Northern Lights Evening with Dinner
Longyearbyen: Northern Lights Hunt by Electric Snowmobile
Longyearbyen: Historic Coal Mine Tour at Gruve 3
___
LIKE THE MUSIC IN OUR VIDEOS?
Try Epidemic Sound FREE for 30 days!
VLOGGING AND PHOTO GEAR
CAMERAS:
Main Camera -
Halef Cam -
GoPro -
LENSES:
Main Lens -
Wide-Angle:
DRONES:
Main Drone -
Backup Drone -
ACCESSORIES:
Camera Stabilizer -
Camera Batteries -
Lens pouches -
Video Microphone -
___
GET $40 OFF YOUR FIRST AIRBNB!
OUR TRAVEL BLOG
FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram:
Twitter:
Facebook:
ABOUT US
Michael and Halef live in Atlanta, GA, but are originally from Canada and Indonesia, respectively. They love to travel and try to do it as much as possible. They are currently planning a long-term round the world trip, starting in Antarctica!
Pyramiden - Svalbard
A journey to the northernmost mining town in the world - Pyramiden.
Located far in the north on the arctic archipelago Svalbard, the town once was home to about 2000 people. Today Svalbard is a ghost town. The buildings and the huge mine are abandoned since the late 90ies. We take you on a tour through the town and give you for the very first time a exclusive look inside the Pyramiden mine. A huge maze with over 160km of railroads, untouched and frozen in ice.
If you like to support my project make sure to order the PYRAMIDEN photo-book here:
A huge thanks to Christian Lim and Dominik Kilian from Motion Bakery for the video production & on location advanture support.
Born From Gulags, This Ex-USSR City Is The Most Depressing Place on Earth | Norilsk Russia
Located in the heart of Northern Siberia, sitting deep inside the Arctic permafrost, lies Norilsk, one of the northernmost inhabited cities in the world. Norilsk is Russia's most polluted city. It's nearly completely isolated, restricted from tourists, cannot be reached by road, and was built on the ruins of a forced labor camp. It inhabits 177,000 people.
Timestamps:
0:00 Norilsk, Russia
0:35 Stalin, Gulags, USSR
1:47 Why Do People Live Here?
3:14 Climate
4:05 Civilian Life
5:09 Blood River
This Stubborn Homeowner Refused To Move So They Demolished His House...
Intro Song: Molchat doma - Kletka
Background Music: Russian Doomer Music - Ambient
Abandoned Russia | Life in the Arctic Villages & suburbs of Vorkuta
My expedition to the Far North of Russia continues in the suburbs of a ghost town Vorkuta. I expected to see completely abandoned towns, so imagine my surprise and shock when I saw that some people still live there...
Time codes:
0:00 Welcome to Zapolyarny
4:23 Why are these cities deserted?
8:24 Volgashor. Half-frozen houses
11:09 Severniy
14:54 How are people living here?
???? - Russian Speaking Club where you can practice the Russian language. Join us from any level ;)
???? More videos:
- Life in a provincial Russian town in the Urals | Perm
- Russian culture | Habits you should adopt in Russia
- Slavic languages | Are they similar and can you learn all of them?
___
???? @elibakunova - more content about Russia, cultures, traveling, and my daily life
???? - if you feel like supporting my channel through Patreon
Crypto :
BTС 1MskRczv2zbLcs85r135gAe1jnGFq5ye7U
ETH 0xa0697a0409158ef7dfdb713ced739f4bf0dd1b8c
Pyramiden
Pyramiden is an abandoned Russian coal-mining settlement on the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. Founded by Sweden in 1910 and sold to the Soviet Union in 1927, Pyramiden was closed in 1998 and has since remained largely abandoned with most of its infrastructure and buildings still in place. Since 2007 there have been efforts to make it a tourist attraction.
In 2018, while waiting delayed on an expedition to the North Pole, I hitched a ride on the back of a snow mobile for a visit.
Exploring Japan's Lost Heritage on Sakhalin - Russia's Largest Island
Welcome to a fascinating journey to Sakhalin, the largest island in Russia, once known as Karafuto ( 樺太庁) during its Japanese colonial era. Join me as I delve into the captivating tapestry of this island's unique heritage, intertwining Japanese and Russian influences that have shaped its history, culture, and landscapes.
My exploration begins with a thrilling excursion into the remnants of the island's rich industrial past. I'll take you along the abandoned railway lines that were once the lifelines of Sakhalin's economic growth, transporting coal, timber, and dreams of prosperity across vast terrains.
Step back in time as we wander through the echoes of Sakhalin's history. Ruins of ancient Japanese temples and sanctuaries stand testament to the island's rich cultural heritage. We'll delve into the tales of the past, learning how the blend of traditions has shaped Sakhalin's identity.
As we journey deeper, we'll unveil the abandoned industrial facilities that once thrived on this rugged land.
Sakhalin's allure goes beyond its historical and industrial aspects. We'll immerse ourselves in its breathtaking natural beauty – from deep bushes and incredible waterfalls to vast bays and rugged coastlines.
My expedition to explore Sakhalin's Japanese heritage promises to be an unforgettable experience, unraveling the captivating tales of two cultures intertwining on this vast canvas. I invite you to hit the subscribe button and turn on the notification bell, so you won't miss a single episode of new enthralling journeys.
Key moments:
00:00 - Introduction to the history of Sakhalin (Karafuto, 樺太庁)
02:02 - Taking a ferry to Sakhalin
04:30 - The Sakhalin's Tunnel - Stalin's failed GULAG
06:49 - On board of the ferry
08:30 - Arrival to Sakhalin
10:06 - The town of Nevelsk (本斗, Honto)
12:57 - Japanese bridges in Shebunino (南名好, Minaminayoshi)
15:28 - Exploring Poronaysk (敷香, Sikuka)
20:25 - Nogliki - Russia's easternmost railway junction
23:41 - Peculiarities of Aleksandrovsk-Sakhalinskiy
26:17 - A village of Nivkhs in in the middle of nowhere
28:33 - War monuments near 50th Parallel North
29:32 - Ruins of a Japanese Shinto temple in Makarov (知取, Sirutomaru)
30:27 - Klokov Waterfall
33:01 - Japanese objects of Krasnogorsk
36:07 - The town of Uglegorsk (恵須取, Esutoru)
42:58 - The town of Tomari (泊居, Tomarioru)
47:20 - Japanese railway tunnels of Novosyolovo (追手, Ote)
48:24 - Arkansas river
48:54 - Deplorably of the town of Chekhov (野田, Noda)
50:33 - Journey to the abandoned Japanese railway
58:32 - Japanese school sanctuary in Chaplanovo (二股, Futamata)
59:44 - Crab market and torii in Vzmorye (白縫, Shiranui)
01:01:53 - East coast wartime defense line
01:05:43 - The town of Korsakov (大泊, Otomari)
01:08:47 - Gems of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (豊原, Toyohara)
01:10:37 - Tikhaya (Calm) Bay
01:12:08 - Journey to abanoned lighthouse Aniva (中知床岬灯台)
Filmed in July-August 2021, edited in 2023.
Enjoy!
You can contribute to the production of new videos via:
PayPal: ivantrainslive@gmail.com
Donation Alerts:
Patreon:
Crypto (Etherium): 0x9931db2f59a333799c99e3b85aacab57b1446cf8
YouTube Memebrship:
Instagram: @vagafuckabond
Exploring the Frozen Abandonment Pyramiden, a Russian Mining Ghost Town
Once a bustling Russian mining town Pyramiden was abruptly abandoned in the year of the year leaving behind an eerie silence that echoes through the frosty air This northern outpost was once filled with the hum of daily life Miners extracted coal from the heart of the mountain while their families built a community in the harsh Arctic wilderness But as quickly as the town had sprung up it disappeared leaving behind only the ghosts of its past Today Pyramiden stands preserved in the Arctic Chill a monument to the passage of time The cold has kept the town in a state of suspended animation its buildings tools and personal belongings untouched by the decay that usually follows abandonment It's a stark reminder of the impermanence of human endeavor against the relentless march of nature
Pyramiden - Arctic Ghost Town
Pyramiden filmed in April 2001