Uvinsky District: Springs, Crafts and Udmurt Culture

Four rivers rise at Erestem Cape; the craft and cultural sites in Uvinsky District also offer insights into Udmurt traditions. The district can be explored from two angles: through its springs and forest landscape, or through its techniques, collections and local culture.

Springs, forest ravine and protected nature

Erestem Cape lies 299 metres above sea level and is known as the “Roof of Udmurtia.” The Uva, Nylga, Chur and Loza rivers rise there. The Vikurdan spring area offers a different landscape: it lies in a forest ravine, where numerous springs form the headwaters of a right tributary of the Uva. At the cape, the focus is on its elevation and the sources of several rivers; at Vikurdan, it is on the springs in the ravine.

The “Zateryannyy Klyuch” ecotour also takes visitors into nature: part of the route passes through the Oblastnovskoye State Integrated Hunting Reserve. The route is approved for visits with children. As route information may change, check the details before your visit.

A pine tree about 400 years old stands in Chabishur. In 2015, it was added to the national register of ancient trees and designated a “Monument of Living Nature.” According to Udmurt tradition, the pine was considered a place of power; rituals at the site and the worship of the god Inmar are associated with it. Alongside its approximate age and the dated register entry, it therefore also has cultural significance.

Crafts and Udmurt culture

At the “Artel” tourism and craft centre in Uzey-Tuklya, visitors can learn the basics of traditional crafts through workshops and guided tours. Arrange activities with the centre. The offerings include traditional and vertical weaving (tapestry weaving), artistic birch-bark work, carpentry and woodturning, artistic painting, wood carving and patchwork. The different crafts range from textile techniques to work with wood and birch bark, as well as painting.

The Sidorov family museum-estate offers a different focus: workshops on gathering local herbs and grains, as well as lessons in colour composition and plain weaving. The wooden sculptures draw on Udmurt creation myths and ancient beliefs. Other themes on display include protective spirits of the family and clan, a pantheon of gods and totem animals. Visits are by prior arrangement; also check with the museum whether the programme is available. During a pre-arranged visit, the hosts serve hot tabani and herbal tea.

At the Udmurt Cultural Centre in Bulay, visitors can take part in “Tangyra,” an ethno-futuristic performance featuring ancient signal instruments. The centre offers interactive tours and workshops for adults and children. Visitors can learn to use a historic loom or weave bast shoes. Household items, tools, clothing and furniture are on display. The hosts serve guests national dishes. Check arrangements and availability before your visit.

Church in Mushkovay

The wooden Church of Demetrius of Thessaloniki, built in 2007 in the village of Mushkovay, offers another perspective on local history. It stands on the site of an earlier wooden church and is described as the only church in Udmurtia dedicated to the memory of a warrior and martyr. Its year of construction, predecessor site and distinctive dedication make it a separate historical highlight.

Discover more destinations: Zvenigovsky District, Izhevsk, Sarapulsky District, Zavyalovsky District and Izhevsk.

Return to the regional travel overview: Udmurt Republic.