Klyuchevskaya Sopka is a stratovolcano located in the Kamchatka Peninsula. It is inland about 60 miles from the Bering Sea and features a steep symmetrical cone. It could be argued that it is nearly a perfect volcano.
Klyuchevskaya Sopka is connected to the Volcanoes of Kamchatka series, which also has the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first eruption on record occurred in 1697 with the most recent eruption happening December 7th, 2013.
Klyuchevskaya Sopka was declared one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Russia on June 11, 2014. Visitors and potential travelers should discover and learn more about what makes Klyuchevskaya one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Russia.
What makes Klyuchevskaya Sopka a natural wonder of Russia?
Statistically speaking, Klyuchevskaya Sopka is the highest active volcano of Eurasia with the summit reaching a peak of 15,584 feet (4,750 m).
Aesthetically speaking, Klyuchevskaya Sopka provides visitors with one of the most perfectly shaped volcano cones. The cone is steep and symmetrical providing a picturesque view from any side. The 2007 eruption sent the ash plume 32,000 feet (9,800 m) into the air, the largest eruption of the volcano cycle.
What are the best ways to see and experience the Klyuchevskaya Sopka?
The best way to see Klyuchevskaya Sopka is from one of the vistas or scenic overlooks. The mountain is symmetrical providing a picturesque view from most any angel. The near perfect cone and isolated characteristic of the volcano makes it a photogenic mountain.
Visitors can ski on the mountain, but the best way to experience the mountain comes from climbing the mountain during the summer months. This provides one of the more personal encounters with this amazing wonder.
What is the Klyuchevskaya Sopka weather like?
The weather for Klyuchevskaya Sopka follows cold to colder temperatures. The winter months bring colder temperatures and snows, which provides the snow for skiers and winter sports. The temperatures can get as low as -38oF during the evening.
The summer months provide warmer, but not hot, temperatures making climbing the mountain more feasible. The temperatures in July get up around 18oF (-7oC). The evenings get even colder, so plan for jackets and warmer clothes.
When is the best time to visit the Klyuchevskaya Sopka?
If you want to ski, then the best time to visit Klyuchevskaya Sopka is during the months of March through mid-May. However, the majority of people looking to experience this natural wonder are not looking to ski. The best time to visit is during the summer months of July through September. This provides the best weather for climbing and trekking around the mountain.
The summer months tend to be dry with clear skies providing more picturesque views of the mountain.
How do you get to the Klyuchevskaya Sopka?
Klyuchevskaya Sopka and the Kamchatka peninsula are located 9 time zones east of Moscow. Getting to the area is a challenge because of the remote nature of the peninsula. The majority of travelers access the peninsula by boat or plane. There is a road, but it is frequently inaccessible because of snow and weather conditions.
Photography Tips for capturing the Klyuchevskaya Sopka
There are no specific insights or tips for photography at the Klyuchevskaya Sopka at this time. Tips and insights will be added as experienced or discovered. If you are a photographer and have insights to share for future photographers visiting the Klyuchevskaya area, please submit them to Seven Wonders through the Contact Page.