These two cities on the Ob River can’t exist without each other

Salekhard has an airport, while Labytnangi has a railway station. Both of these Yamal cities are on the opposite banks of the Ob River - it seems that they are literally a stone’s throw away from each other. But, for the locals, the river crossing becomes a real adventure, because there’s no bridge!

A street in Salekhard.

Walking in Salekhard.

Although the Ob is only a couple of kilometers wide, the construction is very expensive, due to the difficult climate and permafrost. The project for the construction of the ‘Salekhard Bridge’ has been around for over half a century, but it has yet to be implemented.

The ice road between the cities.

In summer, people travel between the cities by ferry, but it is most difficult in late spring and early fall, during the muddy weather. In this off-season, hovercrafts usually operate on the river. But, you cannot take a lot of things with you by boat or ferry. Therefore, the ice crossing season is eagerly awaited.

Crossing the river.

The best time for the locals is, oddly enough, winter. Of course, you may often encounter minus 40-degree frosts, but, at the same time, “winter roads” appear - real highways, along which you can easily do your business. Usually, it takes road services two to three weeks to prepare a “winter road” from the moment the ice forms on the river: this is the time it takes to freeze the ice to a thickness thick enough for cars to drive over it.

Labytnangi station.

The view of Labytnangi.