Volcanic irregularity? Odd erosion? Alien eggs? Local legends compete to explain these strange orbs.

A replica of the straw hut where Vladimir Lenin lived in hiding, disguised as a hay farmer, in 1917.

Russian researchers who have been excavating ancient squirrel burrows may have brought a 32,000-year-old plant back to life.

Site of the world's largest nuclear explosion.

Europe's highest peak is a key pillar of the Seven Summits mountaineering challenge.

This newly renovated Soviet-era outdoor exhibition center is bigger than the principality of Monaco.

The giant Siberian crater known locally as the "doorway to the underworld" is expanding every year.

A uniquely authentic display of traditional Russian culture.

Former estate of Lenin, now home to his death mask.

Five mile wide circular ring of rock in the Russian Far East is a curious geological oddity.

This iconic Russian space museum sits on a landmark space production facility and houses the Vostok 1, the first manned spacecraft, that was also built here.

Two islands just 4 km apart separated by an International Border and Date Line.

This cuddly rodent has a place of honor at a Russian institute for genetic research.

This remote lake in Siberia supposedly contains a fearsome sea monster.

Unusual, mushroom-like rock formations caused by weathering and water erosion, set to disappear, according to geologists.

This nostalgic Russian museum is full of USSR cultural artifacts from the 1970s and 80s.

Former prison camp dedicated to the victims of political repression.

The avant-garde design was able to bypass strict Soviet regulations on architecture.

Moscow's imposing monument to the Space Age.

The world's second-largest excavated hole.

A sculpture park of the tossed aside relics of the USSR, from Stalin to a massive Soviet emblem.

Nightmarish example of the unintended consequences of weapons testing.

Secret Soviet city once home to Russian cosmonauts and space training facilities.

It took over half a century but a Russian monument to a famous and tragic space pup finally stands in Moscow.