Nikolskoe, Russia

An urban-type settlement in Josna Raion, Leningrad Oblast, RSFSR. Nikol'skoe or as it is more commonly known, Ekaterina-Nikol'skoe is situated on the Tosna River (tributary of the Neva) 6 kilometres from the Sablino railroad station on the Leningrad-Moscow line.

Ekaterina-Nikol'skoye is a rural locality (a selo) and the administrative centre of the Aleutsky District of Kamchatka Krai, Russia, located on the Bering Island in the Commander Islands chain. It is the only remaining inhabited locality in the district.

It was founded in 1826 by Aleut (Unangan) settlers from Atka Island in the Aleutian Islands who were brought there by Russian fur traders. While engaging to some extent in the traditional pursuits of whaling and sealing with harpoons and spears, they were primarily employed in the harvest of fur-bearing animals, notably sea otters and fur seals.

Russia is the perfect place to rent a car because you are free to tour Ekaterino-Nikol'skoe and other areas to experience the cities and landscape at your own pace or you can take an organised bus tours.

Outside the old town, Ekaterino-Nikol'skoe is a modern European city with premier shopping centres and office buildings. When you are in the new downtown amidst the modern infrustructure you may forget you are in Ekaterino-Nikol'skoe.

Another great place to visit in Ekaterino-Nikol'skoe is the
National Park. Explore lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and vegetation in this serene environmentally protected area. The coastline has a huge peninsulas jutting out into the Gulf of Finland providing breathtaking vistas. Travellers can swim on the border of Russia in the largest lakes in Europe.

The current economy is based primarily on fishing, especially the harvest of salmon caviar, mushroom gatherin, and government services and subsidies. Despite living in an environment that is extremely rich with wildlife, the inhabitants of the island are very restricted in the use of these resources since almost the entire island is a nature preserve. In the years following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, poaching of fish, arctic fox, reindeer (which were introduced to the island) and migratory waterfowl was widespread, but there is virtually no harvest of marine mammals due to strict protection.

Cruises generally commence in late Spring (April/May) and the season ends in September. The shorter season reflects the more northerly latitude of the region, however daily temperatures through the region are generally a pleasant 20c/70f through summer and can rise to the mid to high 20's. April and September are cooler. This is a relatively low rain period with about 8 to 10 days of rain per month.

Population: 676 inhabitants (2010)
Language: Russian, English
Currency: Ruble, Euro
Time zone: PETT (UTC+12:00)
Postal code(s): 684500
Dialing code(s): +7 41547