Suzdal is what I would consider the crowning jewel of the Golden Ring around Moscow. Historically, a prosperous trading town on the way east, the Transsiberean Railroad was built via Vladimir to the South and Suzdal became somewhat of a backwater. As such it has kept much of the historic town center and gives a look into the Russian past.

The town is dotted with wooden Russian buildings and houses a staggering amount of monasteries and churches. Several of these are lined along the local river banks giving an impressive panorama. And of all the murals I saw in Russia, St Euthymius in Suzdal certainly features in the Top 2, the sole other contender being in the Mirozhsky Monastery in Pskov.

I nearly decided to skip on Suzdal for logistical reasons (no train connection, local bus, ...). Thanks to Jarek for his feedback in the forum that made me go anyway. And I do agree: Suzdal is one of the loveliest places in Russia.

Apart from Suzdal the site also covers monuments in Vladimir and Bogoljubowo. The Church of Perfection on the Nerl (see picture) in Bogoljubowo is probably the most iconic image of the inscribed site. The small white chapel is beautifully embedded into a large wetland plain with a pont stretching around it. It's a great walk and photo opportunity.

Vladimir meanwhile is less impressive, but being the logistical hub for the region you will probably pass through anyhow.

Notes

The opening hours of all the sites are not aligned. Some close Wednesdays, other Tuesdays. In my case I wasn't able to visit a church in Vladimir and the Kremlin in Suzdal. The upside is that you can be sure that some sites will be open when you come to visit.

Getting There

Vladimir has a direct express train connection from Moscow (2:50h). You can easily visit the sites on a day trip. Be advised, though, that you need to reserve early as the train is rather popular.

From the bus terminal directly in front of the train station you can get to Suzdal. To get to Bogoljubowo take the bus at the Golden Gate (Bus 152). The bus station in Suzdal is on the outskirts of town. Either take a long walk or one of the local busses. To get to the Church of Perfection in Bogoljubowo you need to cross the rail road tracks. This is only possible at the rail station.