Askold - an island in the Gulf of Peter the Great. Description, sights and interesting facts

Fifty kilometers from Vladivostok in the Peter the Great Bay is the island of Askold. Territorially, it is in the administrative subordination of the city of Fokino, Primorsky Krai.

Short description

Askold is a ghost island. So it is called for the lack of human civilization. The island from a bird's-eye view is a horseshoe because of a large bay. The area of the island is more than fourteen square kilometers. The island landscape is represented by mountain peaks over three hundred meters above sea level, broad-leaved forests and meadows. Freshwater resources consist of two springs and several watercourses. Rocky shores abruptly cut off to the sea. The climate on the island is characterized by its unpredictability and is characterized by sharp changes (from calm and calm weather to rain with a sharp wind and fog). In the southeastern part of the island, at the entrance to the Rider's bay, a window was created in the rocks, called "The Window of Peter the Great". On the opposite side of the island there is another bay - Southeast.

A bit of history

Before the arrival of Russian sailors on the island of Askold in the XIX century, he was sparsely populated due to severe climatic conditions. Under the Russian jurisdiction, the island was found after the conclusion with China of the Treaty of Aygun and the Beijing Treaty, which secured the transfer of Primorye to Russia. However, a considerable amount of time has passed since the legal establishment of this territory for the Russian Empire before the development of the island. In 1855, during the Crimean War, it was visited by British naval sailors who carried out a hydrographic description of the coast of the Ussuriysky Gulf. In the map published in the year 1866 in Great Britain, the island of Askold was featured under the name Termination (translated from English as the "final destination"). In 1859 the description of the island was made by the sailors of the Russian clipper "Shooter", who called it "Mayachny". The strait separating the island from the mainland was named after the Russian screw frigate Askold. The island began to be called the strait since 1863. The bay was named after the Russian military clipper "Rider". Most of the geographical names on the island in one way or another connected with the Russian military sailors. The opposite cove, as already mentioned, is called the Southeast.

Times of robbery

In the XIX century, the island was a semi-legal gold mining site, controlled by hunhuz (Chinese robbers). They, besides mining gold, were also engaged in poaching. Due to their predatory actions, the local animal kingdom was endangered. The end of this was laid in 1892, when a military observation post was set up on the island. He played an important role in protecting the approaches to Vladivostok during the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905. It was this post that in time revealed the approach of a detachment of Japanese ships of Admiral Kamimura.
During the Soviet period, fortifications (pillboxes and coastal batteries) were created on the island to protect against a possible Japanese landing. There was also a weather station. Currently, there is a lighthouse on the island of Askold. The population is his staff.

Due to the harsh climate, Askold (an island in Peter the Great Bay) is not suitable for living. It completely lacks tourist infrastructure, which, however, is not an obstacle for visitors wishing to be among the primeval wildlife.

The fauna and flora of the island of Askold

Since the XIX century on the island is breeding spotted deer. In times of gold mining and the revelry of poachers, deer were almost completely destroyed. After the observation post was created on the island and an artillery coastal battery with a military town was built, the poachers stopped threatening deer, and their population quickly recovered. At present, due to the lack of a large population, the animals are also not threatened. Tourists who come to the island have the opportunity to observe deer in their natural habitat.

In addition to sika deer, the island is home to numerous birds. Also, tourists can enjoy a lot of colorful butterflies fluttering among bushes and trees. On the shore are the rookeries of seals and sea lions. Extraordinarily rich in plant life. Askold is a mysterious island with a rich nature. Almost the whole territory is covered with broad-leaved forests. Among the trees there are rocks of valuable mahogany and manchurian walnut. Meadows and woodlands are dotted with thickets of barberry and acacia. The sea near the island is rich in fish, there are killer whales.

Mayak is the main attraction of the island

There are two lighthouses on the island. The old one was built in 1879 on Cape Elagin. The lighthouse is eight meters high. Its base and tower are made of bricks, and the nearby service buildings are built of quarry stone. Equipment for the lighthouse was purchased in England. In 1917 the lighthouse, which was destroyed due to the local severe climate, had to be rebuilt. The base was rebuilt and the tower was rebuilt. In this form it has come down to our days. Currently, the lighthouse Ascold also functions. The island is famous for other sights.

Coastal Battery

During the Soviet era, the island had military facilities. It was closed to visit. This is reminiscent of the remnants of the barracks of the military town, the old, worn-out military equipment and the main local landmark is coastal battery No. 26. It was built in 1936, during the aggravation of the military threat from militaristic Japan, to protect the approaches to Vladivostok from the sea. Guns with a caliber of 180 mm in the towers were able to hit targets at a distance of more than thirty-seven kilometers.

Secrets of the Underground

Underground was a complex of underground structures (warehouses, living quarters, command post, hospital). The depth of the underground structures of the coastal battery is forty meters. Until 1991, it was in a state of combat readiness, and then, in connection with the reduction of the army, the military withdrew from these places. On the island there was a military garrison. Currently, the only islanders are lighthouse keepers. The coastal battery and the fortifications around came to desolation. The most acceptable option would be to create a fortification museum on its base, like the Voroshilov battery. The rusty skeletons of anti-aircraft guns and other military equipment scattered all over the island testify to the militaristic past. People interested in military history and fortification will find here a lot of interesting things for themselves.

Features of tourism

From the point of view of organizing tourism, the island has undeniable advantages in the form of a unique diverse natural landscape, the availability of places not affected by the destructive influence of modern civilization. Due to the great depths, the abundance of marine life, this place is attractive for divers. Of great interest is the island of Askold (Primorsky Krai) for lovers of military history. The development of tourism is hindered by inaccessibility, gusty winds, often changing direction. The most optimal tourist route is a boat trip around the island. This excursion allows you to appreciate the greatness of the giant rocks, which, like the heroes, rise vertically from the water, thanks to which the island resembles a fortress. The lack of a developed tourist infrastructure can not only be seen as a drawback, but also to some extent be a virtue. It will attract connoisseurs of pristine nature and romance to the island of Askold.

How to get there

The easiest way to reach the island is to travel by boat from the cities of Vladivostok and Nakhodka. Such a trip will bring a minimum of inconveniences and will be relatively comfortable. However, the boat will have to rent and pay for the trip in both directions, since there is no transport connection with the island at present. You can also take a bus from Vladivostok to the village of Fokino, and from there - to the village of Danube. Further in the settlement of Danube it will be necessary to find a carrier. Thus, a trip to the island of Askold (Primorsky Krai, Russia) becomes a very difficult task. However, road inconveniences are more than offset by impressions from the meeting with the pristine nature of this unique corner of the Russian Far East. Going to the island, you need to bring a supply of food and tourist supplies.

Thus, the abandoned island of Askold, thanks to the unique natural landscape, the diversity of flora and fauna, sparsely populated areas, as well as sights related to the national military history, is of interest to tourists. On the island you can wander the whole day and not meet any of the people. The only people you can meet there are the same tourists, with whom you can unite for joint exploration of island attractions and explore the secrets of the island.