Fifty kilometers from Vladivostok in Peter the Great Bay is Askold Island. Geographically, it is under 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 the large bay. The area of the island is over fourteen square kilometers. The island landscape is represented by mountain peaks over three hundred meters above sea level, broad-leaved forests and meadows. Fresh water resources consist of two springs and several streams. Rocky shores drop steeply to the sea. The climate on the island is notable for 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 Naezdnik Bay, a window naturally formed 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 Russian sailors arrived on Askold Island in the 19th century,it was, due to harsh climatic conditions, sparsely populated. The island came under Russian jurisdiction after the conclusion of the Aigun Treaty with China and the Beijing Treaty, which secured the transfer of Primorye to Russia. However, a lot of time passed from the legal consolidation of this territory for the Russian Empire to the development of the island. In 1855, during the Crimean War, it was visited by English sailors who carried out a hydrographic description of the coast of the Ussuri Bay. In a map published in 1866 in Great Britain, Askold Island appeared under the name Termination (translated from English - “final point”). In 1859, the description of the island was made by the sailors of the Russian clipper ship Strelok, who named it Mayachny. The strait that separates the island from the mainland was named after the Russian screw frigate Askold. The island began to be called the strait from 1863. The bay was named after the Russian military clipper ship Naezdnik. Most of the geographical names on the island are somehow connected with Russian sailors. The opposite bay, as already mentioned, is called Southeast.
Breaker Times
In the 19th century, the island was a semi-legal gold mining site controlled by the Honghuz (Chinese robbers). They, in addition to gold mining, were also engaged in poaching. Thanks to their predatory actions, the local animal world has become endangered. This was put to an end 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-Japanesewars of 1904-1905. It was this post that discovered the approach of a detachment of Japanese ships of Admiral Kamimura in time. In Soviet times, fortifications (pillboxes and a coastal battery) were created on the island to protect against a possible Japanese landing. There was also a weather station. There is currently a lighthouse on Askold Island. The population is its staff.
Due to the harsh climate, Askold (an island in Peter the Great Bay) is not very suitable for living. It has absolutely no tourist infrastructure, which, however, is not an obstacle for visitors who want to be among the pristine wilderness.
Animal and plant world of Askold Island
Sika deer have been bred on the island since the 19th century. During the times of gold mining and rampant poachers, deer were almost completely destroyed. After an observation post was established on the island and an artillery coastal battery with a military camp was built, poachers ceased to threaten the deer, and their population quickly recovered. Currently, due to the lack of a large population, animals are also not in danger. Tourists who come to the island have the opportunity to watch deer in their natural habitat.
Besides sika deer, the island is home to numerous birds. Also, tourists can admire the huge number of butterflies of bright colors fluttering among shrubs and trees. On the shore there are rookeries of seals and sea lions. The flora is unusually rich. Askold is a mysterious island with richnature. Almost the entire territory is covered with broad-leaved forests. Among the trees there are species of valuable mahogany and Manchurian walnut. Meadows and light forests are dotted with thickets of barberry and acacia. The sea near the island is rich in fish, there are killer whales.
The lighthouse is the main attraction of the island
There are two lighthouses on the island. The old one was built in 1879 at Cape Yelagin. The lighthouse is eight meters high. Its base and tower are made of bricks, while the adjacent outbuildings are built of rubble stone. The equipment for the lighthouse was purchased in England. In 1917, the lighthouse, which was collapsing due to the local harsh climate, had to be rebuilt. The base was strengthened and the tower was rebuilt. In this form, he has survived to this day. At present, the Askold lighthouse is also functioning. The island is also famous for other attractions.
Coast Battery
In Soviet times, military installations were located on the island. It was closed to the public. This is reminiscent of the remains of the barracks of the military camp, old military equipment that has fallen into disrepair and the main local attraction - 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. The 180mm guns in the turrets were capable of hitting targets over thirty-seven kilometers away.
Secrets of the Dungeon
Underground there 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 combat readiness, and then, due to the reduction of the army, the military left these places. There was a military garrison on the island. Currently, the only inhabitants of the island are the lighthouse keepers. The coastal battery and fortifications around fell into disrepair. 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 throughout the island testify to the militaristic past. People interested in military history and fortification will find a lot of interesting things here.
Tourism Features
From the point of view of organizing tourism, the island has undeniable advantages in the form of a unique diverse natural landscape, the presence of places that are 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. Askold Island (Primorsky Territory) is of great interest to lovers of military history. The development of tourism is hindered by inaccessibility, gusty winds that often change direction. The most optimal tourist route is a boat trip around the island. Such an excursion allows you to appreciate the greatness of the gigantic rocks, which, like heroes, rise vertically fromwater, making the island resemble a fortress. The lack of a developed tourist infrastructure can not only be regarded as a disadvantage, but also be to some extent an advantage. This will attract connoisseurs of pristine nature and romance to Askold Island.
How to get there
The easiest way to reach the island is by boat from the cities of Vladivostok and Nakhodka. Such a trip will bring a minimum of inconvenience and will be relatively comfortable. However, you will have to rent a boat and pay for a trip in both directions, since there is currently no transport connection with the island. You can also take a bus from Vladivostok to the village of Fokino, and from there - to the village of Danube. Next, in the Danube village, you will need to find a carrier. Thus, a trip to Askold Island (Primorsky Krai, Russia) becomes a very difficult task. However, road inconveniences are more than compensated by the impressions of meeting with the pristine nature of this unique corner of the Russian Far East. Going to the island, you must take with you a supply of food and travel accessories.
Thus, the abandoned Askold Island, due to its unique natural landscape, diversity of flora and fauna, sparsely populated areas, as well as sights related to Russian military history, is of interest for tourists to visit. You can wander around the island all day and not meet any of the people. The only ones thereyou can meet - these are the same tourists with whom you can team up to jointly explore the island's attractions and explore the secrets of the island.
