Rosneft, in collaboration with the Orenburg region government, has launched the "Ural Wind" tourist route, a new initiative designed to stimulate domestic tourism in Russia. The official presentation took place on September 9, 2025, at a Bashneft gas station in Orenburg. Company volunteers were present to inform attendees about the route's attractions and provide travel advice.
The event was attended by notable auto-racers Mikhail Mityayev and Kirill Ladaghin, who shared their experiences on the route. Government representatives from the Orenburg region also participated, highlighting the joint commitment to promoting automotive tourism. The "Ural Wind" route spans from Samara to Orenburg, showcasing a variety of cultural and historical sites.
Key attractions along the route include the "Friendship of Peoples" ethno-park in Samara, featuring 20 distinct courtyards representing the region's diverse ethnic groups. The "Barinov Mill" eco-park offers a glimpse into the past with its preserved 1848 windmill, the only one of its kind in the region. The Church of the Life-Giving Trinity is noted for its frescoes by Grigory Zhuravlev, an artist who created masterpieces using his teeth despite being born without limbs.
Further historical context is provided by the historical and local lore museum in Neftegorsk, with its "Old Quarter" and exhibitions such as "Ancient Life" and "Journey into the Depths of the Earth." Nature lovers can explore Buzuluksky Bor National Park, known for its multi-tiered pine trees. The route also includes a unique cave ski resort within the Nikolsky women's monastery in Pokrovka village, offering exploration of underground passages, a chapel, and a sacred spring.
The governor's historical and local lore museum in Orenburg houses a significant collection of ancient treasures, including historical weaponry and everyday items. This "Ural Wind" route is Rosneft's fourth tourist development in partnership with regional governments, following previous routes like "Power of Nature" and "Relic Gem." The company has also introduced "Steppe Stories" and another iteration of "Relic Gem" this year, demonstrating a continued effort to promote diverse travel experiences across Russia.
Travelers on the "Ural Wind" route will have access to Rosneft's extensive network of over 160 Automotive Service Stations (ATS) across the Orenburg and Samara regions, providing essential services. Rosneft's broader commitment to domestic tourism is evident in its development of over 40 car travel routes nationwide, many accessible via the "Horizons of Russia" platform.