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Sayano-Shushenskaya Hydroelectric Station

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Sayano-Shushenskaya Hydroelectric Station (Russia)

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The Sayano-Shushenskaya Hydroelectric Station is a triumph of Soviet engineering and by far the most powerful power generation facility in all of Russia. Located in the southern Siberian republic of Khakassia, the massive arch-gravity dam impounds the turbulent Yenisei River at an incredible height of 242 meters and stretches for more than a kilometer in length. With a total installed capacity of 6,400 megawatts, the power plant is an indispensable energy supplier for the surrounding region, particularly for the extremely energy-intensive aluminum smelters that are of fundamental importance to Russian exports. Construction began in the late 1960s, but it took decades for the facility to reach its full capacity. In 2009, the power station suffered a catastrophic accident in which the turbine hall was flooded, claiming dozens of lives. In the ensuing years, the facility underwent extensive rehabilitation and is today once again considered the backbone of the Siberian energy infrastructure.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-17-14-531017181692-7-14
Rain mm18182749859811810169513629

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Sayano-Shushenskaya Hydroelectric Station is Russia's largest hydroelectric plant by capacity, situated on the Yenisei River in Siberia. It provides massive amounts of electricity to the region, especially powering major aluminum smelters and heavy industries.
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Visiting
The dam and power station are critical infrastructure and not open to public visits for security reasons. However, the massive concrete dam structure can be viewed from observation points on both banks of the Yenisei River.
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Where to view it
The best public viewing is from the highway bridge downstream of the dam and from the designated observation deck on the right bank. Nearby overlooks provide dramatic views of the spillway and the reservoir.
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Local products
The region around the Sayano-Shushenskaya dam features Siberian pine nuts, taiga honey, and river fish. Local markets also sell crafts made from stone and wood by indigenous Khakass people.
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Active season
The hydroelectric plant operates continuously throughout the year, but water discharge peaks during spring thaw and heavy rains. Visitor traffic to the area is highest in summer when the reservoir is full and the spillway is active.
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Nearby
Combine the dam visit with a trip to the Shushenskoye open-air museum, a historic Siberian village. The remarkable Yenisei River gorge and nearby hiking trails in the Sayan Mountains also attract nature lovers.

Geography

Coordinates
52.81000, 91.37000

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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Khovd Watermelon FieldsKhovd Watermelon Fields29 km · NEExplore →
KhovdKhovd33 km · NEExplore →
TsambagaravTsambagarav47 km · SExplore →
Sayano-Shushenski Nature ReserveSayano-Shushenski Nature Reserve48 km · NExplore →
Tsambagarav MountainTsambagarav Mountain59 km · SExplore →
Sayano-Shushensky ReserveSayano-Shushensky Reserve70 km · NExplore →
Uvs Sea Buckthorn FarmsUvs Sea Buckthorn Farms71 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Sayano-Shushenskaya Hydroelectric Station (9)

View📍 landmark

A scenic area providing a perspective on the massive arch-gravity dam structure across the Yenisei River.

Otlichnyi vid na vodosbros SShGES🌿 nature

A prime vantage point for watching the dramatic water release from the dam’s massive spillway system.

Smotrovaia ploshchadka Saiano-Shushenskoi GES🌿 nature

The main observation deck featuring a monument to the builders and panoramic views of the 242-meter-high concrete dam.

Sekretnaia smotrovaia SSh GES🌿 nature

A hidden, less-crowded spot offering an alternative side perspective of the hydroelectric power station.

Muzei gidroenergetiki🏛 museum

This museum gives insights into the construction and technology of the massive Sayano-Shushenskaya dam.

Natsional'nyi park "Shushenskii Bor"📍 landmark

This national park features vast pine forests and diverse wildlife along the banks of the Yenisei River.

Arochno - gravitatsionnaia plotina Saiano-Shushenskoi GES📍 landmark

Standing at 242 meters, this arch-gravity dam is the tallest in Russia and powers a major hydroelectric station.

Chasovnia⛪ religious

A small wooden chapel located on a hillside, offering a peaceful vantage point over the Yenisei River.

Rynok🎭 culture

A bustling local marketplace where visitors can find regional Siberian products and fresh food.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the dam?
There are official tours for registered groups.
Why is the structure famous?
It is one of the largest dams worldwide.
Where is the facility located?
It is located on the Yenisei River in Khakassia.
Is the area safe for tourists?
Yes, but access to the facility itself is strictly limited.
Are there hiking trails nearby?
Yes, the surroundings offer beautiful mountain scenery.
Sayano-Shushenskaya Hydroelectric Station: where is it located?
Sayano-Shushenskaya Hydroelectric Station is located in Russia.
Sayano-Shushenskaya Hydroelectric Station: what is there to see?
Highlights include View, Otlichnyi vid na vodosbros SShGES, Smotrovaia ploshchadka Saiano-Shushenskoi GES.
Sayano-Shushenskaya Hydroelectric Station: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Sayano-Shushenskaya Hydroelectric Station: why is it worth visiting?
The Sayano-Shushenskaya Hydroelectric Station is a triumph of Soviet engineering and by far the most powerful power generation facility in all of Russia.
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History & landmarks

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