A city where two great rivers meet and the sky puts on a nightly show now has the trademarks to prove it
Nizhny Novgorod, Russia’s sixth-largest city and one of its best-kept secrets, has officially trademarked two evocative tourism brands: “Capital of Sunsets” and “100% Real Russia.” The Russian patent agency Rospatent has entered both names into the state register, granting usage rights to the Center 800 organization. The announcement was made by Nizhny Novgorod Region Governor Gleb Nikitin via Telegram.
What the Brands Mean
The “100% Real Russia” trademark aims to showcase Nizhny Novgorod as a destination where visitors can experience the full spectrum of Russian culture, from traditional crafts and ancient architecture to cutting-edge science and art. It’s a bold claim, but one that rings true for a city founded over 800 years ago that has witnessed—and shaped—so much of Russian history.
The “Capital of Sunsets” brand emerged organically from the city’s spectacular geography. Perched on high bluffs overlooking the confluence of Europe’s longest river, the Volga, and the Oka, Nizhny Novgorod offers breathtaking panoramic views that transform into pure magic at golden hour. The brand has grown into a cultural phenomenon, spawning a popular summer music festival held on weekend evenings along the Lower Volga Embankment, where locals and visitors gather to watch the sun sink behind the famous Strelka—the arrow-shaped cape where the two rivers merge.
“We will continue to develop our unique symbols to open the Nizhny Novgorod Region to thousands of people who love and appreciate ‘100% Real Russia,'” Governor Nikitin wrote.
A City Transformed
The trademark registration comes several years after Nizhny Novgorod’s spectacular 800th anniversary celebrations in August 2021. The milestone birthday sparked a massive urban renewal project, with the Russian government allocating over 32 billion rubles (approximately $434 million) to restore and revitalize the city. The Kremlin, embankments, and the beloved Switzerland Park—a 3.5-kilometer green oasis along the Oka River that won the 2024 “Parks of Russia” award—all received extensive renovations.
The anniversary gala featured supermodel and Nizhny Novgorod native Natalia Vodianova, with President Vladimir Putin in attendance. The Bank of Russia even issued commemorative gold and silver coins honoring the city’s eight centuries of history.
Gateway to the Golden Ring
For international travelers, Nizhny Novgorod serves as a natural extension to Russia’s famous Golden Ring—the legendary tourist route connecting ancient cities northeast of Moscow. The Golden Ring, created in 1967 by Soviet historian Yuri Bychkov, traditionally links eight principal cities: Vladimir, Suzdal, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Ivanovo, Rostov Veliky, Pereslavl-Zalessky, and Sergiev Posad. These living museums preserve Russia’s medieval heritage, with UNESCO-protected monasteries, white-stone cathedrals adorned with golden domes, and kremlins that have stood for centuries.
In January 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko announced that the Golden Ring would be expanded by dozens of destinations ahead of its 60th anniversary in 2027, with the Nizhny Novgorod Region among those included in the extended route.
This makes perfect sense: Nizhny Novgorod has always been intertwined with the Golden Ring’s story. Just three hours from Vladimir—one of the Ring’s crown jewels—the city offers travelers a chance to experience not just ancient Russia, but a vibrant, modern metropolis that bridges past and present.
Why Visit Nizhny Novgorod
The Views: The Chkalov Staircase, Russia’s longest monumental stairway with over 560 steps forming an elegant figure-eight, connects the Upper Volga Embankment to the riverside below. Built in honor of the Battle of Stalingrad victory and named after legendary Soviet pilot Valery Chkalov (who pioneered the polar flight route from Moscow to Vancouver in 1937), the stairs offer cinematic views of the city and rivers. The panorama from the top, near the 15th-century Kremlin walls, is unforgettable at sunset.
The Kremlin: Designed by an Italian architect and completed in 1511, the red-brick fortress features 13 magnificent towers and 12-meter-high walls. Unlike its Moscow counterpart, Nizhny’s Kremlin is less crowded and more intimate. Within its walls, the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael holds the tomb of Kuzma Minin, the local merchant who co-led the liberation of Moscow from Polish invaders in 1612—an event still celebrated as a defining moment in Russian history.
The Rivers: A cable car crosses the Volga on a 900-meter span, offering aerial views of the city and surrounding landscapes. In summer, visitors can rent SUP boards, take river cruises, or simply stroll the renovated embankments that earned Nizhny Novgorod its “sunset capital” nickname.
The Culture: This is the birthplace of writer Maxim Gorky, after whom the city was named during the Soviet era (1932–1990). It was also where dissident physicist Andrei Sakharov spent years in exile—his apartment is now a museum. The region is famous for Khokhloma folk art, those distinctive wooden items painted with red, gold, and black floral patterns, as well as Gorodets painting.
The Atmosphere: Unlike the intensity of Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod moves at a gentler pace. Its main pedestrian street, Bolshaya Pokrovskaya—the local “Arbat”—is lined with historical buildings, quirky street sculptures, and welcoming cafes. The city has retained its authentic Russian character while embracing modern comforts.
Getting There
High-speed Lastochka trains connect Moscow to Nizhny Novgorod in approximately four hours. The M12 and M7 highways cover the 430-kilometer distance in about five hours by car. The city also has an international airport with connections to Moscow and St. Petersburg.
The Bottom Line
With its newly trademarked identity, Nizhny Novgorod is positioning itself as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking authentic Russian experiences beyond the well-trodden paths of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Whether you’re chasing the perfect sunset, tracing the footsteps of Russian history, or looking to extend your Golden Ring journey, this 800-year-old city at the meeting of two great rivers is ready to welcome you.
As the locals say: come for the sunset, stay for the soul of Russia.
