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Chernobyl Tours

Explore a place where time has stood still and wild vines twist through abandoned buildings in Ukraine's Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. The site of a fatal nuclear disaster, join our Chernobyl tours to uncover deserted ghost towns and pay respect to those who lost their lives.

 

Safe Tours to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

For a cultural short-break like no other, immerse yourself in the eerie and chilling history of Ukraine's 1986 nuclear disaster on our Chernobyl Small Group and Private Tours. When a nuclear reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant exploded on 26th April, at least 5% of its radioactive core was released into the atmosphere. Sadly, two plant workers died at the scene, and 28 fire-fighters passed away due to radioactive poisoning. At the time it was the largest uncontrolled radioactive release ever recorded.

Following this catastrophic accident, the authorities quickly established an Exclusion Zone and evacuated everyone. Only a handful of people have lived there since. Residents left their homes and places of work as they were; their belongings discarded. Today, it is as though time had stood completely still for over thirty years, and nature has slowly but surely started to reclaim the land. 

Book our Discover Chernobyl small group tour or private tour to gain access to the Exclusion Zone and explore the empty streets. Walk amongst the rusty skeletons of deserted fairground rides, peer into derelict factories, and pay respect to fallen heroes. You may also get the chance to speak to local people and learn first-hand about the horrors of this fatal disaster.
 

Photography Trips in Chernobyl


Chernobyl has also become a place of interest to photographers. Trees spread their branches through the broken windows of uninhabited cottages and ships sit half-submerged in the icy docks; abundant opportunities for eye-catching images. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or keen amateur, join expert photographer David Short on our Winter Chernobyl Photography Short Break to capture unique photos of this unusual and haunting location. 

Our Chernobyl tours

Ukraine Short Breaks Trip code KCY
5 Days Call us for prices
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Moldova, Ukraine Discovery Trip code UAM
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Chernobyl Tour Highlights

Exclusion Zone

The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone covers an area of 2,600 km2 (1,000 sq mi) around the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. The zone is said to be one of the most radioactively contaminated sites globally, so access is heavily restricted, but in 2017, the area became accessible to tourists who are accompanied by a licensed guide. During your Chernobyl tour, we'll spend two days exploring the Exclusion Zone, including an overnight stay in a small hotel.

View over the Exclusion Zone with trees and buildings

Reactor 4

Following the Reactor 4 explosion, the area was enclosed in a large concrete shelter to contain the highly radioactive material that had been exposed. Alas, this needed to be replaced in 2016, so a 'New Safe Confinement' structure was built and moved into place. It is the world's largest movable structure, and robotic cranes are taking the old shelter and radioactive core apart in an effort to make the area safe again. Stand within a short distance of this vast shield and gain an appreciation for the sheer scale of the operation.
 

Pripyat

Visit Pripyat to get a sense of what local life was like before disaster struck. Located just three kilometres from the reactor, the city was inhabited by the plant's workers and their families and had to be evacuated following the accident. Today, the streets are deserted and shrubs sprawl through every building. Follow your local guide to discover the skeletons of abandoned fairground rides, peer into the lobbies of empty hotels and stand in the stalls of a derelict football stadium. 
 

Self-settlers

Despite efforts by the authorities to keep people out of the area, a small number of people still live off-grid in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Known as self-settlers, we will hopefully have the chance to speak with them during our visit there. Listen to their stories of yesteryear and find out what life was like in the area before, during and after the disaster. 
 

Chernobyl 2 / Soviet Duga Radar Facility

Visit the secret Soviet Duga Radar Facility, a military radar base named Chernobyl 2, where two radars were constructed as part of a Soviet early missile detection system. A top-secret site, it never appeared on civilian maps, and the trees blocked its view from neighbouring towns. The bigger of the two radars is almost 500 metres long and around 150 metres high, and you'll also find an abandoned fire station, small power plant, hospital and apartment buildings there. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Chernobyl Tours

Is it safe to visit Chernobyl?

With low radiation levels similar to those experienced on a trans-Atlantic flight and exposure similar to an X-ray scan, Chernobyl is now considered safe to visit. However, there are many safety measures in place including radiation scanning on arrival and departure to ensure your clothes or belongings haven't picked up harmful radiation during the tour. 
 

What should I take on a Chernobyl tour?

Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes or boots are a must as we'll be covering lots of miles on foot and there may be broken glass on the ground. Furthermore, long trousers and long-sleeved tops must be worn, and, depending on what time of year you travel, temperatures range from -10 to 25°C, so dress appropriately for the weather. And don't forget your camera or smartphone to take some unique and striking photos!
 

When is the best time to visit Chernobyl?

During the summer, you can enjoy warm, sunny days with temperatures between 18 and 25°C, plus, with trees in full bloom, you'll get a good appreciation for how nature is reclaiming the abandoned streets. By contrast, the winter months are very cold with temperatures dropping as low as -12°C, but the eerie snowscape makes for some fantastic photo opportunities.


Please take a look at our Guide to Visiting the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone for more information and FAQs.

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