Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan and now the country's largest city, offers an interesting mix of modern life and cultural heritage.
Located at the foot of the majestic Zailijskij Alatau Mountains, Almaty is a city that appeals to both nature lovers and urban explorers. Almaty's history is multifaceted, and its sights reflect the city's development. Almaty is a city rich in history and culture. Its sights, from natural landscapes to architectural wonders, offer a wide range of experiences. Getting here from Europe is convenient and allows travelers to immerse themselves in this fascinating city. Even winter sports are close to this metropolis, for example on the Shymbulak, possible.
history of Almaty
Almaty, originally known as Almata, has a long history dating back to the 10th century when the city served as an important trading station on the Silk Road. Over the centuries, the city experienced various rulers, including Mongols and the Khanate of Kokand.
In 1929, Almaty became the capital of the Kazakh Soviet Republic, a title it retained until 1991. After Kazakhstan's independence, Astana (now Nur-Sultan) was named the new capital, but Almaty remains the cultural and economic center of the country.
points of interest & sights
Medeo
Medeo is one of the highest ice rinks in the world and is located about 15 kilometers from Almaty. The facility was opened in 1972 and is known for its first-class ice conditions. In addition to ice sports events, the area is also a popular place for hikers and nature lovers in summer. The surrounding mountain landscape offers numerous hiking trails with breathtaking views of the city and the Alps.
Kok Tobe
Kok Tobe is a hill that offers impressive views of Almaty and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can take a cable car to the top, where there is an amusement park, restaurants and a TV tower. The park is ideal for families and offers a relaxed atmosphere to spend time. The famous "love tree", where couples hang their wishes, is one of the popular attractions.
Panfilov Park
Panfilov Park is one of the greenest oases in the city and is home to the famous Zenkov Cathedral, one of the few wooden churches in the world built without nails. The park is named after the Panfilov warriors who fought for the Soviet Union during World War II. Amidst the trees and flowers, there are monuments and memorials commemorating the soldiers' heroic deeds.
The Zenkov Cathedral
Zenkov Cathedral, also known as Almaty Cathedral, is an architectural masterpiece built in 1907. It stands in Panfilov Park and is known for its colorful bricks and striking design. The church is an active place of worship and attracts both worshipers and tourists who come to enjoy the impressive architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
Almaty Central Market
Almaty's Central Market, known as Zelenyy Bazaar, is a vibrant place where visitors can experience local culture first hand. Here you can find fresh produce, spices, handicrafts and traditional Kazakh food. The market is a popular meeting place and offers an authentic atmosphere where the local way of life is visible.
The Great Almaty Lake
Located about 28 kilometers from Almaty, Big Almaty Lake is a picturesque reservoir in the mountains. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, it is a popular spot for hiking, picnics and photography. In winter, the lake is often frozen, providing a magical setting.
Arrival options
There are several ways for travelers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland to get to Almaty. Direct flights to Almaty are offered by various airlines, including Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and Air Astana. Flight times vary, but are usually between 7 and 12 hours, depending on the stopovers.
Alternatively, travelers can fly to Almaty via other European cities, such as Moscow or Istanbul. Another option is to travel by land, but it should be noted that traveling from Europe to Kazakhstan by train or bus can be time-consuming and potentially complicated.
A portrait of Air Astana’s business class on the Airbus A320 and Boeing 767 aircraft can be found at Aviation.Direct under this link. Economy class is examined in detail hereIn the Food Insider section, some interesting restaurants were presented in more detail: Palermo, Del Papa, Bigchefs Shymbulak and Saffron.
seasons and temperature trends
The weather and climate in Almaty is characterized by a continental influence, which means that the city has large temperature differences between the seasons. Almaty is located at an altitude of about 600 to 1.500 meters above sea level, which also influences the climate. The weather in Almaty is characterized by strong seasonal fluctuations. Travelers should prepare for cold winters and hot summers and bring appropriate clothing depending on the time of year.
Spring (March to May)
Spring in Almaty begins mildly, with average temperatures hovering around 5 °C in March and rising to around 20 °C by May. There are frequent weather changes during this time and also some rainfall.
Summer (June to August)
The summer months in Almaty are warm to hot. June begins with temperatures around 25 °C, which can often rise to 30 °C to 35 °C in July and August. The heat is somewhat mitigated by the altitude, however, and nights are often pleasantly cool. There are also occasional thunderstorms, especially in July and August.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn brings cooler temperatures again. In September the temperatures are still pleasant (around 20 °C), while in October they drop to around 10 °C and in November to 0 °C. There can also be more rainfall during this time.
Winter (December to February)
Winter in Almaty is cold and can be very frosty. Average temperatures in December are around -5°C, while in January, the coldest month, temperatures can drop to -10°C to -15°C. There are also occasional colder days with temperatures as low as -20°C. Snow is common during the winter, and the city can be covered in a beautiful blanket of snow.
Extreme temperatures
Particularly cold periods are usually from December to February, while the hottest months are from June to August. The temperature differences between day and night are also notable, especially in summer, where the nights are cooler than the days.
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