Virtual “Portals” Let Tourists Step Into the Past of Russia’s Perm Region
Augmented reality tech brings centuries-old towns and northern landscapes back to life — no headset required.
A new digital tourism service called “Portal to Perm Krai” is transforming how visitors explore one of Russia’s northernmost regions. Installed at key tourist spots, interactive tablets and QR codes invite users to scan and instantly launch augmented reality (AR) experiences that recreate the area’s history and scenery.
Through a smartphone browser — no app needed — travelers can “teleport” to the banks of the mighty Kama River, stroll through ancient temples, or enjoy panoramic views from mountaintop lookouts. The AR system combines historical archives with modern 3D visualization to revive old towns like Solikamsk, Cherdyn, and Gubakha, showing how they looked centuries ago.
Legends Come Alive
The virtual tours also include animated legends and local folklore, offering a richer cultural experience of the region. Perm Krai has become one of Russia’s most visited destinations for both eco- and cultural tourism, attracting over a million visitors annually.
Across Russia, cultural institutions are rapidly adopting digital tools to bring history closer to the public — from mobile nature guides in national parks to AI-powered museum exhibits that let visitors interact with “living” historical figures. The Perm project is the latest step in this nationwide trend to merge heritage and high tech.
