Yb village and Finno-Ugric ethnocultural park

A pearl of the Syktyvdinsky district

The ancient village of Yb located 60 kilometers from Syktyvkar is rightly considered one of the brightest pearls of the Syktyvdinsky district. In 2012, even a cartoon about it was released as part of the We Live in Russia animation project. In it, a plasticine bear told the story of the longest village with the shortest name. Subsequently, Yb has repeatedly become a filming location for many domestic and foreign television programs. And there is a reason for it: it is believed that Stefan of Perm, the baptizer of the Komi, has set his foot on this land.

According to legends, the missionary came to Yb from upriver by a stone raft. Locals were impressed by the miracle, but as soon as they figured out that Stephen wanted to convert them to his faith, they started to throw stones at him. This made the guest turn back, but before leaving he said: "This land shall not give life, and men shall not take root on it". Since then, the settlement where Stephen was rejected, which has long been part of Yb, is known as Khudoygryozd, or, in English, Poor village.

About the village

The rural settlement of Yb stands on seven hills. Officially, it consists of five villages; unofficially, there are as many of them as kilometers between its northernmost and southernmost points, namely 18. The oldest one is Kargort, or, in English, Gravetown. According to some theories, it was founded between the 7th and 5th centuries BC by the hypothetical ancestors of the Komi people, men of the tribe known as Chud. Legends say that when Stephen of Perm and his companions reached Kargort, they dug deep pits and buried themselves in them to avoid converting to Christianity. To this day it is believed in Yb that when someone hears thudding noises sounding as if its source is underground, it is nothing but screams of the Chuds.

Kargort also gave the name to the region’s only specially protected natural area located in the center of a settlement. It is scientifically proven that where there is now the Sysola River, there was a sea approximately 170 million years ago. Today, the only reminder of those times are fossils of ancient fauna, and Kargort is one of the places where they are found in large amounts. The specially protected natural area is visible from a distance due to a pavilion with information boards.

Attractions

People come to Yb to visit the St. Seraphim Monastery that offers a stunning view of the taiga stretching for tens of kilometers, the Holy Ascension Church with its ancient icons that survived the 1930s thanks to Catholic prisoners who refused to burn them during the cold winters, the Wonder Spruce of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa that can shelter a couple of dozen people from a rain. Besides, Yb is the location of 12 springs of healing water.

In 2010, the Bely Svet (White Light) candle factory started operating in Yb. To this day, this enterprise is the only one of its kind in the North-West Russia. Nearby the factory an ostrich farm can be seen, and a little further away one of the region’s largest apiaries is located.

Finno-Ugric ethnocultural park

In 2011, the Finno-Ugric ethnic and cultural park was set in operation in Yb. This unique place is dedicated to 24 existing Finno-Ugric peoples and intended for getting acquainted with their cultures far away from civilization. The multifunctional tourist complex located at the entrance to Yb features everything one may need. Guests are accommodated in the hotel Finnougoriya and the hostel Moroshka. Catering is organized in the cafe specializing in national cuisine. On the top of that, the staff of the complex carry out animation programs that provide a complete immersion in Finno-Ugric cultures. Among the activities they may include are authentic Komi games, master classes on making national dishes, petrol painting sessions. And of course, guests can visit the complex’s mascot, moose Max, to take pictures with him and give him treats.

The activities of the Finno-Ugric ethnic and cultural park include organizing all types of tous: educational, recreational, entertaining, and many more. The company helps travelers explore the most hidden corners of the Komi Republic. Any questions can be asked by calling +7 (800) 20-10-396 (toll-free within Russia).