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Home » Budget Travel » The ULTIMATE Guide To Visiting Chernobyl (UPDATE 2024)

The ULTIMATE Guide To Visiting Chernobyl (UPDATE 2024)

Few words evoke images of disaster as “Chernobyl” does. In fact, this former ‘model town’ of the Soviet Union has rightly become a byword for disaster if not nuclear armageddon. But did you even know that you can actually visit Chernobyl?

Whilst it is sometimes derided as a morbid example of “dark tourism”, a visit to Chernobyl is much more. This site of one of the world’s worse catastrophes serves as an open museum into life in the Soviet Union, a fascinating piece of history and an awesome opportunity for some urban exploration.

In this epic post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about visiting Chernobyl including can you visit Chernobyl right now, is Chernobyl safe, how to get to Chernobyl, when to go and how much it costs… Oh, and if you’ll be glowing afterwards too!

Update For 2024

Can You Visit Chernobyl in 2024? No

As of March 2023, you cannot visit the Chernobyl site. Unfortunately the area is at the forefront of the Russia/Ukraine war and is currently off limits. Furthermore, there is some speculation that when the site was occupied by the invading Russian forces, they may have caused some damage to the structures leading to radiation escaping – this may render the site dangerous to visitors.

Still, we live in hope that the war will soon end and that the site will once again be open to visitors.

What Is “Chernobyl”?

Why do people visit chernobyl, how to visit chernobyl, is chernrbyl safe, what should i wear to visit chenorbyl, what should i pack to visit chernobyl, how do i get to chenorbyl, faq about chernobyl tours, final thoughts on visiting chernobyl.

The Ferris wheel at Chernobyl.

The ‘Chernobyl disaster’ is the worst nuclear accident in human history and the word has become something of a synonym for eco-disaster itself. However, Chernobyl is actually the name of a small Ukrainian city situated about 200km North-west of Kyiv which was founded at least 1000 years ago. In 1978, the Soviet Union began construction of a 4 reactor nuclear power plant in the wilderness about 30 km from Chernobyl and the town, being the nearest at the time, lent the plant its name.

Shortly after the construction of the plant, a small purpose-built town called Pripyat was constructed beside the reactor to accommodate the power plant workers and their families. Therefore whilst “Pripyat Nuclear Power Station” would perhaps have been more accurate, the ‘Chenorbyl’ name stuck.

Plans were constructed to build a further 8 reactors which would have made Chenorbyl the largest nuclear power station in the world by far. These plans were, however, never realised. Probably for the best on reflection!

The Chenorbyl Vladimir I. Lenin nuclear power plant shot to worldwide infamy when in the early hours of April 26th 1986, one of the nuclear reactors exploded. The towns of both Pripyat and Chenorbyl were eventually evacuated on 27th April 1986 (37 hours after the explosion) and then abandoned owing to severe radiation.

visit chernobyl 2023

Because of the severity of the explosion and the subsequent mismanagement of the crisis by the authorities, the incident has gone down in history as the worst nuclear accident ever. Whilst the official death toll is 29, it is estimated that more than 30,000 lives have now been lost either directly or indirectly owing to the incident. To this day, the surrounding municipalities continue to report higher-than-average incidences of cancer and genetic defects among their populations.

According to both historians and some senior sources in the former Soviet Union, the Chernobyl incident was one of the leading causes of the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The economic cost of the clean-up had caused a massive financial crisis in the Union from which it never recovered. Moreover, the mismanagement had caused a major loss of face and trust in the regime in the eyes of both Soviet citizens and the international community.

Chernobyl

Chenorbyl opened to tourists in 2002, 16 years after the evacuation. As the setting of a major world event, it has an obvious appeal and has proven to be very popular with both domestic and international visitors. It’s now firmly become a must-visit destination on most backpacking trips to Ukraine .

Many visitors to Chenorbyl are attracted by what some would call a morbid curiosity. Others are interested in the history of the incident and the history of the Soviet Union in general. For me, the major appeal of Chernobyl was the opportunity to experience a ghost town and get an idea of how a post-apocalyptic world might look.

A visit to Chernobyl also serves as a stark and sobering reminder of what can happen when humanity over-stretches itself, and how wielding such powerful forces as nuclear energy can sometimes backfire on us catastrophically… especially if you don’t know how to work the thing properly! So, if you’re interested in a bit of dark tourism , then let’s take a deep dive into visiting this wild place.

visit chernobyl 2023

You can now visit Chenorbyl as part of an official, guided tour operated from Kyiv. There are 1-day, 2-day or multi-day Chernobyl tour packages available. The costs vary depending on how many days you wish to visit, group size and between agencies. The typical cost for a 1 day Chernobyl tour is between $80 – $100.

We will discuss various tour options and pricing in more detail further in this post.

Tours generally take around 12 hours departing Kyiv at 7.30 – 8.00 and returning at 18.30 – 19.30. You usually spend around 8 hours on site.

For your trip to Chernobyl, the best place to stay is in Kyiv itself.

Do I Need a Guide To Visit Chernobyl?

Officially speaking, yes you need a guide to visit Chenorbyl. Entrance to the exclusion zone is strictly regulated and you can only enter with a registered guide as part of an official Chenorbyl tour. There are several checkpoints around the exclusion zone and you will be asked to produce your passport and tour ticket a number of times during your visit.

This is mostly for health and safety reasons. The tour guide’s primary job is to ensure your health and safety by ensuring you stay in the Chernobyl “safe” areas and do not touch anything. They also make sure you don’t bring any contaminated material out of the exclusion zone with you which would risk endangering others. Note that if you do pick up any contamination, you risk having your possessions confiscated and destroyed.

visit chernobyl 2023

Chenorbyl guides are required to take radiation safety exams every month. They are also very knowledgeable about the incident and about life in the USSR. Without a guide, it would be difficult to appreciate the context of the site especially if you cannot read Russian.

The tour cost also contributes to the maintenance of the area.

Rember, visiting Chernobyl is totally different vibes than visiting a place like Hiroshima which has been completely rebuilt since the disaster.

Can I Visit Chenorbyl Alone?

Notwithstanding the above, it is still technically possible to visit Chenorbyl alone. Unauthorised explorers known as “Stalkers” (from the Andrej Tarkovsky film of the same name) have been illegally entering the site for at least the last 20 years and continue to do so. Most of the artworks & graffiti on the site were created by Stalkers and they have also contributed to the exploration and documentation of the site over the years too.

Many former Stalkers now work as official tour guides owing to their considerable, first-hand experience of the area. Personally, I find that former Stalkers make the best guides although many guides may simply not wish to admit they ever entered illegally.

Entering Chenorbyl illegally is not advisable as there are penalties & health risks. For a Ukrainian citizen caught entering Chernobyl illegally, the penalty is a fine of 400 UAH ($20). Whilst this is a considerable sum for many Ukrainians, it is not high enough to serve as a major deterrent. In fact, a popular joke amongst Stalkers is that handing themselves in to the police in the exclusion zone is significantly cheaper than taking a taxi back to Kyiv!

For foreigners caught entering Chernobyl illegally, the fine is substantially higher and they also face a possible lifetime ban from entering Ukraine.

visit chernobyl 2023

If anybody ( native or foreigner) is caught trying to take any material or artefact out of Chenorbyl, they face up to 5 years in jail.

Aside from the legal penalties, entering Chernobyl alone also carries health and safety risks including radiation exposure, dangerous buildings and wild animals.

I have no personal experience of entering Chenorbyl without an official guide. Furthermore, because of the very real legal and safety risks, I absolutely cannot recommend it.

 Chenorbyl

So is it safe to visit Chernobyl? Well yes, it is now quite safe for tourists to visit Chenorbyl. Whilst there are some very real dangers, you are unlikely to encounter them on any organised tour as long as you adhere to the health and safety instructions and do exactly as your guide asks.

Dangers of Visiting Chernobyl

While an official Chenorbyl guided tour is perfectly safe, there are nevertheless a number of hazards and concerns to keep in mind and you will need to follow all rules and cooperate fully with your guide in order to stay safe.

Let’s take a quick look at what some of these dangers are.

Chenorbyl is still one of the most radioactive sites in the world today. Whilst this may sound scary it is all about context. The dose of radiation the average visitor to Chenorbyl collects in a one-day trip is similar to a short-haul flight or an x-ray. The average, healthy-adult human body can deal with it without too much trouble.

Some areas are far more contaminated than others and do pose serious risks. However, these areas are mostly sealed off or are off-limits to tourists. Whilst some are not sealed or clearly identified, your guide will point them out to you and advise you to stay away from them. Either way, on a single-day trip it is still very unlikely you could do yourself much harm even if you are a bit of an idiot.

visit chernobyl 2023

The hospital, for example, is closed to visitors. This is because the uniforms of the first responders were left in the hospital basement and still carry a highly dangerous radiation risk. My guide estimated that even in 2019, just 30 minutes spent inside the hospital building could be fatal!

In order to reduce your radiation risk you need to dress appropriately and follow some basic rules.

The rules are;

  • Do not touch anything.
  • Do not enter buildings. If you do, do not touch anything and do not disturb the sedentary dust. (In reality, your guide will take you inside several buildings but they are pretty safe)
  • Do not eat outside of the cafeteria area.
  • Only drink from a bottle and seal the lid.
  • Avoid high-density areas. Your guide will show you these or you can use a Geiger counter.

Radiation Checkpoints

There are a number of radiation checkpoints around Chenorbyl and you cannot leave the site without passing through them. If for some reason, your radiation level is over the acceptability threshold, you will be given a chance to clean the affected area and your possessions. If they cannot be sufficiently cleaned, then they will be seized and destroyed. It is not unprecedented for a visitor to have to leave Chenorbyl barefoot after their boots were confiscated. This is, however, exceptionally rare and should not happen if you do as you are instructed by your guide.

Dangerous Buildings

Note that it is no longer permitted to enter any of the buildings at Chenorbyl. This is because they are now becoming unsafe after 35 years of neglect and exposure to the elements. The dangers include falling debris, collapsing floors and collapsing roofs. It is not possible to preserve the buildings as the conservation works would release radiation into the atmosphere.

Whilst it is not permitted to enter buildings, they are not actually sealed off. Some visitors have reported that some guides may discreetly allow you to enter. If they do, please respect their instructions to the letter – if you disobey them, you risk costing them their job and ruining this extra-curricular bit of the tour for all future visitors. Don’t let your desire for the ultimate selfie ruin Chenorbyl for everybody.

As well as the structural issues, there is of course a radiation risk from left terms and dust. Once again, if you enter a building do not touch anything and do your absolute best not to disturb the dust too much.

Wild Animals

Mankind’s loss is nature’s boon it seems. Since the evacuation, wildlife has thrived* in the exclusion zone. There are now deer, rabbits and foxes in the area as well as packs of Wolves and Brown Bears. You are, however, very unlikely to encounter any of these on a guided tour.

*Whilst wildlife numbers have multiplied since the evacuation, they have not been spared the effects of radiation and incidences of cancer are very high amongst the animal population. That said, animal life is still brutish and short (much like human life in Ukraine :)) and most of them die long before cancer has the chance to get them.

visit chernobyl 2023

As if radiation, wolves and bears were not enough to worry about, the area is also plagued by ticks. You will reduce your risk of being bitten by adhering to the strict dress code and sticking to the established paths and trails. Spraying your garments with tea-tree oil or bug spray may also help. 

Make sure to check yourself for them once you arrive home and if you have been bitten, carefully remove the little fucker by twisting and pulling counterclockwise with tweezers. Also, seek medical advice just to be on the safe side.

Note that Ukraine can get very cold in the winter and you will be spending quite a bit of time outside.  Do ensure you check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Bring hats and gloves and extra layers if you need to.

Summers can get hot so bring plenty of water.

Chernobyl

For health and safety reasons, visitors to Chenorbyl are required to adhere to a dress code. Basically, it just means long pants and long sleeves with closed shoes. Vests, shorts, sandal shoes and beach/backpacker wear are not permitted. 

If you do not adhere to the dress rules then you will not be allowed to enter the exclusion zone and your tour agency will not be obligated to return your fee.

In winter this should not be a problem but the summer can get hot. Plan ahead and make sure you have some light-long pants (ie, Khaki or trekking pants), sneakers and a t-shirt with a long-sleeved light shirt over the top of it.

This is to protect your skin from radiation but will also help against biting ticks. If you are visiting in winter, you also need to remember that it can get cold and the north winds can be vicious.

You will be doing a bit of walking so pack comfortable shoes. It can also get muddy underfoot in winter so do bear this in mind. We visited Chenorbyl in Dr Martens boots which were fine. A decent pair of hiking boots are ideal.

Food in Chernobyl

There is a staff cafeteria in Chenorbyl which was once used by the power plant workers. You can have lunch here but it is not included in the price of the tour.

These days, the cafeteria is used by the scientists, conservation workers and security forces around the site. It is the only area in Chenorbyl where eating is permitted for health and safety reasons – do not eat outside!

You may wish to bring a packed lunch which will work out cheaper than paying for lunch through your tour guide. You can buy sandwiches at pretty much any Kiosk in the streets of Kyiv. Kava Aroma (Ukrainian Starbucks) has chains across Kyiv and unlike Starbucks, it does good quality sandwiches at decent prices. It also opens at 7 am so you pick up a sandwich here before meeting your tour group.

Dosimeter Chernobyl Ukraine

Packing for Chenorbyl is not quite as straightforward as you may think. Let’s look at what you need to bring.

Firstly, you cannot visit Chernobyl without your passport. You will be required to enter your passport details when booking your tour and will then need to show it to your guide before you leave Kyiv. You will then need to go through a Police passport checkpoint at the exclusion zone.

Please do not forget to bring your passport with you as you will not be allowed onto the tour without it. If you do forget your passport, you will also lose your tour fee as the tour provider is not obligated to return it as by this stage they will already have arranged the guide and the transport.

Remember to bring enough water in your travel water bottle to last you for the entire trip. You can buy bottled water at the entrance or the cafeteria, halfway point but it is expensive. I do not recommend drinking tap water in Chernobyl for obvious reasons!

You can hire a Geiger counter to measure radiation hot spots for 200UHA, These are good fun to play with and well worth taking (one per group is enough). Also, make sure you have enough to pick up any extra water you need and maybe a few hundred UHA to tip your guide. There are souvenirs for sale but I found them a bit tacky (except the condoms of course – 2 for 120UHA) .

As well as the above, also bring a hat and gloves in winter, a camera, sunscreen, bug spray, and some wet wipes in summer.

Abandoned amusement park Chernobyl

Most Chenorbyl tours start at various locations around Kyiv. You will be taken to the site in either a mini-bus, van or car. 

There is no public transport to the Chenorbyl as the site is not open to the public. You will most probably not be able to find a taxi driver willing to take you to the site and hitch-hiking will most probably not be possible.

The nearest “open” town sits right at the precipe of the containment zone and you can take the bus here from Kyiv. I have no idea how to get from here to Chernobyl other than on foot.

The only people headed to the exclusion zone are the guides, security forces and researchers none of whom will assist you in reaching the site unless you are booked on a tour. So yeah, just book a tour yo!

How Much is a Chenorbyl Tour?

When we visited Chernobyl in 2019, a spot on a one-day group tour cost around $70 per person. However, after a few days of inflationary chaos, most organisers are now asking for around $80. Private tours can cost $300 – $400 – you can of course split these costs with friends and with private tours you do get to some areas that the regular plebs don’t.

What Will I See on a Chernobyl Tour?

On a Chenorbyl tour you will visit the Pripyat “model Soviet town”, visit a military base and see the mighty “Russian Woodpecker” – a huge, expensive and ultimately futile Soviet missile detection system. Note that the exploded reactor itself is now covered up in a radiation-proof tomb. If you wish to visit the “control” room, then this is accessible on a private tour only. Prices vary depending on the agency and what kind of tour you book. If you join a group tour then expect to pay around $70 per person for the 12-hour return trip.

Do I need to book in advance?

You should book in advance. We booked about one week in advance during winter when demand is generally lower. If you are visiting Ukraine in the summer then I suggest booking your Chenorbyl trip as early as possible.

Can I stay in Chernobyl?

You cannot stay overnight in Chenorbyl although plenty of “Stalkers” and legitimate researchers have done and continue to do so.

How Long Should I Spend in Chenorbyl

Personally, I found the one-day tour to be enough. It offered about 8 hours on site. However, if you are especially fascinated then you can book multi-day tours.

Take it from me, a visit to Chenorbyl is a travel experience you will never forget when you’re backpacking around Eastern Europe . The zone is creepy but cool, educational while being fun and will offer up loads of opportunities for taking good travel snaps.

Furthermore, Kyiv is a really hip city and you will absolutely love your time there. With the growth in the tourism industry in Ukraine over the year, there are some pretty awesome hostels in Kyiv too.

So get your Geiger counter at the ready and book your Chernobyl trip now!

visit chernobyl 2023

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

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Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

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And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

Aiden Freeborn

visit chernobyl 2023

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How to Visit Chernobyl: The Ultimate Guide (Updated 2021)

visit chernobyl 2023

A n abandoned kindergarten room strewn with toys. The hollows of an amusement park that was never even used. An eerily vacant high school with its desks still draped in school work. These are the remnants of Chernobyl – a town blasted with 400 times the radiation of the bomb of Hiroshima, over thirty years ago. Today, it lures curious tourists in the tens of thousands. But why ?

Kindergarten - Chernobyl town

When my husband and I were planning out our itinerary for Eastern Europe a few years back, we decided to include Kiev, Ukraine, purely so that we could visit Chernobyl. Dark tourism intrigued us, and we were keen to learn more about this abandoned place and the disaster story behind it.

For those of you who aren’t very familiar with Chernobyl, here’s the basic story:

Chernobyl was a nuclear power plant located in the USSR (now Ukraine) which had a steam explosion in April of 1986. The nuclear radiation released in the days after the accident was truly catastrophic. The nearby town of Prypyat, which was home of many of the power plant workers, was evacuated the day after the explosion and the 50,000 residents were never to return to their homes.

Nuclear Reactor no. 4 (the site of the explosion) was covered with a temporary sarcophagus to confine the radiation in the weeks after the explosion, and a new sarcophagus, which has been designed to confine the radiation for another 100 years, was built by the EU and placed on site in October 2017.

visit chernobyl 2023

We chose to see Chernobyl on a 1-day, small group tour which departed Kiev at 8:00 AM and returned around 6:00 PM. We had an English speaking guide, and a driver who transported us via minivan. On the way, a documentary was played to give us a deeper insight into the disaster and prepare us for what we were about to see. Even though I had expected to visit a mostly abandoned and derelict place, the reality was shocking. There were a handful of stops on the tour, including a small town with empty houses being swallowed back up by the forest, an abandoned kindergarten in the Chernobyl township with books and learning materials still scattered about on the desks, and an amusement park in Prypyat that was sadly never used as the town was evacuated before it could open. These confronting scenes are something that I will never forget.

Abandoned gym, Pripyat

  • 1 Chernobyl: An Overview
  • 2 Why do tourists visit Chernobyl?
  • 3 Is it safe to visit Chernobyl?
  • 4 Can you visit Chernobyl without a guide?
  • 5 How much does a Chernobyl tour cost?
  • 6 Getting there
  • 7 Where to stay
  • 8 1. Choose the best Chernobyl tour type
  • 9 2. Choose a tour company
  • 10 3. Be prepared for your Chernobyl visit
  • 11 The Thrifty Gist

Chernobyl: An Overview

Chernobyl is located about 100 km (62 mi) north of the city of Kiev, Ukraine. It takes around 2 hours to drive to Chernobyl from Kiev.

The exclusion zone is an area of 2,600 km 2 (1,000 sq mi) around the nuclear power plant. This area is considered hazardous and is off-limits to the general public. There are multiple checkpoints that you have to pass through inside the exclusion zone. The area inside the checkpoint closest to the nuclear reactor has the most dangerous levels of radiation.

When tourists talk about visiting Chernobyl, we’re generally referring to the power plant itself, but the exclusion zone actually includes a few towns and a large forested area. Tours to Chernobyl will stop by many different places of interest within the exclusion zone.

visit chernobyl 2023

Why do tourists visit Chernobyl?

Chernobyl has many appeals for tourists. For me, it was the decay. I was intrigued to explore a place that has been completely abandoned by humans for nearly 30 years. I wanted to find out what an apocalyptic world might look like.

My husband’s appeal was the modern history aspect – he wanted to see a place that is frozen in time from the soviet era. Walking through remnants from a culture that no longer exists is a fascinating thing to experience.

Others might be interested in the disaster itself, or maybe learn more about the dangers of nuclear power and the effect it can have on the environment if something goes wrong, like it did at Chernobyl. This is perhaps the only place in the world that you can see this first-hand.

Pripyat abandoned apartment

Is it safe to visit Chernobyl?

I was asked this question by many people after my visit to Chernobyl. It’s a valid concern.

Radiation sticks around for a very long time, and the exclusion zone is not expected to be safe for humans to live in for the next 20,000 years. However, radioactivity can be considered mostly harmless in small doses (like when you get an x-ray, or even take a long-haul flight), and the day tours into the exclusion zone mean that you’re only exposed to low levels of radiation for just a few hours.

There are around 400 people that actually live inside the exclusion zone, and another several thousand that work in and around the power plant, decommissioning the retired reactors and constructing the new sarcophagus. They manage the radiation exposure by limiting their time in the most hazardous areas, and are also required to take longer breaks away from the site so that their bodies have time to recover.

On the way out of the exclusion zone, everyone is required to go through an old soviet radiation control checkpoint. The device required each person to place their hands on either side while it checks your radiation levels.

Regardless of the trip you take, it's always worth getting travel insurance in case of an emergency. We use World Nomads because you can sign up or extend your trip any time (even if you've already left your home country), over 150+ adventure activities are covered (i.e. less fine print and loopholes), and most of all, there are plenty of successful claim stories online – so it actually works! For more info, and our story of when insurance saved us $2,000 at a foreign hospital, check out our travel insurance guide here .

Chernobyl radiation checkpoint

Can you visit Chernobyl without a guide?

Tourist entry into the exclusion zone is only permitted with a licenced guide. There are many areas inside the exclusion zone that are still considered very dangerous, and a guide will have the expertise to keep you safe at all times.

How much does a Chernobyl tour cost?

Tours from Kiev cost between $100-$500 USD per person, depending on the type of tour that you choose. The day tour that I booked starts at $105 USD each, and it's worth every cent. You can browse a variety of tours along with prices, reviews, and booking with immediate confirmation on GetYourGuide and Viator .

Getting there

Flying into Boryspil International Airport (KBP) is the easiest way to get to Kiev, with direct flights from many major cities in Europe including Amsterdam, Vienna, Paris, London, Prague, Frankfurt, Zurich, and Warsaw. If you are already in Ukraine, there are intercity trains that will take you from Lviv to Kiev. Budget airlines are plentiful in Eastern Europe. The easiest way to find cheap flights is to search Skyscanner and select “Entire Month” to visualize prices across a one month period.

It's also worth signing up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . You'll get a 60,000 point bonus just by spending $4,000 in the first 3 months on your everyday purchases in the first 3 months. That's worth $750  when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards, saving you a significant amount on your flight. Alternatively, you can transfer the points directly to a number of other frequent flyer programs if you are already collecting points. The card also has no international transaction fees (where most cards charge 2-3%), making this card cheaper to use overseas than any ATM or currency exchange booth.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

  • 60,000 reward points (worth $750 ) after meeting the minimum spend of $4,000 in the first 3 months
  • $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x points for purchases on Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, and 2x points on all other travel purchases.
  • Points are worth 25% more on airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises when booking through Chase Ultimate Rewards (e.g. 60,000 points worth $750 toward travel)
  • Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, lost luggage insurance and more.
  • Can transfer your reward points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Annual fee: $95

Downtown Kiev Ukraine

Where to stay

There are plenty of central accommodations to choose from in Kiev. Being in Eastern Europe, hotels and AirBNBs are surprisingly affordable. When you book your Chernobyl tour, check the confirmation to find your meeting point. My tour departed from Maidan Square, so I booked us a room in a hostel nearby. Many tours will depart from Kiev Central Railway Station, so a hotel closer to the station may be a better choice. Some tours (especially the private ones) offer hotel pickup.

1. Choose the best Chernobyl tour type

When booking a visit to Chernobyl, there are a few different tour types to choose from:

1-day Tours

The 1-day tours generally last from 10-12 hours, of which 4 are spent driving to and from the Chernobyl site from Kiev. The 1-day tour was packed with activities, however, I didn’t feel as though it was overly rushed or that anything was skipped over.

Chernobyl Day Tour

From Kiev: 1-Day Group Tour to Chernobyl ($100 USD)

Chernobyl Day Tour

Chernobyl Tour from Kiev ($105 USD)

Chernobyl Day Tour

Full-Day Tour of Chernobyl and Prypiat from Kiev ($114 USD)

2-day or 3-day tours.

For anyone wanting to experience the exclusion zone at a slower pace, there are 2-day, 3-day, or even longer tours available. I personally think that 2 days would be enough time to see the area.

Chernobyl 2 Day Tour

From Kiev: 2-Day Group Tour to Chernobyl ($251 USD)

Chernobyl 2 Day Tour

The Ultimate 2-Day Chernobyl Tour from Kiev ($321 USD)

Chernobyl 3 Day Tour

3-Day Extended Tour to Chernobyl and Prypiat Town from Kyiv ($429 USD)

Private tours.

Many people are interested in visiting Chernobyl for the photography aspect, and in this case, I think a private tour would be the best option as you can explore the area at your own pace. This would allow you ample time to set up shots and get great photos.

Chernobyl Private Tour

From Kiev: Private Tour of Chernobyl ($78 USD)

Chernobyl Private Day Tour with Lunch

From Kiev: Chernobyl & Pripyat Private Day Tour with Lunch ($130 USD)

Chernobyl Private Tour

Chernobyl Private Tour from Kiev ($105 USD)

Abandoned swimming pool, Pripyat

2. Choose a tour company

When I was choosing a tour company, I used online reviews to make a decision. SoloEast Travel was one of the highest rated companies on TripAdvisor, and while they weren’t necessarily the cheapest, the price was reasonable. They were an excellent choice.

Things to look for when choosing a tour:

  • Group size: Small group tours are definitely best for the Chernobyl experience. We had 10-12 people on our tour, which was perfect.
  • Inclusions/Exclusions: Hotel pickup, meals, entrance fees, taxes, and geiger-counter rental may or may not be included in the price of some tours.
  • Flexibility: 1-day tours are really great value, but if you want more time at each place or more options for photography, then consider booking a slower-paced tour for more flexibility.

3. Be prepared for your Chernobyl visit

Tours to Chernobyl can be booked year-round. We visited in late November, which was extra special as there was a thick layer of snow which gave the place an eerie vibe. It was also a quiet time to visit – we only ran into one other tour group on our day trip, but for the most part we were the only people in sight.

Many people will prefer to visit Chernobyl in the warmer months. The trees in the area are apparently beautiful in fall/autumn, so this might be a great time to go.

What to bring:

  • Comfortable, closed walking shoes.
  • A rain jacket in case of bad weather.
  • Sunscreen and a hat.
  • A camera. You can use a smartphone for photos, but if you have a mirrorless camera or DSLR, even better! The photos you get around Chernobyl will be mind-blowing.
  • A geiger-counter to measure radiation levels. We rented one from our tour company, which cost an extra $10 but it was so worth it.

For winter tours:

  • Quality winter jacket/parka. You’ll spend a lot of time outside in the cold.
  • Scarf, beanie, and gloves to stay warm.
  • Waterproof shoes suitable for walking through snow.

visit chernobyl 2023

The Thrifty Gist

  • Chernobyl is located about 2 hours drive north of Kiev, Ukraine.
  • The exclusion zone has a range of radiation levels, but is safe to visit on a guided tour. It's always a good idea to have travel insurance regardless, and we use World Nomads .
  • You must book a tour to visit Chernobyl. 1-day, 2-day, or longer tours are available from Kiev. We took this tour , but there are plenty more to choose from with reviews on GetYourGuide and Viator .
  • You can find cheap flights by searching by “entire month” on Skyscanner . You can also get the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and hit the minimum spend to receive 60,000 points worth $750 , saving you a ton on your flight.

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Disclosures Many of the listings that appear on this website are from companies which we receive compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). The site does not review or include all companies or all available products. Thrifty Nomads has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Thrifty Nomads and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

chernobyl-tours.co.uk

visit chernobyl 2023

Licensed Chernobyl Tours

Experience largest nuclear tragedy in the history of Europe

visit chernobyl 2023

When you visit Chernobyl, you’ll travel through the checkpoints and an area that has been uninhabited for over 30 years. Explore the abandoned town of Pripyat, learn about the nuclear disaster, and take photos unlike any you have taken before.

Our Chernobyl Tours

visit chernobyl 2023

The one-day ride offers you the possibility to immerse into the precise identical place in which the most dreadful catastrophe took place. The radiation history continues to be excessively excessive in a few places, however we provide you a secure path via the Zone with all safety measures.

visit chernobyl 2023

The two-day journey to the Chernobyl Zone includes excursion around Chernobyl nuclear power plant and Pripyat town. Additionally the extraordinary revel in to spend the night time in an Ghost town is included.

visit chernobyl 2023

If you have watched the HBO “Chernobyl” series you are probably the one who would like to visit Chernobyl. Visit most memorable places from the series.

visit chernobyl 2023

Private tour

Personal Chernobyl excursion, that means that you could be the only choosing up the locations to visit! Depending in your aim and desire, we can assist you arrange awesome excursion specially for you.

How dangerous is Chernobyl today?

Nuclear Power Plant tours are completely safe, as tourists are only permitted to be in safe areas. The radiation you receive during your trip is roughly equivalent to the airplane flight from the UK to Ukraine.

Can you visit Chernobyl in 2023?

Due to the ongoing war, tour guides are currently unavailable. Russian troop activity, including mining, has disrupted the site. After the war, the safety of the Exclusion Zone will be assessed before our tour can resume. Check back for updates!

Can you enter buildings in Chernobyl?

Many of the buildings in Pripyat are becoming structurally unstable, so you may not enter many. Your guide will take you through safe areas to see the inside of some buildings.

Can you stay in Chernobyl?

You cannot stay within the Exclusion Zone, however there are hotels nearby. They are clean and habitable, but not luxurious. Most visitors opt to stay in Kiev, where our tour provides transport to and from the area.

Can you go to Chernobyl without a suit?

You don’t need to wear a hazmat suit to enter the Exclusion Zone. The rules for clothing request that you wear long-sleeved and full-length clothes, with closed-toe shoes. No t-shirts, shorts, or sandals.

What should I wear to Chernobyl?

You should wear a long-sleeved top and full-length trousers. You may want to add layers – jumpers, jackets, and thick jeans in the winter. Regardless of when you tour, wear comfortable yet sturdy footwear such as walking shoes or boots.

Can you take photos in Chernobyl?

You can take photos and videos of anything on the tour except the officers, checkpoints, and active Nuclear Power Plant. You can photograph the New Safe Confinement ‘arch’ from a designated tour spot.

Can you see Chernobyl Elephant's Foot?

No. This mass of radioactive material that resembles an elephant’s foot would give you huge amount of radiation. Tours are only permitted in safe areas.

Can I see the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant reactor?

You can see the active Nuclear Power Plant from the outside, along with the New Safe Confinement ‘arch’ that covers reactor number 4. Tours do not go inside the Nuclear Power Plant.

What is the best time of year to visit Chernobyl?

Each season is unique. To avoid crowds and see the landscape glittering under snow, winter is a good time. Spring, when nature returns, is beautiful too. Summer provides warm weather, and autumn is atmospheric as nature decays alongside Pripyat.

Are there any health contraindications for visiting?

Trips to Chernobyl are accessible for most able-bodied adults. You’ll travel on the tour by vehicle and walk at a slow, leisurely pace. There are no specific health conditions that should prevent you from a Chernobyl package tour but talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit sed do

Within the Exclusion Zone, you will see:

  • The iconic Ferris wheel in Pripyat’s amusement park;
  • The vast arch over the Nuclear Power Plant;
  • The impressive Radar Station DUGA 1;
  • Decaying nurseries, home, stores, and businesses, left just as they were;
  • Memorials of the heroic Ukrainians who responded to the disaster;
  • Beautiful examples of how nature and wildlife are beginning to reclaim the landscape.

Whether you choose a private tour or visit with a group, Chernobyl tours safety is of the utmost importance. All our tours are guided by a knowledgeable, professional guide from the time we pick you up in Kiev to the time we drop you back.

You should expect to go through several checkpoints where officers will check your passport, and you will be screened for radiation upon exit.

Despite walking through one of the most radioactively contaminated areas in the world, the dose of radiation you’ll receive on the tour is comparative to flying on a short airplane journey.

visit chernobyl 2023

Quick Links

  • Prypiat Tours
  • Chernobyl Holidays

Get In Touch

  • Email: [email protected]

visit chernobyl 2023

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Private Ignalina Tour from Vilnius

Fukushima private tour, stalin’s private tour from tbilisi.

Radiation safety control 3x day, Free dosimeters, Respirators, Proven Routes

LIVING LEGENDS

Meet and talk to locals, living legends on every tour: Chernobyl babushkas and liquidators

TIME TRAVEL

Drive the Soviet car, the Volga, Dress up in uniforms and liquidator costumes, Virtual Reality, KGB archive – pictures and videos

ALL WITH A 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

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  • Chernobyl series filming locations
  • Extended programme with a look behind the scenes
  • All inclusive: pick up at your address in Vilnius, lunch, transportation and guide

Fukushima 2 Day Tour with the Power Plant

  • Visiting Dai-ichi Power Plant Premises
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  • All inclusive: hotel, traditional dining, transportation and guide

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  • Extended program with space rocket launch watching from the closest safe distance
"The tailored private tour is great for getting the most out of your Chernobyl experience as it adapts perfectly to your interests and wishes. Everything went according to the plan and fulfilled our expectations. I highly recommend ChernobylX for your radioactive dose of the year!"
"Private tour with ChernobylX and 6 friends was the best decision we made. We had our own guide, who kept us away from crowded places, a private bus and we could choose the sites we wanted to see. And it is not much more expensive than a tour with larger groups."
A terrific mix of places that gave a good understanding of the accident and its consequences. A knowledgeable and interesting guide also made the trip a success.
It was so fun to go around with our dosimeter alarms and even get to eat in the same cafeteria where Chernobyl workers eat. Our guide was very knowledgeable and shared so many personal stories about her grandfather who was actually alive and involved in the Chernobyl disaster!
We went to see places that we wanted to see. And unlike the group tours, we weren't rushed. We had time to take photos and explore the area. I would thoroughly recommend chernobylX for a relaxed informative Chernobyl tour, and especially Yulia, our guide, she was AMAZING!!!
This tour was easily the highlight of my holiday, well organised pick up and drop off from my hotel in Kiev. Hotel accomodation was so clean and comfortable with good Ukrainian food and very friendly staff. My tour guide Yuliia was extremely knowledgeable and passionate

Chernobyl diaries

Media about us, sustainable chernobyl tour, your chernobyl visit is making a difference, 1% for chernobyl babushkas living in chernobyl, plant a tree in the chernobyl zone, you help with the good angel charity, hello there, meet your guides, chernobyl instagram, follow or come, if you waited for a sign, this is it....

Valentyn is full of energy young guide who will show you zone and all interesting places there. Prepare your legs to walk a lot, eyes to see more than others and eyes to hear interesting stories about the zone.

This girl got inspired by the abandoned places of Pripyat and the nature in the Exclusion Zone. Having visited these places for the first time with CHERNOBYLX, she was looking for the opportunity to spend more time in the Chernobyl Zone to reveal all its secrets. The best way to do it was to become a Chernobyl tour guide.

At first sight, Olya looks like a smiling little girl with that kiddo expressions in her face. But don’t be fooled, she’s one of our most experienced guides with a lot of knowledge about the Zone. She’s super-fascinated by the radiation and sometimes declares herslef as a radiation hunter. Maybe that’s why she has time for guiding tours in English, Czech and German. She’s our little superhero!

Julia is the one who loves people and getting to know them. She loves exploring the zone and is also addicted to share it all with you. She loves to tell the stories about the zone and make you feel like you’re wandering with an old friend, as she’s very caring and friendly guide with who you’ll feel like you know each other for years.

This girl is obsessed with sharing her knowledge and emotions with people. She knows exactly how to make you feel the spirit of the Soviet Union and the horror of the Chernobyl disaster. First-time Yulia saw wildlife of the exclusion zone, it made an unforgettable impression on her vision of life. So be sure, with her help you’ll be stunned by the superiority of nature over man.

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How to visit Chernobyl in a responsible way

By Joan Torres 7 Comments Last updated on December 28, 2023

Chernobyl visit

On April 24th, 1986, reactor 4 from Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant suffered a massive, destructive explosion, releasing tonnes of radioactive material into the sky, which spread across Europe and even to the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.

It was an unprecedented accident caused by human negligence, which took the lives of tens of thousands of people, caused hundreds of thousands to be evacuated, plus all the social, economic and natural repercussions, whose consequences are still being suffered today.

I won’t go into technical details, but you can read all   the causes and consequences of the disaster here

As a result of the disaster, the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone was created, a 30km² territory that surrounds the nuclear plant, from where all the people were evacuated and access to which was completely restricted until 2009, when the Ukrainian Government decided to open it to the public.

Since then, the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone has attracted a few intrepid travelers interested in learning and seeing with their own eyes the effects of the worst nuclear disaster in our history.

However, things have changed.

At the beginning of 2019, after the successful TV Show broadcast by HBO, Chernobyl was, once again, something to talk about and, in very little time, just a few months, Chernobyl visitors increased by 50% , and statistics say that they will keep increasing in the coming years.

I personally believe that this increase in popularity isn’t doing any good to the Chernobyl site, as the exclusion zone is already attracting a type of tourist typically found in mass tourism destinations, characterized for being insensitive, irresponsible and lacking empathy and consciousness about the consequences of one of the worst human catastrophes.

The truth is that, after my visit, seeing what Chernobyl has become was pretty shocking and, in this article, I want to show you how to visit Chernobyl in a responsible and sensitive way . 

Remember that, for all the practical information, don’t forget to read my Ukraine travel tips

visiting Chernobyl

In this travel guide to visit Chernobyl, you will find:

Table of Contents

  • Chernobyl and mass tourism
  • My experience
  • Tips on how to visit responsibly

Practical information for visiting Chernobyl

  • Can you go independently?
  • Tour companies
  • More Information

Travel insurance for Ukraine I recommend IATI Insurance : COVID-19 coverage + 5% discount Get your discount when buying through this link

Visiting Chernobyl and the problem with mass tourism

Something I have learnt during my travels is that, inevitably, mass tourism destinations attract irresponsible travelers, ranging from the typical tourist that rides elephants to the one who doesn’t give a damn f*** about the repercussions of mass tourism on the local culture.

The irresponsible tourist who travels to Chernobyl doesn’t go because they want to learn and empathize with the victims, but they travel for pure morbidity and for showing off on Instagram that they went to a radioactive zone.

Anyone with common sense can confirm this awful situation.

If you are interested in traveling to Chernobyl, you may also want to read about my experience visiting the Aral Sea in Uzbekistan

Chernobyl tourism

However, it is important to mention that the normalization of the disaster doesn’t only happen because of tourists’ behavior. 

Actually, I strongly believe that those really responsible for such normalization are most Chernobyl tour companies, which have done nothing but sensationalize Chernobyl for their own benefit, exclusively focusing on selling you the concept of how awesome visiting a radioactive zone can be .

can you visit Chernobyl

My experience visiting Chernobyl

I visited Chernobyl on a weekday during the offseason, in mid-October, and I literally freaked out at the number of tourists I saw.

We came across 10 or 15 other groups at least.

That’s on the one hand, which wasn’t a big deal anyway. 

But, on the other hand, what really surprised me was the way some of the tour guides would tell us about Chernobyl’s disaster, and that was in a very superficial and even impertinent way.

Our guide’s explanations – who, by the way, was a young lady from Kyiv who had nothing to do with the catastrophe  – exclusively focused on the sick and sensationalist part of the disaster, and barely mentioned anything about all the people who suffered the accident directly, either the evacuated families or all the people who practically gave their lives working on cleaning up the contaminated zones.

Basically, she didn’t show any sort of sensitivity about the place.

visit chernobyl 2023

But there’s more.

I remember having a small argument with her when I wanted to tell her about a relevant book I had read recently: Voices from Chernobyl .

She told me that she had not read it, which was kind of strange, as she was a professional tour guide; but what surprised me was her response:

This book is very sensationalist.

Apart from the fact that she had not even read it, her comment made no sense at all, as the book’s author was a Belarusian lady who won the Nobel Prize and her work was a compilation of testimonies of those who lived through the disaster in the first person. 

The book was exactly the total opposite of sensationalist, so my answer to her ignorance was:

With all due respect, the only sensationalist thing here are the tours the different Chernobyl companies sell. 

On top of this, if we consider the behavior of some of the people from the group, who couldn’t stop making jokes, selfies and taking ridiculous poses in front of abandoned places, what do you want me to say…

Chernobyl has become a disgustingly sensationalist place.

Read: Visiting a Syrian refugee camp in Iraq

can you visit Chernobyl today

Tips on how to visit Chernobyl in a responsible way

Here are my responsible traveler tips:

In order to empathize with the place, read a good book about Chernobyl

And I recommend Voices from Chernobyl by Svetlana Alexievich, who won the Nobel Prize of Literature for writing precisely this book and a few more of the same genre.

Voices from Chernobyl is a compilation of testimonies directly related to the disaster, from people who were evacuated to those who refused to leave, soldiers who helped with both the evacuation and clean up, firemen, liquidators, scientists and basically, the whole Chernobyl world.

A compilation of absolutely sobering and hair-raising stories whose only achievement is to put you in their skin in a very f***ed up way.

I promise you that, after reading this book, you will see Chernobyl with very different eyes.

visit chernobyl 2023

Choose the right tour company

To be very honest with you, I think I kind of overreacted before.

Not all companies sell sensationalist tours.

A few of them are guided by very professional guides who were somehow related to the disaster.

For example, some guides are old residents of the exclusion zone, while others participated in the cleanup.

Those guides really know what Chernobyl is about and, besides telling you the most empirical and tangible facts about the accident, they will also tell you the stories they lived and experienced.

And, how to find the best company?

Something to be aware of is that the best tour company isn’t the one with the best reviews on Tripadvisor.

In fact, the one I chose had very positive reviews, for the simple reason that the guide was a nice lady and had good knowledge about the facts, but she lacked empathy and sensitivity, two qualities which, in my opinion, each and every guide should have.

Use your common sense when looking for those reviews that talk about the person’s attitude and behavior.

Many who visit Chernobyl and Ukraine then head to Moldova to visit the unrecognized country of Transnistria

Duga radar Chernobyl

Consider booking a 2-day tour

Typically, the tour companies offer two different tours: 1-day or 2-day tour.

The 1-day tour, the one which 95% of tourists choose, takes you to those famous places which today flood all over Instagram feeds: the Ferris-wheel, Duga radar, reactor 4, etc.

In the 2-day tour, however, they will take to visit locals living in the exclusion zone, some of them being re-settlers (those who came back after X years), while others are locals who refused to leave. 

Meeting those locals can be a good chance to learn and empathize even more.

Read my guide to visit Kyiv in 3 days

Chernobyl travel

Don’t take selfies, don’t make jokes, be respectful

Basically, behave like a normal person.

The Chernobyl disaster took the lives away of thousands of people, so the least you can do is paying your respects.

Also, remember to pay your respects to Belarus

Chernobyl Nuclear Plant is located in today’s Ukraine but not many people know that about 70% of the radioactive fallout  landed in Belarus, contaminating one-fourth of the country. Crazy. 

The exclusion zone of Belarus is actually bigger and up to 2,000 towns were totally evacuated.

Whereas the nuclear disaster is the worst thing that has ever happened to Ukraine and Ukrainians, remember that Belarussians suffered even more and, for some reason, the world tends to forget that.

I just want you to be aware of that and, if you want to be a real responsible traveler, you should visit the exclusion on Belarus side, where mass tourism hasn’t arrived yet.

Read my travel guide to Belarus

is it safe to visit Chernobyl

Here’s what you need to know to prepare for traveling to Chernobyl.

Where is it?

Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant is 150km north of Kiev and less than 20km from the border with Belarus.

Chernobyl is a small town but the power plant, despite being named after Chernobyl, is in a city called Pripyat, 20km north of Chernobyl.

Today, Pripyat is a ghost city but Chernobyl is partially inhabited, mainly by workers from the exclusion zone, who do 2-week shifts.

Chernobyl town

Is it safe to visit Chernobyl?

Is Chernobyl safe to visit? Before analyzing Chernobyl’s dangers, let me clarify something. 

Before my visit, I had read a few travel blogs whose authors claimed that they felt very safe in Chernobyl .

Well, I am sorry to say that this is one of the stupidest things you can ever say because radiation is something invisible, you can’t smell it, you can’t feel it and you can’t hear it.

Those who had to be evacuated also felt very safe and, in fact, that was one of the greatest problems, but then, after X months, all of them woke up with no hair and tumors in their body.

Today, Chernobyl isn’t a dangerous place, not because one feels safe, but because professional physicists have confirmed that the levels of radioactivity have decreased enough, so it doesn’t affect humans for short exposure.

is Chernobyl safe to visit

How does radiation work?

Obviously, I am no physicist and I don’t know if I should write about it but, as a traveler, I wanted to know a little bit about radiation and this is what I learnt.

When you get to the exclusion zone, during the first few kilometers, the dosimeters mark 0.15 microsieverts (Sv) per hour, which is pretty much the same level of radiation you get in any major city around the world, from Barcelona to Kiev . 

Chernobyl exclusion zone

As you continue getting closer to the nuclear plant and reach Pripyat, the radiation levels increase to 1-2Sv per hour, which is 10 to 20 times the normal levels but apparently, it is less than having an x-ray taken or even flying in a plane.

However, in some areas we passed by, especially the Red Forest, the dosimeters reached 40Sv per hour, but we passed it quickly in the bus, so the total exposure was less than a few seconds. 

This type of radiation is called gamma rays but, in Chernobyl, there is an additional type of radiation named beta particles β , a kind of radioactive dust which – theoretically – unless you start digging something up from the ground, you shouldn’t be contaminated by it.

These tiny particles can’t be detected by the dosimeters they lend you but, once you leave the exclusion zone, they scan your body to check whether you were contaminated or not. 

In this article, you will find a very insightful radiation comparison

Chernobyl visit safe

How much does it cost to travel to Chernobyl?

The 1-day tour costs around 90-100€, whereas the 2-day tour costs 270€.

What’s included?

  • 1-day tour: round trip transportation from Kiev to the exclusion zone, the guide and lunch.
  • 2-day tour: round trip transportation from Kiev to the exclusion zone, the guide, all meals and 1 night in the hotel of the exclusion zone.

By the way, the dosimeters cost an additional 200UAH, around 7.50€.

Can you visit Chernobyl without a guide?

Yes, you can, but not legally.

In fact, there are a few companies (and you can find them on Google) that offer clandestine 3-day walking tours, staying and camping inside buildings from the exclusion zone.

Can you recommend me a tour company?

I can’t, sorry.

I don’t really want to mention the one I went with and I can’t recommend a company I haven’t tried.

The only thing I can tell you is that you should do proper research and book well in advance. 

By the way, don’t forget your passport and, if you want to fly a drone, let the company know because you will need to get a specific permit.

Conclusion: is it ethical to visit Chernobyl?

I am going to say the exact same I said after receiving loads of negative feedback when I came back from my trip to Syria .

If you travel with the sole objective of learning, gaining knowledge and you are respectful to the locals, in my most humble opinion, I don’t think there’s anything wrong in paying a visit to places like Chernobyl, Syria or the Aral Sea .

In fact, I think that it would something positive, as you would be able to talk about the situation of the place based on your own experience and not on what the media says.

More information for visiting Chernobyl

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

Don’t forget to check our travel guide to Ukraine .

As well as all our Ukraine articles:

  • Kiev Travel Guide
  • Lviv Travel Guide
  • Ukraine Itinerary

visit Chernobyl

Thank you so much for this educational article. I will make it my purpose to fly there in the next 20 months, but before I do I will read (buying it as we speak) The Voices from Chernobyl. The world would be a better place if we have more people with a basic level of humanity (such yourself). Thank you again!!

Maria Chadwick

Thanks to you for your kind words 🙂 And you made a great choice buying the book, you will love it!

I went to Chernobyl this time last year and found it very educational indeed and if anything, a few things are put there by the Ukrainians FOR the tourists, so I don’t feel anyone singularly is at fault. You are only allowed to stay in the exclusion zone for 48 hours anyway before being moved out and I went through 6 full body radiation machines, and we had a Geiger counter with us the entire time so we’re perfectly safe, although you do have to sign a waiver to go into the heavily guarded areas which are monitored by the military, such as the fascinating Duga disused radar defence area. The country needs the outside world to visit and not only meet the amazing Ukrainian population, find out their personal experiences and visit places such as the Chernobyl museum, but learn about their Soviet past and learn from the people who are there, and also visit a truely amazing country in its own right, live among the people and be friends with them. Know that there are rules for going to places like this and if there were any dangers to visiting, the country would be on the FCO’s list of no go areas in the world. I have been lucky enough to visit a few countries on this list which have been amazing experiences and would urge anyone to explore the world around them to learn about life and not just bake on a beach for a week. The disaster was a truely tragic event and we need to learn from it but fundamentally understand it and make the future a better place for the next generations to come. And sometimes that means visiting these exquisite places.

Just here to help with a potential correction. 1-2Sv(Sv=sivert) is most likely missing the prefix micro(u=10^-6)(Greek letter mu, but I will use “u” due to keyboard limitations) . The threshold dose for effects such as depression of the blood cell forming process occurs after a measly 50000uSv(0.5Sv) meaning at an exposure rate of 1-2Sv/hr most would experience radiation sickness after 1hr of exposure and 5Sv will kill a large majority of those exposed to it within a months time. However if you throw the prefix micro(10^-6) the numbers start to get much more reasonable and I’m sure they would be more accurate as no Radiation Safety Physicist(such as myself) would allow anyone near an area with levels like 40Sv/hr as that would promise certain death after just minutes of exposure.

Thanks for this fantastic explanartion, Dan!

Great article to read!

Great article and a very informative read! Would never have considered traveling to chernobyl if I haven’t checked this out. At least I have some ideas now on what to expect if ever I want to visit here. Thank you!

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Visiting Chernobyl: All You Need To Know

Pripyat Amusement Park near Chernobyl power plant- The Dodgems abandoned

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All You Need To Know About Visiting Chernobyl

Tourism to the Chernobyl exclusion zone has been on the rise ever since the first images of skeletal buildings and eerie, deserted classrooms appeared on the internet. In recent years Dark Tourism sites , like Chernobyl, have become ever more popular, often coming with questions regarding safety and the ethics of visiting such locations. With this in mind, we’ve created a detailed guide, answering some of the most popular questions, explaining our experience and reviewing a top tour company.

What happened in Chernobyl?

On April 26th 1986, operators at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant were performing a routine safety test in Reactor 4. When the power reached dangerously low levels, operators violated safety precautions and removed the control rods. The test continued with emergency and safety systems turned off. At 1:23AM a power surge occurred, the emergency button was pressed but the control rods jammed. A series of explosions followed which ejected radioactive particles from the reactor core into the night sky. Lethal fumes rose up forming a radioactive cloud above the now destroyed nuclear reactor. The cloud deposited deadly radioactive particles over the surrounding area, reaching many parts of Europe.

A more detailed account of the devastating events can be found here along with an informative article from Live Science explaining the aftermath and health impacts on those nearby.

Doll Head on the floor in the exclusion zone

Visiting Chernobyl: FAQ's

Where is chernobyl.

  • Can you visit Chernobyl?
  • Is it safe to visit Chernobyl?
  • Is it worth visiting Chernobyl?
  • Can You Visit Chernobyl Without A Guide ?
  • Which is the Best Chernobyl Tour ?
  • Chernobyl 1 Day Tour Itinerary
  • How much does it cost to visit Chernobyl?
  • When is the best time to visit Chernobyl?
  • What’s the weather like in Chernobyl?
  • What to wear to Chernobyl?

Visiting Chernobyl: Zone Rules

  • What’s Chernobyl like today?
  •  Dogs of Chernobyl
  • How accurate is Chernobyl HBO?

Facts and Figures

Chernobyl is  in Ukraine,  approximately 80 miles north of the capital Kyiv and 12 miles south of the Belarus border. Public access is limited in the 30km Exclusion Zone which extends from the Chernobyl Power Plant. The zone is controlled by the Ukrainian authorities and access gained through a series of strict checkpoints. The exclusion zone is still one of the most radioactive places on Earth.

The map below shows the location of the Chernobyl Power Plant and the extent of the exclusion zone.

Skeleton of a building in Pripyat

Can You Visit Chernobyl?

Chernobyl opened to visitors in 2011  when it was officially declared ‘safe’. Since HBO’s Chernobyl miniseries , tourism to the disaster site has significantly increased with around 150,000 people visiting in 2019. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced in mid 2019 that Chernobyl would become an official tourist attraction .

The Independent reported plans to improve phone signal and infrastructure in the zone as well the creation of a ‘Green Corridor’ to offer official and safe entry. In fact, the authorities have recently launched 21 new tourist routes as part of the new improvement plans. They also opened the infamous Reactor 4 Control Room  which still reads at over 40,000 times normal radiation levels! As a result, visitors are limited to a 5 minute visit and must wear full protective clothing. 

Geiger Counter Reading 1.38 at the Pripyat Amusement Park

Is it Safe to Visit Chernobyl?

Provided you enter the Chernobyl Exclusion zone with a qualified tour guide, it is safe to visit . If you follow the rules, you will only be exposed to levels similar to that of a long haul flight . However, there are still some highly radioactive hotspots making it crucial to listen to your guide.   

Whilst in the exclusion zone you will pass through several radiation check points which will put your mind at ease.  Although we have read some theories that these checkpoints don’t actually work! 

Live Science have a helpful and informative article explaining more about the levels you’re exposed to whilst in the zone.

Fact: The Ukrainian Army use the exclusion zone once a year to ‘practice’. As a result some buildings are full of bullet holes and have been heavily damaged. 

Pripyat Amusement Park near Chernobyl power plant- The Dodgems abandoned

Is it Worth Visiting Chernobyl?

Visiting Chernobyl is  important . It’s a surreal experience which provides you with a unique perspective of the scale and impact of the disaster. By visiting you are playing your part in preserving the memories and passing on knowledge of the horrific event. It was an event which changed history and is a stark reminder of the dangers mankind poses to the natural environment and to itself.

Empty Furniture Store, with skeleton armchair and wardrobe

Can You Visit Chernobyl Without A Guide?

Visiting Chernobyl without a guide is illegal and is also extremely dangerous, however some do ‘sneak’ into the zone. There are even companies who run covert multi-day tours which see tourists sleeping in derelict apartment blocks. For thrill seekers, this may sound exciting, however with so many unstable structures and unseen risks, it’s extremely dangerous. Those who enter the zone illegally are known as ‘stalkers’ (originating from the 1972 Russian science fiction novel ‘Roadside Picnic’).

The Calvert journal has an interesting article on Chernobyl’s secretive ‘stalker’ subculture , detailing risks including food and water consumption in the zone.

Fact: Window frames and valuables were stolen and buildings stripped of cabling by looters in the early 1990s. It’s estimated that  6 million tonnes of radioactive metal was looted and recycled into everyday items.

Deserted Coffee Shop in Pripyat

Which is the Best Chernobyl Tour?

After some careful consideration and visiting many tour websites claiming to be ‘the best’ we settled on ChernobylWel.come . If like us, it’s important that you use a responsible tour company and that groups are small, ChernobylWel.come is ideal. They support several worthwhile initiatives ; each tripadvisor review plants a tree in the zone to aid with nature’s recovery. They also support the Chernobyl Babushkas, providing them with medicine and groceries, and regularly support the children’s cancer charity, Dobry Anjel. These important initiatives combined with great reviews and an alluring trip itinerary convinced us to book their 1 Day Tour from Kyiv.

Visiting Chernobyl: Tour Trailer

Our guide, Helga, was extremely knowledgeable about the zone and the accident. She had previously interviewed former Chernobyl residents and so was able to share the information she learned from them. As a photographer, she also identified some interesting locations to ensure we went away with memorable images from our tour.

Top Tip: Use code: GLOBETROTTERS at checkout to get some free gifts on any tour you book with them!

If we were to visit Chernobyl again...

We would book the 2 day tour option if we were visiting Chernobyl again, there is just so much to see! We did visit a lot of places but remain intrigued to see more of the less frequented locations. ChernobylWel.come also run private tours if you want to visit specific sights or would just rather not be in a group.

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our experience with ChernobylWel.come . It was factual, interesting and responsible. We learnt a lot about the disaster and now understand much more about exactly what happened on 26th April 1986.

Pripyat Amusement Park - Ferris Wheel

Visiting Chernobyl: 1 Day Tour Itinerary

Different companies have different itineraries so if you’re interested in a specific sight, ensure the tour you choose stops there! Alternatively, you can book a private tour. Our 1 Day Tour from Kyiv with ChernobylWel.come in January 2020 followed the below itinerary.

Top Tip: The meeting point is outside Kyiv’s main train station which is massive and confusing to navigate (unless you speak Ukrainian). Therefore it’s worth doing a recce beforehand to ensure you get there on time. We went the night before and got lost A LOT! Puzata Hata (the meeting point near the station) is also a great self service restaurant where you can have dinner the night before or after the tour.

Finding the Meeting Point

The tour began with an early 7:30AM start in Kyiv, we met the bus outside the Puzata Hata Restaurant, near the train station. We’d heard that the meeting point could be difficult to find so had done a recce the night before. If you’re really late, they’ll leave without you,  which nearly happened to some members of our tour. They hadn’t planned ahead, left it to maps at the last minute and got lost. It was very frustrating for everyone else who had been on time, so don’t be late.

Top Tip: There’s a McDonald’s around the corner from the meeting point. If you fancy a treat and you’re an early riser, what better way to start the day than by demolishing a greasy Bacon & Egg McMuffin!  Puzata Hata also serve breakfast but we ate there the night before so treated ourselves to McDonald’s…

Journey from Kyiv to Chernobyl

The bus journey from Kyiv to the exclusion zone takes 2 hours. This sounds like a long journey but it passed quickly. ChernobylWel.come show a documentary on the bus and gave everyone a ‘newspaper’ to read with articles from the time of the accident. 

Top Tip: There is a brief toilet and refreshment stop before entering the zone. If you forgot to bring snacks it’s worth picking up a few there. Once in the zone there’s nowhere to buy food and lunch is usually between 1PM-3PM.

First Checkpoint

When you arrive at the first checkpoint passports and documents are checked by the Ukrainian authorities. There’s a small gift shop but the tour also stops here on the return journey so no need to rush to buy souvenirs yet! Once through this checkpoint, you’ve officially entered the exclusion zone. Fascination and intrigue begins to build as you spot mysterious derelict buildings and discarded belongings appearing in the forest as you drive to the next checkpoint. 

Top Tip: Use the bathroom whenever there’s one available! The only toilets are at lunch time or at the checkpoints when you enter/exit the zone. A large portion of the day before lunch is spent walking around Pripyat where there are no facilities. There’s definitely no nature wees allowed!

After passing through all the checkpoints it’s time for the first stop! Below we’ve listed the stops we made in chronological order.

1. Chernobyl's Red Forest

Chernobyl’s Red Forest is one of the most radioactive areas on earth. It’s located only 500 meters from the power plant and absorbed high levels of radiation from the initial explosion. Many trees died and turned orange (hence the name) and much of the forest is still out of bounds. For that reason, we drove straight through the forest, glued to our geiger counters as they beeped like crazy!

View of the Red Forest from near the Pripyat Sign in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

2. Pripyat Town Sign

Before entering the ghost town, every tour stops at the iconic Pripyat Town Sign. Unfortunately this historic monument is often vandalised and is regularly repainted. On the opposite side of the road to the sign is a radioactive hotspot, “don’t put anything on the ground there ” shouts our tour guide *Eve drops mitten* … From this stop we were also able to view the Red Forest at a safe distance.

Pripyat Fairground side view

3. Pripyat Fairground

All Chernobyl visitors are keen to see the ferris wheel, made famous by games like Call of Duty and Stalker.  The Pripyat Fairground was due to open just a week after the nuclear disaster. However, it’s speculated that it did momentarily open the day after the disaster to distract local residents from what was unfurling only a short distance away. After Pripyat was evacuated, the fairground was used to land helicopters during the immediate aftermath.

Pripyat was built to house workers at the nearby Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1970. At the time of the accident, it had a population of around 50,000 people. Comprising 160 apartment blocks, 20 schools, a hospital, 27 cafes, shopping centres, 3 swimming pools, 2 stadiums and 35 playgrounds, it’s no wonder tours spend several hours in the town. Pripyat is the most visited town in the exclusion zone with hundreds of tourists passing through the abandoned remains each day.

By visiting Pripyat towards the start of our tour, we avoided other groups which would’ve disturbed the eerily quiet atmosphere. We stopped at sights like; Central Square, the Grocery Store , Rainbow Shopping Centre , Energetic Palace of Culture , Pripyat City Council , a local Art Gallery and Prometheus Cinema.

Pripyat City Council

Fact: The average age of Pripyat’s residents before the accident was 26 meaning there were many young couples starting families.

5. Pripyat Hospital 126

The Pripyat Hospital basement is one of the scariest and most dangerous places in the zone . On the night of the accident, first responders were rushed here for treatment. Unbeknown to them and the medical staff, they were highly contaminated. As soon as Doctors discovered this, the firefighter’s clothing was taken to the basement, where it has remained ever since. Sadly illegal stalkers in the zone have brought remnants of the clothing up from the basement. These tiny scraps of cloth litter the hallways and as a result it’s no longer safe to enter the building.  Our guide identified a tiny piece of cloth on a window sill, it looked like a leaf and could’ve easily been missed. Edging our geiger counter slowly and carefully towards the fabric, frantic beeping began which resulted in the highest reading we’d see all day!

Pripyat Riverport - Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

6. Pripyat Riverport and Cafe

Families gathered along the riverbank to enjoy picnics and pleasure cruises in the summer and ice skating in the winter. Not far from the jetty is the wreck of a boat, half sunken into the radioactive lake. The cafe was known as ‘The Dish’ by local residents and was a popular teenage hangout. It once had huge colourful stained glass windows contrasting the uniform soviet architecture. Around the back of the cafe are several old soviet soda machines. These often had one glass attached by a chain, which would be rinsed and filled, much better than plastic cups!

7. Chernobyl Power Plant and Memorial

Everyone visiting Chernobyl will stop by the famous sarcophagus shielding the remains of reactor 4 from the outside world. Unsurprisingly, the radiation levels within the dome are the highest with the zone. A BBC article documents the new dome as bigger than Wembley stadium and taller than the statue of liberty, it took two decades to build. The final stop before lunch is the Chernobyl Power Plant Memorial which honours those who died in the initial aftermath of the accident, many of whom were first responders. 

Top Tip: If actually going inside the power plant interests you, Chernobylwel.come do a 2 day Chernobyl Power Plant and Pripyat tour, as well as a Chernobyl Reactor 4 Control Room Tour.

8. Chernobyl Plant Canteen

After passing through a radiation checkpoint it’s time to enjoy a traditional Ukrainian lunch. Thankfully all the food served in the canteen is grown outside of the exclusion zone! We couldn’t tell you what exactly was on the menu (you got what you were given) but it was delicious and very filling!

Chernobyl Workers Canteen

Top Tip:  Remember to inform your guide of any dietary requirements ahead of the tour so they can accommodate you. 

9. Duga Radar System

Hidden amongst the dense woodland in the Chernobyl exclusion zone is one of the Soviet’s best kept secrets. A bus stop labelled ‘Kids Camp’ marks the secret access road to Duga Radar station. Towering 150 metres into the sky, it was part of the Soviet Union’s early missile detection system. Although some conspiracy theorists believe it was linked to mind control or weather experiments.

Fun Fact: Duga was nicknamed the ‘Russian Woodpecker’ due to the repetitive tapping noises its broadcasts made.

Bridge of Death Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

10. Bridge of Death

On April 26th 1986, Pripyat residents gathered on the nearby railway bridge to observe the bright flames light up the night sky in the aftermath of reactor 4’s explosion. HBO’s Chernobyl depicts radioactive dust landing on children playing and residents on the bridge, later stating that all those on the bridge that night died. However, there’s varied reports on this and it’s hard to decipher the facts from the fiction regarding the ‘ Bridge of Death ‘. It has been reported that some locals did visit the bridge but no one knows if they survived or if they developed any long term health issues that night. In fact, many Pripyat residents slept through the explosion and plant workers didn’t find out about the incident until they arrived at the plant later that morning.

11. Chernobyl Town

The town of Chernobyl is located 15 km south of the Nuclear Power Plant. It was much smaller than Pripyat, with only 14,000 residents. Remarkably, Chernobyl is still inhabited by around 1000 zone workers today. There are two stores, a post office and a hotel. Those living in the town can stay a maximum of 15 days before they are required to leave for 15 days. The tour stops by the Monument of the Third Angel and a path lined with village signs , each representing a lost village, abandoned in the exclusion zone after the disaster.

12. Chernobyl Welcome Sign

The last stop on our 1 Day tour was the Chernobyl welcome sign. It’s a poignant stop to make and a sad reminder of the tragic events that took so many lives.

Chernobyl Welcome Sign

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Chernobyl?

Visiting Chernobyl on the 1 Day Tour from Kyiv costs £109 pp (prices as per 2020) with Chernobylwel.come

This includes:

  • Return transport between Kyiv and Chernobyl
  • Free Wifi on an air conditioned bus throughout the tour (upload pictures to social media instantly!)
  • Small groups (small mini bus, no larger than 18 people)
  • A free ‘newspaper ‘ to read on the journey
  • A TV documentary about the disaster on the way
  • Several geiger counters shared within the group (we had 4 or 5 between 15)
  • Free individual dosimeter to be worn throughout your time in the exclusion zone
  • Photos before the accident shown during the tour.
  • All legal documentation to enter the zone
  • Traditional Ukrainian lunch at the Chernobyl power plant workers cafe
  • Free gifts at the end of the tour
  • Free ticket to the Chernobyl Museum in Kyiv

Costs £269 pp , (prices as per 2020) which includes all of the above PLUS :

  • Overnight hotel accommodation in the zone
  • Traditional Ukrainian Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Opportunity to meet the Chernobyl Babushkas
  • Opportunity to see 3 times more sights in the zone than the 1 Day tour

Wild Horses in the exclusion zone, dome over reactor 4 is in the background

When is the Best Time to Visit Chernobyl?

There isn’t necessarily a ‘best’ time to visit Chernobyl, but maybe a best time to suit you.

If safety is a concern then winter is deemed the safest time to visit. It’s thought that the snow and freezing temperatures provide a blanket over the radioactive particles in the ground. As a result, levels of radiation in winter are generally much lower. Mist, snow and a barren forest make for eerily creepy photos of abandoned buildings standing out in the white forest. We visited in January 2020, it was extremely cold reaching lows of -10°C  whilst we were in the zone, we even saw a few snowflakes! The icy ground and chill in the air were a constant reminder of the tragedy and made for a really memorable experience. Visiting on a bright summer’s day would be a very different experience.

There is no snow at this point nor have the trees grown any leaves which means buildings are still visible through dense forest and overgrowth. However, spring doesn’t last long in the zone and is hard to pinpoint exactly as it can change annually. So if spring is when you want to visit Chernobyl, be sure to research so you don’t miss it!

The benefit of visiting in summer is the longer hours of daylight. This is particularly beneficial for those staying overnight in the zone, meaning you may be able to make more stops before or after dinner. It’s also much warmer, averaging around 25°C mid season. The dense greenery disguises many buildings, particularly in Pripyat, but might be ideal for those wanting to ‘discover’ buildings hiding amongst the overgrowth.

Autumn is the most colourful and some say most beautiful time to visit Chernobyl. With leaves beginning to fall from trees, the ground is scattered with red and oranges hues, also allowing visitors to see buildings hidden in the forest, no longer tucked behind a wall of greenery.

Weather in Chernobyl

Weather in the exclusion zone can range from below -10°C in winter to over 30°C in summer. The question above ‘What’s the best time to visit Chernobyl?’ describes each season in more detail. Accuweather give you the historical average from any specific date as well as previous temperatures. Below is a current weather forecast.

Current Weather Forecast

Eve crouched in yellow coat taking a photo of a deserted building in Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

What to Wear to Chernobyl?

Your wardrobe choice will largely depend on the time of year you’re visiting Chernobyl. The most important things to wear at any time of year are sturdy shoes ( you will be walking A LOT! ), long sleeved tops and long trousers (these are to keep you protected from any radioactive particles in the zone). Tours often walk through overgrown and wooden areas which may mean you brush against trees and other organic material.

Temperatures range from -10°C to 30°C throughout the year, check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure you pack the best clothing and maybe even an umbrella!

In winter we recommend LOTS of layers, if you bring too many you can always strip and leave them on the bus. Thermal or thick socks, a hat, gloves and warm jacket are a must.

Visiting Chernobyl involves a lot of walking and exploring outside so it’s important to stay safe in the sun. We recommend taking sunglasses and a sunhat as well as applying suncream regularly. Unfortunately shorts are not permitted. 

Skeleton of a red bike besides the lake near Pripyat not far from Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant

When entering the Chernobyl exclusion zone it’s important to be responsible , you’re effectively roaming an outdoor museum. It’s a piece of history and it’s important to preserve the site as much as possible. Listen carefully, stay close to your guide and follow any rules they put in place.

Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Rules:

  • It is prohibited to put anything on the ground , that includes tripods, kneeling to take that epic instashot or just popping your bag on the ground whilst you get something out.
  • You must not touch any vegetation or structures.
  • To use a drone, appropriate paperwork must be filled out BEFORE you enter the zone.
  • You must be 18 years old to enter the exclusion zone.
  • Wear long trousers and closed shoes at all times (skirts, shorts and open shoes are prohibited).
  • You must comply with all requirements at radiation checkpoints.
  • Keep your passport on you to show at checkpoints if required.
  • It is prohibited to drink alcohol / take drugs.
  • It is illegal to take anything from inside the zone.
  • You may not smoke or eat in open air, smoking is only permitted in designated areas.
  • It is prohibited to carry any type of weapon.

Photo of Pripyat before disaster

Chernobyl Today

It is estimated that Chernobyl’s Exclusion Zone won’t be safe for humans to inhabit for another 20,000 years. However, the zone isn’t completely abandoned. Along with those working at the power plant and in the zone administratively, it’s estimated that another 100-200 people live there illegally. Many are former residents who returned to their homes in the years following the accident. They are called “Samosely” which translates to “Self Settlers” and most are women in their 70’s and 80’s. The Babushkas of Chernobyl. To help the Samosely survive, the government distribute basic supplies to 11 of the villages on a weekly basis. 

Most vacant homes in the zone are being sold by former residents for only a few hundred pounds. Houses in good condition, which are hard to find, can be sold for up to £3000. For this reason, some Ukrainians are moving nearer or even into the zone , where it’s affordable and free from conflict. The BBC wrote an interesting article interviewing a mother who moved to the exclusion zone with her daughters a few years ago for this reason.

With nature overtaking the derelict and rusted ruins, animals are thriving and biodiversity in the zone is on the increase. Throughout the tours, guides will often show photos of the location you’re at before the accident, giving you a glimpse into it’s past life. Although, it can be hard to imagine the decaying concrete structures as they were before when greenery is all that holds them together now.

Wild Dog in Chernobyl at Check point

Dogs Of Chernobyl

Many of the dogs in the exclusion zone are descendants of the abandoned pets of former residents. After the accident, troops were sent to kill the pets but some survived and today there are around 300 stray dogs roaming the exclusion zone. Although sadly, as a result of harsh winter conditions and predators in the zone many don’t live past the age of 6. They often follow tour groups around the zone and can be mainly found near checkpoints where the guards play and look after them. The Guardian has a great article  on where you can meet dogs like ‘Tarzan’ who live in the zone.

Chernobyl Reactor 4 Covered with Dome to last 100 years

How Accurate is Chernobyl HBO?

Following the release of HBO’s Chernobyl in May 2019, over 8 million people tuned in within the first two months. It’s the highest rated programme in history on IMDB (currently 9.4/10) beating Game of Thrones! The incredibly detailed historic drama won 10 Emmy awards including Outstanding Limited Series. Many details in the series are true, although some have been dramatised for TV and others created to support the story telling. Below are some of those that are true to life and others that have been created or dramatised.

Fiction: The series shows a helicopter falling from the sky after flying over the open reactor in the immediate aftermath of the accident. This isn’t entirely correct . A helicopter DID crash but it was two weeks after the initial explosion and was the result of a collision with a crane.

Fact: They did use remote controlled robots to attempt to clear the highly radioactive rubble in order to spare human lives. There were around 60 robots, one of which resembled the moon buggy.

Fiction: The ‘Bridge of Death’ story depicted in the series isn’t entirely true . It has been reported that some locals DID visit the bridge but there’s no evidence to suggest that they all died. Most Pripyat residents actually slept through the explosion.

Fact:  Doctors did try and use milk to treat the radiation burns. In the series we see Doctors pouring milk over a patient’s burns in hope of treating them like fire burns (although milk is not actually a remedy for fire burns.)

The BBC have a great article that compares survivors stories to the HBO series. Below is a video that shows a side by side comparison of the series and real footage shot at the time of the accident.

The BBC reported that those living in the nearby town of Pripyat were exposed to 37,000 times the dose of a chest x-ray . People 50 miles away were exposed to 180 mSv/hr, exceeding the safe annual exposure in less than a minute .

With there being so many important facts and figures associated with the disaster, we put the key points into a helpful infographic. 

Chernobyl Facts and Figure about the accident

Hopefully our guide answered all your questions about visiting Chernobyl. If you found this post useful please share and like it below! If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to  get in touch or leave a comment below. And for more inspiration why not check out some of our other destinations.  

Thanks for reading,

Eve and Nick

Nick and Eve under Duga

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A Complete Travel Guide On How To Visit Chernobyl, Ukraine

Published: September 9, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Issie Fey

  • Plan Your Trip
  • Travel Guide
  • Travel Tips

a-complete-travel-guide-on-how-to-visit-chernobyl-ukraine

Introduction

Welcome to Chernobyl, a place that holds a haunting and heartbreaking history. Located in northern Ukraine, Chernobyl is infamous for the catastrophic nuclear disaster that occurred on April 26, 1986. This tragedy not only had devastating immediate effects, but its long-term impact on the environment and the lives of people living in the region is still felt today.

Despite the dark and somber past, Chernobyl has become a unique and intriguing destination for travelers from around the world. Exploring the abandoned buildings and eerie landscapes of the Exclusion Zone, the area surrounding the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, offers a glimpse into the aftermath of one of history’s worst nuclear accidents.

Visiting Chernobyl is a different kind of travel experience, one that combines history, science, and a sobering reminder of the devastating power of human error. It allows visitors to witness the resilience of nature as it reclaims the abandoned city of Pripyat and navigate the desolate streets frozen in time.

However, it’s essential to approach a trip to Chernobyl with utmost respect and caution. The area is still radioactive, and strict safety regulations are in place to protect visitors. This comprehensive travel guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about visiting Chernobyl, including how to get there, what to see, safety precautions to take, and tips for a memorable visit.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a photographer seeking unique shots, or an adventurer with a fascination for abandoned places, a journey to Chernobyl will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. So, put on your protective gear, keep an open mind, and embark on a journey to witness the aftermath of a nuclear disaster that changed the course of history.

Overview of Chernobyl

Chernobyl is a city situated in the Kiev Oblast region of northern Ukraine. Prior to the nuclear disaster, it was a bustling city with a population of around 14,000 people. Today, it is a ghost town, left abandoned and frozen in time after the catastrophic events of April 1986.

The city of Chernobyl was founded in 1193 but gained international attention due to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, which was built nearby. The power plant was meant to provide energy to the region but became infamous for the accident that occurred at Reactor No. 4. This accident led to the release of a massive amount of radioactive material into the atmosphere, resulting in the evacuation of thousands of people and the creation of the Exclusion Zone.

The Exclusion Zone encompasses an area of approximately 2,600 square kilometers, surrounding the nuclear power plant. It is a heavily restricted area where access is strictly controlled due to the lingering radiation levels.

Within the Exclusion Zone, there are several towns and villages that were once home to thousands of people but now lie abandoned and overgrown with nature. One of the most well-known abandoned cities within the zone is Pripyat, formerly housing the workers of the power plant and their families. Today, Pripyat stands as a chilling reminder of the disaster, with its empty streets, decaying buildings, and eerie silence.

Despite the devastation caused by the nuclear disaster, Chernobyl has become a subject of fascination for many. It offers a unique opportunity to witness the lasting impact of such a catastrophic event on both the environment and human lives. It also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of nuclear safety and the potential consequences of technological failures.

Visiting Chernobyl is not only a chance to learn about the disaster and its aftermath but also an opportunity to pay respects to the victims and the heroic efforts of the responders who sacrificed their lives to contain the situation.

As you journey through the Exclusion Zone, you’ll witness abandoned buildings, contaminated landscapes, and a sense of desolation. It’s an experience that evokes both reflection and awe, as you come face to face with the power and fragility of human existence.

History of the Chernobyl Disaster

The Chernobyl Disaster, which occurred on April 26, 1986, was the result of a catastrophic accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the city of Pripyat, Ukraine. It remains one of the worst nuclear accidents in history.

The accident was caused by a combination of reactor design flaws, human error, and a flawed safety culture. During a routine safety test, an unexpected power surge caused a steam explosion, resulting in a fire that released a huge amount of radioactive material into the atmosphere. The explosion and subsequent fire led to the total destruction of Reactor No. 4 and caused the immediate deaths of two plant workers.

The effects of the Chernobyl Disaster were not limited to the immediate vicinity of the power plant. The released radioactive materials drifted over large areas of Europe, contaminating soil, vegetation, and water sources. The most severely affected regions included Belarus, Ukraine, and parts of Russia, with long-term consequences for the health of the local population and the environment.

Following the explosion, the Soviet government mobilized a massive response to contain the situation and mitigate the effects of the disaster. This included the evacuation of thousands of residents from the surrounding areas and the construction of the famous sarcophagus, a protective structure designed to contain the radioactive remains of Reactor No. 4.

The long-term consequences of the Chernobyl Disaster are still being felt decades later. The release of radioactive materials led to an increase in radiation-related illnesses, including cancers, birth defects, and other health issues. The environmental impact was also significant, with some areas remaining uninhabitable and wildlife populations affected by radiation-induced abnormalities.

Internationally, the Chernobyl Disaster highlighted the dangers of nuclear power and raised important questions about reactor safety and the handling of nuclear waste. It led to significant changes in nuclear power policies and regulations in many countries.

Today, the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant remains decommissioned, with Reactor No. 4 encased in a new confinement structure known as the New Safe Confinement. The Exclusion Zone, which was established around the power plant, continues to be closely monitored, and access is strictly regulated to protect public safety.

Visiting Chernobyl offers a poignant opportunity to learn about and reflect upon the events that led to this monumental disaster. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of nuclear safety, the potential consequences of human error, and the lasting impact that such incidents can have on the environment and the lives of countless individuals.

Safety Precautions and Regulations

Visiting Chernobyl requires utmost caution and adherence to strict safety regulations due to the lingering radiation in the area. Here are some crucial safety precautions and regulations to keep in mind:

1. Restricted Access: The Exclusion Zone is a highly restricted area, and access is only permitted with an approved tour operator. Independent entry is not allowed, and penalties for unauthorized entry can be severe.

2. Protective Clothing: It is mandatory to wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes to minimize direct contact with contaminated surfaces. Tour operators typically provide protective clothing and equipment such as coveralls, masks, and shoe covers.

3. Radiation Monitoring: Radiation levels are regularly monitored throughout the Exclusion Zone. Follow the instructions of your tour guide and avoid areas with higher radiation levels. Be aware that some spots may have higher levels of radiation, so it’s important to stay within designated safe areas.

4. Prohibited Actions: Smoking, eating, and drinking are strictly prohibited within the Exclusion Zone to prevent the ingestion of radioactive particles. Additionally, touching surfaces, picking up objects, or entering buildings without permission is also prohibited.

5. Follow the Guide’s Instructions: Listen carefully to your tour guide’s instructions and adhere to their guidance at all times. They are familiar with the area and are trained to ensure your safety. Ask questions and seek clarification whenever necessary.

6. Use of Geiger Counters: Geiger counters are often provided during tours to measure radiation levels. Familiarize yourself with its operation and use it to assess radiation levels in your surroundings. However, do not rely solely on the Geiger counter as the ultimate measure of safety. Always follow the instructions of your tour guide.

7. Health Considerations: Ensure you are in good physical health before visiting Chernobyl. People with certain medical conditions or those who are pregnant should consult with their healthcare provider before considering a visit.

8. Age Restrictions: Most tour operators have age restrictions in place. Children under a certain age, usually under 18, are not allowed to enter the Exclusion Zone due to the potential risks associated with radiation exposure.

9. Respecting the Environment: Do not disturb or remove any objects or artifacts within the Exclusion Zone. Leave everything as you found it to preserve the historical and cultural integrity of the area.

10. Follow Decontamination Procedures: After visiting Chernobyl, it is important to follow the decontamination procedures recommended by your tour operator. This may involve washing your hands, changing clothes, and showering to minimize the risk of carrying radioactive particles outside the zone.

By following these safety precautions and regulations, you can have a safe and memorable visit to Chernobyl while minimizing your exposure to radiation and respecting the fragility of the environment.

How to Get to Chernobyl

Visiting Chernobyl requires careful planning and booking through an authorized tour operator. Here are the steps to follow to reach Chernobyl:

1. Choose a Tour Operator: Research and select a reputable tour operator that specializes in Chernobyl tours. Ensure they have the necessary permits and can provide a safe and informative experience.

2. Book in Advance: Chernobyl tours have limited availability, so it is essential to book well in advance. This allows you to secure your spot and ensure all necessary arrangements are in place.

3. Obtain the Required Documents: Your tour operator will inform you of the documents you need to provide. This may include a scanned copy of your passport and signed liability waivers. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid any issues on the day of your visit.

4. Travel to Kiev, Ukraine: Most Chernobyl tours start from the Ukrainian capital, Kiev. Arrive in Kiev a day or two before your scheduled tour to allow for any unforeseen delays or to explore the city before your visit to Chernobyl.

5. Meet the Tour Group: On the day of your Chernobyl tour, you will meet your tour group and guide at a designated meeting point in Kiev. The tour operator will provide transportation from Kiev to the Exclusion Zone.

6. Travel to Chernobyl: The journey from Kiev to Chernobyl takes approximately two hours. You will travel in a designated vehicle, usually a bus or minivan, with other members of the tour group.

7. Entry Formalities: Upon arrival at the Exclusion Zone checkpoint, you will go through security checks and present your documents. Ensure you have your passport and any additional identification as requested by your tour operator.

8. Safety Briefing: Before entering the Exclusion Zone, you will receive a safety briefing from your tour guide. They will provide information on safety precautions, regulations, and the use of protective clothing and equipment.

9. Explore Chernobyl: Once inside the Exclusion Zone, your tour will take you to various points of interest, including the abandoned city of Pripyat, the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, and other notable landmarks. Listen to your guide’s explanations and take in the hauntingly unique surroundings.

10. Return to Kiev: After the tour, you will return to Kiev with your tour group. Take this time to reflect on your experiences and the impact of the Chernobyl disaster.

Remember to follow all safety guidelines and regulations provided by your tour guide throughout your visit to Chernobyl. Leaving the Exclusion Zone, you will have a deeper understanding of the tragic events that unfolded and the lasting effects on this once vibrant region.

Booking a Tour

Visiting Chernobyl requires booking a tour through an authorized tour operator. Here are the steps to follow when booking a tour to Chernobyl:

1. Research Tour Operators: Start by researching reputable tour operators that specialize in Chernobyl tours. Look for operators with good reviews, extensive experience, and the necessary permits to operate within the Exclusion Zone.

2. Check Availability: Chernobyl tours have limited availability, so it’s important to check the tour dates and availability in advance. Keep in mind that popular dates and peak seasons may fill up quickly, so plan accordingly and book in advance.

3. Choose the Tour Type: Tour operators offer various types of tours, ranging from one-day to multi-day excursions. Consider your preferences and available time to choose the tour that best suits you.

4. Read Tour Details: Read the tour details provided by the operator carefully. Pay attention to the itinerary, inclusions, exclusions, safety measures, and any additional information related to the tour.

5. Pricing and Policies: Take note of the tour price, payment terms, cancellation policies, and any additional fees that may apply. Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself in case of unforeseen circumstances.

6. Booking Process: Once you have chosen a tour, follow the tour operator’s booking process. This typically involves providing your personal information, making payment, and submitting any required documents, such as a scanned copy of your passport.

7. Confirmation and Communication: After making your booking, you will receive a confirmation email or voucher from the tour operator. Keep this document safe and read it thoroughly. The confirmation will include important details such as meeting points, pickup times, contact information, and any other instructions you need to follow.

8. Prepare for the Tour: Before your tour date, make sure you have all the necessary items such as appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes, and any additional items recommended by the tour operator. Familiarize yourself with the tour itinerary and any specific rules or guidelines provided by the operator.

9. On the Day of the Tour: Arrive at the designated meeting point on time and present your confirmation voucher and identification as required by the operator. Follow the instructions provided by the tour guide and be prepared for an immersive and educational experience.

10. Enjoy the Tour: During the tour, listen to your guide’s commentary, ask questions, and fully immerse yourself in the unique environment of Chernobyl. Take photos, but remember to do so respectfully and mindfully of the solemn nature of the site.

Booking a tour to Chernobyl requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and memorable experience as you explore the haunting remnants of one of history’s deadliest nuclear disasters.

Exploring the Exclusion Zone

Exploring the Exclusion Zone is the highlight of any visit to Chernobyl. This vast area, surrounding the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, offers a haunting and thought-provoking experience. Here are some key points to know about exploring the Exclusion Zone:

1. Guided Tours: Exploring the Exclusion Zone is only permitted through authorized guided tours. These tours provide valuable insights into the history, impact, and current state of the area.

2. Abandoned City of Pripyat: Pripyat, once a thriving city, was evacuated after the Chernobyl disaster. Explore the eerie remains of this ghost town, including decaying buildings, overgrown amusement parks, and abandoned schools.

3. Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant: Get a close-up view of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and the iconic sarcophagus that contains Reactor No. 4. Learn about the events leading to the disaster and witness the ongoing efforts to secure the site.

4. Monument of the Liquidators: Pay tribute to the brave nuclear clean-up workers, known as the “Liquidators,” who risked their lives to contain the disaster. Visit the Monument of the Liquidators to honor their sacrifice and learn about their important role.

5. Red Forest: Explore the Red Forest, one of the most contaminated areas within the Exclusion Zone. This area gets its name from the red color of the dead pine trees that resulted from high radiation levels. Witness nature’s ability to adapt and reclaim the land.

6. Viewing Platforms: Visit designated viewing platforms that offer panoramic views of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and the surrounding area. These platforms provide a unique perspective and allow you to grasp the scale of the disaster.

7. Duga-3 Radar Station: Take a detour to the Duga-3 Radar Station, also known as the “Russian Woodpecker.” This massive abandoned radar system was part of the Soviet Union’s early warning network and played a significant role during the Cold War.

8. Wildlife and Nature: Despite the high radiation levels, the Exclusion Zone has become a haven for wildlife. Keep an eye out for the unique fauna and flora that have adapted to the environment. Remember not to touch or disturb any animals or plants.

9. Chernobyl-2 and Polesie State Radioecological Reserve: Take the opportunity to visit Chernobyl-2, a former secret military complex, and the Polesie State Radioecological Reserve. These areas provide further insights into the history and ecological impact of the disaster.

10. Reflect and Respect: While exploring the Exclusion Zone, it’s essential to approach the experience with respect and solemnity. Reflect on the tragedy that unfolded and the lives affected by the disaster. Follow all safety guidelines and regulations to ensure your well-being and preservation of the area.

Exploring the Exclusion Zone is a unique and emotionally impactful experience. It provides a glimpse into the enduring impact of the Chernobyl disaster and serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of human error. Take your time, listen to your guide, and allow yourself to absorb the powerful history and haunting ambiance of this extraordinary place.

Landmarks and Points of Interest

Within the Exclusion Zone, there are numerous landmarks and points of interest that offer a glimpse into the history and aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster. Here are some notable places to visit:

1. Reactor No. 4: The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and Reactor No. 4, the site of the catastrophic explosion, are essential points of interest. Witness the towering sarcophagus built to encase the reactor and learn about the events that led to the disaster.

2. Pripyat: Explore the abandoned city of Pripyat, once home to thousands of inhabitants. Visit landmarks such as the Palace of Culture, the Ferris wheel, and the iconic amusement park, left frozen in time since the evacuation.

3. Chernobyl Docks: The Chernobyl Docks, located on the Pripyat River, offer a chilling sight of abandoned boats and ships. These vessels were used during the rescue and cleanup efforts following the disaster.

4. Memorial Signs: Throughout the Exclusion Zone, you will come across memorial signs dedicated to the victims and responders of the Chernobyl disaster. Take a moment to pay your respects and reflect on the magnitude of the tragedy.

5. Kopachi Village: Witness the haunting sight of the partially buried buildings in Kopachi Village. The village was heavily contaminated and partially dismantled after the disaster. Today, the remaining houses stand as a reminder of the lasting impact.

6. Radar Station Duga-3: Visit the Duga-3 radar station, a massive abandoned facility once part of the Soviet Union’s early warning system. Known as the “Russian Woodpecker,” the radar system played a role during the Cold War.

7. Chernobyl-2: Explore the secret military complex of Chernobyl-2, which housed the “Russian Woodpecker” radar system. Learn about its role in detecting missiles and its connection to the Chernobyl disaster.

8. Red Forest: The Red Forest gained its name from the color of the dead pine trees that resulted from high radiation levels. Witness the eerie sight of the contaminated forest, which showcases nature’s ability to adapt and survive.

9. Cooling Pond: Visit the Cooling Pond near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, where you can observe the massive concrete blocks that were used to prevent contamination from spreading.

10. Wildlife Observation: While exploring the Exclusion Zone, keep an eye out for wildlife that has thrived in this unique environment. Foxes, deer, wild boars, and even rare bird species can be spotted, adapting and surviving amidst the radioactivity.

Each landmark and point of interest within the Exclusion Zone provides a glimpse into different aspects of the Chernobyl disaster and its aftermath. Take the time to listen to your guide’s insights, ask questions, and absorb the history and significance of these haunting places.

Wildlife and Nature in Chernobyl

The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone has become an unintentional nature reserve, offering a unique opportunity to witness the resilience of wildlife in a post-human environment. Despite the lingering radiation, the absence of human activity has allowed nature to flourish in unexpected ways. Here are some fascinating aspects of wildlife and nature in Chernobyl:

1. Animal Adaptation: Animals in the Exclusion Zone have adapted to survive in a high-radiation environment. They have developed mechanisms that help them limit radiation exposure, such as specialized enzymes that repair damaged DNA and increased antioxidant levels to minimize radiation-induced damage.

2. Abundance of Wildlife: The absence of human disturbance has allowed wildlife populations to thrive. Species such as wolves, wild boars, lynx, beavers, and elk have multiplied in the Exclusion Zone. The area is also home to over 200 bird species, including rare and endangered species like the black stork and the white-tailed eagle.

3. Return of Predators: With the absence of human hunting, predators have made a comeback in Chernobyl. Wolves, in particular, have reclaimed their place at the top of the food chain. Their presence has had a positive impact on the ecosystem by regulating the population of herbivores, thereby preventing overgrazing.

4. Unique Ecological Studies: The Exclusion Zone provides an unprecedented opportunity for researchers to study the effects of radiation on wildlife and ecosystems. Scientists have been studying the impact of radiation exposure on DNA, reproduction, and behavior, providing valuable insights into the long-term consequences of nuclear accidents.

5. Resurgence of Flora: Without human interference, plant life has thrived in the Exclusion Zone. The absence of farming and land development has allowed natural vegetation to reclaim the area. The landscape is now adorned with overgrown forests, meadows, and fields, providing habitats for a diverse range of plant species.

6. Radioactive Contamination: While wildlife appears to thrive in Chernobyl, it is important to note that some animals may still exhibit radiation-induced abnormalities. This serves as a reminder that radiation exposure can have long-term effects on organisms, even if they appear healthy on the surface.

7. Ecotourism Potential: The unique ecosystem of Chernobyl has sparked interest among ecotourists and researchers. Some tour operators offer specialized wildlife-focused tours, allowing visitors to observe and learn about the unique flora and fauna in the Exclusion Zone.

8. Preservation of Biodiversity: The accidental creation of a wildlife sanctuary in the Exclusion Zone is a testament to nature’s incredible ability to rebound and reclaim its space. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving biodiversity and the delicate balance between human activity and the natural world.

Exploring the wildlife and nature in Chernobyl is not only a fascinating experience but also offers valuable insights into the resilience of nature and the long-term effects of radiation. As you witness the thriving fauna and observe the regrowth of vegetation, take a moment to appreciate the intricate web of life that has adapted to this unique and challenging environment.

The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant

The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, located near the city of Pripyat, Ukraine, was once a symbol of progress and innovation. Today, it stands as a haunting reminder of one of the most devastating nuclear accidents in history. Here’s what you need to know about the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant:

1. Construction and Design: The construction of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant began in the 1970s. It consisted of four RBMK-1000 reactors, each capable of producing a substantial amount of energy. However, these reactors had design flaws that contributed to the Chernobyl disaster.

2. The Disaster at Reactor No. 4: On April 26, 1986, a safety test at Reactor No. 4 went horribly wrong. It resulted in a steam explosion and subsequent fire, causing the release of a massive amount of radioactive material. The reactor was completely destroyed, and the explosion claimed the lives of two plant workers.

3. Containment and Cleanup: After the disaster, the priority shifted to containing the radioactive material and minimizing further damage. The Soviet government mobilized a massive cleanup operation, involving thousands of workers who became known as the “Liquidators.” They worked tirelessly to stabilize the situation and mitigate the environmental impact.

4. The Sarcophagus: To prevent further radiation leakage, a temporary protective structure called the sarcophagus was erected over the destroyed reactor. It was intended to contain the radioactivity and provide a barrier against the elements. In recent years, the New Safe Confinement, a more permanent structure, was constructed to replace the aging sarcophagus.

5. Decommissioning Process: The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant ceased operations completely in 2000. Since then, efforts have been underway to decommission the remaining reactors and ensure the safe storage of nuclear waste. The decommissioning process involves dismantling the reactors and managing the radioactive materials for long-term storage.

6. International Support and Collaboration: The Chernobyl disaster prompted international support and collaboration to help manage the aftermath and prevent similar incidents in the future. Various nations and organizations have contributed expertise, resources, and financial assistance to aid in the recovery and decommissioning efforts.

7. Long-Term Environmental Impact: The environmental impact of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant disaster is still felt today. The release of radioactive materials contaminated soil, water, and vegetation in the surrounding areas. The long-term effects on human health and the environment continue to be studied and monitored closely.

8. Educational and Scientific Significance: The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant serves as a powerful educational and scientific tool. It provides valuable insights into reactor safety, radiation effects, and nuclear risk management. The lessons learned from the disaster have contributed to advancements in the field of nuclear energy and safety.

9. Symbol of Caution and Remembrance: The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant stands as a solemn reminder of the catastrophic consequences that can result from human error and inadequate safety measures. It serves as a symbol of caution and remembrance, urging the world to prioritize nuclear safety and learn from past mistakes.

10. Visiting the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant: While access to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant itself is highly restricted, guided tours of the Exclusion Zone may include a visit to the perimeter of the facility. This allows visitors to witness firsthand the remnants of the disaster and gain a deeper understanding of its impact on the power plant itself.

The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant holds historical, scientific, and educational significance. It serves as a constant reminder of the importance of careful planning, rigorous safety measures, and ongoing oversight in the field of nuclear energy.

Accommodation Options in the Area

When planning a visit to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, there are limited accommodation options available in the immediate vicinity. It’s important to note that overnight stays within the Exclusion Zone itself are generally not permitted for visitors. However, there are alternative accommodation options in nearby towns that cater to those exploring the area. Here are some accommodation options to consider:

1. Hotels in Chernobyl Town: The town of Chernobyl, located just outside the Exclusion Zone, has a few hotels that can accommodate visitors. These hotels, often basic in nature, provide a convenient option for those looking to stay close to the zone. Keep in mind that availability may be limited, so it’s advisable to make reservations well in advance.

2. Hotels in Slavutych: Slavutych is a purpose-built city located about 50 kilometers away from Chernobyl. It was constructed as a new home for the displaced workers from the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Today, it offers a range of hotels and guesthouses for visitors exploring the Exclusion Zone. Slavutych provides more modern amenities and a wider choice of accommodation compared to Chernobyl Town.

3. Kiev, Ukraine: As the capital city, Kiev offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Staying in Kiev allows you to explore the city’s rich history, architecture, and cultural attractions, while still being within a convenient distance to the Exclusion Zone. Many tour operators provide transportation from Kiev to Chernobyl, making it a practical base for your visit.

4. Homestays and Guesthouses: In nearby villages, such as Kopachi or Dityatki, you may find locals offering homestays or guesthouse accommodations. These options provide a chance to experience a more intimate, rural setting and interact with the local community. However, availability may vary, and it’s advisable to make arrangements in advance through reputable sources.

5. Camping: For those seeking a more adventurous experience, camping in designated areas outside the Exclusion Zone may be an option. This can allow you to immerse yourself in nature while being near the zone. However, it’s important to obtain proper permits and follow necessary safety precautions as wildfires, and other risks can be present.

When arranging accommodation, it’s essential to ensure that all necessary permits, entry requirements, and safety precautions are met. It is highly recommended to book accommodation well in advance to secure your preferred choice, especially during peak travel periods.

Remember, the main focus of a trip to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is the exploration of the area and to witness the impact of the disaster. Accommodation options primarily provide a place to rest and recharge between your visits to the Exclusion Zone’s landmarks and points of interest.

Local Customs and Etiquette

When visiting Chernobyl and its surrounding areas, it’s important to be respectful of the local customs and adhere to certain etiquette guidelines. Here are some key considerations:

1. Dress Code: While visiting the Exclusion Zone, it is important to dress modestly and appropriately. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and closed-toe shoes to minimize exposure to radioactive particles and protect your skin from potential hazards.

2. Follow Safety Instructions: Listen carefully to your tour guide’s safety instructions and follow them at all times. This includes wearing protective clothing, using designated paths, and not touching any objects or surfaces within the Exclusion Zone without permission.

3. Respect the Environment: The Exclusion Zone is not just a historical site but also a fragile ecosystem. Respect the environment by not littering, damaging plants or wildlife, or disturbing any artifacts within the zone. Leave everything as you found it to preserve the integrity of the area.

4. Photography Etiquette: While photography is allowed in most areas of the Exclusion Zone, there are some guidelines to follow. Avoid taking disrespectful or intrusive photos, especially in sensitive locations such as memorials and sites of human tragedy. Ask permission before photographing local residents or individuals you encounter during your visit.

5. Language and Communication: Although English is spoken and understood by some guides and locals, it is still helpful and respectful to learn a few basic Ukrainian phrases. Basic greetings and expressions of gratitude will go a long way in fostering positive interactions with the local community.

6. Sensitivity to the History: Chernobyl is a site of great tragedy and loss. Show sensitivity and respect when visiting memorial sites or areas that were deeply affected by the disaster, such as abandoned buildings and schools. Maintain a solemn and respectful demeanor, reflecting on the impact of the events that took place.

7. Handshake and Greetings: When meeting locals or your tour guide, a handshake is an appropriate and customary form of greeting. Maintain eye contact and offer a genuine smile as a sign of friendliness and respect.

8. Tipping Culture: While tipping is not mandatory in Ukraine, it is appreciated as a gesture of appreciation for good service. If you feel satisfied with your tour guide or service staff, you can offer a small tip to show your gratitude.

9. Cultural Sensitivity: Ukraine has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by various traditions and customs. Be open-minded and respectful of the local culture. Avoid sensitive topics such as politics or religion unless initiated by your local hosts.

10. Personal Space and Politeness: Ukrainian people value personal space and politeness. Maintain a respectable distance from others, avoid intrusive questions, and demonstrate politeness in your interactions. Saying “please” and “thank you” goes a long way in showing respect and appreciation.

By being mindful of these local customs and observing proper etiquette, you can ensure a respectful and meaningful experience during your visit to Chernobyl. Remember, your actions not only reflect on you as an individual but also contribute to the preservation of the area’s historical and cultural integrity.

Useful Tips for Visiting Chernobyl

Visiting Chernobyl requires careful preparation and attention to safety. Here are some useful tips to enhance your experience and ensure a smooth and memorable visit:

1. Book a Tour with a Reputable Operator: Choose a reputable tour operator that specializes in Chernobyl tours. Check reviews, permits, and safety records to ensure a reliable and informative experience.

2. Plan and Book in Advance: Chernobyl tours have limited availability, so book well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. This ensures you secure your spot and have sufficient time to prepare for the trip.

3. Follow Safety Guidelines: Listen to your guide’s safety instructions and follow them at all times. Wear appropriate protective clothing, use designated paths, and avoid touching objects or surfaces without permission.

4. Pack Essential Items: Pack essentials such as a flashlight, extra batteries, sunscreen, insect repellent, personal medications, and a reusable water bottle. Carry a small backpack to keep your belongings organized and easily accessible.

5. Dress Comfortably and Prepare for Weather: Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for walking and exploring. Check the weather forecast beforehand and dress accordingly to ensure comfort throughout the day.

6. Stay Hydrated and Bring Snacks: Remember to stay hydrated throughout the tour. Keep a water bottle with you and bring snacks to keep your energy levels up. However, consuming food and drinks inside the Exclusion Zone is not allowed.

7. Carry Extra Memory Cards and Batteries: If you’re a photography enthusiast, make sure to bring extra memory cards and batteries. The sights and experiences in Chernobyl are unique, and you wouldn’t want to miss capturing the moments.

8. Be Respectful and Sensitive: Chernobyl is a place with a tragic history. Show respect and sensitivity by maintaining a solemn demeanor in memorial sites and areas affected by the disaster. Ask for permission before photographing individuals or sensitive locations.

9. Pay Attention to Geiger Counters and Radiation Levels: Pay attention to the Geiger counters provided during the tour and familiarize yourself with their operation. Use them as a general guide to understand radiation levels, but always follow the instructions of your guide as the ultimate measure of safety.

10. Reflect and Educate Yourself: Take the time to reflect upon the significance of the Chernobyl disaster and the impact it had on the lives of many. Educate yourself about the history and science behind the events to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the site.

By following these useful tips, you can enhance your visit to Chernobyl and ensure a safe and respectful experience. Remember to approach the tour with an open mind, sensitivity, and respect for the history, people, and environment of the Exclusion Zone.

A visit to Chernobyl offers a unique and thought-provoking experience that blends history, science, and a sobering reminder of the consequences of human error. As you explore the hauntingly preserved remnants of the Exclusion Zone, you will witness the lasting impact of one of history’s worst nuclear disasters.

By following safety precautions, booking with a reputable tour operator, and respecting the environment and local customs, you can ensure a safe and meaningful visit to Chernobyl. Use the tips provided to enhance your experience and make the most of your time within the Exclusion Zone.

As you walk through the abandoned streets of Pripyat, witness the towering sarcophagus encasing Reactor No. 4, and reflect on the lives affected by the tragedy, you will come face to face with the fragility of human existence and the resilience of nature.

Remember, Chernobyl is not just a place frozen in time; it is a reminder of the importance of nuclear safety, the consequences of human error, and the need for ongoing vigilance in the face of technological advancements. The lessons learned from Chernobyl have shaped the field of nuclear energy and safety, ensuring a safer future for all.

Take this opportunity to learn, reflect, and pay tribute to the victims and responders who sacrificed their lives. By immersing yourself in the history and culture of the region, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring impact of the Chernobyl disaster.

As you depart from Chernobyl, carry with you the lessons learned and share your experiences responsibly. Spread awareness about the importance of nuclear safety and the need for continued efforts to prevent such devastating incidents from happening again.

Chernobyl stands as a poignant reminder of the power and consequences of human actions. By visiting and understanding this unique site, you contribute to the preservation of its historical significance and the importance of responsible technological advancement.

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A Broken Backpack

How To Visit Chernobyl Safely

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Nov 8, 2023 | Travel Tips

Chernobyl is an isolated disaster zone in northern Ukraine, put on the map due to the nuclear accident at the town’s power plant in 1986. The significant event was deemed the worst nuclear disaster in history in terms of cost and casualties.

As a result, Chernobyl is no longer habitable and not expected to be so again for around 20,000 years.

So, while Chernobyl is not somewhere many travelers have at the top of their bucket lists, the site is deemed safe enough to visit and has been open to the public since 2011.

So, for those who are attracted to eerie places and like to see the most unusual parts of the world, a trip to Chernobyl is an appealing option.

In this guide, we’ll discuss your options for visiting Chernobyl safely and give you some travel tips.

Chernobyl

Why Visit Chernobyl?

The Chernobyl nuclear disaster happened overnight in April 1986, when an explosion sent radioactive material into the air.

It occurred when technicians at the reactor attempted a poorly designed experiment, resulting in the deaths of around 50 people, evacuation of 350,000 inhabitants, and a 1,004-square-mile deserted region.

Whether you are interested in abandoned towns, historical events, or radioactivity, visiting Chernobyl will prove to be one of the most intriguing trips you’ve ever taken. 

Dark Tourism

A Chernobyl tour is an example of “dark tourism,” the term used for people who travel to sites of death, tragedy, and suffering. However, you don’t have to be a morbid person to find this abandoned town interesting. 

For example, when I visited Auschwitz in Poland , I learned more about the tragic historical events, but I do think it’s important to remember the mistakes that have been made in the past to avoid repeating them again in the future.

Wildlife And Plantlife In Chernobyl

One of the fascinating things about Chernobyl is the resilience of mother nature here. While the area is harmful to humans to live or stay for prolonged periods, wildlife seems unaffected by the radioactivity and has even managed to thrive in the absence of humans.

Animals like bears, wolves, and lynx have pretty much now taken over the affected region. What’s more, plants, vines, and trees are growing around and over the abandoned buildings.

Abandoned Towns

Chernobyl is also fascinating as the town ​​looks like a decaying time capsule. It’s incredibly interesting to walk around and see deserted yet fully furnished homes with tables set for dinner and children’s toys lying around.

It gives you a clear image of how the residents rushed to evacuate, leaving their entire lives behind. Along with family homes, other popular Chernobyl sites include an amusement park, a hospital, and the reactor hall. 

Famous Historic Event

Even if you were not alive in 1986, you might have heard of the nuclear disaster thanks to the popular HBO TV series Chernobyl. While based on the actual event, the show dramatizes the explosion over five hour-long episodes.

So knowing that you can visit the real-life disaster zone is very enticing if you’ve watched the series. 

So while there are some excellent reasons to take a tour of this eerie ghost town, you’ll need to know how to visit Chernobyl safely, which we discuss below. 

How To Get To Chernobyl

Before we discuss how safe the exclusion zone is, let’s explore how to travel to Chernobyl. Most visitors to Chernobyl fly into Kiev (Kyiv), the capital city of Ukraine, and then drive the two hours to the exclusion zone.

The closest international airport is Boryspil International Airport (KBP), located in Boryspil, just outside Kyiv and an 83 km drive to Chernobyl. Most airlines fly to KBP from practically all major international cities.

Chernobyl is also very close to the border of Belarus, just 10km. As a smaller country, there is far more territory classed as dead zones in Belarus than Ukraine.

Chernobyl has two exclusion zones, a 10km inner zone, and a 30km outer zone. The inner site is completely inhabitable, but there are a few hotels in the outer exclusion zone where you can stay. Moreover, around 200 people live within the outer area. 

Chernobyl

How To Visit Chernobyl

Although open to the public, you can not just rock up to Chernobyl on your own and expect to be able to wander around at your leisure.

The area is under special control, so there are only two ways you can access the “cultural venue.” The first is with a licensed tour guide.

The second is by making a personal application with the zone administration department. As the latter is not a viable option for tourists and can be dangerous, we recommend visiting with a tour.

While you will find many tour guides in Kyiv, be sure to choose an official tour company that has safety measures in place, like Chernobyl Story Tours . This tour operator has offices in Kyiv and the UK and offers a wide range of tours in English.

Chernobyl Story Tours offers unique all-inclusive trips ranging from 1 to 6 days. All include transfer to and from the airport in Kyiv, hotel accommodation, permits and transfer around the exclusion zone, and informative guides.

What’s more, you’ll have dosimetry control sessions twice a day to ensure you remain healthy throughout the trip.

The tour company also offers private tours for those who want a more personalized experience. On a personal trip, you can choose the places you visit and how long you spend at each one.

A one-on-one trip also gives you the chance to meet the resettlers, the people who continue living in the zone, an experience not offered on group tours.

Also, note that only people over 18 can enter Chernobyl, so this is certainly not a family holiday destination!

What To Expect From A Visit To Chernobyl

On your Chernobyl tour, you’ll be picked up from Kyiv airport and driven to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone with your tour guide. You’ll need to show your passport or ID card at various checkpoints, and you’ll have to be wearing appropriate clothing; long-sleeved clothes, and closed boots.

One of the safety measures is to keep bare skin to a minimum, so any open shoes such as flip flops are not permitted, nor are short sleeves. 

To help you stay safe in Chernobyl, you’ll receive a personal dosimeter (a device that measures radiation) and a respirator upon entrance. However, you will not need to wear a gas mask or full protective gear.

Some of the sights you will see on a Chernobyl tour include:

  • The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, covered by safe confinement 
  • Pripyat town, including the hospital, school, and nursery 
  • Chernobyl town
  • Abandoned Zalissya village
  • The under the ground village of Kopach

While many parts of Chernobyl are open to visitors, some areas, such as the “machine cemetery” in Rossokha village, remain restricted due to high radioactive levels.

Chernobyl is like an open-air museum with a “look but don’t touch” policy. While you can take photos in most locations, you cannot bring anything into the exclusion zone and most definitely cannot take anything out.

As you explore the area, the knowledgeable local guides will explain what happened during that fateful night and the long-lasting impact it has had.

Chernobyl tours run all year round, but each season offers a unique experience. Spring is a beautiful time as you’ll see the plants blooming and a clear view of the city landscape. In summer, everything is green, and the town looks like a jungle.

Alternatively, Fall and Winter offer a more eerie atmosphere as it’s dark and dull. 

If you are doing a tour that lasts longer than one day, you’ll have the chance to stay at one of the “Soviet” style hotels in the outer exclusion zone.

The simple hotels are only for visitors of Chernobyl, and the staff work on a strict rotation of 15 days on and 15 days off, to keep radiation levels to a minimum.

The facilities are basic, so some visitors choose to stay in more modern and comfortable hotels in Kyiv and make the 2-hour journey each morning and evening.

Upon leaving the exclusion zone, you’ll have your radiation levels checked. If in the rare case, your reading is higher than it should be, you’ll have to leave behind an item of clothing to avoid spreading the radiation outside the zone.

Chernobyl

Is It Safe To Visit Chernobyl?

The most common question from travelers considering booking a tour here is ‘is it safe to visit Chernobyl?’ While it’s an understandable concern, 30 years after the innocent, there is not much risk to your health, provided you follow the rules and stay with your tour group.

Right after the explosion in 1986, the radiation level at the nuclear plant and the closest towns reached up to an astonishing 300 sieverts per hour, which is almost a billion times higher than the usual level. 

However, nowadays, the levels of exposure in the zone range from 130 to 2,610 MICRO sieverts per hour, which is 0.00261 of one sievert. Exposure to three to five sieverts an hour is classed as a lethal dose, so there is no harm in the radiation levels here. 

To put it into perspective, the radiation levels at Chernobyl are lower than those on a long-haul flight. But, of course, the amount of exposure will also depend on how long you stay in the exclusion zone.

For example, if you visit for one day, the radiation levels will be similar to a one-hour flight. Moreover, they are 300 times lower than having a full-body X-ray, thus, totally harmless.

Despite the low risk, the exclusion zone still has various safety measures, giving guidance on how to visit Chernobyl safely. Your tour guide will also measure the radiation with professional monitoring equipment in all the areas you visit.

This is why coming without a guide is forbidden. Without proper monitoring equipment, you cannot gauge the radiation exposure. 

While you can walk around wearing your own clothes, they recommend either wearing disposable coveralls over them or throwing away your clothing after you leave the site to prevent carrying particles of contaminated material with you.

For this reason, you should thoroughly clean your shoes upon leaving, too. 

What About The Conflict Between Russia And Ukraine? 

Another reason people question the safety of visiting Chernobyl, or Ukraine in general, is the current tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

The conflict between the two countries has been ongoing since 2014, but this doesn’t mean that Ukraine is not a safe place to visit. 

Only certain parts of the country are affected by the war with Russia. They are located in the southeast, far from Kyiv and Chernobyl. In general, the country’s north is a calm and enjoyable place to visit.

The only knowledge you would have that there is a war going on is if you happened to see a demonstration or protest in Kyiv while there. So, there is no reason why the ongoing conflict should affect your trip to Chernobyl.

Update February, 24th 2022: It’s not safe to visit Ukraine at the moment .

Final Thoughts On Visiting Chernobyl

If you’ve been wondering how to visit Chernobyl safely, hopefully, this article has given you a much better understanding. In 2022, Chernobyl is now a safe area to visit.

In fact, you’ll likely have exposure to higher radiation levels on your flight to Ukraine than in the exclusion zone.

What’s more, by traveling with an official tour company and following the rules and guidelines, there is no reason to be concerned about your safety when visiting Chernobyl.

While it may not be a dream travel destination for everyone, taking a tour around Chernobyl is undoubtedly a memorable and eye-opening experience.

Plus, you can’t get much more off-the-beaten-track than an abandoned nuclear disaster zone, and nowhere else in the world feels like stepping into an apocalypse as Chernobyl does!

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Touring Chernobyl: How to Visit Pripyat – Everything You Need to Know (2021)

In 1986, the world held its breath as a nuclear reactor melted down at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, in what’s now thought to be the worst nuclear disaster in history.

Today, 35 years later, Chernobyl and the nearby town of Pripyat, attract thousands of tourists from all over the world.

But what are they touring, exactly? What is there to see and do in Pripyat?

Touring Chernobyl: How to Visit Pripyat

To visit Chernobyl, you’ll need access to the Exclusion Zone.

The Exclusion Zone is an an area of about 2,600 square kilometers (1,000 sq mi) in Ukraine that surrounds the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.

Can you visit Chernobyl without a guide?

You can only enter the exclusion zone with a licensed guide, meaning you’ll need to take one of the Chernobyl tours available.

You can get tours that range from one day, two days or three days.

The one days tours last about 12 hours, with four hours in transit from nearby Kiev. If you’re in a rush, the one day tours are a great way to get in and out quickly and they’re also your most affordable tour option.

You can also get private Chernobyl tours, which are especially good for photography as they let you take your time to take photos.

While it is possible to visit the area, there are areas in the exclusion zone that are still highly dangerous. A guide can help keep you safe and away from dangerous areas and situations. English guides are plentiful, and while tours include transportation, it’s important to know that you’ll need to go through multiple checkpoints while visiting.

So, what is there to see on a tour of Chernobyl?

Chernobyl is located around 62 miles, or 100 km, from Kiev, Ukraine. It’s about a two hour shuttle ride.

Chernobyl itself is home to the power plant, but the exclusion zone includes a large forest and other towns.

There are plenty of places to visit in the Chernobyl township, from an eerie abandoned kindergarten to forests surrounding the power plant itself.

Pripyat tours

Pripyat (which is also known as Pryp’yat’ or Prypyat) is a ghost city near the Ukraine–Belarus border. The town of Pripyat is about two kilometers from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant (ChNPP).

When the Chernobyl disaster occurred, the town of Pripyat was home to around 49,000 people. It was evacuated after the explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in April, 1986 and many of its residents have never set foot in the town since.

While you can’t get too close to the plant or stay too long, there’s a lot to see in the town of Pripyat itself.

For instance, the Pripyat amusement park was set to have its grand opening on May 1st, 1986, less than a week before the explosion. However, it was never officially opened, and to this day it remains a symbol of the disaster in nearby Chernobyl.

There are three abandoned swimming pools in Pripyat, while the Swimming Pool Azure or Lazurny is the most well-known of these.

When’s the best time to visit Chernobyl?

You can visit Chernobyl any time of year.

The clearest weather is in the summer from June to August, but it can be hot, with temperatures often hovering near 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit). Summer’s also the busiest season with tons of visitors and more expensive accommodations.

Fall and Spring are good times to visit, but the weather can be more variable.

Chernobyl is quietest in the winter, and the snow and gloom make for eerie and atmospheric photos however it can get cool with daytime highs around 0 C° (40 F°) and nights around -7 C° (20 F°).

Can you visit the Chernobyl Elephant’s Foot?

The Elephant’s Foot is a nickname for a large column formed underneath the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Its made of corium and other materials, and looks like black glass and bark.

Its wrinkly surface looks a lot like an elephant’s foot, thus the name. The Elephant’s Foot is in a maintenance corridor near the remains of the Chernobyl Reactor No. 4.

Because it’s still highly radioactive, it’s unfortunately not possible to walk up and see the Elephant’s Foot up close.

How safe is a Chernobyl tour?

Licensed Chernobyl tour operators have to follow strict guidelines set out by the governing body. The level of radiation in most areas tour operators are allowed to take you are minimal (less than you get in an airplane and 300x less than a typical xray) and most tours give you a respirator (though they’re not really needed) as well as your own Geiger-Muller dosimeter (Geiger counter) to make sure you stay within safe limits.

Where to stay on a Chernobyl stay?

While there are plenty of places to stay near the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, the best hotels will be in Kiev proper. Most people who choose to stay for a one day tour will often stay in Kiev and have their tour operator pick them up directly from their hotel.

While it can make for a longer tour day, Kiev has a huge selection of great hotels to choose from.

If you’re planning a multiple day tour, oftentimes the tour operators will include accommodations or direct you to the hotels they often deal with. You’re best bet if you’re unsure is to talk to your tour operator before booking any tours to make sure your hotel will work for them and for you.

Are Chernobyl tours cancelled?

As of the time of writing this article, tours to Pripyat and Chernobyl are running, but check tour operators directly, as this can change.

In 2020, forest fires near Chernobyl damaged some of the tourist attractions however it didn’t damage the Main Reactor No. 4 so tours can still run.

Love all the areas which the author described in this post, getting more attraction on the writing things and moreover having going good contents.

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You Can Now Visit Chernobyl’s Control Room, if You’re Quick About It

Visitors will have five minutes to look around the contaminated spot where the worst nuclear disaster in history took place

Jason Daley

Correspondent

nuclear reactor

The control room of reactor 4 at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant—one of most ominous places on Earth—has become tourist attraction.

As we reported over the summer , tourism at Chernobyl is booming. And now, as Jack Guy at CNN reports, companies have begun allowing people to briefly visit the highly radioactive control room where the worst nuclear disaster in history unfolded. But they must take precautions: Visitors have to wear protective suits, helmets and masks and are limited to five minutes inside the space. Afterward, they will undergo two mandatory radiology tests to gauge their exposure.

The tour option is part of big changes at the site of the disaster. This July, Ukrainian authorities took charge of the New Safe Confinement dome, which now covers the contaminated reactor building. The massive $1.6 billion structure took 22 years of planning and construction and is expected to safeguard the damaged reactor for 100 years , when experts suggest it may be safe enough to demolish.

The dome is the reason that the area is safe enough to allow more tourism to Chernobyl. Soon after accepting the symbolic keys to the dome, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine signed a decree designating the site a tourist attraction. “We must give this territory of Ukraine a new life,” Zelensky announced. “Until now, Chernobyl was a negative part of Ukraine's brand. It's time to change it.”

To that end, Ukraine has begun developing new tourist routes and waterways in the area, and will be building and upgrading radiation checkpoints in the area.

The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone has been open to tourists since 2011, according to David Grossman at Popular Mechanics . Earlier this year, researchers found that the 1,000 square mile zone, where humans are not allowed to live, has become a de facto wildlife refuge .

The hit HBO’s miniseries “Chernobyl,” released in May of this year, has led to a tourism boom in the area, with a 30 to 40 percent increase in visitors. “Many people come here, they ask a lot of questions about the TV show, about all the events. People are getting more and more curious,” tour guide Viktoria Brozhko told Max Hunder for Reuters .

Most day-tripping tours visit several abandoned villages, memorials to those who combated the disaster and the now-abandoned city of Pripyat. In total, Brozhko estimates most visitors receive 2 microsieverts of radiation exposure, about the same they’d receive while sitting at home for a day.

Radiation in the control room, however, could be 40,000 times normal levels. While the room remains pretty much as it was in 1986, Brozhko has observed that many plastic control knobs have been removed, likely by decontamination workers and rogue tourists looking for a souvenir.

Chernobyl may now be a tourist attraction, but for many, the spot of the disaster remains an open wound. Because the Soviet Union was unwilling to share data on the nuclear incident, its true toll may never be known. The Soviets claimed 31 people died when the reactor exploded and in the immediate aftermath of the disaster in 1986. As David Brennan at Newsweek reports, in 2008 the U.N. revised that number up to 54. The long-term effects remain hard to quantify. While a multi-agency group called the Chernobyl Forum estimates 4,000 to 9,000 people have or will eventually die from cancer related to Chernobyl exposure, the Union of Concerned Scientists estimates that number is closer to 27,000, and an analysis by Greenpeace suggests the number is closer to 93,000.

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Jason Daley | | READ MORE

Jason Daley is a Madison, Wisconsin-based writer specializing in natural history, science, travel, and the environment. His work has appeared in Discover , Popular Science , Outside , Men’s Journal , and other magazines.

Full-Day Chernobyl and Pripyat Tour with Real Chernobyl Heroes

visit chernobyl 2023

  • Visit a place that most foreign tourists miss
  • Get an in-depth look at Communist Pripyat
  • Travel comfortably in round-trip transportation
  • Have a typical Ukrainian lunch at a local restaurant
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • All activities
  • Driver/guide
  • Live commentary on board
  • Professional guide
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • Entry/Admission - ChernobylX
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Sicheslavska St, 1, Kyiv, Ukraine, 02000 Departure Point: KFC Restaurant - Kyiv Central Railway station Address: 1 Polzunova str. Kyiv, Ukraine Directions: Red metro line to VOKZALNA and use the subway to South Kyiv Central Railway Station Return point: 1 Polzunova str. Kyiv, Ukraine
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Minimum age is 18 years
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
  • A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • In the Chernobyl Zone it is forbidden to: • Carry any kind of weapons • Drink liquors or take drugs • Have meal and smoke in the open air • Touch any structures or vegetation • Sit or place photo and video equipment on the ground • Take any items outside the zone • Violate dress code (open-type shoes, shorts, trousers, skirts) • Gather, use and bring vegetable and cattle breeding products (vegetables, fruits, berries, mushrooms, plants, fish etc.), which were cultivated on the area of the exclusion zone • Bring in and bring out any animals (dogs, cats etc) • Drink water from wells, rivers and other open water sources. It is allowed to use water only from Chernobyl water supply system or water from stores
  • Leaving the Chernobyl Zone it is necessary to: • Pass compulsory radiation control of clothes, foot wear, personal items • Pass compulsory radiation control of transport If contamination exceeds the established control levels, personal clothes, foot wear, and items are subject to decontamination
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

visit chernobyl 2023

  • bitcoincolby 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles worth every penny Solo private tour with Constantine, highly recommend him. I've wanted to visit Chernobyl for most of my life. 10/10 Read more Written January 29, 2022
  • Xavialf 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A very great experience ! We really enjoyed the two day tour of Chernobyl. We wanted to do a private tour because I was very interested in seeing and learning about things far from the tourist circuit ... and, the truth is, it was very worth it. Everything is very well organized and our guide (Lara) attended to all our requests about the places that we were most interested in seeing and was very patient with our level of English, which is not too academic ... Everything was very well organized from the beginning to the end ... The trip, the meals, the breakfast, the hotel ... And the guide knows very well all the intricacies of the area. We left feeling that it had been a great experience and a great investment. Thank you Lara and thank you ChernobylWel.com Read more Written December 1, 2021
  • balladbd97 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Unforgettable day in Chernobyl We went on a one day tour of Chernobyl and Pripyat. The organizing was top notch, it was very punctual. Our guide was cute, friendly and informative. Our group was pretty small and I didn't feel we are rushed, we had time to take our pictures and also get information about the past. It was just sad we had to leave pretty early as it was getting dark at 4pm. However, I will definitely be back to Chernobyl with a 2 or maybe even more days tour and I will definitely choose Chernobyl X. They are passionate professionals. Thanks for making my dream come true by visiting Chernobyl.🤗 Read more Written November 30, 2021
  • deather65 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Private 2 day Tour, duga radar, Pripyat and powerplant We had an amazing private 2 day Tour. Our guide, Maryna, was very helpful throughout the whole tour and had a lot of knowledge about the history and current situation about the whole area. She showed us all of our desired destination and the private tour was very flexible and accounted all our wishes. We stayed at the Desiatka hotel. All in all it was a great experience! We were really pleasantly surprised about the comfort and especially the quality of the food! There was even free wifi in the hotel. There were always enough safety measures in place. We all had dosimeter and Geiger counter. The many radiation level measurements throughout the day made the whole experience really comfortable. Our guide was always very helpful and even helped with photographs, which made for some very amazing pictures. The drive from our hotel to the zone and from destination to destination, was really comfortable thanks to our driver. There were zero waiting times thanks to our private tour. Also a big plus of the private tour was the ability to basically stop everywhere and whenever we wanted. Which was really handy because of the many wild animals. On the second day we booked the power plant tour! It was a very interesting tour, with lots of interesting photo spots. The food at the cafeteria was good and there were even vegetarian options. A little tip, if you like dogs, definitely take some kind of treats into the zone. There are lots of really friendly dogs. All in all it was a once in a lifetime opportunity! Again a big thanks to our guide Maryna and our driver Aleks for this wonderful experience! Read more Written November 22, 2021
  • burncokemeltrocks 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Time and Money well spent Great company. I've been on 4 or 5 tours with Chernobyl wel.com (now Chernobyl X) over the past 4 years. The guides and transportation from them have always been on point. There haven't been any negatives associated with them. Communication was easy. Lara and Alexey were right on time in front of our apartment to pick us up for our 2 day private control room tour. Read more Written November 15, 2021
  • sc11884 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Private day tour with ChNPP I did the 1 day tour form Kiev which included the ChNPP because, let's face it, there is no point only going around the empty city. As there weren't other people, I had to book tje private tour which is very expensive. I was picked up at the hotel right before 7am and didn't come back until 7:30pm, so it was a long day. The majority of the tour is the Power Plant, you spend 5-6 hours there, including lunch at the canteen where the employees also go. As I finished with the PP tour at 4pm, there wasn't a lot of time to go around Chernobyl or other places, so the second part had to be rushed. We managed to see a lot of other places before it became dark at least, but, unlike others, I didn't go inside any building because the guide said it is illegal to do so. Although everyone else does it. The ChNPP was fantastic and the guide (who is an employee fo the PP) was really, really good. You even get to change in special clothes and wear a mask to go into the most contaminated reas. I had 3 dosemeters the whole time and, it seems, the dose of radiation at the end of the whole tour was really low. We even got to see the reactor pumps up close and we got to walk on the reactor hall. I would say there is no point goign into te exclusion zone without going inside the power plant as well. Yes, you go into the control room 4 (with masks and gloves on) which is the room where the accident happened in 1986. There are a lot of radiation checks (3 after the PP, and 2 more before going home) and a LOT of paperwork for the power plant employee and also A LOT of checks, cinluding being processed in and out of the PP which, itself, is a long process. It was only 9 of us (you join a separate group) and still took a while to go through all those checks, so I can't imagine going there with more people. Overall an amazing experience at the ChNPP and highly recommended. Read more Written September 26, 2021
  • tomaszsR4443KZ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Safe and breath taking Great experience with very professional guide - Julia. Totaly safe and lot of interesting informations. My group were a very nice people from all over the Europe. The best part for me was visiting Prypec town. It looked like after the end of cyvilization. Read more Written September 10, 2021
  • AdrianoSobralMozardo 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience! I strongly recommend the ChernobylX tours. I booked two days because all the blogs I read, suggested the 2 days tour as the experience will be more complete and probably this is not a trip that you will do frequently, so 2 days is a better option. We were in 6 tourists, a driver and the tour guide, however I think this number can increase depends on the season. The tour started in Kiev, about 2 hour long to nuclear zone check point, where during this route we watch a documentary, similar to discovery channel documentaries. About ChernobylX, I had only good impressions. They were very kind and give attention to all the emails I sent asking about the tour. They pay attetion to all details that can improve your experience. The tour covered all the famoust spot. The car is safe and clean. The food is delicious (Ukrainian food, but you can inform any restriction you have. It includes the lunch, dinner, breakfast and 2nd day lunch). The hotel we stayed was also very good (I think there are not many hotels option to stay there). And finally, I would like to congrats our tour guide called Lara, she let us confortable to appreciate the points in our time, carried about our safety, showed knowledge about the history and was really very nice and kind to us all the time. To conclude, to visit Chernobyl/Pripyat is an amazing experience and definetly ChernobylX Tour contributed to it. Read more Written August 28, 2021
  • TomFloodgate 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE Once in a lifetime experience! As part of a tour organised through UEA History Society, we went to one of the most historic places around today! The tour guides expertise was second-to-none and their safety measures reassured us the entire time. Amazing experience - I cannot wait to come back and do the experience again. Read more Written March 5, 2021
  • 624romainh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A nice visit of a not-so-nice place A very enriching visit, I've learnt a lot about this historic disaster thanks to Julia M, our tour guide for this visit. I wish I could stay a bit longer to go more in-depth about what the people who lived here went through during this terrible event, although the one-day visit was enough to understand some of the basics of life in Pripyat before the tragedy. Read more Written August 7, 2020
  • StefanieKK 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Chernobyl Online 2.0 Had a very interesting and informative lecture with the lovely #CW_online Helga today. She talked about the fires around Chernobyl, about the reasons, the changes those fires caused and the possible outcome for the future. If you have the chance to take such a lecture with her, please do. It's great. Read more Written May 1, 2020
  • psmitty317 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Incredible bucket list experience w/ amazing guide I traveled to Chernobyl in Dec 2019. I was initially booked on a tour through a different provider but I was the only one booked with them so they outsourced me to chernobylwel.come. What a blessing it turned out to be. All logistics and communication was an absolute breeze, particularly since my tour operator switched last minute. Pickup and drop off back in Kyiv was central and seamless. Visiting Chernobyl and Pripyat has been a bucket list item for me since before it was opened up in 2011 to outside tourists, and NOTHING about it disappointed me or fell short of my hefty expectations. I was fortunate to have a relatively small group (6ppl) for the 2-day tour and out guide, Natasha, was absolutely fantastic. She was incredibly thoughtful and thorough on everything related to our experience. Her English was great and she went above & beyond for our group to get the most out of our experience. Very appreciative for chernobylwel.come and Natasha for everything they did to make my journey out there memorable. Till next time! Read more Written March 30, 2020
  • ErinMTravel 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Once in a lifetime We did this tour in early March and it was fantastic! Our tour guide was Alex and I can’t say enough about how fantastic he was! He showed us all around the exclusion zone in detail. We spent multiple hours walking around Pripyat, during which he was very helpful in explaining to us what we were seeing and the history behind it. I’m not sure how he did it, but he managed to keep us away from other groups almost all the time so it was like we were the only ones there, which definitely added to the experience. The accommodations weren’t anything fancy but after a long day, the bed was a nice place to get some sleep before the power plant tour. The power plant tour was conducted by someone who works in the plant and was truly a once in a lifetime experience. He gave us lots of history and showed us so much. I didn’t think we’d be given as much access as we were. We got to flip AZ-5 in control room 3 and take pictures of so much. One of the last stops on our tour was the Duga Station. I knew nothing about this area going in, but it was one of the most fascinating parts of our experience. Alex was a great guide. He brought personal connections to the experience, gave us plenty of time to explore, and was very helpful with any questions we had. I highly encourage anyone who is looking at a tour to do one of the 2-day options. Two days really allowed us to explore the area in a way that would have felt rushed in just one day. Finally, a note on safety. We felt extremely safe throughout the duration of our tour. At the beginning we were given dosimeters that we wore at all times and collected the total amount of radiation we were exposed to. We were also given handheld Geiger counters which we used throughout the tour to see how radiation levels varies throughout the area (Alex was a great help in showing some of the more radioactive areas). When we went to the power plant we were given another dosimeter to wear in addition to the one given to us at the beginning of our trip. Anytime we went from a more radioactive area to a less radioactive area, we had to pass through checkpoints to make sure that neither we nor our vehicle were contaminated. At the very end, we were able to check our cumulative radiation exposure. We were far below the accepted limit, which was a great way to ease my mind as we finished our journey. If you’re thinking of visiting Chernobyl, do it with this company! Alex was fantastic, I’m sure the other guides are equally great. It’s a once in a lifetime experience. Read more Written March 18, 2020
  • 611keithn 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great 2 day tour We did the 2day tour staying in the town of Chernobyl overnight The tour was very good with an informative guide The power plant tour was also very good a great in-site to the workings of the plant The only disappointing part was the tour advertised going to the control bunker in the plant but we didn’t also it would have been good to have seen one of three reactor rooms now the plant is being decommissioned Definitely a great trip Read more Written March 18, 2020
  • richardpalmer22 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Chernobyl/Pripyat Tour. Me and a friend went on this 2 day tour at the start of March. We had Alex as a tour guide and he was absolutely brilliant, had really good English, was very knowledgeable about the disaster itself as well other Ukrainian/soviet history. He answered any questions we asked. The tour was brilliant, well organised with WiFi on the bus and pit stops available for food, we were in a group of 8 and we saw everything we wanted too and a lot more. They even provided gifts at the end. The hotel was good for what you can expect with food provided as well as a bar etc. 10/10 would recommend this tour to anyone who is thinking about going to Chernobyl and Pripyat. Read more Written March 15, 2020

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Visiting Chernobyl: A Guide (Rules, Safety + Things To Know)

July 22, 2021 | Views: 2,025

Visiting Chernobyl

Visiting Chernobyl isn’t everybody’s cup of tea for a “holiday” and it leads to a lot of questions and assumptions.

Why would you want to go there? Is it still safe? These queries get asked even more so than when I am visiting patently dangerous countries .

In recent years, HBO produced a TV miniseries about the disaster, which piqued interest in visiting Chernobyl, and shined a light on a dark period for modern-day Ukraine and its neighbouring nations.

Let’s say you ask the other type of questions.

How does one get to Chernobyl? What is it like? Will I be safe if I go? 

I’ll do my very best to answer both types of questions above, as always based on personal experience, whilst attempting to use critical thinking over ego.

Edit: Due to the current war in Ukraine, life is sadly  very  different in the country since my visit and that should be taken into consideration before reading. I recommend this very detailed and well-written update about life in Chernobyl .

Table of Contents

What Exactly Happened in Chernobyl?

Let’s set the scene. It’s 1986 and Ukraine is still part of the USSR (only just).

Pripyat, a small town in north Ukraine is home to Chernobyl, a nuclear power plant, responsible for producing around 10% of Ukraine’s total electricity. 

In the cruellest of irony, during an experiment to test a new way of cooling the core in an emergency, the nuclear reactor experienced a surge of power causing a huge explosion. This explosion spewed huge hot lumps of graphite into the open air along with potent radioactive material.

Over the next few hours, radioactive waste poured out in the form of heat, steam and pure radiation; toxic material that was picked up from as far away as Norway and Denmark. 

In true “iron curtain” style, authorities didn’t deem the explosion an emergency straight away. It was only after a fair few radiation sickness incidents and poisoning cases that the Soviet powers were forced to organise an evacuation of the city a few days later. 

Since then, there have been no “legally recognised” residents in the Chernobyl exclusion zone.

Due to the dangerous levels of radioactive material that remained in the Chernobyl power plant ruins and the wider city of Pripyat, the entire area has become a modern-day ghost town. 

Frozen in a freeze-frame of time, the city’s famous Ferris wheel, abandoned schools, and overgrown streets have become a symbol of eeriness and a reminder of the fall of Soviet power.

Where is Chernobyl Located?

You’ll find Chernobyl in the northern regions of Ukraine, not too far from the country’s border with Belarus. It’s very conveniently located just a couple of hours’ drive from the capital city of Kyiv, which is where you’ll need to base yourself to make a visit to this abandoned city. 

Chernobyl is still considered a volatile area, with high levels of radiation and a pretty dangerous exclusion zone, so you can’t visit without an official guide. Tours are easy to organise from Kyiv, and you’ll need to set aside at least a day or two for a worthwhile visit to Ukraine’s capital while visiting Chernobyl. 

If you have time, you can join a tour for two days, which includes an overnight stay (I did this and it’s one day and one night).

For the sake of understanding a usually confusing part of this story; Pripyat and Chernobyl are completely different cities. Pripyat is around 15km away, but most of the employees of the nuclear plant lived there and that’s where you see most of the famous Chernobyl landmarks online.

How Historically Accurate Was The HBO Chernobyl Drama?

Since the disaster took place, there’s been a lot of coverage on the causes and devastating consequences of the Chernobyl disaster. Some of this has been focused through a western-centric lens, while other docu-series and books have been bravely written by Russian and Ukrainian writers.

One of the newest interpretations of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster is the 2019 HBO miniseries, Chernobyl. In the mainstream media, the series was praised for its masterful production and historical accuracy in both events and the overall look of the Soviet Union in the 1980s.

Despite this, it was also met with some criticism too; critics were unhappy with how the Soviet constructs of power were portrayed . For example, the Chernobyl mini-series claims that the Soviet authorities were reluctant to seek outside help. 

When, in reality, US acute radiation sickness expert Robert Peter Gale was invited to Moscow straight away. The guides seemed to be divided when I was asking all the questions while visiting Chernobyl, with some impressed by the show and others having a dig at any given opportunity.

For the most part, it seems that the HBO Chernobyl drama managed to accurately retell the events of 1986, but it’s worth keeping in mind that artistic license was definitely at play in some parts. 

Do People Still Live in Chernobyl Today?

After the explosion and the delayed evacuation of Pripyat, many locals simply refused to leave the area. Just a handful of them returned weeks or months later to find their homes and rebuild their lives. Amazingly, around 150 people live in Chernobyl today, and 7,000 people in the surrounding area. 

Due to the clean-up process, the site can never be completely abandoned. Security guards, maintenance workers, firefighters, and scientists work in shifts of either 15 days a month or 4 days per week to help minimise their exposure time to radiation. As for the residents of Chernobyl, most have lived into their 70s and 80s since returning and (surprisingly) have even outlived many residents who relocated .

Wildlife of Chernobyl (Mutated Animals?)

The higher powers of the USSR and Ukraine may have ordered the people of Pripyat to evacuate the town, but there was no stopping mother nature. With humanity abandoning the area, trees and foliage began to claim back the concrete and steel, turning the city into a jungle-esque wilderness frozen in time.

This drew back a bounty of wildlife back to the area, with surprising results. Levels of radiation fell as time passed and thousands of animals have returned to the area. Brown bears, wolves, lynx, bison, deer, moose, beavers, foxes, badgers, wild boar and raccoon dogs have all made the area around the city their new haven.

You may have heard reports of radiation mutating cells in animals, leaving you with images of two-headed horses and six-eyed deer. Sorry to disappoint, but you won’t come across anything of the sort during your visit. 

I did see the saddest-looking, skinny little fox though, but that could genuinely happen anywhere.

Small genetic changes right after the accident, such as partial albinism in swallows or a loss of insects in the area have been noticed, but the mutant radioactive monsters of imagination are just that. 

Although the long-term effects of the radiation fallout are hard to predict, the absence of human activity has provided better short-term outcomes for the wildlife of southern Belarus and northern Ukraine than could have been foreseen.     

How Safe is it to Visit Chernobyl Today?

The site of one of the world’s worst nuclear disasters has to be incredibly dangerous, doesn’t it?

Actually, not so much. 

Since Chernobyl has become such a tourist hotspot in Ukraine, safety measures are extremely tight, and the chances of absorbing a harmful amount of radiation are pretty slim. That’s as long as you stick to the rules…

There’s a 30km restriction zone around the Chernobyl site, and you’ll need a certified tour company to grant you a pass too. Around the nuclear accident site, there are more checkpoints where you’ll need to show your pass, so you won’t be able to wander off alone.

Other than off-limit zones with obviously fatal doses of radiation; the wider Chernobyl site isn’t as unsafe as you might think. Exposure to radiation is measured in sieverts, with a lethal dose of radiation measuring at three to five sieverts in an hour. 

During your tour of Chernobyl, you’ll be exposed to around 130 to 2,610 microsieverts per hour – that’s 0.00261 of one whole sievert – this is no more than the radiation you’re exposed to during a typical long-haul flight.

With a professional tour guide showing you where to and not to go and your trusted Geiger counter to monitor radiation as you walk around Chernobyl and Pripyat, you’ll come back just as you left.

Why Would Anyone Want to Visit Chernobyl Anyway?

To many, the thought of travelling across the world to visit a site of macabre destruction and tragedy is both senseless and even to the point of being in bad taste. And yet, this pure curiosity about the negative sides of humankind and our inherited interest in the major disasters and conflicts our species has faced is something quite universal. 

There are few places on this earth where a stronger example of humanity’s sudden departure can be seen. The vegetation that has swept through the town of Pripyat has a quality to it as if a lost civilisation has been stumbled upon, preserved down to the last school lessons found waiting for the children to return, which they sadly never did.

In my experience, some people seem to pick and choose what is right and wrong when it comes to where to travel, making it up as they go along with inconsistencies while hiding behind a faux-outrage and moral superiority.

There are some rather immovable critiques for visiting North Korea because pretty much all of the money goes to a brutal, totalitarian government , but I don’t see an issue with visiting Chernobyl, The Killing Fields of Cambodia , or Auschwitz.

It’s less about where we travel for me and more about how we travel (appropriate conduct for the place).

For myself, it is easy to see why thousands rush to visit the Chernobyl site each year, it is far more than morbid curiosity. As is the case with any other place where people have lost their lives, a sense of respect and caution should be adopted when visiting Chernobyl. 

I personally don’t see it as “disaster porn” or simply “dark tourism,” and I think those who assume the worst of people in these situations see the world through a very dark lens themselves.

Sure, there are some people who make very bad decisions with photos in places like this, but the vast majority do not have warped minds or nefarious intentions.

Chernobyl is still a reminder of death for many and as such, should be treated with the same solemn respect you would treat a cemetery. 

Charities that Support Chernobyl 

Even though it’s been 35 years since the Chernobyl meltdown, the effects are still felt today in the contamination zones (Ukraine/Belarus/Russia). For this reason, there are multiple charities set up to help local residents with medical aid and quality-of-life care. Additionally, some tours donate a portion of their proceeds to Chernobyl-related charities. 

  • Chernobyl Children International – CCI helps children and families affected by the Chernobyl disaster through various humanitarian aid programs. 
  • Aid Convoy – This charity provides aid via convoys to the Chernobyl region. 
  • Friends of Chernobyl’s Children – FOCC provides aid (medical/dental/educational) to children that live in badly contaminated areas of Belarus. Once a year they will bring them to the UK to live for a month.
  • Chernobyl Children’s Trust – CCT is run by Irish volunteers committed to helping impoverished children living in contaminated and disadvantaged areas of Belarus.
  • Chernobyl Heart – This UK charity helps fund Gomel Children’s Hospital in Belarus, where many sick children require care from a desperately underfunded facility.

Can You Visit Chernobyl Without a Guide? (Includes Tour Options)

As I mentioned earlier, you can’t enter the restricted areas surrounding Chernobyl without the help of a local guide. Let’s be honest, who would want to wander around a radiation-infected city alone?

You’ll need to organise your tour at least a few weeks in advance, if not longer when you’re visiting in the peak season. This is because your tour guide will need to organise a pass for you to get through the restricted area, and this can take a while to sort out. 

Booking ahead will also guarantee that you actually get a place on a tour. You’ll only need one full day to see the entire Chernobyl site, complete with a night in Kyiv either before or after. Alternatively, you can join a tour that stays overnight in the accommodation near Chernobyl.

The high season in Ukraine crashes during summer and autumn; the months of  June, July, August and September. Not only is there far more foot traffic, but the weather is also at its hottest. Visit Chernobyl during the shoulder seasons of Spring and pre-Christmas, and you’ll enjoy temperate weather and far fewer crowds in the streets.    

With that being said, I went in August and there wasn’t an overload of people, I am guessing there are so many allowed at one given time.

How Much Does Visiting Chernobyl Cost?

This really depends on the type of trip you’re looking for, and where you’re travelling from. If you’re already in Kyiv, then you’ll simply need to factor in the price of the tour itself. For a day tour, you’re looking at around ₴2870 or $105 USD per person. If you want to experience a night in Chernobyl, then you’ll need to fork out around double that price for a 2-day, 1-night tour.

I stayed over for one night after a full-day tour, which is referred to as a 2-day tour. My guide picked me up at the hotel and I paid 210 Euros – make sure you don’t forget your passport , as it’s obligatory. 

Every single Chernobyl tour begins from Kyiv. If you’re already based in Ukraine, the handy train system will get you there pronto. Sleeper trains from the brilliant city of Lviv take around seven hours and cost between $10 and $25 USD depending on the class you choose. (If you’re after a decent amount of comfort, avoid third class, and opt for second).

Alternatively, if you’re flying into Ukraine, especially for Chernobyl, you’ll need to touch down at Kyiv’s international airport Boryspil International Airport. You’ll find direct flights here from most European capitals as well as from Georgia, Dubai and Turkey. 

Those travelling to Ukraine’s capital from outside of Europe can expect to make one stop off in either London, Amsterdam or Warsaw.

There are endless places to stay in Kyiv, from top-of-the-range hotels to humble Airbnb and hostels. Fitting perfectly with the perception of Eastern European economics, accommodation in Ukraine is extremely affordable. 

Some tours will pick you up from the local train station so getting accommodation here can be thoughtful, while other private tours will offer to pick you up from your hotel. (Mine did, they were called ‘Gamma Travel.’)

Safety Rules When Visiting Chernobyl

To save you from getting into trouble or causing offence, it’s worth following the safety rules set out by your tour guide. Some of these may not be obvious, but it’s good to know to avoid any weird situations like the suddenly half-naked guy who went into a restricted area and had to remove his jeans immediately.

In the Exclusion Zone, you cannot:

  • Eat or smoke in the open air
  • Touch any buildings or vegetation
  • Sit on the ground
  • Place photo or video equipment on the ground (bring protection for tripod legs)
  • Take anything outside of the exclusion zone
  • Violate the dress code (no open shoes, shorts, t-shirts, skirts)
  • Stay in the Exclusion Zone without your certified guide

What to Wear When Visiting Chernobyl

What you wear to Chernobyl is pretty much dictated to you by the rules of the exclusion zone. You have to wear long trousers, long-sleeved tops and closed-toe shoes. The idea behind this is pretty simple; you’re about to enter an abandoned city that’s been left to the elements for three decades. 

You’ll walk past exposed brickwork, broken glass, splintering wood and plenty of radioactive debris. The last thing you want is any of this getting on your skin. 

Other than official requirements, it’s worth keeping the weather in mind too. In the winter months, so between December and February, temperatures in northern Ukraine can drop to as low as -12°C. If you’re visiting then, you’ll want lots of layers, a good coat, some warm gloves and a toasty hat. 

Footwear is pretty important too in Chernobyl – remember that this place hasn’t been touched in 30 years. A pair of hardy walking boots would suit you best when you’re walking around the abandoned city and grounds. 

As I mentioned earlier, it’s not unheard of to come across broken glass, exposed nails and all sorts of debris scattered across the streets, so having a hearty-soled shoe is a must. 

My Experience of Visiting Chernobyl (Including My Overnight Stay)

The build-up to visiting Chernobyl was pretty intense. On the day of travelling to visit one of the world’s most catastrophic nuclear disasters, it’s hard to put into words any particular kind of emotion.

I’d seen the show and read stories from survivors, so I thought I might know what to expect. But nothing really sets the scene as well as experiencing the place yourself. So, I set about joining a day-plus overnight tour from Kyiv.

After meeting my tour guide and the rest of the group at a pretty sketchy roadside, we were on the road for about two hours. It didn’t take long for the high rises and busy streets of Kyiv to disappear, and the open roads and cornfields of the Ukrainian countryside to appear. 

Two hours later, our tour van pulled up to the first security checkpoint, hidden somewhere in the rugged forest that surrounds Chernobyl. From this checkpoint, it’s another 10 miles until you actually get to the site of nuclear reactor number 4.

But, before we made a beeline for the scene of the crime, we made a stop off at some pretty eerie places. We started off in the main square of Pripyat, which had been completely taken over by nature. 

Instead of a busy town square filled with people, there were concrete slabs that had been upturned by roots, towering trees blocking the view, and hotel signs and adverts that had faded from the building side. 

Our tour guide took us down some steps and to the river – with pretty strict instructions not to touch, and definitely not to drink the water.

Away from the main square, our guide led us to the abandoned funfair – probably some of the most iconic images of the Chernobyl disaster. After seeing so many pictures of the fair, I didn’t expect this to be as eerie as it was. 

But there’s something about bumper cars hastily abandoned mid-course that just doesn’t sit right. Not to mention the huge Ferris wheel that still squeaks in the wind and makes a half-arsed attempt to move. 

Worse still – much of this amusement park was never actually used – Pripyat was evacuated before it could be.

After soaking up the sombre atmosphere in the “city centre”, we were driven to a small abandoned village on the outskirts of Pripyat. We stopped at what looked like a small hut, hidden in the forest. 

With remnants of children’s toys, it didn’t take too long to realise this was the village school. Inside were just four rooms; one filled with rusting bunk beds, the other with faded ripped posters inscribed with the Cyrillic alphabet, and another with decapitated dolls and broken toys dotted around.

After this was the main event; a fleeting visit to the problematic reactor. Nowadays it’s contained by a giant metal dome, which should (hopefully) keep the radioactive matter contained for a good number of years.  Visiting the reactor is pretty surreal, but you won’t see much – just a big metal structure from a safe distance away. 

A quick photo and a higher than average reading on my Geiger Counter while taking in the feeling of place, impossible to imagine the scenes that went on during those moments.

Before you leave the exclusion zone, you’ll have to go through a radiation screening to see if you’ll take anything nasty into the “real world”. This time I got the green light and was free to go, with all my clothes intact. 

There are three hotels in the Chernobyl area and I stayed at Hotel Desyatka. It had an intensely strong Soviet feel to it, which I guess is part and parcel of visiting Chernobyl.

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Johnny Africa

The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Chernobyl And Pripyat

Johnny

  • Last Updated On: September 10, 2023

chernobyl pripyat building

One of the most amazing tours I’ve ever done in my life has to be visiting the Chernobyl exclusion zone just outside of Kiev in Ukraine. Like many others I’m sure, I’ve always been fascinated by the history and events of this extremely tragic accident. On a recent trip to the wonderful city of Kiev (totally amazing and underrated city), I booked a day tour to visit Chernobyl and Pripyat to see first hand what an abandoned city looks like 30 years on.

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History and Background about Chernobyl

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The scientists on shift were younger as the more experienced scientists already went home for the night. As this was a routine safety test, no one had planned for what would happen next. An unexpected energy surge in the main reactor coupled with a lack of sufficient cooling to the core caused a huge explosion that completely blew open the reactor. Radiation was spewing out in full force at this point along with a raging fire .

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Local and surrounding fire brigades responded to the scene to battle the flames not knowing what they were getting themselves into. Everyone thought it was a routine fire. However, many firefighters collapsed while battling the flames not knowing they had exposed themselves to extreme radiation and almost certain death. After being rushed to the hospital, 31 firefighters died from extreme radiation poisoning.

The pictures our guides showed us were extremely disturbing as well. People’s heads were deformed exposing the skull, and flesh was ground down to expose the bone. Definitely one of the worst ways to die.

Pripyat Town was hit the hardest

The Chernobyl power plants are located next to the town of Pripyat, which at the time was the most modern, fanciest, and the most desirable place to live in the USSR. The town of Chernobyl itself is actually located 20km south of the power plant. Unlike Pripyat which was newly created to house the engineers and their families, Chernobyl has a history extending back to medieval times. The reactors should have been named Pripyat nuclear reactor, but they kept the Chernobyl name that we all know today.

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Pripyat town is only 2-3km away from the power plant and the radiation spillage from the power plants hit it the hardest. People had no idea what was going on as they did not even hear the reactor and of course news did not travel fast back then.

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Evacuating Pripyat Town

36 hours after the disaster, the Soviets enacted the  10-kilometers zone which meant that all 50,000 people and their animals living in Prypiat were evacuated. It is said that the delay in the evacuation was due to the favorable wind direction, which meant that it was actually safer to wait rather than evacuate. Eventually, the Soviets increased the zone to 30km which meant also evacuating the residents of Chernobyl Town upping the count to almost 70,000 people.

The Soviets brought in 1,200 buses from Kiev on April 28, 1986 at 14:00. They told the residents to grab their documents, cash, and pack for three days worth of supplies as they would return in such time. By 17:00, there was not a single resident left in Pripyat. 50,000 people were evacuated in three hours and Pripyat was effectively a ghost town.

Of course those residents did not come back in three days, but rather had to wait one year before they could come back to Pripyat. They were given two plastic bags which was all they could have to collect their belongings.

Chernobyl Town

While Pripyat remains a ghost town and will be so for many more generations, Chernobyl Town was not as badly affected. By not as badly meaning you are still exposed to unhealthy amounts of radiation but not the extreme amounts in Pripyat. Many people opted to return to Chernobyl many years after the disaster as this was their ancestral homeland. However, the Government required that those wanting to return not to have children as the radiation levels were still unhealthy.

Nowadays, only 400 of those 3000 that returned are still alive, and other than these people, the only ones around are those who work at Chernobyl Power Plant, which is currently under decommissioning and scheduled to end in 2065. The residents of the town (not working at the power plant) range in age from 70 to 90. There are no schools of any sort. The town is essentially a last resting place for the former residents to eventually die. A bit somber without a doubt.

Wildlife return

Nowadays, wildlife has returned in significant numbers to the area. While radiation levels remain higher than normal, trees, fish, and other wildlife has been able to prosper. I went on a summer day and there were plenty of trees and flowers that you would never know it was the site of such a disaster. There are also deer, foxes, beavers, moose and wolves that call this area home. Even a few brown bears have migrated from Belarus. perhaps this is what happens when you have no humans to interfere with their habitat!

Booking a tour to Chernobyl – It’s mandatory

Chernobyl was once a adventure junkie’s dream. Nowadays, thanks to shows like Chernobyl on HBO, popularity has skyrocketed and there are so many different tour companies. In fact, two German guys on my tour had watched the HBO series earlier in the week, booked the tour Wednesday, booked a flight Thursday, came to Kiev Friday, and joined the tour Saturday.

In order to visit Chernobyl, you must book a tour . There are checkpoints all over the exclusion zone and unless you want to sneak through military barriers, you will need to book a tour. They run every day and are offered either as a one day tour, or overnight tour. I only had 3 days in Kiev and decided to opt for the day tour. You can also book it as a group tour or you can opt for a private tour which will cost more. If you are 4 or more people, I would definitely recommend the private because the costs will be roughly the same and you can see so much more when you have a private guide. More on that later in the post.

Crowded Saturday tour in Chernobyl

In total, I paid about €90 for my tour in 2019. This seems to be the going rate for a group day tour. You can pay with a credit card beforehand as well. I would  highly recommend you book this tour in advance. During peak months, I would recommend at least a week in advance but those two German guys on my tour were able to find a tour almost last minute.

When booking a tour, make sure to read the itinerary and make sure it covers Pripyat town because that was by far much cooler than just the Chernobyl reactors. Also see if the price includes lunch which is nowadays served in a cafeteria inside the exclusion zone. If not, you can expect to pay about €8.

Booking with Chernobyl Travel

After doing lots of reading on TripAdvisor and other blogs, I opted to go with Chernobyl Travel. I wanted a company with solid reviews but one that also kept the group size small. I did not want to be on a mega tour bus with 50 other people. This is extremely important in my opinion. You make many stops on the tour and having 50 people get on and off a bus would be miserable. Our group was 13 people which was a perfect size for the day.

Chernobyl travel tours

As for the tour company itself, I really liked our guide Yevgenia. She was very informative and easy to talk with. The bus was also comfortable enough for a two hour drive, although I was suffering from a long night partying in Kiev the night before.

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It it safe to visit Chernobyl

The answer is  yes, it is safe to visit Chernobyl. It’s been more than 30 years since the explosion and there have been many efforts by the Government to control the radiation levels of the area.

While the radiation levels are still higher than where you normally live, it is not life threatening at all. In fact, we were given a device that we wore around our necks at the beginning of the tour that tracked our entire radiation exposure for the day. The reading came out to 3 mSv or 3 milli Sieverts which is equivalent to flying for a few hours. In comparison, the residents of Pripyat likely experienced radiation of up to 500 mSv.

The Geiger counter nearby to the reactor. Not too high. chernobyl

You can rent a Geiger counter for the day that tracks the radiation levels in a mSv per hour basis. There were some areas like the Red Forest where radiation levels were much higher (up to 15 mSv per hour) and we only stopped in these areas for a few minutes. The highest reading we had for the day was on the ground near the boat dock area where our Geiger counters reached 40 mSv per hour. I asked the guide if I just took a nap on the ground here would that be bad? The answer was a definitive yes (so don’t do that????).

What to wear

You don’t need to wear hazmat suits or wear a gas mask unless you just want it for the pictures. All you’ll need is to wear long pants and long shirts. They recommend covering as much of your skin as possible but long shirts and pants are a requirement.

We had an old American guy on the tour that was a complete idiot and did not even know he had to wear long sleeves (how is that possible?). He also had an attitude about it and myself as the other American guy on the tour couldn’t help by shake my head in shame. People always hate tourists from their own country and that was not more true than this day. Eventually, they forced him to buy a hazmat suit and he had to wear this ridiculous white jumpsuit for the rest of the day while it was 35 degrees outside. I don’t feel bad about that.

When to visit Chernobyl

Chernobyl is open to visitors all year round and is open every day . This is probably generating big tourism bucks so the Government will ride this train for as long as they can.

In the summer months, it can be very hot and uncomfortable. I went at the end of August and it was almost 35 degrees which made for a hot and sweaty day. Our guide recommended we visit in the winter months, especially if we’re after the eerie and creepy feels. With no leaves on the trees, and overcast skies, I could totally see Chernobyl being haunting.

Let the Tour begin

Upon booking your tour, you will get a confirmation email with your meeting point and pick up time. Almost all tours meet around 7:30am somewhere in central Kiev and make sure to read carefully where your location is. Plan this well in advance.

Meeting point was nearby to the St Volodymyr's Cathedral

My meeting point was right across the street from the St. Volodymyr Cathedral (which is a stunning Orthodox church by the way). Upon arrival, I found the bus right away (a red Mercedes van), and proceeded to check in. I handed him my passport, and paid the remaining balance on my bill as I had only paid a deposit to secure the booking originally. The van is relatively new, comes with A/C (which is key in the summer), and was more comfortable than I thought. I was hoping for the seat to recline (which it didn’t) as I had a long night.

After a slight briefing, we left the meeting point shortly before 8am to make our way to Chernobyl.

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After 30 minutes or so, we stopped at a gas station to pick up supplies for the day. Absolutely make sure to buy some water and/or snacks while you’re here. I bought 1.5L of water and a sandwich as I had not eaten breakfast and lunch wasn’t until 2pm. You don’t need to worry about carrying your supplies with you as you’ll leave them all in the van when you are exploring Chernobyl. You only leave the van for 15-30 minutes at a time so you don’t need to carry water with you.

As we neared the entrance, they played a Nat Geo Chernobyl documentary for us on the TV inside the car. This was actually quite interesting as it broke down exactly what happened on that fateful night in 1986. At roughly 9:45am, we were at the entrance to Chernobyl

Checking into Chernobyl

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We arrived at the entrance gate and you could see the swarms of other tour buses. There were hundreds of people there in at least 10 other vans/buses. The guards checked our passports and scanned our tickets before we entered the gates. Afterwards, we all received a radiation counter that we wore around our necks for the entire day. This measures your exposure to radiation throughout the day and you will be able to see the result at the end of the tour.

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Our guide wanted to get a move on quickly to avoid the crowds which was fantastic. We had about 20 minutes until our first stop and she gave us a briefing of what to expect for the day and more background about Chernobyl.

Duga Radio Station

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Our first stop of the tour was to the Duga Radio Station. We parked our van and walked through some forest to get to this massive communications tower. To be honest, I had no idea I was visiting this place and had never even seen it in pictures before, but it was one of the most impressive things I’ve seen.

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The Duga Radar was a Soviet over-the-horizon radar that is part of the early-warning missile defense system built to detect a missile attack from the US. It was so secretive that they grew tall trees around the area to prevent people from spotting it from afar.

Duga Radio Tower Chernobyl Ukraine

A tourist snuck into the Duga Tower years ago and attempted to climb to the top. He slipped and fell to his death which prompted officials to chop off all ladders to the structure. Before that, a few tourists snuck in and did manage to climb to the top where they base jumped. The video is still on YouTube now.

The structure is just so incredibly massive that pictures do it no justice. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it before. Our guide said they will tear the entire structure down for scrap metal to the tune of 20,000 tons or so in the next 5-10 years.

Chernobyl Reactor 4

The second stop for the day was the famous nuclear reactor that blew up. There were 4 in total with plans to build up to 10 reactors supplying all the energy for the USSR. They were in the process of building out the fifth reactor not too far from #4 before the disaster occurred.

Chernobyl Reactor 4

The reactor was a completely blown to pieces in 1986 but as nowadays, they’ve built a new confinement (sarcophagus) with the help of many European nations to help trap in whatever radiation is left to the tune of €2.15bn.

Chernobyl Reactor 4

Nowadays, it looks like a functional reactor and you’d have no idea that such a catastrophic disaster had occurred. Even more chilling is the fact that the reactor is closed for the next hundred+ years and all the bodies that died including those from the downed helicopter will forever be trapped.

Red Forest radiation

We stopped at the Red Forest next which is an area of high radiation concentration. The name comes from the vast number of trees that died in this area surrounding the reactor due to high radiation absorption. The area was completely bulldozed and there is not much life even to this day. Our Geiger counters were much higher here as well.

Pripyat Town

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As mentioned above, Pripyat Town is where all the Engineers and their families lived. It was a modern city with modern amenities that was the envy of all. Engineers were well paid, and were given housing for themselves and their families.

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Along with many others, I found Pripyat Town to be the most interesting. You can only see the Chernobyl reactor from afar, and there is a newly constructed sarcophagus enclosing the structure so it actually looks like a functioning nuclear plant. Pripyat is where you can see how people lived and what 30 years of decomposition has done to the buildings and all the possessions that were left behind.

Upon arrival, our guide Yevgenia showed us pictures of what Pripyat looked like before the explosion and it really did look like the happening city to be at the time. We stood at the same area that the picture showed and the contrast was super eerie.

Visiting the Elementary School

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Our first stop was to the elementary school. This was the first building we visited where you can see the inside of it. We walked along the facade of the building while our Geiger counters were all beeping to let us know that it is above the recommended radiation levels. The desks were all still neatly arranged since people were evacuated on a whim. There are glass shards all around the building from years of decay so make sure you wear good shoes so not to get cut.

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All of these buildings are a photographer’s paradise and you are allowed to shoot to your heart’s desire.

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Going inside the buildings

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Officially, the policy is you’re not allowed to walk inside the buildings. This is not because of radiation levels as those are mostly fine, but rather the neglect and lack of upkeep in the buildings mean they can collapse at any time. However, we were able to walk into some of the buildings for a short amount of time even though this is technically not allowed. I’m not sure if anyone checks and certainly did not see any guards walking around during our day tour.

I suspect if you book a private tour with fewer people, you can probably get away with spending more time inside the buildings.

The Hospital

Our next stop was the hospital. This is one of the most interesting buildings in Pripyat because it housed the firefighters that battled the flames from Nuclear reactor #4. The firefighters were all taken here for radiation treatment before being evacuated a day later and subsequently dying horrible deaths. They were all treated in the basement of the hospital where their possessions and firefighting outfits were left. Radiation levels are much higher in the basement of the hospital so unfortunately it is no longer allowed for visiting.

hospital pripyat chernobyl ukraine

We did walk around the first level which was very interesting. Walking inside the buildings is the most creepy especially when you get away from the direct sunlight and see long dark corridors with rubble all around you. I kept thinking of the movie Chernobyl Diaries the entire time and was a little freaked out even during the day so could only imagine how much more dramatic this would be if it was cold and dark out.

Grocery Store and Restaurant

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Our next stop was to the grocery store and restaurant. The grocery store was open for less than a month and was the first grocery store in all of Ukraine. You can still see the signs in Russian spelling out the fruit and meat aisles.

grocery store pripyat chernobyl

The restaurant was also open for a month before the disaster occurred. We also saw one of the hundreds of stray dogs still in the park while we were here. This dog followed us around the rest of the tour. Although his radiation levels are higher than normal, it seemed to be perfectly well fed and healthy, albeit a bit sad.

Football Stadium

stadium football in pripyat chernobyl

Few minutes away was the Football and track stadium that never was. This was scheduled to open later in 1986 after the explosion. You can barely make out the track that is no covered in trees and dirt. However, the seating stands are in good condition and the seats that are under the covers unexposed to the elements look almost new.

kindergarten school

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A lot of the iconic pictures from Chernobyl come from the Kindergarten school. I’m not going to lie, but this was one of the creepiest places I saw. Whether it is the clothes of young kids leftover, or the chucky-esque dolls that are everywhere, this place was very creepy. We did not go into this building but you could see everything from the outside.

Amusement Park

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The last stop in Pripyat was the most famous sight of them all, the amusement park. This park was slated to open on May 1, so just a week before the accident. They had bumper cars, a merry go round, and the iconic 26m ferris wheel that still stands to this day. The rust and decay are noticeable here. The ferris wheel still moves with strong winds and we could hear the metal clanking as it very eerily rotated.

And some more photos for good measure.

Amusement park in Pripyat Chernobyl

Breaking for lunch

After spending a solid 4 hours exploring the Chernobyl reactors and Pripyat, it was time for lunch. Nowadays, there is a large cafeteria for all the workers, as well as tourists inside the zone.

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Upon entering, you will have to go through a Soviet-style radiation detector where you put your hands on both sides of the machine and it will you if you’re radiation levels comply with the standards. If it does, a gate will open where you can pass through and walk towards the canteen.

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The food was better than I thought including grilled chicken, borscht, rice or potatoes, salad, juice, and breads. This lunch came with the tour but otherwise, it would be roughly €9 or so. Don’t expect fine dining here but considering we were in Chernobyl, this lunch will do.

Visiting Chernobyl town

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After lunch, our next and last stop for the day was the town of Chernobyl. Chernobyl town is one of the first city to be evacuated during the 1986 nuclear disaster. Over 14,000 inhabitants of Chernobyl city were evacuated 30 hours after the explosion which left the city abandoned until now.

Nowadays, the workers of the clean-up initiative and small numbers of locals have moved into Chernobyl city and are currently living there. This will also be the place you would stay if you chose to do a multi-day Chernobyl tour.

Town sign of Chernobyl

When you arrive in Chernobyl City, you will still be able to see the remnants of its past but you will also be able to see life striving with locals living in their homes like nothing happens, general stores packed with supplies and hotels for daring tourists.

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Leaving Chernobyl

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After exploring Chernobyl town, we returned to the entrance gates where we went through another radiation machine to make sure our levels complied (similar to that at lunch). Our guide then took our radiation monitor to calculate how much radiation we accumulated throughout the day. In about 6 hours, we accumulated 2-3 mSv which is about the same radiation as a 2 hour flight. Not much at all.

We then drove the two hours back to Kiev to our initial meeting point. We left at 8 in the morning and were back in the city by 6pm.

All in all, a fantastic day and definitely one of the best day tours I’ve ever taken. Highly recommended!

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A half-dozen badly rusted bumper cars sit empty beneath the metal skeleton of a largely missing roof.

Chernobyl Dispatch

Ghosts Past and Present Cross Paths as War Comes to Nuclear Wasteland

Not everyone evacuated when the Chernobyl nuclear plant melted down in 1986. The few who stayed lived through another calamity when Russian troops marched in.

Bumper cars in the abandoned city of Pripyat, in Chernobyl’s Exclusion Zone, in Ukraine in March. Credit...

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By Marc Santora

Photographs by Emile Ducke

Marc Santora and Emile Ducke were granted rare permission to travel across the vast zone around Chernobyl that has been off-limits to most humans for more than three decades.

  • Published April 14, 2023 Updated April 15, 2023

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Open this article in the New York Times Audio app on iOS.

The world’s worst nuclear disaster, unfolding only a few miles away, did not force Halyna Voloshyna, 74, to abandon her home in Chernobyl in 1986.

So when marauding Russian soldiers showed up at her door a little over a year ago, she was not about to let them scare her away, either.

Instead, during the month that Russian forces occupied this polluted patch of earth known as the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone , Ms. Voloshyna was such a thorn in their side that they began referring to her as the “furious babushka at the end of the lane.”

“They said they were here to liberate me,” she recalled. “Liberate me from what?” she asked before cursing them.

Ms. Voloshyna is one of 99 longtime residents who still live in the zone, an area that covers roughly 1,000 square miles of some of the most radioactive soil on the planet. The disastrous meltdown at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant blanketed the region with a hundred times more radiation than that released by the atomic bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki combined.

Chernobyl was also one of the first areas Russian tanks rolled through as they swept out of Belarus in the hopes of seizing Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, about 75 miles to the south. And it was one of the first places they were driven out, forced to withdraw at the end of last March.

Visiting the zone a year later, past calamity and current tragedy intersect in strange and fascinating ways.

An elderly couple inside their home. The wife rests her head on her seated husband’s head, with one of her arms draped around his shoulder.

The meltdown in Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union, has tainted the land for hundreds of years to come and laid bare the dangers of a political culture built on lies. It contributed to the demise of the Communist system and the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Russia’s invasion was justified with other Kremlin lies: that Ukrainian statehood was a myth, and that Kyiv was ruled by Nazis.

Before the war, the ghostly city of Pripyat , once home to tens of thousands of atomic workers before it was abandoned, had become a dark tourist attraction for those drawn to post-apocalyptic desolation. The Soviet-era apartment blocks crumbled as wolves prowled the hallways. A Ferris wheel in an amusement park that was scheduled to open on May 1, 1986, gathered more rust with each passing year.

Visiting the villages around Chernobyl offered a chance to step into a moment frozen in time, with everything left where it was more than three decades ago. Children’s toys sit in yards thick with brush. Tattered clothes are strewn in bedrooms where residents left them as they fled. A dusty cradle glimpsed through a broken window pane offers a reminder that in a now-dead place, there was once new life.

Now, with cities across Ukraine obliterated, the ruins of Chernobyl feel less otherworldly than grimly familiar. Distant explosions set off by animals stepping on mines laid by the Russians are a reminder that this land from the past is very much part of the present.

The confinement building and the hulking sarcophagus built to entomb the remains of Reactor No. 4 — where two enormous explosions blew the 2,000-ton lid off the burning core — have long served as an object lesson in what can happen when politics are allowed to interfere with the scientific endeavor of producing energy by splitting the atom.

Now it is taking place again.

Russian forces in southern Ukraine occupy Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, and that facility in Zaporizhzhia has come under repeated shelling , raising fears of a disaster there.

And in Chernobyl itself, Russian soldiers displayed reckless behavior early on in the war.

On the February 2022 night that the Russians invaded Ukraine, a drastic increase in radiation levels — from two to eight times more than usual — was recorded in different parts of the Chernobyl exclusion zone, said Serhiy Kirejev, the Ukrainian official responsible for environmental monitoring there.

“This is the time when over 5,000 Russian military vehicles entered the zone, drove along the ground roads, and then soldiers started digging the trenches,” Mr. Kirejev said. “They churned up the radioactive dust that was in the upper layer of the ground.”

Villagers warned the Russians about the dangers.

“They were digging trenches right close to the reactor,” recalled Halyna Markevych, 82. “We told them to stop. They said: ‘Come on. What kind of radiation could there be?’”

Even a quick look at the bunkers the Russians carved out in the most contaminated parts of the zone made clear how careless they had been. The soldiers also set fires and cooked on dirt so radioactive that it made a Geiger counter leap off the charts when tested on a recent visit. There are conflicting reports about whether Russian soldiers fell sick from radiation poisoning.

For the small band of aging residents who remain in the zone, the Russian invasion and the nuclear disaster are catastrophes that bookend their lives.

They recall both events in intimate detail.

Visitors are rare these days, but Ms. Voloshyna was a bundle of energy as she set out a spread of food for her visitors and grabbed a bottle of vodka infused with local herbs. Three shots, she said, was customary for visitors.

Before the meltdown, Ms. Voloshyna said, Chernobyl was a company town known for its great natural beauty. She was 36 and the director of the local kindergarten when the night sky lit up before dawn on April 26, 1986. In the days after the meltdown, she joined other residents in shoveling sand into sacks that were flown by helicopters and dumped in the reactor.

Two plant workers died within hours of the meltdown, and in the months that followed, 28 more people died from radiation poisoning. Though estimates of the total fatalities to date vary widely, thousands have died from cancers and other radiation-associated illnesses.

The evacuation orders came in May, and ultimately around 200,000 people were relocated, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency — but Ms. Voloshyna was not among them. She hid inside her house after the police ordered residents to leave, even as the authorities sealed her home from the outside.

The next day, she watched as police officers shot all the dogs . Then the power and water were cut off. But Ms. Voloshyna was determined to stay in the home built by her grandfather more than half a century earlier, nestled on the banks of the Pripyat River.

Unlike when the meltdown happened, the danger from the Russians who stormed in last winter was immediately clear. That night, one resident, Evgen Markevych, 86, put his thoughts down in his diary.

“Sorrow came,” he wrote. “They are shooting. Putin is like Hitler. Russian troops captured the Chernobyl nuclear station.”

Ms. Voloshyna was determined to stay.

“It was crazy,” she said. “They were going for days: a flood of tanks, helicopters and all kinds of shooting all the time.”

One morning, she said, she heard the Russians shouting at a neighbor and ransacking the house. She stormed out to confront them.

“There were 15 of them with machine guns,” she said. “I did not let them into my house. I started shouting at them.”

Two days later, her neighbor warned Ms. Voloshyna that her two adult sons were in danger. One of them had earlier served in the Ukrainian military and so would be of particular interest for Russians.

So under the cover of darkness, the two men crept down to the river bank behind the house, loaded two bicycles onto two little motorboats and set off. They hid for more than a month.

“Only when the area was liberated by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, were they able to come back home,” she said.

The younger of her sons soon left again to join the army. Over the past months he was fighting in Bakhmut.

Ms. Voloshyna swept a tear from her eye and said she hoped to see him at home again one day.

Anna Lukinova contributed reporting.

Audio produced by Tally Abecassis .

Marc Santora is the international news editor based in London, focusing on breaking news events. He was previously the bureau chief for East and Central Europe, based in Warsaw. He has also reported extensively from Iraq and Africa. More about Marc Santora

Our Coverage of the War in Ukraine

News and Analysis

The United States and six other major world powers warned Iran not to provide ballistic missiles to Russia  to aid Moscow’s war against Ukraine and threatened to retaliate if it did by cutting off Iranian air travel to Europe, among other measures.

A U.N. commission said it had uncovered new evidence of widespread torture of Ukrainian prisoners  held by Russian security forces, detailing a range of what it described as Russian war crimes, including summary executions and sexual violence.

Ukrainian authorities said that a Russian missile attack on Odesa  had killed a t least 20 people and had injured 73 others , the latest in a series of deadly air assaults on the southern Ukrainian port city.

Targeting Russia’s Oil Industry: With its army short of ammunition and troops to break the deadlock on the battlefield, Kyiv has increasingly taken the fight beyond the Ukrainian border, attacking oil infrastructure deep in Russian territory .

Electronic Warfare: Drones have become a critical weapon for both Russia and Ukraine. But Moscow’s capability to overpower Ukrainian signals  by broadcasting on the same frequencies at higher power is putting Kyiv at a disadvantage.

Helping the War Effort: Since the early days of the war, thousands of Ukrainian volunteers have led crowdfunding efforts that have been crucial in supplying the military with equipment. But as the conflict drags on, it is becoming harder to raise money .

How We Verify Our Reporting

Our team of visual journalists analyzes satellite images, photographs , videos and radio transmissions  to independently confirm troop movements and other details.

We monitor and authenticate reports on social media, corroborating these with eyewitness accounts and interviews. Read more about our reporting efforts .

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COMMENTS

  1. The ULTIMATE Guide To Visiting Chernobyl (UPDATE 2024)

    No As of March 2023, you cannot visit the Chernobyl site. Unfortunately the area is at the forefront of the Russia/Ukraine war and is currently off limits.

  2. What Does Chernobyl Look Like Today and Can You Go There?

    Published Jan 17, 2023 at 10:58 AM EST Updated Jan 17, 2023 at 10:58 AM EST By Robyn White Nature Reporter The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in Ukraine remains one of the most radioactive areas of...

  3. One-day scheduled tour to the Chernobyl zone and Pripyat-town

    The price includes: all formal permissions, comfortable auto transportation Kiev-Zone-Kiev (air conditioning, viewing a selection of documentary films on the route), professional English-speaking guide (or guide plus interpreter) of "CHORNOBYL TOUR®", accommodation in Chornobyl hotel (for multy-day trips), maximally permitted time of stay in the...

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    #1 Stage #2 Stage #3 Stage Choose a tour: Chernobyl 1 day tour Date: Price: $125 Person: ADVANTAGES #1 OFFICIAL LICENSE #2 TRIPADVISOR LEADERS #3 BEST PRICES #4 SAFE AND INTERESTING ROUTES #5 PROFESSIONAL TOUR GUIDES - STALKERS IN THE PAST #6 UNIQUE ALL INCLUSIVE How safe are Chernobyl Visits? Visiting Chernobyl = 1 hours flight

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    8 1. Choose the best Chernobyl tour type 9 2. Choose a tour company 10 3. Be prepared for your Chernobyl visit 11 The Thrifty Gist Chernobyl: An Overview

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    Private tour Personal Chernobyl excursion, that means that you could be the only choosing up the locations to visit! Depending in your aim and desire, we can assist you arrange awesome excursion specially for you. Book a Tour Frequently Asked Questions Is it legal to visit Сhernobyl? Tours to Chernobyl are completely legal.

  7. A Complete Travel Guide on How to Visit Chernobyl, Ukraine

    Updated On February 21, 2024 | Comment Share NOTE: Due to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, it is not advisable to visit Chernobyl at the moment. It is recommended to wait until the situation calms down. Please check the travel advisory on your country's Department of State's website for the latest information.

  8. Tripadvisor ⭐️ award of excellence tours

    All inclusive: hotel, tasty dining, transportation and guide. From 3499 €. Explore tour. 5.0. "The tailored private tour is great for getting the most out of your Chernobyl experience as it adapts perfectly to your interests and wishes. Everything went according to the plan and fulfilled our expectations.

  9. THE 10 BEST Chernobyl Tours & Excursions

    Chernobyl Tours Enter dates Tours Filters Sort All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Product Categories Historical & Heritage Tours Bus Tours Walking Tours Sightseeing Tours Price $0 - $500 + Duration Up to 1 hour 1 to 4 hours 4 hours to 1 day Traveler rating & up & up & up Languages English Russian German

  10. How to visit Chernobyl in a responsible way

    By Joan Torres 7 Comments Last updated on December 28, 2023 On April 24th, 1986, reactor 4 from Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant suffered a massive, destructive explosion, releasing tonnes of radioactive material into the sky, which spread across Europe and even to the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.

  11. Is Chernobyl Safe to Visit in 2024?

    Last updated: January 17, 2024 - Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. Learn more Is Chernobyl safe to visit in 2024? Chernobyl remains a radioactive site, but supervised and restricted tourism is considered safe, with radiation levels within healthy ranges.

  12. Visiting Chernobyl: All You Need To Know

    Facts and Figures Where is Chernobyl? Chernobyl is in Ukraine, approximately 80 miles north of the capital Kyiv and 12 miles south of the Belarus border.

  13. A Complete Travel Guide On How To Visit Chernobyl, Ukraine

    Modified: December 28, 2023 by Issie Fey Share Europe Plan Your Trip Travel Destinations Travel Guide Travel Tips 1+ Introduction Welcome to Chernobyl, a place that holds a haunting and heartbreaking history. Located in northern Ukraine, Chernobyl is infamous for the catastrophic nuclear disaster that occurred on April 26, 1986.

  14. How To Visit Chernobyl Safely

    Melissa Giroux | Last updated Nov 8 2023 | Travel Tips Chernobyl is an isolated disaster zone in northern Ukraine, put on the map due to the nuclear accident at the town's power plant in 1986. The significant event was deemed the worst nuclear disaster in history in terms of cost and casualties.

  15. Touring Chernobyl: How to Visit Pripyat

    The town of Pripyat is about two kilometers from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant (ChNPP). When the Chernobyl disaster occurred, the town of Pripyat was home to around 49,000 people. It was evacuated after the explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in April, 1986 and many of its residents have never set foot in the town since.

  16. You Can Now Visit Chernobyl's Control Room, if You're Quick About It

    An employee of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant walks in the control room of the destroyed 4th block of the plant on February 24, 2011, ahead of the 25th anniversary of the meltdown of reactor ...

  17. Full-Day Chernobyl and Pripyat Tour with Real Chernobyl Heroes

    Discover the eerie remains of Chernobyl and Pripyat, frozen in 1986, on a full-day group tour from Kiev. All details, including transportation and lunch are taken care of, so you're free to appreciate the haunting experience. Follow your guide past the Bridge of Death and the forever abandoned cinema, grocery store, and amusement park.

  18. Visiting Chernobyl: A Guide (Rules, Safety + Things To Know)

    It's 1986 and Ukraine is still part of the USSR (only just). Pripyat, a small town in north Ukraine is home to Chernobyl, a nuclear power plant, responsible for producing around 10% of Ukraine's total electricity. In the cruellest of irony, during an experiment to test a new way of cooling the core in an emergency, the nuclear reactor ...

  19. The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Chernobyl And Pripyat

    History and Background about Chernobyl. On April 26, 1986 at 01:23am local time, Chernobyl Reactor #4 located nearby to the town of Pripyat, exploded. The scientists working at the time were conducting a routine safety test meant to develop safety procedures in the event of an electrical power outage.

  20. Visiting Chernobyl: Is it Safe to Visit Chernobyl in 2024?

    At approximately 1.30 am on the morning of the 26th of April 1986, reactor four of the Chernobyl power plant went into meltdown, causing a huge steam explosion. Two workers were killed instantly in the blast. Many people in neighboring Pripyat and other towns came out of their homes to see what was happening.

  21. Ghosts Past and Present Cross Paths as War Comes to Nuclear Wasteland

    Halyna Markevych, 82, and her husband, Evgen, 86, in their home in March inside Chernobyl's Exclusion Zone. The abandoned city of Pripyat was founded to house the many skilled workers assigned ...

  22. Is Chernobyl Safe? 19 Things to Know Before Visiting

    Read Disclosure. In this blog post we'll share with you tips about visiting Chernobyl on a tour from Kiev, Ukraine. Is it safe? Yes and no - we'll get to that soon. But first, some context …

  23. International Nuclear Watchdog sets up permanent mission in Chernobyl

    The nuclear watchdog IAEA has established a permanent mission at the Chernobyl nuclear site for the first time as part of a new arrangement that will see experts deployed on a continuous basis to...