Oymyakon – The Frozen Heart of the Earth

Imagine a winter that lasts not three, but up to nine months. Temperatures hover around −50∘C, but the extreme cold is not uncommon, with a record of −71.2∘C having been documented at this “Pole of Cold.” This isn’t sci-fi; it’s everyday life in Oymyakon, the world’s coldest permanently inhabited settlement, located in Russia. But how do people survive here? And why is tourism thriving in this frigid location?

The Art of Survival – When Frost is in the Details

In Oymyakon, everything revolves around the frost. The approximately 800 inhabitants have adapted to the conditions with incredible resilience and ingenuity.

• Cars Running 24/7: Car engines are rarely turned off. If a vehicle stops, its engine will freeze almost instantly. That’s why most cars are kept in heated garages, but those parked outside must keep their engines idling.
• Frozen Ground: The ground is perpetually frozen—it’s continuous permafrost. Because of this, indoor plumbing is difficult to install in most houses as pipes would freeze and burst. Most toilets are outdoor outhouses! Even burials require the ground to be thawed with hot coals beforehand.
• School at -50: Unimaginable as it seems, children attend school in the extreme cold. There’s only a “coal break” (no school) when the temperature drops below −52∘C!
• The “Cabbage” Attire: Layering is essential for survival. Locals often wear thick, insulating clothing made from reindeer or horse fur. The local diet is also adapted: fresh fruits and vegetables cannot grow in the permafrost, so residents rely heavily on fatty meats (reindeer, horse meat) and frozen fish for internal heating.

Tourism at the Pole of Cold

Despite the harsh conditions, Oymyakon is increasingly popular with extreme tourists. People travel here specifically to experience the coldest point on Earth.

• Monument to Records: Tourists can visit the monument dedicated to the −71.2∘C record temperature.
• Extreme Experiences: Popular “stunts” include throwing boiling water into the air, which instantly turns into ice crystals. Visitors even receive a certificate from the local mayor proving they visited the world’s coldest inhabited spot!
• Massive Temperature Swings: What’s especially extreme is that while the winter is deadly cold, the temperature can reach up to +30∘C in the short summer! This enormous temperature swing (over 100∘C) is also a record.

Oymyakon is not just about the cold; it’s about the endurance and traditions of the people who live there, and their ability to call even one of the most inhospitable corners of the Earth “home.”

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