Chkalov Stairs Tourism

Chkalov Stairs is a monumental flight of steps in the historical city of Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. Named after the famous Soviet pilot Valery Chkalov, the staircase was constructed between 1943 and 1949 and designed by Lev Rudnev. With 560 steps, it connects the upper city Kremlin and the lower Volga river embankment, creating a dramatic and symbolic link between the historical heights and the waters below. The structure's grandeur has made it a local and tourist favorite for panoramic views of the Volga and as a site for public events. At the top of the stairs, one can find the impressive statue of Valery Chkalov, which commemorates his historic 1937 flight from Moscow to Vancouver via the North Pole. The design of the stairs follows a unique path; it is wider at the bottom and narrows upwards, which creates an optical illusion making the stairs seem longer than they are. It has become an iconic spot that represents the perseverance, history, and architectural achievement of Nizhny Novgorod.