Koltsovo is an urban-type settlement (working settlement) in the Novosibirsk Region, which has the status of a science city of the Russian Federation. Part of the Novosibirsk agglomeration. The working settlement of Koltsovo forms a municipal entity with the status of an urban district as the only settlement in its composition.
Koltsovo is a compact urban locality and designated science city
(naukograd) in Novosibirsk Oblast, Siberia, Russia, with a population of
around 16,000 residents. Situated about 20 kilometers southeast of
central Novosibirsk and 10 kilometers from the academic hub of
Akademgorodok, it was established in 1974 primarily to support
scientific research, particularly in virology and biotechnology. The
town is nestled amid coniferous and birch forests, creating a serene,
green environment that contrasts with its high-tech focus. While not a
major tourist destination, Koltsovo offers a handful of local
attractions that highlight its community-oriented vibe, natural
surroundings, and cultural elements. Its status as a naukograd
emphasizes innovation, with ongoing developments in biotech parks and
residential areas contributing to a high quality of life, including
leading birth rates and tax revenues among similar science towns in
Russia. Visitors often appreciate the town's proximity to Novosibirsk
for day trips, combining quiet exploration with access to larger urban
amenities.
Recreation Park of Koltsovo
This is the top-rated
attraction in Koltsovo, serving as a central green space for locals and
visitors alike. Spanning a forested area with pathways, picnic spots,
and open lawns, the park is ideal for family outings and seasonal
activities. In summer, it offers opportunities for fishing in nearby
ponds, horse riding along trails, and barbecues (shashlik) amid the
natural scenery—it's even noted as one of the few beach-like areas in
the region for relaxed outdoor gatherings. Winter transforms the park
into a hub for downhill skiing on gentle slopes, cross-country skiing,
and snow play, making it a year-round recreational spot. Reviews
describe it as an "ordinary park" but praise its simplicity for quality
time with family and children, free from crowds, with clean facilities
and a peaceful atmosphere. It's particularly appealing for those seeking
low-key nature immersion near a science-focused town, though amenities
are basic—bring your own supplies for picnics. The park's location amid
birch groves enhances its appeal, providing shaded walks and a sense of
escape from urban hustle.
Church in Honor of the Entry of the
Theotokos
This Russian Orthodox church, also known locally as the
Vvedensky Church, stands as a spiritual and architectural landmark in
Koltsovo. Built in a traditional style with white walls, blue domes, and
intricate iconography, it commemorates the Entry of the Most Holy
Theotokos into the Temple—a significant feast in Orthodox Christianity
symbolizing divine blessing and salvation. The church is located in the
heart of the settlement and serves the local community with regular
services, baptisms, and festivals. Its interior features frescoes and
icons typical of Siberian Orthodox architecture, creating a tranquil
space for reflection. While not a grand cathedral like those in Moscow,
it embodies the town's cultural heritage, blending modern science-city
life with traditional faith. Visitor reviews are limited but highlight
its welcoming atmosphere and role as a peaceful retreat; it's open to
the public, though modest dress and respectful behavior are expected.
The church occasionally hosts community events, tying into Koltsovo's
social fabric.
The Church of St. Nicholas
Another key
religious site, the Church of St. Nicholas is a smaller Orthodox chapel
dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of travelers, children,
and sailors—a nod perhaps to Russia's naval history, though adapted
locally. Its design follows traditional Russian ecclesiastical styles,
with wooden or stone elements, onion domes, and interior decorations
including icons of St. Nicholas. The church provides a sense of
community and spirituality in this science-oriented town, hosting
liturgies, weddings, and holiday celebrations. Descriptions emphasize
its absence of commercialism or judgment, creating a warm, inclusive
environment free from "sidelong glances." It's particularly noted for
Old Russian rite services in some contexts, reflecting historical
Orthodox traditions. With few tourist crowds, it's ideal for quiet
visits or attending services to experience local customs. Reviews
portray it as a humble yet meaningful spot, integrated into daily life
in Koltsovo.
Stadium-Koltsovo
Refurbished in 2008, this
multi-purpose sports facility is a hub for athletic activities in
Koltsovo. It features an artificial turf football field, running tracks,
tennis courts, volleyball areas, and zones for skating and skiing in
winter. The stadium's modern amenities make it suitable for both
professional training and casual recreation, appealing to a wide
audience. Reviews commend its quality in a small settlement, noting the
athletic zones and overall maintenance—it's described as "excellent" for
sports enthusiasts. Visitors can engage in running, team sports, or
seasonal activities like cross-country skiing, with facilities open to
the public. It's a testament to Koltsovo's emphasis on community health
and leisure, often hosting local events and competitions.
Other
Notable Points of Interest
While not a traditional "sight," the State
Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology (VECTOR) is Koltsovo's
defining landmark. As one of only two global repositories for the
smallpox virus (the other in the U.S.), it focuses on research into
dangerous pathogens, vaccines, and diagnostics for diseases like Ebola,
HIV, and influenza. Public tours are not available due to biosecurity,
but its presence underscores the town's scientific prestige—external
views of the complex can be glimpsed from afar. The surrounding
BioTechnopark and innovation centers add a modern, futuristic layer to
the landscape. For broader vistas, Koltsovo's forested outskirts offer
walking paths and green plantations interspersed with apartment
buildings, providing a unique blend of nature and urban planning.
Cultural events, such as theater performances from Novosibirsk and
concerts, enliven the town, alongside cafes, a hotel, and markets for
everyday exploration.
Koltsovo is a small urban locality (classified as a work settlement)
situated in the Novosibirsky District of Novosibirsk Oblast, Russia. It
functions as a naukograd, or science town, dedicated primarily to
advanced research in fields like virology and biotechnology, which
influences its compact and planned layout. Geographically, Koltsovo lies
in the southeastern outskirts of the greater Novosibirsk metropolitan
area, approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of central
Novosibirsk and 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) northeast of Akademgorodok, a
prominent scientific and academic hub within Novosibirsk. Its precise
coordinates are 54°56′20″N 83°11′00″E, placing it firmly within the
southern portion of Novosibirsk Oblast in western Siberia.
The
broader region of Novosibirsk Oblast, where Koltsovo is located,
occupies the southern reaches of the West Siberian Plain, a vast,
low-lying expanse that forms one of the world's largest flatlands. This
oblast stretches roughly 600 kilometers from west to east and over 400
kilometers from north to south, bordered by Omsk Oblast to the west,
Kazakhstan to the southwest, Tomsk Oblast to the north, Kemerovo Oblast
to the east, and Altai Krai to the south. The terrain around Koltsovo is
predominantly flat and plain-like, characteristic of the
steppe-dominated landscapes in the southern part of the oblast, with
gentle undulations transitioning into the low foothills of the Salair
Ridge farther east. Elevation in Koltsovo averages around 200 meters
(660 feet) above sea level, slightly higher than central Novosibirsk's
approximately 150 meters, reflecting a subtle rise as one moves
southeast from the Ob River valley. The settlement itself covers a
modest area of about 6.5 square kilometers (2.5 square miles), making it
a tightly knit community interspersed with green spaces.
Hydrographically, Koltsovo is positioned between the major Ob and Irtysh
River basins, though it lacks direct frontage on these large waterways.
The Ob River, one of Siberia's primary arteries, flows northwest of the
settlement, with the Novosibirsk Reservoir (also known as the Ob Sea)
lying nearby to the west, adjacent to Akademgorodok. This man-made
reservoir, formed by the damming of the Ob, provides recreational and
ecological value to the surrounding areas, including small rivers and
lakes that dot the landscape near Novosibirsk's outskirts. Smaller
tributaries and streams may traverse or border Koltsovo's vicinity,
contributing to local drainage into the Ob basin, though many regional
rivers end in closed, endorheic lakes typical of the steppe zones.
Larger lakes in the southern oblast, such as Lake Chany (one of Russia's
largest inland bodies of water), Sartlan, Tandovo, and Ubinskoye, are
concentrated farther south and west but influence the overall hydrology
of the area through interconnected wetlands and marshes. These features
create a network of inland drainage systems, with some areas prone to
seasonal flooding or marsh formation, especially in spring thaws.
Vegetation and natural surroundings add to Koltsovo's geographical
character, with the settlement enveloped by mixed forests of coniferous
trees (such as pines) and birch groves, alternating with urban apartment
blocks and planted green areas. This reflects the transition from the
southern steppes to the more wooded taiga zones farther north in the
oblast. Pine forests are particularly common along the Ob River's shores
and extend into Novosibirsk's outskirts, providing a natural buffer and
recreational spaces. The area around Koltsovo features a blend of open
grasslands and forested patches, with nearby villages like Baryshevo (3
km north) and Novolugovoye (6 km northwest) sharing similar
environments. Broader Siberian boreal forests dominate the northern
oblast, but near Koltsovo, the landscape is more open, with woodlands
interspersed amid the plains, supporting diverse flora adapted to the
continental conditions.
Climatically, Koltsovo experiences a harsh
continental climate typical of western Siberia, marked by significant
temperature extremes and moderate precipitation. Winters are long and
severely cold, with average January temperatures around -19°C (-2°F),
often dipping lower during Siberian cold snaps, accompanied by snowfall
and persistent frost. Summers are relatively short and warm, with July
averages of +19°C (66°F), though heatwaves can push temperatures above
30°C (86°F). Annual precipitation ranges from 300 to 500 millimeters (12
to 20 inches), mostly falling as rain in the warmer months and snow in
winter, with the southern steppe areas like Koltsovo's vicinity tending
toward slightly drier conditions compared to the marshier north. The
flat terrain contributes to strong winds, especially in open areas, and
the region's location in the Krasnoyarsk Time Zone (UTC+7) means long
summer days and short winter daylight hours.
The history of Koltsovo is inextricably
linked with the history of the State Research Center for Virology
and Biotechnology "Vector" (State Research Center of VB "Vector").
When in 1974 the Council of Ministers of the USSR decided to
open the All-Union Research Institute of Molecular Biology near
Novosibirsk (now the State Research Center VB "Vector"), it was also
decided to build a workers' settlement as a place of residence for
employees of this institute. The first few houses built since 1975
belonged to the village of Baryshevo, Novosibirsk District,
Novosibirsk Region.
On August 30, 1979, by the decision of
the executive committee of the Novosibirsk Regional Council of
People's Deputies, the settlement of microbiologists was separated
from the Barysheva village into a separate working settlement within
the Novosibirsk rural district. This date is considered the official
day of the settlement.
The village got its name in honor of
the famous Russian biologist, cytologist, geneticist Nikolai
Koltsov.
By the decision of the Novosibirsk Regional
Executive Committee No. 483 of October 16, 1989, the settlement of
Novoborsk of the Baryshevsky village council of the Novosibirsk
region was included in the working settlement of Koltsovo. Novoborsk
arose at the State breeding poultry farm "Novosibirsk" (1977). The
population of the Novoborskiy microdistrict as of January 1, 2014
was 959 people, the general plan provides for its growth by 2024 to
2.3 thousand inhabitants.
By the decree of the President of
the Russian Federation dated January 17, 2003, the Koltsovo
settlement was assigned the status of a science city for a period
until December 31, 2025. At the same time, the Koltsov Development
Program was approved by a presidential decree.
In 2005, the
village of Koltsovo was separated from the Novosibirsk region and
became an independent urban district within the Novosibirsk region.
In September 2015, the Baryshevo - Orlovka - Koltsovo highway
was opened, as well as the tunnel between Koltsovo and Baryshev
under the railroad tracks, thanks to which transport links with
Novosibirsk were improved, since previously there were traffic
congestions at the railway crossing.
In December 2015, the
Biotechnopark Collective Use Center was opened.
Business Incubator and Biotechnopark Koltsovo
Since 2007, a
business incubator has been operating in Koltsovo - an office and
production complex for start-up small and medium-sized businesses.
Companies whose age does not exceed one year can, on a competitive
basis, become residents of the business incubator and lease its
premises on a preferential basis within three years. After three
years, the company must leave the business incubator.
On
April 13, 2007, the forthcoming start of construction of the
Koltsovo Technopark was announced. The first residents of the
technopark were named the company "ImDi" (production of medical test
systems) and the Center for Financial Technologies (production of
software for the financial sector). One of the first residents of
the business incubator, Aeroservice, is also preparing to build the
production of deep air purification systems.
On November 28,
2008, the Koltsovo administration signed an agreement with the SUN
company to locate the production of large format printers and ink
for them at the Koltsovo Technopark.
In 2011, a program for
the development of a biotechnopark in Koltsovo Science City was
initiated. The purpose of the biotechnopark is to create space for
the location of specialized production facilities of Koltsovo
innovative companies, as well as to create conditions for scaling up
projects that emerged from the business incubator. SFM-Pharm, the
first resident of the biotechnopark, is completing the construction
of its buildings with a total area of 3000 sq. m. and plans to
start production of pharmaceutical products. The next stage in the
development of the biotechnopark is the construction of a public
access center with a total area of 6,000 m2.
The village of Koltsovo is connected with Novosibirsk and Novosibirsk Akademgorodok by bus routes No. 139 and No. 170, as well as by several routes of a route taxi. A large positive role in ensuring transport accessibility was played by the commissioning of an underground overpass across the railway in the village of Baryshevo in 2015 (previously, the road passed through a 4-track railway through a crossing equipped with barriers, where the waiting time for motorists was often 30-40 minutes or more ). Many residents of Koltsov use the services of suburban electric trains (the Baryshevo stop is 1 km from the village; a bus runs to it during peak hours on weekdays).