PermOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt
Gateway to the Urals, between Europe and Asia
What to do in Perm, this fascinating city at the crossroads of Europe and Asia? Far from the beaten path, Perm offers an unsuspected cultural and historical richness. For a truly unique discovery, embark on an OddballTrip outdoor escape game. Imagine exploring the bustling streets, solving puzzles in front of the impressive Perm Opera and Ballet Theatre or along the picturesque banks of the Kama River, all while conducting a real treasure hunt. It's an unusual activity that transforms sightseeing into a life-sized scavenger hunt. You'll wander between imposing Soviet architecture and older buildings, like the Perm State Art Gallery, all while soaking up the soul of this Ural port city. Whether you're looking for adventure or simply an original way to discover its heritage, Perm will surprise you around every corner.
Perm-36 — The Forgotten Register
Uncover the Forgotten Register of Perm-36, a secret ledger hidden by guards listing executed dissidents. Decipher clues across the camp to expose the final truth before it's erased forever.
Perm-36 — Decipher the Dissident's Code
Uncover the hidden messages left by Soviet political prisoners. Decipher coded letters, expose the truth behind state repression, and solve the mystery of a dissident's final testimony before the guards discover your investigation.
Perm — Ghosts of the Cold War
Uncover the forbidden secrets of Cold War Perm, once Molotov, sealed from foreigners. Decode hidden messages from gulag survivors and KGB agents to expose a conspiracy that could rewrite Soviet history.
Unusual things to do in Perm
Perm is full of unusual activities, well beyond classic museums. As the 'Gateway to the Urals,' the city itself is a curiosity, a unique blend of Eastern European and Asian influences. For an original outing that stands out, explore its reinvented industrial past or its surprising urban sculptures, like the famous 'Permyak Salty Ears.' But for a fun and interactive immersion, our outdoor escape games invite you to unravel the city's mysteries, turning every street into a clue and every monument into a stage of your adventure. It's a memorable way to see Perm from a new angle, far from traditional guidebooks.
Things to do in Perm with kids
Visiting Perm with family becomes an exciting adventure thanks to our scavenger hunts. Designed to be accessible from 8 years old, our outdoor escape games transform the discovery of the city into a huge playground. Children and teenagers will love solving puzzles together, searching for hidden clues, and collaborating to advance through the story. It's a fun activity that stimulates teamwork and observation, while allowing everyone to soak up Perm's heritage interactively. Far from boring visits, it's an opportunity to create unforgettable memories and share laughter while exploring the city's wonders.
Perm for couples
For a romantic getaway in Perm, our outdoor escape games offer a unique way to share special moments. Imagine walking hand-in-hand through historic alleys, solving puzzles together, and discovering breathtaking views of the Kama River. It's an activity that strengthens bonds, where every clue found and every mystery solved becomes a small shared victory. Far from clichés, it's an intimate dive into Perm's heritage, punctuated by unexpected discoveries. An original outing for couples who love adventure and want to explore the city in a fun and memorable way.
What to do in Perm when it rains
Even in rainy weather, Perm loses none of its charm, especially with our escape games. Designed to minimize weather inconveniences, approximately 80% of our routes in Perm take place under arcades, covered passages, or near shelters. You can thus continue your treasure hunt protected from the elements, enjoying the city's unique architecture without fearing bad weather. This ensures a smooth and pleasant activity, even if the sky is capricious, allowing you to stay focused on the adventure and the puzzles.
Where is Perm, and where do the routes start?
Starting points of our routes and the places they pass through.
Route starting points
Places in Perm
- Monument to the Victims of Political Repression
- Main Building of Perm State University
- Perm Opera and Ballet Theatre
- Komsomolsky Prospekt
- Facade of Perm Museum of Local Lore
- Kama River Embankment
- Perm Regional Administration Building (former Governor's House)
- Boris Pasternak Statue
- Komsomolskaya Square
- Perm State University
- Boris Pasternak Monument
- Gorky Park
- Meshkov House (Perm Regional Museum)
- Perm State Art Gallery (Former Transfiguration Cathedral)
- Perm-1 Railway Station (main facade)
- Kama River Embankment (near the Artillerymen's Monument)
- Central Esplanade (in front of Perm Drama Theater)
- Perm Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre (facade)
The history of Perm
From Copper Smelter to Ural Gateway
The history of Perm began in 1723 with the founding of the Yegoshikha Copper Smelter. Vasily Tatishchev initiated this under Peter the Great's decree. The location on the Kama River, a tributary leading to the Volga, and the presence of copper ore were factors in its establishment. The village of Yagoshikha was first mentioned in 1647. In 1781, Empress Catherine II granted the settlement city status and renamed it Perm, making it the center of the Perm Viceroyalty. This administrative change, along with its position on the Siberian Route, transformed Perm into a trade and manufacturing hub.
Industrial Development and Soviet Era
Throughout the 19th century, Perm developed as an industrial center. Mechanical engineering and shipbuilding grew alongside its metallurgical industry. The Ural Mining Railway, completed in 1878, reinforced its role as a transportation nexus. The city was rebuilt after a fire in 1842. By the 1860s, its population exceeded 20,000. The Soviet period brought industrial expansion, with aviation, shipbuilding, and chemical factories established in the 1930s. During World War II, Perm was a center for artillery production in the Soviet Union. From 1940 to 1957, the city was named Molotov, then reverted to Perm.
What to see in Perm
- Perm Opera and Ballet Theatre — One of Russia's oldest theaters, opened in 1870 with Mikhail Glinka's A Life for the Tsar. It stages all of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's operas and ballets; Tchaikovsky was born in the region.
- Perm State University Main Building — Founded in 1916, it was the first higher education institution in the Urals. The campus includes 11 buildings, a botanical garden established in 1922, and museums for history, zoology, mineralogy, and paleontology.
- Perm Museum of Local Lore (Meshkov House) — Located in the Meshkov House, a mansion built in the Classicism style in the 1820s. The museum, founded in 1890, is the oldest and largest in Perm Krai. It displays archaeological finds, ethnographic collections of the Komi-Permyaks, and materials related to the Permian geological period, named after the region.
- Kama River Embankment — An area along the Kama River, which connects to the Volga and the European deep-water system. It is a place for walking and viewing public art, such as the "Happiness is not far off" art object.
- Perm State Art Gallery (Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral) — This gallery is in the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral, an 18th-century Orthodox cathedral converted into an exhibition space in 1922. It holds a collection of wooden sculptures from the region.
- Komsomolsky Prospekt — A major avenue in Perm, with early 19th-century structures. The spire of the Perm State Art Gallery, in a former cathedral, is visible from this avenue.
When to visit Perm
The best time to visit Perm for comfortable weather is from late June to early August. Summer daytime temperatures average 24°C (75°F) in July, with clearer skies. June has the most sunshine hours but also the highest precipitation. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) have fewer tourists and potentially lower lodging costs, but temperatures can be cold, with more rain or snow in autumn. Winters, from November to March, are very cold, with average daytime temperatures around -9°C (16°F) in January. This period is less suitable for tourism due to the conditions.
Getting around Perm
Perm is a transport hub in Russia, on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Perm International Airport (Bolshoye Savino) serves the city, with flights to Moscow and Saint-Petersburg, and seasonal flights elsewhere. The airport is about 17 km from the city center. Perm-II is the main railway station, connecting to Kazan, Moscow, St. Petersburg, and eastern cities. The city's public transport includes buses and trams; a single trip costs around 33 rubles. Payment is made to the conductor or driver. For navigation, apps like 2GIS or Yandex Transport are useful. Perm is also accessible by car, on the European automobile route E22.
Things you probably do not know about Perm
Verified details most visitors walk straight past.
- Perm Opera and Ballet Theatre
- What role did a famous impresario's family play in the founding of the Perm Opera and Ballet Theatre? The Perm Opera and Ballet Theatre, one of Russia's oldest, owes its existence in large part to charitable donations from Perm citizens, including a significant contribution from the grandfather of the renowned Russian arts impresario Sergei Diaghilev.
- Perm Museum of Local Lore
- What unique geological period is named after the Perm region, and what can you see about it in the museum? The Permian geological period, spanning 47 million years and ending 251.9 million years ago, is globally famous for being named after the Perm region in Russia. The Perm Museum of Local Lore proudly showcases unique fossils and artifacts from this period, offering a glimpse into a world that existed hundreds of millions of years ago.
- Perm State University
- Beyond its academic pursuits, what unusual green space can be found within Perm State University? Perm State University, founded in 1916, not only has numerous faculties and museums but also houses a botanical garden, established in 1922. Despite its relatively modest size, it features diverse green zones, including tropical forests, deserts, and a lilac collection with over 20 species.
- Monument to the Victims of Political Repression
- What was Perm's lesser-known role during the Soviet era, particularly for political prisoners? While not directly on the site of the monument, the Perm region was home to "Perm-36," a unique gulag complex that held particularly dangerous state criminals, including political prisoners, until the late 1980s. This memorial museum-reserve now stands as a testament to the history of political repressions in the former USSR.
- Boris Pasternak Statue
- How did Boris Pasternak's time in the Perm region influence one of his most famous works? During World War I, Boris Pasternak taught and worked at a chemical factory in Vsevolodo-Vilva near Perm. These impressions of the Urals later provided material for his Nobel Prize-winning novel *Doctor Zhivago*, with the fictional city of "Yuriatin" and town of "Varykino" having prototypes in Perm city and Vsevolodo-Vilva.
Questions about visiting Perm
How much budget should I plan for a trip to Perm?
A budget-friendly trip to Perm for a week could cost around 343 USD (29,000 RUB). For a comfortable stay, expect to spend about 538 USD (45,000 RUB) per week. These estimates cover accommodation, food, and local transport, but exclude international travel.
What are the best ways to get around Perm?
Perm has a public transport system consisting of buses and trams. A single trip costs approximately 33 rubles. For navigating the city, it's recommended to use mobile apps like 2GIS or Yandex Transport. Taxis are also readily available, with a starting price around 150 rubles.
Which neighborhoods in Perm are most interesting for visitors?
The central Leninsky City District is where many historical and cultural attractions are concentrated, including the Perm Opera and Ballet Theatre and the Perm Museum of Local Lore. Exploring areas around Komsomolsky Prospekt and the Kama River Embankment offers a good sense of the city's character.
What is the typical duration for a visit to Perm?
To experience Perm's main attractions and get a feel for the city, a visit of 3 to 5 days is generally recommended. This allows time to explore historical sites, museums, and enjoy the riverside, without feeling rushed. A longer stay would permit deeper exploration of the region.
Is Perm a good destination for families with children?
Perm offers several attractions suitable for families, such as the Perm Museum of Local Lore with its prehistoric exhibits, and Gorky Park for outdoor recreation. The city also has a botanical garden at Perm State University. Planning activities around these sites can make for an enjoyable family trip.
What are the local food specialties I should try in Perm?
When in Perm, be sure to sample traditional Russian cuisine. Dishes include borsch, a beet soup, pelmeni (dumplings filled with meat or vegetables), and shashlik, a type of grilled meat. Many restaurants and cafes offer these local dining experiences.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an outdoor escape game cost in Perm?
Our outdoor escape games in Perm are designed to be accessible and offer excellent value for money. The price is set at €12 per team, not per person. This means that whether you are 2, 3, or 4 players, the price remains the same for the entire team. It's an economical and friendly solution to discover the city in an original way. This price includes access to the game via our mobile app, the puzzles, clues, and an immersive adventure that will take you to explore the corners of Perm. Get ready to share an unforgettable moment without breaking the bank!
Is it suitable for children / families?
Absolutely! Our escape games are perfectly suited for a family outing or with children and teenagers. We recommend participation from 8 years old, as the puzzles are designed to stimulate logic and observation without being too complex. It's an excellent activity to strengthen teamwork and communication among family members. Younger ones will love the treasure hunt aspect, while older ones will appreciate the intellectual challenge. It's a fun and interactive way to visit Perm, far from classic guided tours that can sometimes bore younger audiences.
How long does an escape game in Perm last?
The duration of our outdoor escape games in Perm generally varies between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes. This time is an estimate and will depend on your pace, your ability to solve puzzles quickly, and any breaks you might take to admire the scenery or grab a coffee. The advantage of our games is that you are completely autonomous: you start when you want, take breaks whenever you wish, and finish at your own pace. This flexibility allows you to adapt the adventure to your schedule and current desires, for a personalized experience.
Do I need to book in advance?
No, advance booking is not necessary for our outdoor escape games in Perm! This is one of the great advantages of our games. All you need to do is download our OddballTrip app, choose the Perm route, and start the adventure whenever the mood strikes. Whether it's a spur-of-the-moment decision in the middle of the afternoon or an activity planned the same morning, you have the freedom to start whenever you wish. This flexibility is ideal for travelers who love spontaneity or have a changing schedule.
What to visit in Perm beyond escape games?
Beyond our exciting escape games, Perm is full of sites to explore. Don't miss the Perm State Art Gallery, renowned for its unique collection of wooden sculptures. The Perm Opera and Ballet Theatre is an architectural and cultural gem. Stroll along the developed banks of the Kama River to enjoy the views and the river atmosphere. The 'Permyak Salty Ears' monument is a fun curiosity. For history buffs, the Perm Museum of Antiquities offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's past. Perm, with its blend of history, art, and nature, has much to offer.
What is the best season to visit Perm?
The best season to visit Perm really depends on your preferences. Summer (June to August) is ideal for enjoying long sunny days, green parks, and outdoor activities, including our escape games. Temperatures are pleasant, and the Kama River embankment is very lively. Spring and autumn offer beautiful colors, but the weather can be more unpredictable. In winter, Perm transforms into a magical snowy landscape, perfect for those who love cold weather and winter sports, but less conducive to long outdoor walks. Each season has its unique charm!
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