Ship Purga

The Ship Purga is a retired Soviet icebreaker permanently docked along the Fontanka River Embankment in central St. Petersburg. Built in the 1950s, this vessel served for decades in the Arctic, clearing shipping lanes through frozen seas. Today, it operates as a floating museum where visitors can explore the engine room, crew quarters, and captain's bridge. The ship retains much of its original equipment, including navigation instruments and communication gear, giving an authentic sense of life aboard an icebreaker. The tour includes exhibits on Arctic exploration and the role of icebreakers in Soviet maritime logistics. The ship's compact size makes for an intimate visit, and the location along the Fontanka provides pleasant riverside views. It is a distinctive attraction for those interested in naval history or looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience in St. Petersburg.

Don't miss

• Explore the original engine room with its massive diesel engines
• Visit the captain's bridge and see vintage navigation equipment
• View exhibits on Arctic exploration and Soviet icebreaker technology
• Walk the deck for views of the Fontanka River and historic bridges
• See the crew's living quarters, including the galley and mess hall

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Ship Purga

Cheapest way inAmsterdam: Canal Cruise departure from the Anne Frank House4.4★ · 635 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$16 per personSee dates →Most bookedSt. Petersburg Jungle Prada Site History Tour5★ · 628 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$18 per personSee dates →Private & flexiblePrivate Golf Cart Tour - The History of St. Petersburg5★ · 13 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$49 per personSee dates →

Good for

How travelers rate it

Know before you go

• Allow at least 1 hour for the full tour, including reading exhibits.
• Photography is usually allowed inside, but flash may be restricted near sensitive displays.
• Wear sturdy shoes, metal decks and stairs can be slippery.
• Even in summer, the interior can be cool; bring a light jacket.

A bit of history

The Purga (meaning 'blizzard') was commissioned in the late 1950s as a diesel-electric icebreaker for the Soviet Union. It operated primarily in the Baltic Sea and Arctic regions, assisting cargo ships through ice-choked waters. After decades of service, it was decommissioned and converted into a museum ship in the 1990s, now moored on the Fontanka River.