The Trans-Siberian Railway is a network of railways connecting Moscow with the Russian Far East. The Trans-Siberian Railway stretches over 9,000 kilometers (5,600 miles), passing through a variety of landscapes, including dense forests, expansive steppes, and rugged mountain ranges. It offers a glimpse into the vastness and diversity of Russia, and today remains a vital route for both passenger and freight transport across the country. There are connecting branch lines into Mongolia, China, and North Korea. It has connected Moscow with Vladivostok since 1916 and is still being expanded.
It was built between 1891 and 1916 under the supervision of Russian government ministers personally appointed by Tsar Alexander III and his son, the Tsarevich Nicholas (later Tsar Nicholas II). Even before it had been completed, it attracted travellers who wrote of their adventures. The construction of the railway was a monumental engineering feat, with workers overcoming significant challenges such as harsh weather conditions, difficult terrain, and vast distances. The line was completed in stages, with the final section connecting the European part of Russia with the eastern port city of Vladivostok, which is on the Pacific Ocean.
Today, the Trans-Siberian Railway remains a symbol of Russian endurance and ambition, attracting tourists from all over the world who seek to experience the thrill of one of the longest continuous rail journeys in the world. The route has also seen various modernizations, with high-speed trains and more efficient services, although the journey still retains much of its historic charm and allure.