Somewhere in the depths of its memory, echoes of the past still linger: the creak of fishing boats against wooden piers, the smell of the fresh catch and diesel fuel, the chatter of stevedores loading barges. Just a few decades ago, Port Olkhon in the village of Khuzhir was a purely utilitarian, working point on the island`s map—a gateway through which vital supplies reached the island and from which stern fishermen set out to sea.
Today, this place has undergone an amazing metamorphosis, becoming not just a port, but the true epicenter of tourist life, a place of attraction, where silence gives way to music.
From Pier to Living Room: Comfort and Style
The dominant feature of the new port area is the flagship hotel and restaurant, rightly considered the best in Khuzhir. Their architecture blends organically into the Baikal landscape. Evening holds a special magic, when after a day spent in the wind and sun, guests gather around the huge fireplace. Beyond the windows lies the endless expanse of the Maloye More, and the warmth of the living fire encourages long, heartfelt conversations.
The entire former port territory has been transformed into a vast open-air living room. Designers and architects have created numerous cozy spots: wooden decks with comfortable sun loungers and bean bags, stylish gazebos, and open terraces. These are ideal corners to grab a cup of aromatic coffee or traditional Baikal tea and simply enjoy a peaceful rest.
The Rhythms of Baikal
The most vivid symbol of the new era is the Soundbar entertainment center. It has radically changed the perception of nightlife on Olkhon. Operating as a modern nightclub, it fills the Baikal shore with the rhythms of dance music. In summer, at the peak of the season when Khuzhir is especially crowded, DJs and musical groups from Irkutsk, Ulan-Ude, and other cities come here specifically to perform.
Imagine: a cool Baikal night, a starry sky, a warm wind from the lake, and powerful sound waves, with a colorful crowd of tourists dancing right at the water`s edge. This spectacle contrasts with the pristine nature but has become an integral part of the modern Olkhon.
Ghost Ships That Found New Life
As if connecting the two eras, the very same old fishing vessels stand on the ground near the pier. Their working days are long over, but they were not scrapped. They have found a second life, transformed into art objects.
The ships` hulls have become canvases for street artists, who have painted them with bright graffiti. These "ghost ships," adorned with intricate patterns and scenes, are not just a monument to a bygone era, but a living symbol of transformation.
Gateway to the Islands of the Maloye More
Despite its new appearance, Port Olkhon remains true to its main function—being the gateway to the aquatic expanses. It is from here that all water excursions across the Maloye More depart. Every day, boats and motor ships leave from here for the famous capes of Sagan-Khushun and Shunte-Left, to Ogoy Island, and to the bays of Peschanaya and Zagli. The port is still the starting point for travelers eager to see all the power and beauty of Baikal from its best angle—from the water.
Port Olkhon today is a place with a soul composed of several layers. It is the memory of the fishing past, frozen in the painted ships, and the comfort of the present, embodied in cozy hotels and cafes, and the pulsating rhythm of nightlife at the Soundbar. It is a place where you can sit with a cup of coffee in your hand and watch boats moor at the pier.
