Moored on Lieutenant Schmidt Embankment in St Petersburg, submarine C-189 is a museum inside a diesel-electric vessel built in 1954 and in service until 1990. A guided visit takes you through its cramped interior, where you can see how the crew lived and worked aboard. The submarine sank in 1999, was raised from the seabed in 2005 and opened as a museum in 2007 after being restored. Tours are in Russian, so arrange an English-speaking guide if you need explanations in English.
From service to museum
C-189 was built in 1954 as a diesel-electric submarine of the 613 class. It remained in service until 1990.
The submarine sank in 1999. It was brought up from the seabed in 2005, restored, and opened to the public as a museum in 2007.
A guided visit inside
Visitors enter the submarine with a guide and move through its interior, seeing the close quarters where people lived and worked during long periods at sea. The low ceilings make the space difficult to navigate upright in places.
Tours are conducted in Russian. If you want explanations in English, arrange a local guide before you go. The nearby icebreaker Krasin is another maritime museum to consider adding to the outing.
FAQ
How long does a visit to submarine C-189 take?
A tour typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Are tours available in English?
Tours are conducted in Russian. Arrange a local guide if you need explanations in English.
Can you explore the submarine without a guide?
Visits are guided, so you cannot walk through the submarine independently.
Is there low headroom inside?
Yes. Some areas have limited headroom, which can be awkward if you are tall.
