If you think winter in your city is cold, imagine living in a place where temperatures can drop to -67.7°C (-89.9°F)! Welcome to Oymyakon, a small village in Russia that holds the title of the coldest permanently inhabited place on Earth.
How Cold is Oymyakon?
Oymyakon is located in Eastern Siberia, Russia, and is known for its extreme temperatures. In 1933, the village recorded a temperature of -67.7°C (-89.9°F), the lowest ever recorded in the Northern Hemisphere. Even during a typical winter, temperatures often remain between -50°C and -60°C (-58°F to -76°F).
This isn’t just chilly—it’s life-altering. Water freezes within seconds, eyelashes turn icy, and car engines must be warmed up for hours before they can start.
How Do People Survive in Such Extreme Cold?
Despite the harsh conditions, about 500 people still choose to live in Oymyakon. How do they manage?
Super Warm Clothing
Fashion in Oymyakon isn’t about style—it’s about survival. Residents wear thick fur and animal skin clothing, mainly from reindeer and Arctic foxes. Heavy fur coats, layered gloves, and insulated boots are everyday essentials.
Houses with Special Heating Systems
Homes in Oymyakon are built with extra-thick walls and rely on wood or coal-burning stoves to maintain warmth. Since underground pipes would freeze instantly, most homes use outdoor wells as their water source.
How Do People Make a Living in Oymyakon?
Hunting and Reindeer Herding
Because of permafrost (permanently frozen ground), farming is nearly impossible in Oymyakon. Most residents rely on hunting and reindeer herding for food. Reindeer meat, Yakut horses, and frozen fish are staple foods in the region.
Ice Fishing in Frozen Rivers
Even though rivers remain frozen almost year-round, residents drill through the ice and use special nets to catch fish. Salmon and sturgeon are essential protein sources for locals.
Extreme Tourism
In recent years, Oymyakon has attracted adventure-seeking tourists who want to experience life in the coldest place on Earth. Some locals work as tour guides, showing visitors how they survive in such extreme conditions.
The Challenges of Living in Oymyakon
Vehicles Constantly Freezing
Cars in Oymyakon must run continuously or be kept in heated garages to prevent freezing. If a car is turned off for too long outside, the engine will freeze solid and may never start again without external heating.
Extremely Short Days in Winter
During winter, Oymyakon gets only a few hours of sunlight per day, while in summer, the sun barely sets. Residents must adapt to this dramatic shift in daylight hours throughout the year.
Health Risks
In such low temperatures, frostbite can occur within minutes if skin is exposed. The low oxygen levels and dry air also pose respiratory challenges, especially for those unaccustomed to the extreme cold.
A Life of Strength at the Edge of the World
Oymyakon isn’t just the coldest place on Earth—it’s a testament to human resilience. Its people have adapted over the years in remarkable ways, from wearing fur clothing and using heated homes to finding unique ways to earn a living. Despite the challenges, they continue to live with pride and perseverance in their homeland.
For tourists, visiting Oymyakon is an unforgettable adventure, but for its residents, it is simply home—a frozen yet cherished place at the heart of Siberia. ❄️🏔️
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