Astana – A modern capital in the heart of Kazakhstan

Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, was designated the country's political and administrative capital in 1997. Previously, Almaty was the capital, but for various strategic and geographical reasons, the decision was made to move the capital to Astana. The city has since developed into a modern urban center characterized by futuristic architecture and spacious squares.

Astana is a city characterized by its modern architecture and its role as the political center of Kazakhstan. Its sights offer an insight into the history, culture and future of the country. There are many ways to get there from Europe, making a visit to this fascinating city easy.

history of Astana

Astana, formerly known as Akmolinsk, has a long history dating back to the 19th century. The city developed from a small settlement and was granted city status in 1961.

In the 1990s, after Kazakhstan's independence, extensive reconstruction and development of the city began, culminating in its renaming to Astana in 1998. Under President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Astana became a symbolic city for the new Kazakh state with visionary construction projects.

points of interest & sights

Bayterek Tower

The Bayterek Tower is the symbol of Astana and symbolizes Kazakhstan's independence. The tower, which is 97 meters high, represents a tree of life, and its top offers an observation deck overlooking the city. Visitors can take an elevator up to the platform and enjoy the impressive views of the modern skyline as well as the surrounding Nurzhol Boulevard.

The Presidential Palace (Ak Orda)

The Presidential Palace, known as Ak Orda, is the official residence of the President of Kazakhstan. The building is an architectural masterpiece and is surrounded by extensive gardens and parks. The facade is painted in brilliant white, giving the city a majestic appearance. During a guided tour, visitors can learn more about the history and function of the palace.

Nur Astana Mosque

The Nur Astana Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Kazakhstan and impresses with its modern architecture. It was opened in 2005 and has space for up to 10.000 believers. The mosque is magnificently designed both inside and out, with large domes and ornate decorations. It is an important place of faith and attracts not only Muslims but also many tourists.

Khan Shatyr

Khan Shatyr is an extraordinary shopping and leisure center designed in the form of a giant tent. It was opened in 2010 and is the largest tent in the world. Inside the center there are numerous shops, restaurants and even an indoor beach area, which offers visitors a unique leisure activity. The construction is an example of innovative architecture and modern engineering.

The National Museum of Kazakhstan

The National Museum of Kazakhstan is the largest museum in the country and offers a comprehensive overview of the history and culture of Kazakhstan. The exhibition includes archaeological finds, ethnographic collections and contemporary works of art. A visit to the museum allows travelers to trace the development of the country from ancient times to modern times.

Expo 2017 site

The site of the World Expo 2017 is now a major tourist destination in Astana. The central building, the "Nur Alem", houses a futuristic museum dedicated to the theme of "Energy of the Future". The impressive architecture and interactive exhibitions make it an exciting place for visitors of all ages.

Arrival options

There are several options for travelers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland to get to Astana. Direct flights to Astana are offered by various airlines, including Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and Air Astana. Flight times are usually between 6 and 10 hours, depending on the stopovers. Air Astana currently flies nonstop between Frankfurt am Main and the Kazakh capital.

Alternatively, travelers can fly to Astana via other European cities, such as Istanbul. The city is well connected to the international flight network, making it easy to get there.

A portrait of Air Astana's business class on the Airbus A320 and Boeing 767 aircraft can be found at Aviation.Direct under this link. Economy class is examined in detail hereA portrait of the adventure restaurant Sandyq Astana can be found in the Food Insider section can be found under this link.

Weather and temperatures in Astana

The weather and climate in Astana is characterized by a continental climate, which is characterized by extreme temperature differences between the seasons. The city is located in Central Asia, at an altitude of about 350 meters above sea level, which leads to typical features of this climate zone.

Overall, the weather in Astana is characterized by strong seasonal fluctuations. Travelers should prepare for cold winters and hot summers and bring appropriate clothing for their travel season.

seasons and temperature trends

Spring (March to May)

Spring in Astana is characterized by cool weather that gradually becomes milder. In March, average temperatures are around 0 °C to 5 °C, and temperatures rise to around 10 °C to 15 °C in April, reaching 20 °C to 25 °C in May. Winds can be strong during this time, and there are also frequent weather changes.

Summer (June to August)

The summer months in Astana are warm to hot. Temperatures average around 25°C in June, but can often exceed 30°C to 35°C in July. In some years, temperatures of up to 40°C have been recorded. However, nights are often cool, which contributes to a pleasant sleeping climate. Thunderstorms can occur in summer, especially in July and August, which provide short-term cooling.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn brings a rapid drop in temperature. In September temperatures are still mild, around 15 °C to 20 °C, but fall to around 5 °C to 10 °C in October and often reach freezing temperatures in November. This time is also characterized by fog and occasional rainfall.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Astana is very cold and can be extremely frosty. Average temperatures in December are around -10°C, but in January, the coldest month, they often drop to -15°C to -20°C. Even colder temperatures of down to -30°C are possible. The city is often covered in snow, which makes for a beautiful winter landscape but does not moderate the temperatures.

Extreme temperatures

The coldest periods in Astana are typically from December to February, while the hottest months are from June to August. Temperature differences between day and night are particularly pronounced in summer, while winter temperatures are often only slightly above freezing during the day.