The only surviving steamboat of the Russian Empire.

In Soviet times, it was widely believed that during the tsar's reign, they did not know how to build, and almost all technology was purchased abroad. Steamboats were often cited as an example. However, if everything was so bad, why is the old ship "Gogol" still afloat? After all, it was built in 1911! It was constructed in Nizhny Novgorod at the Sormovo plant by order of the Northern Shipping Company. The vessel was equipped with the latest technology of that time, and the designers took care of passenger comfort. The cabins had comfortable beds, and on board, there was a library, a lounge, and the buffet offered a new menu every day.

"Gogol" sailed on northern routes, transporting passengers from Arkhangelsk to Vologda. The one-way journey took three days. The steamboat operated in this mode until the Civil War, when the Bolsheviks confiscated it and converted it into a floating hospital. Some vessels were sent for scrap at that time, but "Gogol" was wisely returned to its former routes, allowing it to transport small cattle. In 1939, after 29 years, "Gogol" underwent reconstruction. The hull was updated, but the steam engines and boilers were retained. Then the Great Patriotic War began, which the vessel survived successfully despite all the difficulties.

In the peaceful 70s, "Gogol" was used as a floating recreation base and cruise liner. It still transports passengers along the rivers of our country, and more than 100 years have passed since its launch. Now on board, there are 29 cabins for 53 passengers. Our ancestors really knew how to build steamboats for centuries!