In 2002, Canadian photographer Christopher Herwig began a unique long-term project focused on the often-overlooked architectural gems of Soviet-era bus stops. Fascinated by their bold, surreal, and sometimes bizarre designs, Herwig documented these structures across the former Soviet Union, eventually publishing two acclaimed books: Soviet Bus Stops and Soviet Bus Stops Vol. 2. Another notable project, Soviet Metro Stations, further explored monumental public architecture. All three books were published by FUEL.
Expanding the project beyond print, Herwig later created a documentary film chronicling his decades-long journey across former Soviet republics—from Ukraine to Uzbekistan, Armenia to Far Eastern Siberia—covering more than 50,000 kilometers in a relentless bus-stop treasure hunt. The film, SOVIET BUS STOPS – The Poetry of the Road, premiered in 2022.
Today, we present a striking selection of photographs showcasing some of the most bizarre and imaginative bus stop designs ever created. For more examples from this remarkable series, explore previous features of Soviet bus stops photographed by Christopher Herwig.
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01. Jil-Aryk,
Nestled in the rugged landscapes of Kyrgyzstan, Jil-Aryk is a remote mountain valley known for its dramatic scenery and untouched natural beauty. Surrounded by rolling hills, alpine meadows, and winding rivers, the area offers a peaceful escape far from city life.
In spring and summer, the valley comes alive with green pastures and grazing livestock, reflecting the country’s strong nomadic traditions. With its wide-open spaces and raw wilderness, Jil-Aryk captures the quiet, authentic spirit of Kyrgyzstan’s highland landscapes.
02. Pitsunda, Georgia
As noted on the website dedicated to the documentary film, Christopher Herwig reflects on what first drew him to Soviet-era bus stops and sustained his fascination over the years:
“Wondering why they existed was one of the driving forces that fascinated me with the bus stops… It was unexpected. Every time you’d see one, you’d wonder, ‘What was the plan here?’ Or, ‘What was the purpose?’”
We also reached out to Herwig to learn more about his long-running photo series Soviet Bus Stops and to ask whether any specific locations left a lasting impression during the years spent documenting them. Reflecting on his travels, he shared:
“So much of it was amazing because it was a brilliant road trip. Armenia stands out for its stunning landscapes. Georgia and Ukraine in the snow were also a joy to explore and a magical experience at the time.”
03. Nova Lyubomyrka, Ukraine
Throughout his journey, Christopher spoke about moments of suspicion — even being accused of spying. We were curious how Christopher Herwig handled those encounters and whether they changed the way he approached his photography and documentation.
He explained that many locals questioned why he kept stopping to photograph bus stops. To them, these structures were ordinary, often neglected, and nothing special. Some worried he was trying to portray their communities in a negative light. Christopher would patiently explain that he saw something unique and meaningful in them — expressions of creativity and unexpected beauty.
At times, he showed images from other locations on his camera to provide context for the broader project. Sometimes this helped people understand his intentions; other times, it didn’t. A few individuals jokingly — or occasionally more seriously — accused him of being a spy, and in one instance, a taxi driver even attempted to use the suspicion to demand money.
As the project evolved, however, his conviction only grew stronger. He became even more certain that these bus stops deserved to be documented. Ultimately, public opinion had little effect on him, because he knew his work came from a place of respect and genuine appreciation.
04. Borjomi, Georgia
Borjomi is a picturesque resort town nestled in the Lesser Caucasus mountains, famous for its mineral-rich springs and lush green landscapes. The town has been renowned since the 19th century for its naturally carbonated Borjomi mineral water, which draws visitors from around the world.
Beyond its famous springs, Borjomi offers scenic parks, forested trails, and historic architecture, making it a popular destination for wellness, relaxation, and nature exploration. The combination of therapeutic waters and stunning mountainous surroundings gives Borjomi a timeless charm that continues to attract travelers seeking both health and beauty.
05. Pitsunda In The Disputed Region Of Abkhazia/Georgia
During Christopher Herwig’s documentation of Soviet bus stops, some of the original creators were located and interviewed. On the Soviet Bus Stops website, a few firsthand accounts from designers are shared. One notable contributor was Konstantinas Jakovlevas-Mateckis, who served as Head of the Environmental Architecture section at the Institute of Technical Aesthetics in Vilnius, Lithuania, from 1968 to 1986. Bus stops were among the projects he oversaw.
As he described on the website: “Speaking about the minor architecture, there weren’t any regulations or rules; everything was based on the architects’ knowledge and ideas, which were implemented.”
He also highlighted regional diversity: “The uniqueness of a bus stop was also based on regional differences between different republics. Belarus had its solutions, we Lithuanians had others, and some Caucasian republics were also different.”
06. Lithuania
07. East Of Aralsk, Kazakhstan
The area east of Aralsk lies near the remnants of the Aral Sea, once one of the world’s largest inland lakes. Today, this region is marked by stark, arid landscapes and abandoned ships stranded on the desertified seabed — a striking reminder of the environmental disaster caused by decades of water diversion.
Despite its harsh conditions, the region holds a haunting beauty. The cracked earth, shifting sands, and distant horizon create a surreal atmosphere, drawing photographers and travelers interested in witnessing the dramatic transformation of the Aral Sea and its surrounding communities.