The UK and international press have reacted with intrigue to the suggestion that Chernobyl, site of the 1986 nuclear disaster, could be a new tourist hotspot. In fact as some reports have noted, it has been possible to visit the site, along with the nearby abandoned Soviet-era city of Pripyat, for several years.
I visited Chernobyl and Pripyat in June 2009, including the unusual treat of lunch in the Chernobyl canteen. It’s not an experience for everyone, but as I wrote then, “if you’re comfortable with the possible risks, it’s an education in the dangers of unaccountable decision-makers; and the importance of swift action when things go wrong”. With the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident coming up in April 2011, the lessons of that education remain as relevant as ever.
Some June 2009 photos of Chernobyl and Pripyat are below.