The nuclear disaster which occurred at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Pripyat, Ukraine in 1986 was one of the most tragic events in recent human history. While the nuclear material that expanded from the accident was extremely dangerous initially, it’s now possible to visit the exterior of the plant and the town in which it was based.
However, there are some things about visiting Chernobyl that will probably surprise you when you go. Here are three things that you might not even believe.
You Have to Pass Government Checkpoints
Even though the amount of nuclear radiation still present in the area surrounding Chernobyl is generally quite low, the Ukrainian government still maintains checkpoints to ensure that workers and visitors in the area don’t leave the area with a potentially dangerous amount of nuclear radiation in their bodies.
You Can’t Enter Any Buildings
While many people dream of exploring the abandoned buildings in Pripyat and its nearby villages, the reality is that it isn’t even legal to do so. In order to reduce potential risks related to nuclear fallout and building damage, you’ll have to observe from outside.
You Can Eat in the Nuclear Plant Canteen
Tour guides which take visitors to Chernobyl typically take the opportunity to take them to the Chernobyl Power Plant canteen for lunch, where visitors are served a traditional Ukranian meal and eat alongside the personnel who continue to work at the site to keep it safe.