Visiting Chernobyl Today – Chernobyl Photos

Last updated: 15 July 2023

On the 26 April 1986, Reactor No 4 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant overheated and exploded which set in motion a chain of events which would eventually become known as the worst nuclear disaster in history. The explosion tore the roof off the reactor and unleashed radioactive particles into the atmosphere which contaminated the power plant, the surrounding areas, and created a radioactive dust cloud which travelled throughout the majority of Europe.

The nearby city of Pripyat, an expensive custom-built town created for the workers and their families of the nuclear power plant were evacuated by bus 48 hours after the accident. They were informed that the evacuation was only temporary but they would not return to the contaminated area.

Visiting Chernobyl Today

Today, the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and the abandoned town of Pripyat are located within the 30 km exclusion zone. The zone is controlled by armed guards at the border checkpoints. You can visit with authorised tour groups only, this is to ensure that you visit the safe areas of the exclusion zone and don’t venture into the very real radioactive hotspots.

Roma and I visited the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone on a 2 day tour with Chernobyl Wel.com and it was an experience that either of us will ever forget. We learned so much about the Chernobyl disaster, it’s impact, and the ongoing effects felt around the world. The tour was a rollercoaster of emotions but we’re both very glad that we had the opportunity to visit.

Chernobyl Photos

We’ve put together some Chernobyl photos taken during our 2 day visit to Exclusion Zone to share what Chernobyl looks like today.

Final Thoughts

Our visit to Chernobyl was an experience that neither Roma or I will ever forget it. As I mentioned earlier, it was a rollercoaster of emotion and we both learned so much. I hope that you’ve found these Chernobyl photos informative and if you’re planning a visit to Chernobyl to learn about the disaster and it’s impacts then here’s a post on what to expect from a guided tour and here’s another post for what it’s like to explore the abandoned town of Pripyat.