Stephan Orth 
Couchsurfing in Russia 
Friendships and Misadventures Behind Putin’s Curtain

‘In the late summer of 2016, ’ writes award-winning travel writer Stephan Orth, ‘a journey to Russia feels like visiting enemy territory.’


In this humorous and thought-provoking book, Orth ventures through that vast and mysterious land to uncover the real, unfiltered Russia not seen in today’s headlines: authentic, bizarre, dangerous, and beautiful. Sidestepping the well-trod tourist path by staying with an eclectic array of hosts, he bumps into gun nuts, internet conspiracy theorists, faux shamans, and Putin fans; learns to drive in death-defying Russian style; and discovers how to cure hangovers by sniffing rye bread. But he also sees a darker side of the country, witnessing firsthand the effects of Putin’s influence in the run-up to the American election and the power of propaganda in this ‘post-fact’ era.


Weaving everything together with thoughtfulness and warmth, Orth follows the bestselling Couchsurfing in Iran with another complex, funny, and personal travelogue – a colourful portrait of a fascinating and misunderstood country.


‘Funny, insightful, and mind-bendingly entertaining. Stephan Orth is a fearless and fabulous tour guide to the real Russia and its people.’—Lisa Dickey, author of Bears in the Streets: Three Journeys across a Changing Russia


‘Quirky, subtly revealing … Amazing reporting, generous pictures, and the author’s true sense of connection with the locals add up to a truly honest view of Russia today.’—Kirkus Reviews

Despre autor

Stephan Orth’s three books, Sorry, We Missed the Runway, Couchsurfing in Iran and Couchsurfing in Russia, have all been major bestsellers in Germany. They have been translated into ten foreign languages. Two of his feature stories, one about Russia and one about China, won the Columbus Award for travel writers. He has written for Der Spiegel, National Geographic, Time Off and the Courier Mail. Orth owns five backpacks, four sleeping bags and three tents, but no wheeled suitcase.