Norka, Russia was founded on August 15, 1767 by colonists who primarily originated from the Hessen area of present day Germany. The colony was located on the unsettled Russian steppe near the west bank of the Volga River, about 65 kilometers southwest of the city of Saratov. Norka grew from a fledgling settlement to become the largest and one of the most prosperous German colonies in the Volga region.
Painting of Norka, Russia by Michael Boss
These pioneers shared a rich life based in German culture and traditions that was influenced by their Russian neighbors and the environment.
Today, those born in Norka and their descendants have migrated to many parts of the world including Canada, the United States, Germany, Argentina, Brazil and Kazakhstan. Many remain in European Russia and Siberia.
Explore this site to learn more about the people and history of Norka, a German colony in Russia.
RECENT ADDITIONS
The Center for Volga German Studies publishes its trilogy of books: The Volga Flows Forever by Sigrid Weidenweber
Following the successful release of Catherine in August 2009, the CVGS has now made available the last two books in this trilogy; The Volga Germans and From Gulag to Freedom. The series follows the lives of the fictional Meininger family and their friends who settled in Norka and later move to Schaffhausen.
Photos taken in Norka in May 2009 (Russian site)
List of colonists who died in 1909 (includes several Norka people)
1957 Photograph of Neu-Norka showing the school and prayer house (Bethaus)
The 1834 and 1857 Census Lists for Norka and Neu-Norka are available
