Downright surreal – these incredible photos of bizarre Soviet bus stops will make you question everything you think you know about public transport

Photographer Christopher Herwig has dedicated over two decades to capturing the unusual bus stops found throughout the former Soviet Union. The project began as a whimsical idea during a bicycle trip, evolving into a deep fascination for the artist. These bus stops, often overlooked in Western eyes, are vibrant, colorful, and sculptural marvels that stand in stark contrast to the uniformity associated with Soviet architecture.

Herwig's approach to photographing these bus stops is anything but conventional. Rather than methodically adjusting his camera settings and tripod, he takes a more dynamic and adventurous route. He can be found sprinting across roads, climbing structures, and slipping through the snow to capture the perfect angle of each unique bus stop.

The photographer insists that each location presents its own challenges and requires constant experimentation. He utilizes a variety of lenses and positions, from wide-angle shots across the street to tighter 100mm close-ups, depending on the specific characteristics of the stop.

The resulting images are a celebration of unconventional public architecture. These seemingly mundane structures, with their intricate mosaics and daring shapes, defy the typical Soviet design aesthetic. They are "defiant acts of poetry," as Herwig describes, standing proudly along the roadside as small bursts of individuality amidst the standardized Soviet landscape.

The project is not solely about the bus stops themselves, but rather the act of noticing and appreciating the unexpected beauty in everyday life. The interest sparked during Herwig's cycling journey in 2002, when he inadvertently stumbled upon an unusually designed bus stop. This chance encounter ignited a passion that would ultimately lead him to live in Kazakhstan, further fueling his enthusiasm as he continued to explore and document the hidden gems of Central Asia.

Through his photographs, Herwig invites viewers to question their preconceived notions of Soviet uniformity and to recognize the creativity and artistry that exists within even the most overlooked public spaces. The bus stops, in all their eccentricity, serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of human imagination and the beauty that can be found in the most unexpected places.