The largest city in Karelia. Marcial waters and Kivach waterfall. Safety. What to watch out for

Despite its remote location, this Russian area has been well known to Europeans since medieval times. It was visited with tourist visits by the leaders of the Vikings, and later it became part of the wealthy Novgorod Republic.

Today this area is called the Republic of Karelia. This is the richest vast land of magnificent lakes, forests and numerous swamps.

Where is Karelia located? What does she represent? The answers to these questions and many others can be found by reading this article.

Tourists not only in Russia, but also foreign countries, have long been chosen by the amazing Karelian lands. This is due not only to its virgin nature and the presence of numerous unique architectural monuments. The tourist season in the republic is not limited only to the summer months, you can come here throughout the year. All year round it is possible to relax here, as for fans active tourism, and for lovers of a relaxing trip.

General information

The Republic of Karelia occupies the 5th place in Russia in terms of its territory. The main asset is nature with its mineral resources and interesting historical monuments.

Many tourists like to travel around Karelia. There are many reasons for this. Where Karelia is located, there are many interesting sights, known not only in Russia, but also abroad.

The wonderful, fabulously beautiful nature of these places, which gives not only rest and peace, but also heals people, has been attracting travelers since ancient times. It was here in 1718 that Peter I created the first Russian resort called "Marcial Waters". In the 18th century, marble quarries (the oldest in the country) were discovered here. The marble of Karelia was used to create many architectural masterpieces of St. Petersburg, including the Kazan and St. Isaac's Cathedrals.

Location, economy

Where is the Republic of Karelia located? It is located in the northwest of Russia and borders on Finland. To the south of it are the Vologda and Leningrad regions, and to the east - the Arkhangelsk region. A small part of the territory of Karelia (on the eastern side) is washed by the White Sea. The border with the Murmansk region runs in the north.

The economy of Karelia today is based on the development and processing natural resources. These are the pulp and paper and woodworking industries, metallurgy, and mining. The most extreme northern regions of the republic (there are four of them) have the status Far North, which, accordingly, gives benefits to the people living there.

Karelia has its own flag, coat of arms and anthem.

Where is Karelia located administratively? It is part of the Northwestern Federal District.

Half of the territory is covered with forest, ¼ of its part is a water surface. The so-called "Blue Road" passes through the territory of Karelia, which is an international tourist route connecting several countries: Russia, Sweden, Norway and Finland.

Nature, attractions

There are about 61 thousand lakes, 27 thousand rivers and 29 reservoirs in the region.

Where is the lake of Karelia freshwater? The largest such lake in Europe is Ladoga, located in the south of the republic. The second largest is Lake Onega. The largest rivers are Unga, Kovda, Sunna, Shuya, Vyg, Vodla, Chirga-Kem, Kem and Onda.

The magnificent sights and pride of Karelia are the Solovetsky Monastery, Kizhi and Valaam. All of them are included in the UNESCO list. Here you can also see the most ancient petroglyphs (rock images), you can take a trip along Lake Onega on a yacht, admiring the amazing landscapes natural parks and reserves.

One of the most unique mystical places in Karelia is Mount Vottovaara.

Where Karelia is located, the relief is predominantly flat. Nuorrunen (the highest mountain) rises only 576 meters.

Capital, cities

The largest city of Karelia is the capital of the Republic of Petrozavodsk (269 thousand people). It is located on the shores of the famous Onega Lake. The city got its name in honor of the arms factory, which was founded by Peter I in 1703. Since then, quite quickly, the small town has turned into a huge fortress.

Today, Petrozavodsk is the most important commercial, industrial and scientific center north of Russia. The city and its environs have excellent infrastructure, ecology and nature. The climate is rainy and cold.

Large tourist centers and the cities of Karelia: Kondopoga, Sortavala, Kem, Kostomuksha, Medvezhyegorsk, Pudozh, Belomorsk and Olonets.

Conclusion

You can perfectly relax in those places where Karelia is located. There are a lot of surprises in Russia beautiful corners but these are unique.

Main types of recreation: exciting excursion tours, river rafting, ATV safaris, fishing and hunting, hiking and skiing, jeep tours and bike tours, recreation for children and youth in camps, etc.

In the northwestern region of Russia there is an amazingly beautiful region - the Republic of Karelia. Apart from natural beauty forests, lakes, waterfalls, Karelia is famous for its ancient cities, temples and monasteries, as well as national parks.

Despite the fact that this region of northern nature does not have a warm climate, more and more tourists come here every year, each of whom is sure to find something interesting for himself.

Our article will help you plan independent travel both by own car and by public transport from St. Petersburg. And if you are going to have an organized rest, then you can choose and book a suitable tour.

How to get there:

By car: from St. Petersburg along the ring road you need to get to the Vyborgskoye highway (exit Vyborg / Pargolovo). Further along the Vyborg highway to the traffic police post, turn right. We move through the villages of Yukki, Luppolovo, Vertemyagi to Agalatovo. Further along the A-129 highway to Priozersk. Further along the road to Sortavala, past the turn to Kuznechnoye, along the new road to the Hiitola detour, through Kurkiyoki, Ihala, Yakkima - to the city of Lakhdenpokhya.
By bus: a regular bus from the Severny Bus Station (Murino) runs daily at 7.20, 9.20, 12.20 and 18.50. Travel time is approximately 4 hours, the fare is 550 rubles.
By train: from Ladoga railway station by train 350A St. Petersburg - Kostomuksha to Yakkima station. Travel time 4 hours 32 minutes, fare - 1668 rubles. Then by regular bus to Lakhdenpokhya Bus Station.

Lakhdenpokhya - small town Karelia, which has preserved several interesting buildings. Unfortunately, some of them are in a sad state, for example, the Lutheran church of 1850. From once upon a time beautiful building now only the walls remain.

Another Lutheran church, built in 1935, also needs serious repairs. However, everyone can go inside and climb the bell tower, which offers beautiful views.

It will be interesting for guests of Lahdenpokhya to walk along the streets of the city, where there are old wooden Finnish houses, as well as to visit the Kurkijoki Local History Center, the exhibits of which tell about the history of the Northern Ladoga region.

Sortavala and Ruskeala

How to get there:

By car: from St. Petersburg along the ring road you need to get to the Vyborgskoye highway (exit Vyborg / Pargolovo). Further along the Vyborg highway to the traffic police post, turn right. We move through the villages of Yukki, Luppolovo, Vertemyagi to Agalatovo. Further along the A-129 highway to Priozersk. Then follow the signs to Sortavala.
By bus: a regular bus from the Severny Bus Station (Murino) runs daily. Travel time is approximately 5 hours, the fare is 689 rubles.
By train: from Ladoga railway station by train 350A St. Petersburg - Kostomuksha to Sortavala station. Travel time 5 hours 33 minutes.

The city of Sortavala is a small European town that belonged to Finland until 1940. That is why on almost every street in the city you can find a lot of wooden and stone buildings in the Finnish style.

In addition to walking along the streets of the city, in Sortaval it is interesting to visit the Regional Museum of the Northern Ladoga Region, which contains various natural and industrial exhibits of the region, because the Sortaval region is famous for marble mining.

For tourists, Sortavala is also interesting because it is from this city that ships leave for the island of Valaam.

Not far from Sortavala is the famous Marble Canyon - Ruskeala. Marble has been mined in these places since the time when the Swedes owned the territory.

Ruskeala Park offers tourists a walk along several hiking trails, go boating through the quarries, and bungee jump. And since April 1, 2017, a unique underground route through mines and adits has been operating.

On the way to Ruskeala Park, it is worth visiting ancient settlement Paaso, to Ruskealki waterfalls, and after the park you can visit Europe's largest zoo of artiodactyl animals - Zoo GreenPark.

How to get there:

By car:
By bus: Bus station No. 2 St. Petersburg, bus No. 965. Travel time 8 hours 23 minutes.
By train: from Ladozhsky railway station in St. Petersburg by train Lastochka 806Ch St. Petersburg - Petrozavodsk (journey time 4 hours 55 minutes), train 012A (journey time 7 hours 40 minutes, cost from 800 rubles) or 022Ch St. Petersburg - Murmansk ( travel time 6 hours 41 minutes, cost from 1241 rubles).

The capital of Karelia, the city of Petrozavodsk, is the largest city of the Republic. It has its own airport, two water stations, Train Station. It is from here that tourists go on a trip to the island of Kizhi.

It is pleasant to walk along the streets of the city. Here you can find many architectural monuments, as well as various museums. Open for history buffs National Museum Republic of Karelia. Maritime Museum reminds residents and guests of Petrozavodsk of the times of Peter the Great, when a shipyard was built on the territory of the city. In addition, the city has the Museum of Industrial History of Petrozavodsk at the Tractor Plant, the Postal Museum of the Republic of Karelia, and the Museum of Precambrian Geology, the period of ancient fossils.

Special attention deserves Onega embankment, which is not only beautiful place for walking, but also a kind of museum of modern art.

Petrozavodsk is home to the stone Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky, built under the guidance of an Italian architect.
Not far from the capital of Karelia is the village of Marcial Waters - the first balneological and mud resort in Russia, founded by Peter I.

How to get there:

By car: along the M18 highway to Petrozavodsk. Then follow the signs to Kondopoga.
By bus: Bus station No. 2 St. Petersburg, bus No. 965 to Petrozavodsk. Next, transfer to bus number 133E Petrozavodsk-Kondopoga. Travel time 10 hours 31 minutes.
By train: from Ladozhsky railway station in St. Petersburg by train 022CH St. Petersburg - Murmansk to Kondopoga station (travel time 8 hours 4 minutes).

Kondopoga is the second largest city in Karelia after Petrozavodsk. Excavations on the territory of the city showed that the first human settlement in these places was formed around 1495.

On the territory of the city there is a wooden Assumption Church. In addition, in Kondopoga you can find several carillons, compositions of bells. Every hour they make a melodic ringing.

Near Kondopoga is the village of Kivach, famous for its waterfall of the same name, the highest flat waterfall in Europe. Another natural attraction of these places is Mount Sampo, which holds many legends and secrets. The mountain offers a beautiful view of the lake and the forest.

Also in Kondopoga it is interesting to visit the oldest hydroelectric power station in Russia and the Konchezersky iron-smelting plant, built by the order of Peter I.

How to get there:

By car: along the M18 highway connecting St. Petersburg and Murmansk.
By bus: Bus station No. 2 St. Petersburg, bus No. 965. Travel time 5 hours 15 minutes. The fare is 617 rubles.

Olonets is one of oldest cities Karelia and Northern Russia. The uniqueness of this city lies in the preserved layout of the 18th century and in an unusual landscape - Olonets is located on a flat area between two rivers.

There are many churches and cathedrals in the city. In the center of Olonets, the rivers formed small island, where the Icon Cathedral is located Mother of God Smolenskaya, built in 1752.

It is also interesting to visit the Church of Frol and Lavr - a vivid example of wooden Novgorod architecture of the 17th century, the Church of the Holy Cross of the Church of Ingria, the Assumption Church. Not far from the city is the village of Interposelok, where you can visit the Vazheozersky monastery founded in the 16th century.

Connoisseurs of ethnographic collections should visit the first museum of local lore in Karelia - the N.T.Prilukin Museum of Karelian Livviks. Also in the city there is an Olonetskaya Art Gallery, where paintings by artists of Karelia are collected.

Medvezhyegorsk

How to get there:

By car: along the M18 highway connecting St. Petersburg and Murmansk.
By train: from Ladozhsky railway station in St. Petersburg by train 022CH St. Petersburg - Murmansk to the station Bear Mountain(travel time 9 hours 56 minutes).

History is enough young city Medvezhyegorsk began during the First World War with the construction of a railway connecting the Barents Sea and St. Petersburg. Later, the famous White Sea-Baltic Canal passed here. That is why the Medvezhya Gora railway station and the Museum of History railway transport are of particular interest to visitors to the city.

There are many sights in the city, and the nature in these places of Karelia is especially beautiful and surrounded by many legends and secrets. One of these places of power is the abandoned village of Pegrema. Also, for nature lovers, the Vodlozersky National Park will be of interest. Hiking and water tourist trails are laid here, on the way of which there are monuments of wooden architecture, parking lots and burial places of ancient people.

In Medvezhyegorsk there is a City Museum in former building Office of the White Sea Canal of the NKVD of the USSR, where you can see various household items of the ancient population of these places, get acquainted with the exposition " Small city V big war”, which tells about the events of the Great Patriotic War, as well as learn the history of the construction of the White Sea Canal.

Another museum dedicated to the history of the White Sea-Baltic Canal is located in the town of Povenets. It is also interesting to visit the Sandarmokh tract and memorial cemetery victims of the construction of the White Sea Canal.

How to get there:

By car: along the M18 highway connecting St. Petersburg and Murmansk.
By train: from Ladozhsky railway station in St. Petersburg by train 022CH St. Petersburg - Murmansk to Kem station (travel time 15 hours 7 minutes).

The ancient northern city of Kem is located on the banks of the river of the same name. City buildings are mostly small wooden houses, which are vivid examples of the traditional architecture of the North.

The Assumption Cathedral is located in the center of the city. The wooden temple is over 300 years old, and it was built without a single nail. Not far from the Cathedral is the Museum of Pomorie, whose exhibits give full view about life local population- Pomors.

In the vicinity of Kemi there are also many interesting places. For example, in the village of Krivoy Porog there is an impressive Krivoporozhskaya hydroelectric power station.

26 kilometers from the city of Kem in Lake Onega there are 2 unusual islands– German and Russian. On the islands, the places of vital activity of ancient peoples have been preserved.

In the village of Rabocheostrovsk on Popov Island there is an equally interesting attraction - the scenery from the filming of P. Lungin's film "The Island": a wooden church, a sunken barge, moorings made of boards, stone shores - all this was left after filming.

Entertainment

troll park

Address: Kulikovo village, Lahdenpokhsky district, Republic of Karelia.
Website: www.mishkina-skazka.ru
Telephone: +7 911 231 90 61
Price: 450 rubles - adults, 350 rubles - children. Local (Karelia, Priozersky district) - a discount upon presentation of a passport.
How to get there:
From St. Petersburg by car- along the highway (A-121) St. Petersburg-Priozersk-Sortavala, go to the border of the Leningrad region with Karelia. After 200 m. turn left, to Hiytola (Kulikovo). After 4 km climb up the hill, at the top of the hill on the right are pink stones, to the right into the forest. If you have reached the railway crossing, then you have already passed 700 meters.
From Sortoval by car- along the highway Sortavala-SPb (A-121), not reaching 200 m to the border of Karelia and the Leningrad region, turn right, to Hiytola, then as described above.
By bus- from the metro station "Devyatkino" (Severny bus station) at 9:20 a bus St. Petersburg - Petrozavodsk departs. Buy a ticket to Kulikovo and at 12 hours 40 minutes the bus will arrive in the village. Kulikovo, which is 5 minutes from the Troll Park.
By train- from Ladoga Station at 14:48 the train St. Petersburg - Kostomuksha leaves. Take a ticket to Hiytol (note that it does not run every day - check the schedule on the carrier's website).
GPS coordinates: 61°11’01.0″N 29°46’51.4″E , 61.183600, 29.780945

In the enchanted Karelian forest, on the ruins of a Finnish farm, a fabulous park Trolls. More than 50 figures from 40 cm to 4 meters presented under open sky. Mysteriously, the Trolls were taken by surprise by the dawn and they froze in unusual poses. What do we know about these mysterious creatures? Some say that the Trolls steal children and kidnap beautiful girls. Others say that the Trolls love wealth and hunt for gold and precious stones. Are they good or evil? Creepy scary or cute? Can they harm us, or are the tales of the Trolls just inventions of the Scandinavian elders? Here you will find answers to these questions.

trail over 500 meters
more than 50 figures (trolls, mermaids, sirens, nagas, dragons)
a mini-farm with little piglets and rabbits, goats and chickens, you can pet them and feed them.
hammocks
children's trolling (rope riding)
wild musical instruments
master classes for children and adults
secret troll trail
interactive games (large slingshots, pillow fight on a log)
colored crystal and treasure hunt (found crystal - as a gift)

Zoo Greenpark Karelia

Address: Sortavala, pos. Kirkkolahti
Telephone:+7 921 622-97-93
Website: http://www.zoogreenpark.ru/
Working mode: autumn-winter from 10:00 - 18:00 (ticket office until 17:00), from 05/01/17 from 10:00-19:00 (ticket office until 18:00)
Price: 400 rubles adult ticket.
How to get there: In the city of Sortavala, you need to drive in the direction of the city of Petrozavodsk, following the main road. After the town of Sortavala, after about 10 km there will be a large crossroads, where you need to turn left following the sign to the village of Vartsila and pass under the railway bridge. In this direction, drive 31.5 km, then on the right there will be a sign for the recreation center "Black Stones", turn, drive 10 km, follow the signs, there will be three of them. Coordinates 61° 59′ 27.38″ N, 30° 46′ 22.97″ E

The Greenpark Zoo not far from Sortavala will impress both adults and children. This is Europe's largest artiodactyl animal zoo, located on an area of 30 hectares on the territory of the Black Stones recreation center.

Zookeepers are not only different kinds deer and bulls, ponies, roe deer, fallow deer, but also many other interesting species, including those listed in the Red Book. In addition, in the zoo you can meet ostriches, different types and breeds of birds, as well as foxes, raccoons and other animals.

Open for kids on site petting zoo where there are no nets and fences, and animals can be stroked and fed. Dwarf sheep, deer, Cameroon goats, rabbits, Shetlen ponies and other animals live in the children's zoo.

The zoo organizes guided tours, but tourists are also offered independent walks. Throughout the territory there are route signs, and at each paddock there are signs with the name of the species and brief description its characteristics and habitat.

Famous islands of Karelia

How to get there:

From St. Petersburg by boat as part of excursion groups.
From Priozersk on a meteor: travel time 1 hour, cost about 2000 rubles. There and back again.
From Sortavala on a meteor - travel time 50 minutes. In summer, meteors go daily at 9.00, 11.00, 13.15 and 16.00 hours. The round-trip fare includes a walking tour: Mon-Fri and Sunday - 2300 rubles per person, Saturday - 2570 rubles per person.
From Pitkyaranta, meteors leave from the pier of the Long Beach recreation center. Travel time 1 hour. The round-trip fare includes a walking tour: Mon-Fri and Sunday - 2460 rubles per person, Saturday - 2750 rubles per person.

Valaam Island - unique place with its unique nature, climate, architecture, people. Pilgrims and tourists from all over the world come here every year to touch these holy places.

There are many spiritual places on the island. Of course, the main temple of the island is the Transfiguration Monastery, the construction of which dates back to the 14th century. On the territory of the monastery there is the Valaam Church, Archaeological and Natural Museum-Reserve, which tells about the history of the island.

The island itself is very green, walking along it you can visit the sketes: Konevsky Igumen Skete, Resurrection (Red) Skete, Gethsemane Yellow Skete, Nikolsky Skete, St. Vladimir Skete. Another skete is located on the island of Putsaari. A visit to the skete is possible only with the blessing of the abbot.

Museum-Reserve "Kizhi" unique museum wooden architecture in the open air. There are about 76 buildings collected here, which will take more than one day to inspect.

Certainly the most grand building island is the Church of the Transfiguration. The temple can be seen from anywhere on the island. Like all structures in Kizhi, the temple was built without a single nail. Especially beautiful look 22 domes made by hand from pine.

In addition to churches and temples, there are other buildings on the island: mills, peasant houses, baths, barns. In the interiors of these buildings, the life and traditions of the ancient northern settlements are maximally preserved.

The museums of the Kizhi Island contain unique collections of ancient Russian icons, paintings, weaving, and wood carvings. Also among the exhibits you can find various archival documents and drawings that give an idea of how the main buildings of the island were built and restored.

Natural attractions of Karelia

Coordinates: 61.7551484, 31.4160496
How to get there by car: along the Sortavala-Petrozavodsk highway, turn to Lake Ruokojärvi. Then move all the time straight along the dirt road to the sign "White Bridges Waterfall". After that, you need to walk 2-2.5 km.

Not far from the village of Leppyasilta is located picturesque waterfall White Bridges. Its height reaches 19 meters, which is almost 2 times higher than the famous Karelian Kivach waterfall. However, due to its inaccessibility (you need to walk about 2 kilometers along a forest road to the waterfall), tourists do not visit these places very often. The nature around the waterfall is very picturesque, you can often meet various forest animals here.

Coordinates: 65.762970, 31.074407
How to get there by car: along the M18 St. Petersburg-Murmansk highway to the Loukhi village, then along highway 110 km to the west to the village of Pyaozersky.
Website: http://paanajarvi-park.com/

The national park is located around the picturesque lake Paanajärvi. Its territory is a unique natural complex consisting of mountain peaks, deep gorges, numerous lakes, swamps and rivers with noisy rapids and waterfalls. Several hiking, water-walking and snowmobile tourist routes of varying complexity and length have been laid on the territory of the park.

Coordinates: 62°29’9″N 33°40’26″E
How to get there by car: along the M18 St. Petersburg-Murmansk highway to the sign for the Girvas village (70 km after Petrozavodsk), then at the central intersection in the village, turn left and follow 10-15 minutes to the bridge and the hydroelectric power station.

50 km from Kondopoga in the village of Girvas there is a unique natural object with a history of more than 3 billion years - the Girvas volcano. It is the oldest paleovolcano on earth. It is surprising that it was discovered quite recently - about 60 years ago. Now there is neither a mountain nor a crater. However, scientists have found a lot of evidence of the once former activity of the volcano: in the channel of the Suna River, you can see a one and a half meter magmatic "tongue", the lava field extends for a thousand square kilometers, and the river bank is formed by solidified magma.

Coordinates: 63.106814, 32.641242
How to get there by car: Drive through Sortavala or Petrozavodsk to the village of Gimoly or Sukkozero. Next on GPS coordinates to the nearest parking lot.

The most mysterious mountain Karelia Vottovaara is located near the villages of Sukkozero and Gimoli. Scientists consider this place unique geological monument, and the inhabitants of nearby villages - the concentration of evil forces. On the mountain there are numerous stone structures, the history of which is full of legends and secrets. It is believed that in ancient times there was a cult complex here. Trees also amaze with their bizarre shape.

All this gives rise to the emergence of a wide variety of legends from shamans living on this mountain to UFOs.

You can get acquainted with other no less interesting places in Karelia in our article Monasteries, petroglyphs, quarries and other sights of Lake Onega

“For a long time Karelia will dream, They will dream from these spiky fir-trees eyelashes Above the blue eyes of the lakes.” Gin V.

Whenever I left or came home, to Karelia, this song accompanied me. It is always included on the train. I remembered her often when I lived in other countries - in France, and then in Tunisia. This little quatrain describes the nature of Karelia. These are forests, lakes (“lambushki” as small, forest lakes are called here), swamps, rivers, waterfalls, rocks.

I grew up among the forests of Karelia, so I'm not afraid to go there. They are family to me. Wild animals are also found here: wolves, chanterelles, hares and bears. It is the bear that is drawn on the coat of arms of the Republic of Karelia, as the personification of its nature. When we went for berries, we met one little bear cub in a raspberry. I saw both hares and chanterelles in the forests. My grandmother also saw wolves that prowl around the dachas in winter.

Karelia is a northern region. Summer here is short - only two months (and sometimes one month) - July and August. Yes, and in these two months the sky is often covered with clouds, and they are discharged with rain. Therefore, in Karelia, every resident receives a “northern” supplement to his salary, since the weather conditions here are far from mild.

How to get there?

Karelia can be reached from Moscow by plane, as Petrozavodsk, the capital of the region, has its own Besovets airport. It is also easy to get to Petrozavodsk or other cities by train or bus. major cities in Karelia and from Moscow and St. Petersburg.

By car is also not a problem, but keep in mind that the roads here, for the most part, leave much to be desired.

By plane

Airplanes to Petrozavodsk depart from the Domodedovo airport in Moscow. Flights are offered by RusLine, on whose website you can easily buy tickets or. Their price differs from the tariff - from 4,185 to 13,885 RUB. In 1 hour 40 minutes you will reach Petrozavodsk.

Planes arrive at the Besovets airport, from which you can drive to the city of Petrozavodsk in just 40 minutes. To do this, you can take a bus or use a taxi. A trip on the first one will cost only 40 rubles, and on the second - from 500-600 rubles. By bus you will reach the bus station in Petrozavodsk. It's almost the center of the city. There is a stop nearby public transport from where you can go to any part of the city.

Planes do not fly from Petersburg to Petrozavodsk.

By train

Trains depart from both Moscow and St. Petersburg to Petrozavodsk and other major cities in Karelia. They often go to Petrozavodsk and there is more choice among them. You can get to other cities, but the trains there have a stricter timetable. They run on certain days and at special times.

What trains, when and how much travel time will you spend to Petrozavodsk if you choose the train option - all this is described in

They come to Train Station. It is located in the city center.

By bus

Regular buses to Petrozavodsk run only from St. Petersburg. A ticket costs about 1,000-1,050 RUB. They depart from the Obvodny Canal and the Northern Bus Station. On the way you will spend eight and a half or 11 hours.

In Petrozavodsk, they arrive at the bus station, which is located just 10-15 minutes from the city center.

by car

By car, you can easily reach any city in Karelia. I wrote about how to do this before Petrozavodsk. Many roads in the region are very Bad quality.

And if you are going to some village or small town, then it will not be the road that will lead you there, but some pathetic semblance of it.

By ferry

Maritime transport in Karelia has been developed since time immemorial. This is the land of lakes and rivers. And Lake Onega is the second largest body of water in Europe, after Lake Ladoga.

Most major ports in Karelia, these are Kem and Belomorsk. , as a city on the shores of Lake Onega, also has its own River port.

From St. Petersburg and Moscow, cruises depart with calls to, and the city. They are not cheap - from 20,000 RUB, but this price already includes food and excursion service.

Approximate routes I described in the article “How to get to Petrozavodsk?”

Clue:

Republic of Karelia - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 0

Kazan 0

Samara 1

Yekaterinburg 2

Novosibirsk 4

Vladivostok 7

When is the season? When is the best time to go?

Many tourists who are going to Karelia have the illusion that when they come here in the summer, they will choose the best season because of the heat. Should disappoint them. Summer in Karelia is short and, as a rule, with alternating cold and hot days. It rains often. The forests are full of mosquitoes and other insects.

When is it worth going? It all depends on your plans and what you plan to do. Do you want to Valaam or? Come early June or September. Do you want to go kayaking or rafting on our rivers? Then it is better to go in early May, because at this time the water in the rivers rises and it is a pleasure to ride along the rapids.

Going on a simple hike in the woods? Then June, July and August are the ideal months to visit our region.

Winter is also not the worst time to come here. It's very beautiful here in winter! When the snow covers everything around. You can ski, skate or snowboard.

Choose the time of arrival depending on the purpose of your trip. For me, Karelia is beautiful in any season.

Republic of Karelia in summer

Summer in Karelia begins in mid-June, and even then not always. Sometimes it is late in our area and comes only at the beginning of July. And by mid-August, the cold weather begins.

In June, the temperature can be as low as 10 degrees Celsius. Some days it drops below zero. At the very beginning of the month, it may also snow.

Ticks also wake up in June. This is one of those times when they are especially active. If you are going to the forest, then here's my advice: leave short shorts and tops at home. All skin must be covered. Long pants or jeans + a warm sweatshirt over a T-shirt - the best option. The sweatshirt can be removed if it's cold, but it won't hurt at night.

In July, very hot days are issued - up to +25 degrees. Sometimes there are thunderstorms with heavy rain and hail. It gets cool at night and in the evening, so a jacket or a warm sweater will not hurt to grab.

August will still delight you with warm days, but by the middle of the heat you should not wait. It becomes cooler - up to +10. Towards the end, another period of tick activity begins again.

Republic of Karelia in autumn

In early September, you will be pleased with the "Indian summer". The temperature keeps +15 or even +20. It lasts only a week (give or take a couple of days). Then the rains begin. The temperature is already +5 or 0 degrees. By the end of the month, that very golden time begins, which so admired Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin.

October is still that magical time when, walking through a park or forest, you will see trees, the leaves of which are of various colors - from gold to reddish-purple. I liked this time. You can still go hiking in October, but you need to dress very warmly already.

The first snow falls in November. This is the period that I can not stand in Karelia - snow falls, then it melts, and slush is everywhere. Then the same cycle begins. The air temperature is 0 and drops even lower. There may be freezing rain and snow. In the northern regions of Karelia, the weather is even worse.

Republic of Karelia in spring

In March, there is still snow all around in Karelia. Winter is in full swing and is not going away. Air temperature -25 degrees. It may be slightly higher or lower. The frost on the street is just as strong. Snow sometimes falls in large flakes.

In April, the snow begins to melt slowly. I hate this time in Karelia, because the streets are full of mud, slush, huge puddles of water. At the beginning of the month the temperature is -15 or -10. By the middle it rises to 0, and towards the end +5. Sometimes it may snow.

It's still cold in May. Temperature 0, and sometimes +5, +10. Snow still lies in the forests and melts very slowly. In cities, by the end of the month, it almost completely disappears. On May 1 or 9 it is still very cold. I remember that I always went out for a walk at this time in a warm jacket and even a sweater.

Republic of Karelia in winter

In December, snow often falls and a blizzard sweeps. Daytime temperature 0/-10. In the evening it still goes down. In early December, the snow either falls or melts immediately. Then the cold starts again, causing the puddles formed from the snow to freeze, turning the streets into a real skating rink.

January is cold, white and frosty. "Frost and sun - a wonderful day." This is how this month can be described. It is already possible to ski, as the snow cover allows it. During the day the temperature is -25, -20 degrees. The streets are covered with sand, but not everywhere. You need to walk carefully.

In February, the most very coldy when you don't even want to show your nose on the street. The temperature reaches -30 degrees below zero. In some places it can be -35. It is imperative to dress warmly. I always went around at this time dressed like a cabbage. Because otherwise you will freeze quickly. Pros: Great for skiing or ice skating.

Clue:

Republic of Karelia - monthly weather

conditional areas. Descriptions and features

Since Karelia is the land of lakes and rivers, the main tourist areas here are connected with water bodies - the shore of Lake Ladoga, the shore of Lake Onega, the shores of the White Sea.

Ladoga and its shores

Near the shores of Ladoga there is a place famous throughout Karelia and beyond - "Ruskeala". The beauty of these places is simply breathtaking. We went there three times. The road goes past lakes and forests. There are a lot of rocks in this region. Near the "Ruskeala" are the famous Ruskeala waterfalls.

Of the significant cities in this region, you can visit. This is a small town on the border with Finland. There is beautiful park where it is so nice to walk. This is the city of my childhood, where I spent my holidays. He is well known to me. It is small but cozy.

Another interesting city is Pitkyaranta. The international tourist route, the Blue Road, passes through it. It connects Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. It was named blue because it runs along lakes and rivers.

Not far from the city of Lahdenpokhya is the famous island of Valaam, where the monastery is located. Once I was there. This is a very beautiful place. And the snow-white monastery fits perfectly into the general landscape of the island.

Here is the Olonets State nature reserve. This is a reserve, on the territory of which many typical representatives of the Karelian forest live. The visit is only possible for organized tourist groups.

Onega and its banks

On the shores of Lake Onega is my hometown -. This is the capital of Karelia. Come there during the "white nights". You can walk around the city both day and night, with full light. There are many parks, gardens, museums and fountains in our city. Be sure to go to the embankment - there is a whole collection of gifts from sister cities of Petrozavodsk in the form of various sculptural compositions. I wrote about them separately.

Ships depart from Petrozavodsk to one of the pearls of Lake Onega - the island. It can be safely attributed to the “must see” list in Karelia. I have been there three times, but I would like to go there again. I wrote about Kizhi.

From Petrozavodsk, an hour's drive is the city of Kondopoga. It is also located on the banks of the Onega. Small town. You can drive around it in 20 minutes. What's interesting here? In the city itself - nothing, but in its environs - yes. Reserve "Kivach" or "Marcial Waters". They will be discussed below.

Shores of the White Sea

This is a completely different region of Karelia, with its own energy. From large and interesting cities here you can bring Kem or Belomorsk. The village of Rabocheostrovsk is very famous, where the film "The Island" was filmed. Ships depart from there to the Solovetsky Islands. They have been written about in detail.

Small villages and settlements are scattered along the entire coast of the White Sea. where the life and traditions of the peoples of the North - Pomors, etc. have been preserved. The coast there is rocky, but surprisingly beautiful.

In the vicinity of Belomorsk there are famous petroglyphs on the Besovy Nos. These are drawings of ancient people that date back to the 4th-3rd millennium BC. They show how they lived and what kind of thinking our ancestors had.

What are the prices for holidays?

Prices in Petrozavodsk will not seem high compared to St. Petersburg or Moscow:

A room in a hotel or inn will cost you from 1500 to 3000 RUB. IN tourist season, and this summer, accommodation prices are rising. It will be cheaper to stay in a hostel - from 500-600 RUB.
You can rent a room or even an apartment. The first one will cost you 5000 - 7000 thousand RUB, and the second - from 10,000 - 15,000 and more. These are prices without paying utilities and the Internet (this is another plus of 2000 - 3000 RUB). It is convenient to choose and book accommodation at. You can see the prices for apartments, and compare the cost of rooms in hotels by.

Dine in a restaurant or cafe will cost 500-600 RUB, and drink coffee or tea on the road with buns - a maximum of 200-300.
Excursions cost differently - from 5000 RUB. It all depends on the travel agency from which you choose them.

Main attractions. What to see

It is best to travel around Karelia by car, as not all sights can be reached by bus or train.

Karelia has a huge number of natural attractions. Although many enterprises, factories and firms are working hard to finally destroy the nature of Karelia, it endures all the blows of fate they inflict - deforestation, destruction of animals and fish, etc.

Top 5

In the top 5 attractions of Karelia, I would include these places: Kizhi island, island, Ruskeala, Paanajärvi national park and Marcial waters with the Kivach waterfall.

Kizhi Island

This is a pearl in the crown of Karelia. Green Island which attracts tourists from all over the world. wooden churches Kizhi has long been calling card Karelia. "Comets" and "Meteors" - special ships that deliver tourists to the island go there from Petrozavodsk.

It is divided into separate sectors, so it is convenient to visit it, discovering the life and traditions of the peoples of Karelia. It will take one day to see everything. About Kizhi written in detail

Valaam Island

When we sailed to Valaam, I saw the white building of the monastery among the trees. I've only been there once and not for long. But I still remember my impressions of this place. Monument of Russian architecture - Valaam Monastery- admired by all who saw him. Blue domes with reddish walls against the background of gray rocks - that's what this monastery is.

In addition to him, there are many other sketes on the island that hide among trees and rocks.

Ruskeala

This is a huge mountain park, which is located on the territory of the Marble Canyon, where marble was previously mined for the construction of some historical monuments in St. Petersburg. We have been there with my family several times - about three times in summer and once in winter.

It is easy to find it - it is located near the city, so you need to move towards this city, and then turn towards the sign to Ruskeala.

Near the park there is a parking lot where you can leave your car. Opposite it are souvenir shops. After you buy tickets, you can start the route. He goes along the lake, which is located inside the canyon. The hiking trail is marked with signs, and there are fences and warning signs at the steep cliffs.

The path passes through one adit and past an underground lake. After walking, you can sign up for a boat tour. For 4-5 people, one boat with two oars is issued + life jackets for all passengers. It is completely different to see the Marble Canyon from the water. You will be able to see other adits at the same time, but also only from the water. You cannot go inside.

For lovers of extreme sports, there is an opportunity to go rock climbing or fly over the Marble Canyon on special equipment.

Near the park, just a 20-minute drive from it, there are waterfalls called Ruskeala. Their visit is free, but it is very interesting to walk there.

Paanajärvi National Park

If you dream of a place where you can retire with nature, then Paanajärvi Park is just what you need. Waterfalls, cleanest rivers and lakes, mountains - everything can be found here. And you can drink water directly from the reservoirs! She is so pure! “There are traces of unknown animals on unknown paths.” The park is home to many animals and they are watched.

The park has a camping site, a sauna, etc. Park staff will be happy to help you if you need their help.

Getting there is not easy, as part of the road leading to the park is unpaved, so it can be long and difficult.

Marcial waters and Kivach waterfall

I did not accidentally combine them into one attraction. Most of the proposed excursions to the waterfall "Kivachu" immediately implies a trip to the Marcial Waters. This is due to the fact that they are close to each other. Therefore, it is very convenient to kill two birds with one stone.

The Kivach Reserve includes two waterfalls and a small park with an eco-museum, where stuffed animals that live in the Karelian forests are presented. I have been there both summer and winter. It is better to come in the summer, because in winter it is very cold there, and the paths are made bad - you can slip and fall. In summer, beautiful landscapes open up there. There is parking nearby.

Martial waters are balneological resort, which was still appreciated by Peter the Great himself. There are springs with different water - ferruginous, nitric, slightly mineralized. Each individual source is located in its own wooden house. There is a sign with the designation of what diseases this water helps. It can be drunk in certain quantities. You can take it with you, but you can’t keep it for a long time - it can only stand for a day.

There is also a small museum near Marcial Waters, which tells the story of the foundation of this resort. Nearby there is also a sanatorium of the same name, where you can undergo a course of treatment for a fee.

Beaches. Which is better

The beaches near the White Sea are pebbly or strewn with boulders. Rarely where you will find beaches with soft, white sand. The White Sea is a northern sea, so it never warms up enough to swim safely there. In July near the coast and a little further it will be warm, but in August or June it is already cool.

The beaches on Lake Onega are better. Real beaches with pure white sand are more common here - you need to know the places and that's it. On the way from Petrozavodsk to Sortavala, there are such beaches. Many of the others are with stones. When entering the water, be careful, as the bottom can be littered with boulders or debris.

The coast of Ladoga is in many ways similar to the coast of Onega.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

Finland

Karelia has a lot in common with this country - from history to nature. Many of my friends or acquaintances have moved there. According to them, traveling to Finland as a tourist is good, but living there for a Russian person is very boring. What to see in Finland?

I was in, and it seemed to me a very boring city. The center there seems to be copied from Peter, and you don’t even feel that you are abroad. But the shopping malls there are really impressive. According to friends, it's a good idea to go to Lapland to go skiing.

Arhangelsk region

The border with this area runs in the east of the region. If Karelia is the north, then Arkhangelsk region can be called "North-North". Minus temperatures there are even lower than in Karelia in winter.

It is to this region that the Solovetsky Islands belong, and not to Karelia, as some believe. I wrote about Solovki In general, the North is special region, where even harsh, but honest and fair rules apply.

Murmansk region

I have been to this area twice. I visited the city twice, which I really liked. I have memories of that area as an endless white desert (because I was there in winter).

Huge spaces, without any vegetation, lakes and hills - that's what you see when you leave Murmansk. We must not forget about the polar night. I observed this phenomenon - during the day it is light for only a couple of hours, and then immediately solid darkness.

Leningrad region

The pearl of the region, the favorite brainchild of the Great, -. But that's not the only thing to see there. I went hiking in Leningrad region. We descended both in kayaks and in boats along the Tikhaya River, with access to Ladoga.

I was very impressed! It is like the sea - it can be restless and noisy, or it can gently beat the waves against the shore. On the banks of Ladoga there are very beautiful places - beaches with white, soft sand. The Quiet River is unusually picturesque, especially from the water.

Vologda Region

In the capital of the region - Vologda - I happened to visit sightseeing tour around town. I was only on the embankment of the Volga River and on the square nearby. We were given a couple more hours to inspect the temple located on it.

If you climb to the very top, then from there a simply amazing view of the whole city opens! We passed the region itself by bus, and I noticed that it was all green - in the forests.

nearby islands

Among the islands of Karelia, the most popular are Kizhi and, which I wrote about above. There are many other small islands on Lake Onega, Ladoga and the White Sea, but they are not as interesting as the first two.

Food. What to try

The national cuisine of Karelia relies entirely on the most common and affordable food products here. The dishes of Karelia were influenced by the peoples living here - Vepsians, Finns, etc.

One of typical dishes Karelia are kalitki - cakes made from rye flour, in which mashed potatoes are wrapped. The edges are smeared with oil to make them softer. This is delicious!

Karelian dishes are prepared on the basis of lake fish, mushrooms and berries. As for meat, the Karelians did not eat fresh deer or elk meat, but dried it and salted it so that it could be stored longer.

The cuisine of Karelia was also influenced by the one adopted in central Russia. Ordinary, peasant dishes - "shchi and porridge - our food," as they say.

For tourists in Karelia, there are decent restaurants where you can try and national cuisine. The price tag will be 600-800 RUB for 1 person. Since tourists from Finland often come to Karelia, restaurants try to keep it at the appropriate level. It's clean and tidy there.

You can buy groceries in stores reasonable prices. For 1000 RUB you can buy a lot for 1 person. It is better to buy vegetables and fruits there too. I have not seen markets anywhere for a long time. Fruits or vegetables are still sold in shops near the roads, but it is better not to buy them there, as the prices there are very high.

Features of the mentality

For the inhabitants of Karelia, as for any people of the North, restraint and relative unemotionality are characteristic. On the streets, people rarely smile at strangers, and express their emotions sparingly. Don't be surprised by this. The people here are calm and simple. They can be both cheerful and cheerful. But they don't show it to everyone.

Holidays

national holidays several have been established in Karelia, but all of them are almost never celebrated. The same Day of the Republic of Karelia, which is officially celebrated on June 8, passes almost imperceptibly in the capital - Petrozavodsk. Of the big holidays: Days of the city, which are held differently in each city. On May 1 and May 9, fireworks are held in Petrozavodsk, and on the second of them, the Immortal Regiment action takes place.

Safety. What to watch out for

In my opinion, Karelia is a safe area. There are general rules- do not walk at night, follow the general safety rules.

In summer, if you go for rafting, then follow the instructions of the instructors who will accompany you. This is not a simple walk, but belongs to the category - an extreme sport. Therefore, do not neglect what the instructor tells you.

It is better to go to the forests of Karelia with tourist group since one or one you can get lost. Moreover, there are wild animals - bears, deer and elk. By the way, they are under state protection, so it is forbidden to shoot them. Even if you accidentally knock down an elk on the road, you will have to pay a fine for it.

Things to do

On the territory of Karelia there are many rivers with rapids of different categories of complexity. Therefore, here is an ideal place for rafting, kayaking or catamaran rafting. Travel companies offer rafting for 8,000-9,000 RUB for a few days. There are also more expensive - it all depends on how long you want to go on such a trip.

Another option is to simply go hiking - to Mount Vottovaara or Girvas Volcano. Travel agencies also have different offers - from 4,000 - 5,000 RUB, depending on the number of days. It is very nice to be alone with nature and take a break from all the benefits of civilization.

In winter come to us to go skiing! Of course, we don’t, but nature is pure and pristine! Ski rental will cost you only RUB 300 per day, but what a pleasant feeling it is to hear how skis glide on the snow.

Another entertainment in winter is riding huskies - sled dogs. A fascinating trip can last from 15 to 20 minutes. For the price, it costs from 800 to 2000 RUB.

Shopping and stores

In the capital of Karelia - Petrozavodsk - there are many large shopping centers, where they sell many brands of clothing from brands that are all over Russia: Mango, Concept Club, etc. Since it is very close, there are many shops or Second Hand shops throughout the region selling clothes from Finland. Prices - from 500 RUB.

bars

For me, the coolest bars are in Petrozavodsk. Although in last years Often one opens and the other closes. The establishments are constantly changing, so I don’t even dare to advise you something specific. Who knows - maybe in 2-3 months it will close?

There are bars in other cities of Karelia, but they provide some standard set of services. It's more like pubs or "glasses", as in St. Petersburg.

Clubs and nightlife

About the clubs, I would say the same thing that I wrote about the bars from above. There are a couple of good clubs in Petrozavodsk. For example, Vkontakte - there is such a club in the city center. He steadfastly endures difficult, crisis years. I really like the design there - red telephone booths, old telephones on the walls and a huge SUV right on the dance floor! Entrance - 200-300 RUB.

There are clubs in other Karelian cities, but they are the most simple and unsophisticated. Something like village discos.

extreme sports

extreme view sport is rafting or rafting on catamarans on the rivers of Karelia.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

When you go to a souvenir shop or walk up to a souvenir shop, your eyes will simply diverge from the variety. What can be brought from Karelia?

Products from Karelian birch - these can be caskets, mirrors, combs, jewelry. They smell delicious and are of good quality. Prices - from 200 RUB.

Shungite products. It is believed that shungite, like a stone, has healing properties. I don't know how true this is, but on their own, they are beautiful. They have a special, deep black color. Shungite beads are very beautiful, but they may seem heavy. Their price is from 300 RUB.

Towels, potholders, aprons with Karelian embroidery. It is easy to distinguish it from any other. It is made with red threads, and represents patterns or scenes from straight lines. There are almost no curved or arched lines. Cost - from 150 RUB.

If we talk about edible souvenirs, you can grab a couple of jars of blueberry or cloudberry jam. Blueberries, lingonberries, cloudberries - all these berries grow in abundance in the swamps of Karelia. And what kind of jam do they make! Price - from 100 RUB.

And how not to remember here the famous Karelian balm! From other alcoholic, Karelian drinks, you can buy tinctures on local berries - cranberries or cloudberries. Prices - from 450-500 RUB.

How to move around the region

Between cities is carried out bus service. For the most part, these are still old "loaves" or newer buses, but worn out. There are also trains, but they run according to a certain schedule - sometimes 1-2 times a day or even on certain days a day.

From Petrozavodsk organize excursions to Kondopoga or Sortavala with a visit to the surrounding attractions. They cost from 5,000 RUB. These are bus tours.

Taxi. What features exist

You can also travel between cities by taxi, but this is not very convenient. The distances are too long, and you will have to pay for gasoline and the work of a taxi driver, but also his accommodation, if necessary.

It is best to order from official services, as hitchhiking is both expensive and dangerous.

Taxi can only be paid in cash. Cards are not accepted.

Public transport

As I wrote above, from public transport at your service - trains or buses. Train tickets cost from 1500 RUB. This is a platzkart. There are also seats - they cost only 500 RUB. It is inconvenient to travel by train, because it has its own schedule, which everyone else needs to adapt to.

Buses are old. Until now, “loaves” are sent from Petrozavodsk to small surrounding cities. When you ride in them, it seems that they are about to fall apart. The price of a bus trip is cheaper - from 1000 RUB. But if you go to cities remote from Petrozavodsk, then the trip will seem very difficult for you.

Transport rental

In the cities, I have not seen special offices for car rental. Anything can be found in. Renting a car is not very practical, since remote areas of the republic are not very safe to move around. And the roads in Karelia are bad, so you don’t have to pay too much for rent later.

Karelian roads were built, as they say, according to the principle: "How a drunk driver drove." Turns, turns, potholes - just do not count. On such roads, not only to drive, but to stop.

Hotels and parking places are found, but rarely. There is a good hostel near Ruskeala. It is called "Kircha". This is an awesome hostel! Many hotels and hostels are distinguished by the fact that they are built from wood. These are wooden houses that are well heated in winter. Not far from Ruskeala, in winter, there is another hostel where we stayed in winter. I remember there was a fireplace in the lobby and the room was small but very cozy. Price per room - from 1500 RUB per day.

Republic of Karelia - holidays with children

With children, you can safely go to the waterfall "Kivach" or "Kizhi". You can also go to Ruskeala with them. They will definitely love it there! Ride boats, jump from rock to rock - it's very exciting for them!

It is better to go to Valaam with older teenagers, as small children will be bored there, and they will remember little from this trip.

Ski holidays

You can ski in Karelia, but there are no special, organized tracks in the region. In Petrozavodsk there is a place "Kurgan", where they provide ski rental (from 300 RUB). There will be organized trails. You need to walk around the region only on special skis, since there will be no tracks there.

5 things to do in this region

Taste from the heat, from the heat of the gates! Oiled and fresh! This is delicious.
Take a trip to Kizhi - this is a beautiful place that reflects the architecture of the Russian North.
Ruskeala will also impress you! Even foreigners are impressed by this place!
Raft down one of the rivers of Karelia! For starters, you can try to do it along the Shuya - this is one of the easiest rivers to pass.
Ride in a husky sled. Such pleasure costs from 800 RUB. But how many impressions then!

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Russian and Foreign tourists have long "laid eyes" on the Karelian region. And the point here is not only in their virgin nature and unique monuments architecture. main reason is simple: the tourist season in the republic is not limited to three summer months - people go to Karelia continuously throughout the year. Both fans of active tourism and those who love quiet travels with the whole family will find a rest here to their liking.

Karelia is located in the northwest of the country and is part of the Northwestern federal district. This is a republic within Russia: it has its own coat of arms, flag and anthem. About 50% of the territory of the Karelian region is covered with forest, and a quarter is a water surface. Karelia is the land of lakes, there are more than 61 thousand of them, as well as 27 thousand rivers and 29 reservoirs. The largest lakes are Ladoga and Onega, and the most major rivers- Vodla, Vyg, Kovda, Kem, Sunna and Shuya.

The "Blue Road" passes through Karelia - international tourist route linking Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia.

The main types of recreation: sightseeing tours (Kizhi - Valaam - Solovki - Kivach Waterfall - Marcial Waters - Ruskeala marble canyon), leisure(quad bike safaris, rapids rafting, hunting and fishing, hiking, ski trips, bike tours, jeep tours), children's and youth recreation in camps, event and holiday tours, rest in cottages and tourist complexes.

How to get to Karelia

Entertainment and attractions

The relatively small territory of the Republic of Karelia is very rich in sights, both historical and natural monuments, which perfectly reflect a very long and difficult story region.

Almost all travelers visit Petrozavodsk. The embankment of Lake Onega is very interesting here, on which sculptures donated to the city by its sister cities are collected. Be sure to visit the Round Square with architectural ensemble mid 18th century.

Most famous monument Karelia - petroglyphs. This cave drawings 4-1 millennium BC. e., depicting deer, fish, marine animals and people. Some of them reach three meters in size. They are found along the shore of Lake Onega for 20.5 km, in total there are about 1200 drawings.

The locals knew about these "devil pictures" long before the researchers found them. It was believed that this is a product of evil spirits, therefore the places where they are located are called the Demon Nose. And local monks in ancient times even tried to neutralize them by knocking out crosses over the petroglyphs.

The center of the city of Sortavala is very interesting, where the old layout has been preserved. Despite the fact that the entire city can be walked around in an hour, almost every house here has historical and architectural value.

Mountain park "Ruskeala" is an old marble canyon, which has been experiencing its revival since 2005 (off. site). From this the most beautiful place marble was taken for St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg, and now guests can admire not only steep slopes and turquoise water, but also spectacular lighting, as well as grottoes.

On the island of Kizhi

Museums of the Republic of Karelia

Kizhi is a small but world-famous open-air museum showcasing wooden architecture Russian North. The famous Church of the Transfiguration with 22 domes, according to legend, was built without a single nail. And the ensemble of the Kizhi churchyard, in which it is included, is considered the most significant of all the surviving objects of the reserve.

The Valaam State Historical, Architectural and Natural Museum-Reserve is a place that attracts both believers and those who are interested in natural sights. Here are the monastery and natural Park Valaam Archipelago.

Another open-air complex is the Solovetsky Archipelago, famous and Solovetsky Monastery, and the unique Neolithic labyrinths, which are still a mystery to scientists, and the tragic history of the prison for political prisoners.

National parks

National Park "Vodlozersky" is located on the banks of the Vodlozero and is considered the largest area in Europe untouched nature(off site). The unique natural complexes coniferous forests and swamps, which are inhabited by rare, including endangered species of birds and animals.

The Kivach reserve was created around the waterfall of the same name. A unique biosystem has developed on the territory of this small park, which attracts biologists from all over the world.

The Kostomuksha Nature Reserve is part of the transboundary conservation natural area together with 5 isolated areas of Finland. This area is home to several hundred species of birds and animals, as well as many plants. Only in this reserve you can find a population of the forest form of reindeer.

The Paanajärvi National Park occupies the very north of Karelia and is named after the lake of the same name. More than 10 thousand hectares of the park are covered with forests and other protected vegetation, and the biological diversity of the territory is really impressive: 238 of its representatives are listed in the Red Book.

Weather

The climate is temperate continental, with maritime features. Summers are short and cool, winters are long and relatively mild, unstable due to westerly winds - either snowfalls or thaws. Snow lasts from 4 months in the southwest to 7 or more in the mountains in the north. Spring in the south comes in mid-April, but the return of cold weather is possible in May, and in the north - until mid-June. Summer begins in the first half of June in the south and in the second half in the north. Autumn with moist south-west winds or clear, but cold (up to frost in the lowlands) weather comes in the north of Karelia in the second half of August, in the south - in early September.

Karelia and its regions have long attracted tourists from all over the world. And tourists are attracted not only by the most beautiful landscapes and architectural monuments, but also by the fact that the tourist season in the Karelian region lasts all year round. Both an active tourist and a lover of a relaxing family holiday will find entertainment here.

The largest cities of Karelia that attract tourists are Petrozavodsk and Kondopoga.

Capital of the Republic Karelia is a city Petrozavodsk, located on the shores of the Petrozavodsk Bay of Lake Onega. Lakes also flow on the territory of the city: Dennoe, Lamba, and Chetyrekhverstnoe. The main part of the inhabitants of this region lives in the capital, representatives of different nationalities: Russians, Vepsians and Karelians. The beginning of Petrozavodsk dates back to the time of Peter I, when, according to his decree, the construction of an arms factory was started on the banks of the Onega.

It is from Petrozavodsk that many tourist routes of the region originate. In that historical city there are a lot of operating museums: the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum-Reserve located on the island of Kizhi, the State Museum of Local Lore, which has been operating since 1871 in old building– provincial office, see the oldest collection of icons in Karelia, you can visit a private art gallery House of Dolls or Puppet Theatre.

Near the city there is a reserve "Kivach" with a flat waterfall of 11 meters and a unique balneological and mud resort "Marcial Waters", founded by Peter I. Currently, it has the status of a museum-reserve. The capital has a ski center for children, equestrian and water sports centers. Petrozavodsk has a lot of temples, parks and squares. The most famous throughout Russia is Petrovsky Park.

Relatively young industrial city Kondopoga located near the capital on the shores of the Kondopogoga Bay of Lake Onega. The first settlements in this place were in the 15th century, but Kondopoga acquired the status of a city only in 1938, after marble deposits were discovered here, which were sent for the construction of St. Petersburg.

The main pride of the city is the carillon bells brought from Holland. These belfries can be controlled by a computer, thanks to which all kinds of melodies are played. The most notable 14-meter arched carillon was erected at ice palace. It has 23 bells and weighs 500 kg.

vintage celebrity Kondopoga is also a modest Assumption Church Holy Mother of God, whose height is 42 meters. This "swan song" of wooden architecture was built in the era of completion of Russian wooden architecture. The church has an iconostasis and is decorated with paintings.

Vacationers are also attracted by the Kondopoga Museum of Local Lore, whose collection includes more than 2,000 items. Here are collected various items of Karelian life, documents about the history of the city, paintings and drawings by masters of large cities of Karelia, archaeological excavations and much more.

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