Internet support for tourism in Karelia. Development of tourism in Karelia. General information about Karelia

Tourist and recreational potential of Karelia

Geographical position

The Republic of Karelia is located in the northwest of the European part of Russia. It borders on Finland, Leningrad, Vologda, Arkhangelsk and Murmansk regions. In the east it is washed by the waters of the White Sea.

Territory - 180.5 thousand km², population - about 645.2 thousand people (2010). The administrative center is the city of Petrozavodsk (270.6 thousand people in 2010). The distance from Moscow to Petrozavodsk is 925 km.

Natural recreational resources

landscapes

Karelia has a hilly-morainic relief, in the west and north-west the Manselkya ridge (up to 576 m). An important role in the creation of the modern relief of the republic was played by repeated glaciation of its territory. Glaciers and glacial waters gave the relief a specific appearance: smoothed boulders and rocks - "ram's foreheads", undulating sandy plains, high pebble-sand mounds - eskers, rocky ridges and ridges - selgas elongated from northwest to southeast. The prevailing heights of Karelia are 100-120 m at absolute elevations up to 250 m above sea level. The most elevated places are in the west and north-west of the republic, the least elevated are in the areas adjacent to the White Sea, Ladoga (5 m) and Onega (33 m) lakes.

Bioclimate

The climate of the republic is temperate continental with maritime features. It is characterized by long, relatively mild winters and short cool summers, high cloudiness and significant precipitation throughout the year.

The polar night in the north of the republic and the insignificant height of the sun above the horizon in its middle and southern parts determine the negative radiation balance of the surface in winter. In spring and summer, daylight hours increase to 19-20 hours in the south, and in the north the day lasts the whole day, the period of "white nights" begins.

Due to the influence of the Atlantic and proximity to the Arctic Ocean, the climate of Karelia is extremely unstable, one type of weather is abruptly replaced by another. The average annual temperature is from 0 to + 3 ° C. The average temperatures in January are from -8 to -13 ° C, in July from +14 to + 16 ° C. The duration of the frost-free period is from 80-90 days in the north-west of the republic, up to 120-130 days in Ladoga and Prionezhie.

Annual rainfall ranges from 450-550 mm in the north to 600-700 mm in the south. The maximum amount of precipitation falls in the summer, with showers predominating. In winter, precipitation is half as much as in summer. A long cold period contributes to the accumulation of large reserves of snow: by the end of winter, the snow cover reaches 60-80 cm.

Hydro resources

White Sea. The sea is relatively shallow (up to 300 m). In summer, coastal waters warm up well, especially in the zone of Onega skerries, and in winter they are bound by solid ice. The sea off the coast of Karelia is distinguished by favorable climatic conditions, rich in flora and fauna.

The Pomeranian coast has an indented coastline with many small bays, bays and a vast coastal shallow area with islands and underwater shoals (the western part of the Onega Bay). The Karelian coast (the western coast of the basin and the Kandalaksha Bay) adjoins the deep part of the sea.

Rivers. The number of rivers in Karelia reaches 11200, their total length is 54300 km. The White Sea basin includes river systems: Vyg and Kem, somewhat less in length - Vonga, Shuya, Pongoma, Kuzema, Sig, Keret, as well as Suma, Virma, Kolezhma, Nyukhch. The rivers flowing into the Onega and Ladoga lakes belong to the Baltic Sea basin: Suna, Shuya, Olonka, Vidlitsa, Tulemajoki.

The systems of the Vodla (about 400 km) and Kemi (about 360 km) rivers have the greatest length. The rivers of northern Karelia are mountain-taiga in nature, abound in rapids (drops of 10 m/km and more), which attracts water tourists here.

Lakes. In Karelia there are the largest lakes in Europe - Ladoga and Onega. Vygozero (more than 1000 sq. km), Topozero, Segozero, Pyaozero, Vodlozero, Kuito, Samozero are also distinguished by their size. In total, there are about 60 thousand lakes with a total area of ​​​​more than 40,000 square meters. km.

All lakes of Karelia belong to the basins of the White and Baltic Seas. All large, medium and most small (from 1 sq. km) lakes are flowing or draining, which is favorable for the life of fish and other living organisms. About 31,000 small lakes, forest lambins ("deaf forest lake") with an area of ​​up to 1 sq. km are temporary. They are either completely fishless, or inhabited by perch, roach, and burbot, which have been crushed.

A characteristic feature of the Karelian lakes is a large number of islands on them (on Vygozero - more than 500, Tiksheozero - about 350, Vodlozero - up to 200, Kereti - more than 140, Konchezero - more than 100).

The average maximum depth of the lakes is 21.3 m, which largely explains the wide distribution of cold-loving fish here - grayling, trout, vendace, whitefish.

The vast majority of medium and large lakes have a water transparency of 6-8 m with a bluish-green color, which allows you to do underwater photography.

In July - August, in small and medium lakes, in shallow bays of large lakes, the water in the surface layers heats up to 24-25 degrees, and in large lakes of northern Karelia (Toposero, Pyaozero) - up to 18. A sharp cooling of the water usually begins at the end of August.

The White Sea-Baltic Canal passes through the republic.

Hydromineral resources

The martial waters of Karelia are classified as ferruginous, nitrogenous, hydrocarbonate-sulfate, weakly mineralized, slightly acidic (pH 6.5), cold 5°C. These are rare in chemical composition and record-breaking in iron content (up to 100 mg / dm3) mineral waters, the amount of which is much greater than in other ferrous sources of our and foreign resorts. From wells with a depth of 7 to 14 m, water of various salinity and, which is especially characteristic, with different iron content - from 17 to 95 milligrams per 1 liter of water (the norm is at least 10 milligrams per 1 liter of water) pours out.

Resort "Marcial Waters" and the sanatorium of the same name is located 55 km from Petrozavodsk in the forest zone, where there is a valley of ferruginous mineral springs and therapeutic mud, which served as the basis for the creation of the first resort in Russia.

Therapeutic factors: mineral ferrous waters and high-quality therapeutic mud. The water of marcial springs contains sodium, magnesium, calcium, manganese. Marcial water is purified by passing through shungite deposits. Martial waters increase the body's resistance to infections, affect the secretion of digestive organs, improve appetite, positively affect the composition of the blood, increasing the content of hemoglobin, and contribute to the overall strengthening of the body. Martial water can be taken for prophylactic purposes as ordinary table water, especially for anemic and weakened people after illnesses. The appointment of mineral water is made by the attending physician individually for each patient, depending on the nature of the disease.

Bioresources

The vegetation of Karelia is located in the coniferous, taiga zone. The total area occupied by forests is approximately 15 million hectares (about 87% of the territory) and in most of the republic has undergone forest management.

Pine forests predominate in Karelia, which is explained by the spread of sandy deposits. Spruce dominates on loamy and clayey soils, mainly in the southern part of the middle taiga zone. In a few isolated areas of the coast of Lake Onega, spruce forests are combined with linden and maple, and in the southeast of Karelia - spruce and pine forests with Siberian larch. Of the deciduous trees, the most common are downy birch, aspen and gray alder.

Among the wild flora there are medicinal plants: bearberry, lily of the valley, shift, orchis, wild food - berries (cranberries, lingonberries, cloudberries, blueberries, raspberries, blueberries) and mushrooms.

The fauna of Karelia is rich. Mammals include lynx, marten, mink, ferret, ermine, weasel, wolverine, badger, otter, brown bear, wolf, fox, raccoon dog, elk, wild reindeer, squirrel, mole, many shrews, mice, rats. Muskrat settled in many water bodies of southern and middle Karelia. The white hare has a wide commercial value.

There are more than 200 species of birds, most of which are migratory. Capercaillie, black grouse, hazel grouse, partridge, etc. are constantly living. Waterfowl are diverse - loons, grebes, ducks, geese and swans. There is a sandpiper, a hawk, a bittern, a harrier, an osprey, a buzzard, an owl, a crane and a corncrake, many woodpeckers and thrushes, a waxwing arrives in the autumn, even a golden eagle is occasionally found.

The fishes of the White Sea are represented by 55 marine and 11 anadromous or semi-anadromous species. Marine fish - herring, cod, navaga, smelt, flounder and river fish - salmon and whitefish are of commercial importance. From freshwater, perch, roach, pike, ide, bream, pike perch and burbot are found everywhere, from valuable species - lake salmon, lake trout, river and stream trout, whitefish, salmon, vendace, char, grayling. Fishing for salmon, brown trout, char and trout is prohibited.

In the summer, a huge number of mosquitoes, midges, gadflies, horseflies and other blood-sucking appear - this is one of the unfavorable factors in the development of tourism.

The natural reserve fund of the Republic of Karelia includes 168 specially protected natural areas (SPNA).

Kandalaksha Reserve located in the Murmansk region and partly in Karelia, on the islands and coastal areas of the Barents Sea and the Kandalaksha Bay of the White Sea. The area is 70.5 thousand hectares. Founded in 1939. In 1975, the protected areas of the Kandalaksha Bay received the status of wetlands of international importance. Tundra vegetation is represented by crowberry, dwarf birch, and tundra willow. In the flora there are 633 species of higher plants, the fauna includes 160 species. Numerous marine invertebrates. There are sea hare, harbor seal, ringed seal. On the territory of the reserve there are archaeological sites of the early metal era and the remains of one of the first silver mines in Russia.

Reserve Kivach , the area is 10.5 thousand hectares. Founded in 1931. It is located 30 km northwest of Lake Onega between Sundozero in the north and Pertozero in the south. On the territory of the reserve there is a waterfall of the same name. The vegetation is represented by middle taiga forests with a predominance of pine forests on bedrock outcrops of pine-spruce forests on hilly moraine and spruce forests on water-glacial deposits. Brown bear, wolf, fox, badger, pine marten, polecat, otter, beaver live. 197 species of birds have been noted. The most complete in the fauna are semiaquatic and waterfowl (lamella-billed loons, sandpipers, cranes, gulls).

Kostomushsky Reserve located on the border with Finland. The area is 47.6 thousand hectares. Founded in 1983; since 1990 - part of the Russian-Finnish reserve Druzhba. Located on the eastern slope of the West Karelian Upland, the height is up to 250 m. Forests, mostly pine, occupy 80% of the territory, swamps - about 20%. In the fauna, elk, reindeer, marten, ermine, weasel, otter, wolf, fox, brown bear, wolverine are common, from birds - white-tailed eagle, osprey, golden eagle, hazel grouse, capercaillie, black grouse, ptarmigan.

Vodlozersky National Park located in Karelia and the Arkhangelsk region, the area is 404.7 thousand hectares. Founded in 1991. It occupies the basin of the Vodlozero and the lower reaches of the river. Ileksa. Of the characteristic taiga animals live: brown bear, elk, deer, lynx, marten, wolverine, fox, wolf, badger. There are more than 200 species in the avifauna, wood grouse, black grouse, partridge are common. Of the rare and endangered species of birds, there are white-tailed eagle, osprey, golden eagle. About 20 species of fish live in rivers and lakes. The park is interesting as one of the most extensive areas in Europe with preserved primary forests.

Paanajärvi National Park , the area is 103.3 thousand hectares. Founded in 1991. Located in the basin of Lake Paanajärvi and the river. Olanga at the Russian-Finnish border. Covers the most elevated parts of Karelia. About 600 large and small lakes, 60 rivers. The vegetation cover is represented mainly by spruce forests, with an admixture of pine and birch. There are 550 species of plants in the flora. Of the rare and endangered birds, there are golden eagle, white-tailed eagle, osprey. In the lake Paanajärvi and r. Olanga there are brown trout, trout, grayling, whitefish.

National Park "Kalevalsky" , area 74.4 thousand hectares. Founded in 2007. Located on the territory of the Kostomuksha City Council, near the border with Finland. The park is a reserve of old-growth pine forests. The park is a reserve of old-growth pine forests

natural attractions

• On the territory of Karelia there are two largest lakes in Europe - Ladoga and Onega , and White Sea-Baltic Canal (length 228 km), connecting the basins of the Baltic and White Seas.
• Waterfall Kivach , located on the Suna River, 100 km from Petrozavodsk. This is the second largest, after the Rhine, flat waterfall in Europe. The height of the water fall is 10.7 m. A beautiful forest road leads to the waterfall, along which 30-40 thousand tourists pass annually.

Forests, lakes and rivers provide an excellent opportunity for organizing both a relaxing holiday in Karelia in the bosom of nature, and active types of tourism: hunting for various types of game, fishing, snowmobile and ATV safaris, rafting, kayaking and boating, ecotours and jeep safaris.

Cultural and historical potential

The Republic of Karelia has excellent opportunities for developing various types of tourism and recreation, satisfying the interests of travel lovers and connoisseurs of beauty: over four thousand cultural, historical and natural monuments and objects are on the state register.

Three islands, three "pearls" of Karelia - Valaam, Kizhi, Solovki with monuments of world culture on them not only constitute the main cultural attraction of Karelia. They are iconic symbols of the entire cultural heritage of Russia, large-scale cultural and spiritual phenomena of world significance, a magnificent frame for the cultural space of Karelia, filled with bright and original cultural monuments, historical sights, museums, living artistic and folklore traditions.

The historical and cultural identity of Karelia, which distinguishes it from other territories of Russia, is also determined by the cultural heritage of the four indigenous peoples historically living in this region - Karelians, Finns, Vepsians, Russians, who created a unique and original culture over ten centuries of cohabitation.

The main tourist sites of Karelia:

• Historical, architectural and ethnographic Museum-Reserve "Kizhi" on the island of the same name in Lake Onega. On about. Kizhi created the Museum of Wooden Architecture under the open sky. Here is the twenty-two-headed Transfiguration Cathedral, erected without a single nail. Today Kizhi is not only an open-air museum of folk architecture, folk traditions are being revived here: art crafts, folklore holidays, folk games, customs. The bells on the Kizhi belfries sounded again, divine services were resumed in the ancient temples.
• Natural landscape area "Valaam" on the archipelago of the same name in Lake Ladoga. The Valaam archipelago, numbering about 50 islands, is located in the northwestern part of Lake Ladoga. On about. Valaam operates the Valaam Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery, founded in the first centuries of the spread of Christianity in Rus' - X-XI. The cultural monuments of Valaam - grandiose architectural ensembles, man-made gardens, engineering structures, the ancient monastery necropolis coexist with even more ancient and majestic nature of the island. The annual flow of tourists to the islands of the Valaam archipelago reaches 90 thousand people (including pilgrims), which corresponds to the maximum recreational load.
• The Solovetsky Islands, historically associated with Karelia, located at its northern administrative borders in the White Sea on the territory of the Arkhangelsk region. In the 15th century, the Solovetsky Orthodox Monastery was founded here, which played an outstanding role in the development of the Russian North and became one of the largest spiritual and cultural centers in Russia. Its ensemble includes unique archaeological complexes of the pre-Christian period, the grandiose Kremlin - a powerful fortress made of wild boulders, majestic white stone temples, a network of man-made canals between island lakes, an ancient botanical garden.
• On the eastern shore of Lake Onega, on granite rocks, about 800 various rock carvings have been discovered - petroglyphs . 6-8 km from Belogorsk, at the mouth of the river. Vyg there are about a thousand rock paintings, known as "Demonic Footprints" and "Zalavruga". On the Kuzovy Islands in the White Sea, stone labyrinths (seids) have been preserved - a monument of the ancient culture of the Sami people.
• Karelia is the birthplace of Karelian-Finnish epic "Kalevala"- a literary monument of world significance, the birthplace of rune singers and epic storytellers. Ancient Karelian, Veps, Pomeranian settlements with original architecture, built several centuries ago and of great interest to lovers of ethnographic tourism, have been preserved.

Infrastructure

According to the degree of recreational development, the area can be considered moderately developed. The main constraining factors for the development of tourism in Karelia are:

High cost of tourist services;

Road quality;

Poor development of tourism infrastructure;

The lack of use of most tourist facilities;

Insufficiently high tourist image;

The lack of availability of economy class hotels and a number of others.

Transport. Air, international airport "Petrozavodsk". Railway, automobile. Navigation on Ladoga and Onega lakes.

The tourist centers of the region are Petrozavodsk, Belomorsk, Medvezhyegorsk, Kem, Kizhi Island, Valaam, Solovetsky Islands.

Petrozavodsk hosts annual specialized exhibitions "Tourist Karelia" and an exhibition-fair "Hunting and Fishing".

Sanatorium-resort rest in Karelia is possible at various camp sites, resorts, sanatoriums and recreation camps.

Sanatorium and hotel complex "White Keys" located 8 km from the center of Petrozavodsk in the southwestern part of the city in a forested area in a protected area. This is the only place in the city of Petrozavodsk that provides a unique combination of business, hotel and recreational services. Built as a balneological resort, it accepts people for healing according to various medical programs. "White Keys" works as a business center and a hotel, inviting conferences of various levels.

Sanatorium "Palaces" located 54 km from the city of Petrozavodsk, in the same place where in 1719 Tsar Peter I opened the first Russian resort. The effect of martial waters Peter I experienced firsthand. The results of the treatment were so favorable that he ordered the construction of a royal palace near the springs (hence the name of the village - Palaces).

Treatment: diseases of the nervous system, circulatory system, respiratory organs, digestion, musculoskeletal system and connective tissue, genitourinary system (except for diseases of the female genital organs). The sanatorium specializes in the treatment and prevention of iron deficiency anemia.

Clinic of natural healing "Sanatorium Kivach" - Clinical base of the Department of Lymphology and Endoecology of the University of Peoples' Friendship. P. Lumumba is located 50 km from Petrozavodsk, in the zone of iron-bearing mineral springs. The area of ​​the clinic is 23 hectares. This is a forest area with a predominance of conifers. Calm ecological situation, highly ionized air of pine forest, softening effect of thermal air masses of the North Atlantic create a unique microclimate of the health resort. Martial waters contribute to the overall strengthening of the body and are used for diseases of the digestive system, kidneys, cardiovascular diseases, some blood diseases and metabolic diseases. Gabozerskaya mud has an analgesic, antispasmodic, immune-correcting effect and has a pronounced therapeutic effect in many diseases.

Tourism potential

In recent years, tourism in Karelia has become one of the leading areas of the local economy. The total income from inbound tourism in the republic exceeds 2 billion rubles. in year. The share of this sector in the gross regional product is 6%. The number of Russian and foreign guests of Karelia annually exceeds 1.3 million people. Active tourism is developing at the fastest pace. The main tourist flows to Karelia are formed in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Among the largest investment projects implemented in recent years are the completion of the construction of the hotel and tourist complex "Black Stones" on the lake. Yanisyarvi, reconstruction of the tourist complex "Karelia" and the sanatorium "Kivach". With the attraction of foreign investments, the theme park "Karelia" is being created. Throughout the republic, especially in places where the main tourist potential is concentrated, hotel construction is being actively carried out. Priority is given to small country hotels and cottages.

State regulation of regional tourism is entrusted to the Tourism and Social Development Department of the Ministry of Economic Development, as well as to the State Committee for Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Types of tourism in the Republic of Karelia:

• ecological tourism;
• sports tourism;
• active and adventure tourism;
• hunting and fishing;
• rural tourism;
• cultural and educational (excursion) tourism.

Amateur tourism is also actively developing in Karelia - when tourists independently go on various sports trips (hiking, driving, water, skiing). The main areas of amateur tourism are northern Karelia with a network of rivers and lakes, southern Karelia with Ladoga and Onega lakes and rivers flowing into them. Rafting on the rivers: Shuya, Kem, Pongoma, Ileksa, Vodla, etc.

Many sights in Karelia are located on the islands, so you can visit them only in summer during the open navigation period. This location is a huge plus for your trip, as you can enjoy a trip on a "meteor" on the Onega and Ladoga lakes or on a boat on the White Sea.

The choice of tours is quite large, so if it is difficult for you to decide on the route, then be sure to contact our manager for help.

We do not cancel tours to Karelia in the summer due to a shortage of the group, so you can be sure that your vacation will not fail and will take place exactly on the dates you booked.

We value our reputation and love returning tourists, so we try to provide the highest quality of service throughout the tour.

Our summer tours combine a rich excursion program with outdoor recreation. The programs are designed so that you get the maximum of positive emotions and at the same time do not get tired.

We are waiting for you on our tours in Karelia in the summer!

What sightseeing sites are available for visiting in summer?

• Museum-Reserve "Kizhi" is located on the island of the same name (Lake Onega). You can get to the island from Petrozavodsk by "meteor" (1 hour 30 minutes).
• Valaam Island is located on Lake Ladoga. You can get to the island from the city of Sortavala by "meteor" (50 minutes).
• Solovki are located on the White Sea. You can get there by boat from the city of Kem (village Rabocheostrovsk) (2 hours).
• The White Bridges waterfall is the highest waterfall in the southern part of our republic, its height is 19 meters. It is 8 meters above the Kivach waterfall.
• Waterfall Kivach, on the way to it you can taste water from the mineral springs of Marcial Waters.
• Girvas is an ancient volcano.
• A unique natural object - Ruskeala Mountain Park - Marble Canyon.
• The capital of our region is the city of Petrozavodsk and the Onega embankment.
• Zoocomplex "Three Bears", Karelian animals are presented in open enclosures, they can be fed and stroked.
• The Holy Trinity Monastery of Alexander Svirsky, a functioning monastery, it contains relics with healing powers.
• The ancient village of Rubchoyla, performance of a folklore ensemble, a master class on gates.
• The ethnographic museum in the village of Sheltozero is home to the ancient indigenous people of Karelia - the Veps.

It is a unique place that has managed to preserve its primeval beauty to the present day in an almost original form. And today here are the cleanest rivers in Europe, the densest forests and the most transparent lakes. Not without reason to spend their holidays in Karelia are especially loved by those who are forced to live among the stone jungle throughout the year.

Arriving here, you can see such famous monuments of wooden architecture as the monastery on Lake Ladoga,Valaam archipelago and Kizhi Island, located on the island of Lake Onega. Tradition says that the founderThe Valaam Monastery was Andrew the First-Called. All these objects are considered the visiting card of Karelia, which can be found in the section "Sights of Karelia"

The Republic has prepared a lot of interesting things for you Karelia Tourism, excursions, water trips, jeep tours, hunting and fishing - these are the best tours in Karelia. The tour operator "Forest Fairy Tale" made sure that tours to Karelia gave you only positive impressions, and you wanted to come to this amazing corner of Russia more than once.

If you are a fan of outdoor activities, come toKarelia, tourism , including extreme, here is special, thanks to rafting along rapids and jeep tours through the most beautiful places in Karelia, many of which are considered long forgotten. IN surrounded by picturesque lakes and the unprecedented beauty of the rocks,You will visit the Kivach waterfall, spend the night on Mount Vottovaara . Locals claim that mysterious inexplicable events often occur here. Maybe you will be lucky enough to become part of the legend! During the jeep tour you will have the opportunity to admire the beauty of dozens of amazing rivers and lakes, enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature.

In an amazing cornerKarelia, tourism individual also finds its admirers. For lovers individual recreation , combined tours in Karelia have been developed, which combine jeeping and rafting in Karelia.Combined tours- more like an example of what can be organized, because for tourism in Karelia all roads are open, so you can develop and organize almost anyindividual tour in Karelia based on the individual wishes of the tourist.

In addition to summer tours, tourism in Karelia also happens in winter. Winter tours in Karelia is a real magical adventure in which you are expecteddog sled tours, snowmobile safari and travelhovercraft to Valaam island.

Each of the tours to Karelia is thought out to the smallest detail, thanks to which no one will remain indifferent to this corner of the earth.

Karelia- a unique world, striking in its majestic nature and mystery.

To this day, untouched rivers, lakes and forests have been preserved here, the cleanest in. And it is not without reason that tourists come here, escaping from the stone jungle for a breath of the purest air, for the most beautiful nature caressing the eye.

But not only amazing landscapes attract tourists here, the culture of this unique place, a fusion of northern Slavic and Finno-Ugric tribes, is rather mysterious and mysterious. For example, Mount Vottovaara, considered sacred. In its vicinity there are stones-seids, which were worshiped by local residents. They argue that if you perform the pagan rite “Karyala-aho” near them, then through many centuries you can see the half-humans-demigods who lived in those days, perhaps even the Atlanteans.

Whether it's a fairy tale or not, judge for yourself, but mysterious and inexplicable phenomena occur in the vicinity of this mountain, which only enhances the mystery of this place. However, you can learn more about everything in numerous books sold in Petrozavodsk or Medvezhyegorsk.

In Karelia, monuments of wooden architecture have also been preserved, the famous island of Kizhi, Valaam, founded by St. Andrew the First-Called, a monastery on Ladoga.

Well, now let's go down from heaven to earth and take up this region in more detail.

Types of tourism in Karelia

First of all, tourists come here for active, cultural and ecological tourism due to the numerous historical and cultural monuments, virgin nature and vast spaces where no human has set foot (at least not "inherited").

Lovers of water tourism come here, who are waiting for a variety of entertainment here, ranging from cruise ships on Ladoga and Lake Onega to rafting on mountain rivers lasting from several hours to a week.

Motorists and cyclists, fishermen and hunters travel here. Jeep tours are quite popular, passing along the old roads that once connected the ancient Karelian villages.

Tourist-hunter draws here a huge wealth of diverse fauna. The license, which can be obtained from the regional offices of the State Committee for Hunting of Karelia, will allow hunting for elk, wild boar, bear, beaver, and from birds for black grouse and capercaillie. However, the number of licenses is limited, and without it, hunting for hares, foxes, mink, squirrels, ducks, hazel grouse, etc. is possible. For tourists, beginners or those who love comfort, there are hunting tours with food and accommodation.

Tourists are fishermen they go, first of all, to the popular brand - Syamozero Lake, where comfortable conditions are created. In the center and north of Karelia there are rivers with good fishing for salmon, grayling and whitefish. Fishing is popular on Pyaozero and Lake Onega.

Winter also does not stop the tourist striving here, just interests change. At this time, lovers of all kinds of skiing go, you can ride snowmobiles, dogs or deer in plenty.

There is also health tourism, since 1719, thanks to Peter I, the oldest resort has been operating here - in the village of Marcial Waters.

General information about Karelia

Karelia is located in the north-west of Russia, from the north it has a border with the Murmansk region and the White Sea, from the west - Finland for 800 km, from the south - the border with the Leningrad and Vologda regions, and, finally, from the east - with the Arkhangelsk region.

The capital of the republic is Petrozavodsk.

The relief of the region is mostly hills, with the exception of the West Karelian Upland, where the highest mountain of the region, Nuorunen, is located. Karelia is called the land of lakes, on its territory there are 61 thousand (!), And 27 thousand rivers. A quarter of the entire territory is occupied by water, and another half by forest.

The edge is part of the Blue Road, an international tourist route.

How to get to Karelia

The easiest way to get to Karelia is to arrive in Petrozavodsk, the capital of the region.

Airplane

The fastest way to get to Petrozavodsk, of course, is by plane (Besovets airport). From (Domodedovo) there are daily flights, tickets from 3600 rubles. Tickets to Petrozavodsk can be selected with this SEARCH ENGINE. Drive in Petrozavodsk, the city of departure, and look at the desired flights for the desired dates.

Train

You can come from Moscow to Petrozavodsk by train No. 18/17, a ticket in a reserved seat - 1606 rubles, in a compartment - 2619, from - by train No. 657/658. In addition, there are trains from Kyiv and Minsk (ticket in a reserved seat from Minsk - 733,000 Belarusian rubles).

We are looking for train tickets using this SEARCH ENGINE .

Automobile

The federal highway M-18 passes through the republic from north to south. An experienced tourist can overcome 969 km along it in 12-14 hours.

You can choose a good hotel. Choose the number of stars, price, dates and choose what you like.

Climate of Karelia

The climate is mild, but rather capricious, moving from maritime to temperate continental as you move deeper into the continent, there is a lot of precipitation, both in winter and in summer.

Summer is short, sometimes frosts occur in June. Heat is a rare phenomenon, especially in the north.

Sights of Karelia

Waterfalls of Karelia

One of the tours will introduce the tourist to the second largest flat waterfall in Europe, Kivach, Ruskeala, White Bridges (19 meters), Kumi and many others. Independent inspection of the reserve will cost the tourist 120 rubles.

Marble was mined here from 1765 to 1939, until the Finns flooded it. Now there is a mountain park on this place (on Fridays and Saturdays it is also highlighted in the evening). The tour costs 250 rubles, tourists can come on their own, paying 150 rubles for entry.

It is located 68 km from Petrozavodsk. One of more than one and a half thousand islands of Onega Island, famous for its monuments of wooden architecture, including the main Church of the Transfiguration, built in 1714 and Pokrovskaya - in 1764. There are 89 buildings in total.

Entrance for a foreign tourist - 625 rubles, for a Russian - 250.

In addition to the indescribable natural beauties, where pine trees seem to grow right out of the rocks, the island is also famous for its monastery, founded in the 10th century. Its center is the Transfiguration Cathedral, built in the 19th century, in addition to it, Valaam sketes and St. Nicholas Church are worthy of attention.

It is located near the villages of Gimoli and Sukkozero. The height is 417 meters, but it is not famous for its height. The mountain is furrowed with deep straight cracks, as if polished.

There are many legends around it, since a partisan brigade died here during the war years, it has also been called Death Mountain. Devices here sometimes seem to go crazy, there are no animals and birds, local residents claim that shamans live on the mountain, and the mountain itself is a gateway to other worlds.

Ski resorts