Here's the story. Mysterious death-mountain Vottovaara in Karelia - anomalous zones of Russia
Karelia is one of the most amazing and interesting corners Russian Federation. And Mount Vottovaara is one of the curious places in these parts. Local historians and ethnographers call the republic " northern pearl Russia”, and this is a fair statement. What is so attractive in these harsh northern lands? First of all - the intersection of a huge number of historical and cultural layers. - these are both, and unique, to everyone famous monuments architecture, and, of course, megaliths and seids. A real traveler is attracted to the road, something unknown, mysterious. And just such interesting places in Karelia are quite numerous.
Mount Vottovaara is a place shrouded in mystery. What does this word - Vottovaara mean?
Mount Vottovaara is one of those places in Karelia that you should definitely visit if you like unusual and Beautiful places. Despite the small height, only 417 meters above sea level, this is a very unusual and beautiful mountain, which is a large plateau with an area of six square kilometers. She has many interesting features that distinguish Vottovaara from other similar places. In fact, everything is not so mystical. 
How do you translate "vottovaara"? If you don't bother to search too much, the first translation that can be found is "a forest that you shouldn't go into." Despite the fact that this translation is fundamentally wrong, for some reason it is more common than others. Apparently, because of its mystery. The second component of the word Vottovaara, "vaara" is translated from the Sami as "mountain overgrown with forest". How is the word "votto" translated? In the Saami-Russian Dictionary, edited by R.D. Kuruch (Moscow, “Russian language”, 1985) you can find the words “vaadt” (lair) and “vuots” (sand), that is, the word “vottovaara” can be translated as “sandy mountain overgrown with forest” or “mountain overgrown forest with a den.
The plateau on which Vottovaara is located has an unusual and strong energy. The forest at the top is also unusual, the amazing shape of the trees of which has a completely scientific justification. Blowed on all sides by the strong northern winds mountain, is a somewhat eerie sight. Trunks simply cannot withstand such constant stress, bend and break. Due to constant strong winds, many of the trees are oddly shaped, often broken, and the forest is a slightly eerie sight. 
The history of the mountain: riddles and secrets
The complex of ancient cult stones - seids located on Mount Vottovaara in the western part of Karelia has become widely known Lately due to unhealthy mystical excitement and sensational publications: here is the anomalous zone, the place of power, the remains cyclopean structures, UFOs and other standard set of "secrets and mysteries of the Earth." Research carried out in the early summer of 2004 by the expedition of A. Sklyarov made it possible to clarify the situation and draw up a more objective picture of this monument. First of all, it turned out that, contrary to numerous publications, the seid complex as such on the summit plateau of Vottovaara was discovered by the searcher S.M. Simonyan in 1978, searching for the remains of the fighters of the partisan brigade Grigoriev. The search engines discovered the seids after a forest fire exposed the surroundings. 
Mount Vottovaara is often called "Death Mountain" or "Hill of Death", but it would be more correct to associate this name with a height of 264.9 and the events that took place on it at the end of July 1942, namely a 12-hour battle, the death of more than a hundred partisans and brigade commander I.A. Grigoriev. Hence the first name "Hill of Death". In the fifties, logging was carried out in the area of \u200b\u200bheight 264.9, and workers began to find the remains of the dead partisans, among other military equipment found on the dead, there was also a mortar, so the second name “Mortar Rock” appeared, which, however, soon replaced the other name “Death mountain”, also given by local residents due to a large number dead partisans who were found and are found to this day at this height and in its vicinity. To this day, locals confuse Vottovaara with the real "Death Mountain", but in fact, "Death Mountain" and "Vottovaara" are still different mountains, although they are next to each other. “Death Mountain” got its name after the bloody battles of the 1st Partisan Brigade on July 30-31, 1942. Death Mountain, or the Hill of Death, is located five kilometers southeast of Vottovaara. In any case, the name "Death Mountain" is definitely associated with the events of the war and not only the brigade campaign, but also others. tragic stories that took place in the vicinity of Vottvaara in 1941-1944. 
Nature or the handiwork of our ancestors?
The tourist attraction of the mountain lies in a somewhat different plane. Firstly, the wonderful nature, as you approach the top, it changes and becomes similar to the northern one, there are dwarf Karelian birch and pine, mosses, which are not so common in South Karelia, beautiful lakes with the purest water, with a diameter of 50-100 meters. Secondly, it is still a mountain, and having risen from 120 meters above sea level (the usual height of relief for South Karelia) to 460, you involuntarily rejoice at the views that open into the distance, in the edge of the swamps it is not so often possible to view the horizon. Another interesting object on the inclined mountains - seids. There are several versions of the appearance of seids. According to one of them, the sinking of the glacier led to such an arrangement of stones, according to another, the reason is the earthquake that occurred here BC, however, most likely, the seids are of artificial origin and had a cult purpose among the Sami. Geologists suggest that about nine thousand years ago, at the place where Vottovaara stands, a powerful earthquake occurred, which resulted in a giant sinkhole. Because of this, a natural amphitheater appeared in the center of the mountain, dotted with lakes and rocks. Seids are stones laid in a circle, which are ancient cult objects. They say inside these circles there is a special energy and a common person feels uncomfortable inside them. Also among the interesting man-made objects on the mountain there is a rectangular well, built of huge stone slabs, the sides of which have a perfectly flat surface.
And in general, huge slabs are scattered all over the mountain, of the correct shape and huge size, which look like the base or ruins of some ancient building, the external traces of which were not left, and the base itself was destroyed by an earthquake and therefore no longer form a single composition. By the way, it is the earthquake that causes the formation of the mountain. There are not only interesting man-made objects made of stone. Unusual boulders are scattered all over the mountain, causing real delight among those who see such objects for the first time. In some places, these large boulders are real small towns, and in total there are about one and a half thousand. Some of them have a cult significance among the indigenous peoples of Karelia. 
If you examine the mountain in more detail, the megaliths laid out on it, you can find a staircase made of huge stones. This is perhaps the most interesting surviving object on the mountain, built when people, "stairway to heaven." On one of the slopes of the mountain, thirteen huge steps are hollowed out, which lead nowhere, or rather, lead to a cliff. Experienced travelers call these ruins an amphitheater. A little to the side lies a multi-ton megalith, from which a rectangular piece has been neatly cut. And you can clearly see the extra cut. 
Mount Vottovaara is very interesting place to visit, however, even if you believe in everything mystical, you should be wary of visiting this place. The indigenous inhabitants of Karelia are very wary of the mountain, which, apparently, is a grandiose cult object, on which rituals have been held for many centuries. Locals do not recommend visiting the mountain out of idle curiosity, and for a long time there was a ban on visiting for children and women. Studies have shown that in some places on the mountain, the truth is a completely different energy, which negatively affects the well-being of most people, and for some, on the contrary, it only acts positively. On the mountain itself, various congresses of psychics are held annually, which treat Vottovaara in a special way, considering the mountain a place with strong energy. In August 2011, by a decree of the government of Karelia, the Vottovaara mountain complex was declared landscape monument nature. The protected area covers an area of more than one and a half thousand hectares: it includes the mountain itself and the area adjacent to it. 
Karelia is considered one of the most picturesque regions on the territory of Russia, and it is considered as such for good reason. A huge number of amazing places in Karelia simply cannot be covered in one trip, or even in one magazine article. Moreover, there are truly mysterious places in these parts.
One of these mysterious places is Vottovaara rock massif, which was popularly called "Mountain of Death" or "Death Mountain" for disturbing landscapes and mysterious legends associated with this place. Death Mountain in Karelia is located near the Muezersky district on the territory of the Sukkuzersky rural settlement, and is the highest point of the West Karelian Upland (417.3 meters above sea level).
However, its fame in tourist routes By unique places Russia, Mount Vottovaara received for the presence on its surface of the so-called "seid"- stones-boulders scattered on the gently sloping territory of the mountain. Stones of various sizes are arranged in groups of 5-6 pieces, creating a kind of necropolis or temple. In total, more than 1600 stones laid in a special order were counted. In combination with a landscape poor in flora, and a low sky, which, it seems, can be reached by hand, seid stones give truly strong emotions.
Mount Vottovaara.
In addition, on the surface of the mountain, it is not uncommon to find trees of bizarre shapes, stone pools and small lakes with an inaccessible coast.
Bizarre Trees on Mount Vottovaara.
Lakes on Mount Vottovaara.
If we turn to history, scientists do not have a common opinion on how the groups of stone structures appeared on Vottovaara. It is believed that their creators are the ancient inhabitants of Karelia, who built stone structures to perform certain rituals. The unusual structures themselves were “discovered” only at the end of the 70s of the last century by the scientist S. Simonyan, and the name “Death Mountain”, presumably, appeared after the events of 1942, when the Finnish military defeated partisan detachments on the slopes of the mountain.
Mount Vottovaara in Karelia is considered a place of mystical power, some followers of various mystical directions who make a pilgrimage to the mountain consider Vottovaara to be a place of concentration of evil forces. Some of the mystical scientists are sure that this is where a certain sacred center is located. ancient civilization. In any case, it is worth coming here and enjoying the enchanting views of Karelia, and amazing seid stones, as well as the mystical landscape of Death Mountain.
However, in order to get to Mount Vottovaaru, you need to join tourist expeditions, or use a four-wheel drive car to "climb" the mountain on your own.
- November 25, 2014
IN northern Europe, which is in the north-west of the Russian Federation, there are territories Republic of Karelia whose shores are washed by the White Sea. This fabulous land with a huge variety of delicious berries and a fairly humid climate.
On the territory of Karelia you can meet more than 60 species of mammals, most of of which it occupies the honorary pages of the Red Book and are protected (Ladoga ringed seal, brown eared ear and others). IN numerous rivers beavers, huts, minks and muskrats enjoy life. There are also more than two hundred species of beautiful birds, more than 30 of which also flaunt on the pages of the Red Book.
So many different stories and myths about the central part of Karelia in the Muezersky district, namely, a rocky massif, the highest point of which is Mount Vottovaara(Mount Pobedy) - 417.3 meters above sea level. It is split by numerous faults, frighteningly deep and insidious.
Several centuries ago, these places were home to Sami people who survived thanks to shamans who were called Noidam And. They wielded great strength and power, using secret knowledge, and could control the minds of large groups of people. Of course, at one time both the NKVD and the employees of the Third Reich organization were looking for them, it is clear why ...
Today, there are no more representatives of the Sami people on Mount Vottovaara, and there are no more mysterious shamans - the Noids are gone, but - huge boulders, as if "hanging in the air", and if you look closely, resting on smaller stones - some call them sanctuaries of power, others places of worship, there were scientists' opinions about the "creations" of the descending glacier, which built a large number of such diverse and curious structures. Not without space theories and dead ancient civilizations. But it is worth confessing honestly that the mystery of the purpose of the Seids has sunk into centuries and will remain unsolved.
Another mysterious feature of Mount Vottovaara is the trees that grow on the plateau at the top in an amazing and sometimes quite frightening way. Among the "scattered" blocks, dark faults and shallow, small lakes, you will find natural "amphitheater" is an almost round failure with a swampy reservoir in the very center.
It has not yet been possible to explain how such an incredibly curious landscape turned out, which, according to scientists’ calculations, took shape about 9 thousand years ago, but, of course, there are enough theories, although they are so fantastic ...
The good news is that since 2011 this incredible mountain Vottovaara is recognized as a natural monument, both landscape and geological.
It will also be interesting stairway to Heaven", like part of a Roman amphitheater, going up and leading to a cliff 4 meters deep. For stairs natural origin the steps are too even and equal in size. Therefore, we can assume that this is still a man-made work. And then the question arises: where did it lead and why was it cut down?
The Vottovaara rock mass is beautiful and amazing, each of its peaks is magnificent and offers stunning views of the surroundings.
From one of the hills you can see the so-called "bald mountain", which became so due to a fire. Many stones are scattered on it, but one boulder stands out for its gigantic size.
To be imbued with all the beauties and magic of this mountain, it is worth climbing it more than once to see all its fantastic landscapes, and at different times of the day it opens in different ways, both the landscapes themselves “change” and the sensations that overwhelm you. Someone experiences a terrible feeling of fear, while someone is overwhelmed with energy and an unprecedented charge of vivacity.
Mount Vottovaara is mysterious and full of secrets that attract people here. It is especially good to come here on white nights and enjoy complete unity with nature, feeling happy.
The Republic of Karelia cannot be called a "mountainous" region, although the relief here is far from flat (in most areas). Guests from other regions are often amused by the fact that in Karelia even a hill 30-40 meters high can be called a “mountain”. Well, "mountain" is a very relative concept. But even these hills create a very beautiful and peculiar relief. In this article we will talk about all the highest and most interesting mountains of the Republic of Karelia.
Nuorunen
The highest point in Karelia is 577 meters. It is part of the Maanselkä Range, located on the territory national park Paanajärvi is in the Loukhi region of Karelia, so there is a path to it. You can get to its top even in winter (on skis or snowmobiles). You can read more in this article.
Mäntyutunturi
It is also located in the Paanajärvi National Park. The second highest peak in Karelia is 550 meters. It is also part of the Maanselkä Range. It is located near the border with Finland, there is no organized trail (as to Nuorunen or Kivakku), however hiking before it is quite possible.
Kivakka
Another peak of Paanajärvi. Height - 499 meters. Getting to its top is much easier than getting to Nuorunen. Eat good trail, in the most cool places there are stairs. From the top of the mountain opens truly great view in the Loukhsky district. You can read more about it in this article.
Sieppitunturi
It is located in the very north of the Loukhi district, the height is 537 meters. Also applies to mountain system Manselka. Organized excursions and there is no trail to the mountain, perhaps its summit can be reached on foot, but no reports or information about this could be found. This mountain is really in a remote place.
Päinur
Another mountain in the Loukhsky region of Karelia. Height - 486 meters, you can recognize it by its characteristic shape - a sharp peak. Mount Päinur resembles the classical peaks of the Himalayas or the Alps, but is inferior to them in height. It stands on the shore of Lake Zipringa, you can reach the top of Päinur on foot.
We will also mention other Mountain peaks Loukhsky district. All of them belong to the Maanselkya ridge: Ukontunturi (503 meters), Lunas (497), Komettovaara (458), Peryavaara (443). All of them are not of particular interest, as they are located in hard-to-reach places.
Vottovaara
Vottovaara - perhaps the most famous mountain Karelia. Height - 417 meters, located in the Muezersky district. This is an amazing place with a lot of legends, rumors and conjectures associated with it. You can talk a lot about her, it’s better to read everything in a large and detailed article about Vottovaara, where there are photos, videos and all the information.
Kukkovka
Mount Kukkovka is located within the city of Petrozavodsk and is its most high point- 181 meters. popular place rest with the residents of Petrozavodsk. On the top of the mountain there are enclosures for dogs, a water station.
Mound
Also in the vicinity of Petrozavodsk there are the following peaks: Sulazhgora (height 120 meters), Devil's chair (122 meters) and others.
Sampo
Mount Sampo is the lowest in our article, its height does not exceed 40 meters. Became popular after filming movie of the same name, the plot of which is based on the Kalevala epic, in which this mountain is mentioned. It is located in the Kondopoga region of Karelia, read more in the article "Mount Sampo".
Hiidenvuori
Also known as the "mountain of Leshy". Height - 117 meters, located in the Pitkyarantsky district of the Republic of Karelia on the shores of Lake Ladoga. At its foot stands the village of Hiidenvuori. Very interesting mountain from which you can enjoy a magnificent view. In addition, the ascent to it does not take much time. You can read more about Hiidenvuori in this article.
Surimyaki
Mount Surimyaki is located in the Lakhenpokh region of Karelia on the Tervu peninsula. Height - 86 meters. The mountain offers a beautiful view of the peninsula itself and Ladoga lake. You can read more in this article.
Paasonvuori
Or "Mount Paaso" for short. It is located in the Sortavala region of Karelia near the city of Sortavala. An ancient settlement (an ancient settlement) was found on its top and a very beautiful view of the city and its surroundings opens from it. The height is about 80 meters. Read more in this article.
This is a list of the most interesting, high and remarkable mountains of Karelia. Of course, there are many more, but it is not possible to cover everything in one article. We have mentioned only those that are possible to visit and that may be of interest to tourists.
What is Vottovaara? Is it just a dead forest, bizarre bald trees, centuries-old huge stones, or something more? I recently tried to figure this out. And I'll be happy to tell you what I saw there.
For 4 years I knew about this place full of secrets and mysteries and really wanted to get here! As soon as I first saw these strange trees in the photo, business card mountains, I fell in love with Vottovaara in absentia. But there was no way to find time to travel here. I’ll tell you more about how to get to the mountain and how much time and money you need at the end of the article.
And now, finally, it happened! The trip for the June holidays was planned back in April. This time we had a company with us - a couple of nature lovers and hikers like us. And so, early in the morning, we set out on the road from St. Petersburg.
But first, a little information in general, what is Mount Vottovaara and why it attracts hundreds of people here so much.
This is a mountain in the Muezersky district of the western part of Karelia. It is lost among the wild forests and swamps, there are no villages right next to it, and the nearest settlements sparsely populated, which already adds to the attractiveness. The search engine Sergei Simonyan discovered the mountain with its seids in 1978 by accident. Since then, it has been actively studied. What attracts scientists and tourists? First of all, these are numerous seids - the sacred stones of the ancient Sami. But many scientists believe that the stones on the "legs" were formed as a result of melting and the gradual lowering of the glacier, which turned the stones, as a result, large blocks turned out to be small. But, to be honest, when looking at some seids, there is a doubt that nature did it - it all looks very bizarre and unusual. Therefore, it is possible that huge blocks, some of which are clearly turned or evenly cut in appearance, are really the work of ancient civilizations.
The second most unusual phenomenon is twisted dry trees. Whoever believes in mysticism is blamed on it. But more on that later.
There is also a stone well, a stone staircase to the sky and an amphitheater.
There are also many stories about the phenomena and events on the mountain. Someone claims that there special energy. Some have been cured of illnesses. Someone saw a UFO. For others, all equipment failed, including navigators. Superstitious people believe that here is the concentration of evil forces. And psychics claim that there is a particularly strong connection with the cosmos. It is customary to bring gifts here so that the mountain accepts you, and then releases you. We did it too - we brought ribbons to hang on a tree as a gift. You can bring bells, dream catchers, or something of your own, such as something that was meaningful to you.
offerings to grief.
Offering grief (not ours).
And this is already a remake - a labyrinth in the form of a spiral. Such labyrinths also come from ancient times. They are common in the north, and there are still real ones left in other places. Such labyrinths have a cult significance. But why exactly they were created is not known for certain.
Labyrinth of Vottovaara.
All this is undoubtedly very attractive. After all, all sorts of mysteries attract us all, don't they? And now I will start the story directly about the trip.
SO! TRIP TO VOTTOVAARA.
Our intermediate, but necessary goal was the village Himoli, from where, for the most part, the path to the mountain itself begins. Gimoly is a typical Karelian village with very few permanent residents. But there is railroad station, to which "carless" tourists come.
We didn’t want to spend the night on the mountain (it’s scary, it’s not clear where and how, and we wanted to walk on the mountain light, and not with tents and sleeping bags) and settled in the only hotel in the village, which opened last year. If not for her, then we would definitely have to sleep in tents.
The way to Gimoly is long and took the whole day. Vottovaara was scheduled for the second day of the trip. In advance, we agreed with the administrator of the base about a driver in a suitable car - about 17 km to the mountain. Someone goes on foot, and someone tries to get on their transport. But I’ll say right away that the road is suitable for owners of SUVs or for those who don’t feel sorry for their iron horse at all. Or for super-duper craftsmen who, even in a small passenger car, can easily maneuver among obstacles and arrive safe and sound. In some places there are decent potholes and large sharp stones that can tear the rubber. As well as deep puddles, one of which was on the door even UAZ. Yes, they even go to the mountains in cars, but honestly, I would not recommend it. The road gets worse every year. A few years ago it was easy to pass, those who were there say that. Well, let this one obviously take a lot more time. We were taken by UAZ in about 50 minutes.
By the way, this road was made on the site of the former "piece of iron", which went to the quarry where building stone is mined.
In the morning, our dashing driver Victor (a very pleasant and cheerful man, a native of these places) took us and took us to the treasured mountain. Urrraaa!
Here are some photos taken along the way.
A very deep puddle.
Once upon a time, this bridge was a terrible sight.
Exhibition of numbers.
our beast)
I note that all drivers take you to the southern parking lot of Vottovaara. There is another rise north side but we weren't there. On the same side, from the south, a half-hour ascent will await you, which, as I thought, would be easier for me than it turned out in reality. He's pretty cool, though not terrible. Someone says that they did not feel the difficulties of lifting at all. Well, they were lucky) For some reason my heart jumped out of my chest. Gotta do some sports! Or is the influence of the mountain on me already turned on? 😯
Having risen, we saw that the whole area was covered with paths, it was easy to walk and even difficult to get lost. But I still put a return point in the navigator, just in case. Let it be. Then I found out that they are still mistaken here. And if the fog flies, then you can definitely.
After the ascent, you need to go some more time so that the very same amazing trees. I haven't seen these anywhere before! Some are amazing. Some are twisted into a knot, some grow down on top of their heads, others look like octopuses, and all are bald, dry and infinitely beautiful! Yes, I see beauty in them! Although not everyone can understand it.
Ornate.
What gave them such a strange look? Here mysticism is already connected. Unknown forces or energy twisted them. Scientists, of course, are skeptical of everything mysterious and try to explain everything from a scientific point of view. They and locals explain the strange appearance of trees by the influence of nature - on the mountain in winter strong winds and heavy snow, which “eat up” the bark and tilt the branches in every possible way. Be that as it may, but next to them I felt delight and admiration for the joker-nature, which a person can never surpass.
Here are some photos with the most memorable tree specimens.
Wooden octopus!
And for some reason this one reminds me of a fig 🙂
Practically a knot.
One of the most unusual trees encountered.
Such is the tree. How are you?
in tree captivity)
Amphitheater. The mountain itself is a plateau, that is, there is no prominent top here. And in the center of the plateau formed a failure with a swamp framed by rocks. All together looks really like an amphitheater, very unusual. This failure is explained by an earthquake many, many years ago.
Amphitheater.
The swamp in the center of the amphitheater.
Unusual flat stones.
On one side of the amphitheater we found a funny boulder called "Head of Ukko". Surprisingly, I saw a clear outline of the head only in the photo. Live could not understand where the head is? From this angle, the stone is very reminiscent of a horse, but someone saw in it a representative of the cat. And who do you see?) But! If you look at it from the other side, then it is no longer a horse, but a person. Who is this Ukko, I could not find. Perhaps someone knows, write. 😉
This stone is called "Head of Ukko".
In general, these giant stones, next to which you feel, to put it mildly, uncomfortable, is one of the chips of Vottovaara. Uncomfortable but cool! They are thousands of years old!
Here, for example, is one of the blocks that broke in half. I climbed between the halves, feeling like Thumbelina, and they were making fun of me that right now, kaaak would close, a mystical place, the devil knows what could be happening here. 😈 Moreover, there were no such stones in the area, and this one seemed to have fallen from the sky.
It looks like it's been cut!
Next to these giants, you feel a little uncomfortable, but at the same time delighted!
And this stone is small, but very funny due to these lichen rounds 🙂
Spotty 🙂
Broken pebble.
And this is just one of seids. With this, I hugged, trying to feed on energy. After all, seid is a sacred object of the Saami, a revered spirit lives there, and it can help those in need. Seyds were worshipped. So I tried to listen to him, make a wish. But more time is needed, probably, for the effect to be.
That's how this block climbed onto small "legs"?
Trying to get energized 🙂
Another seid. There are more than 1000 different ones on the mountain!
Seid in the sun.
Well, perhaps the main thing that struck me on the mountain was the views from it. I fell in love with them!
On this moment these are the most beautiful landscapes that I have seen! Although the mountain is not high (more than 400 meters), Karelia stretches before us in all its glory! Forests, lakes, swamps, hills on the horizon, the sky, the sun's rays - everything is indescribably beautifully combined. Here are some of my favorite views.
Karelia is beautiful! This view cannot leave you indifferent.
Endless wild forests of Karelia.
So I would have sat on this stone ... for a long, long time.
In the foreground is Lake Vottozero, and a little behind is Gimolskoe.
No map on the mountain anywhere! You never know navigators will refuse.
The clouds thickened.
Breathe very freely here!
Evening light.
Finally, there will be northern cotton grass - marsh grass. I call these white shaggy furries. 😆
Another strange artifact there is a stairway to heaven on the mountain. We, unfortunately, did not get there, but I will attach a photo (taken from the Internet). The stone staircase ends with a cliff. Where did these steps come from? Can weathering do this? What do you think?
Photo source - http://tor-info.ru
We were on the mountain for almost 9 hours. We even went down a little earlier than the time agreed with the driver, and he himself was released early from the previous group. With as much wind as possible, he took us to the base. Below is his phone number.
CONCLUSIONS.
Everyone who loves Karelia needs to come to Vottovaara at least once, northern nature And beautiful views. The advice is to do it quickly, because in a few years the view of the terrain on the mountain will be different due to young trees that gradually grow and enliven the landscapes. There was a fire on the mountain a few years ago, which also added gloom to this place - the area was burned out, some trees seemed to have burned out from the inside, continuing to stand. Strange ... But now the area is being updated. And the moment will come when it will become completely different, and the twisted trees and stones will hide behind the stormy vegetation.
By the way, people come here in winter. And there are deliveries too. If there is a lot of snow, then most likely on snowmobiles or even more vehicles adapted for snowdrifts. But still, you have to go there in the summer, when nothing is covered with snow.
ABOUT THE MYSTIC IN VOTTOVAAR.
Nothing of the kind was seen. It's even a pity. The equipment did not fail, and even worked at the top Mobile Internet, which generally amazed us, since the towers cellular communication nearby and in sight no! Maybe this is the oddity? And that's how it manifested itself with us?
Of the unusual, I can only note one thing for sure: after climbing the mountain and a whole day of walking and climbing and climbing down from the stones, my frail muscles should definitely hurt, and nothing hurt and even ached! On the contrary, the next day my health became much better (I went there sick with a runny nose), and my strength increased. I was ready to go up the mountain again and walk the same amount more.
Of course I like to believe in unusual phenomena, it's more interesting to live)
ABOUT THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN VOTTOVAAR.
There were many. It was the weekend, and the weather was gorgeous - about +20. We even went whole large groups, there were also many tenters. But still no one interfered and did not go near. Compared to popular places there are few people here in Karelia. And on weekdays, almost no one - friends said they were a little earlier than us and in weekdays. But the bulk of the people were in the amphitheater area. If you step aside, there is no one.
HOW TO GET TO VOTTOVAARY (from St. Petersburg).
This can be done in three ways:
1.
By train from the Ladoga railway station to the Gimolskaya station (village Gimoly), from here all routes go to the mountain, and go on foot - up to the mountain about 17 km. Many tourists do this, and with tents and an overnight stay.
Or for denyuzhka take a dosska right up to the mountain. This is developed in the village, the phones of drivers and even guides to the mountain, if necessary, hang on trees and any local will tell them. When we went, the cost was 2000 rubles. one way for the car (usually it is a UAZ, "loaf" or trucks). Phone of our driver Victor on UAZ: 89216266304
. Will take about 50-60 minutes and pick up at the agreed time. Everything is clear!
Attention: the train is coming 12 hours and rarely goes, not even all days of the week.
2.
By car, drive to the village of Gimoli, leave the car and continue - see point 1.
By car from St. Petersburg it is better to go along the Murmansk highway (there is less primer than if you go from the other side through Sortavala and Suoyarvi - we drove there for a change), it will turn out two hours faster. Through Suoyarvi, it turned out 12 hours. We drive to Yustozero and turn onto the dirt road towards Porosozero and Gimol. The primer is normal, but on average it turns out 60 km / h. From the exit from the Ring Road to Gimol along Murmanka, about 610 km.
By the way, along the way you can drop by the Girvas volcano and the Kivach waterfall nearby!
3. If you have an SUV with good suspension and thick tires, then you can drive up the mountain yourself. At the beginning of the article, I wrote about the difficulties that you will encounter if you want to drive yourself.
By the way, there is another way - now some private companies organize trips there, lead author's tours. You can search.
In general, a trip to Vottovaara takes at least three days: round trip.
WHERE TO STAY IN GIMOLY.
We went for three days and spent 2 nights at the only base in Gimoli. 700 rub. per night per person. Optional 400 rub. dinner and 200 rubles. breakfast. They feed on simple human food, hearty and good, at home, I ate too much. The room has a kettle and glasses. You can take a hairdryer. Parking - 150 rubles / night per car.
Tel. database administrator Irina: 89216201330. Vkontakte community
