Where is Karelia located and how did it appear? Vodlozersky National Park. Ruskeala Mountain Park

The land that brought icy, but at the same time incredibly beautiful glory to our Motherland is undoubtedly called Karelia. This republic has everything, so even tourists with the most refined taste can find entertainment for themselves. The sights of Karelia are the purest smooth lakes and islands that separate them, rocks that show us underground natural wealth, and incredible heights of spruce and pine trees that envelop the entire region in eternal greenery.

Brief overview of memorable places

Despite the fact that this Russian republic is nature reserve, and one of the most beautiful in the world, seekers of ancient buildings, connoisseurs of ancient architecture and church architecture will also find joy here. The architectural sights of Karelia are famous throughout the world for their unique Russian beauty, their spirit and grandeur. Among them, the most famous is Valaam - an archipelago of fifty islands, which are located in. They house an ancient religious complex, which consists of the Transfiguration Monastery, adjacent to it is a stone chapel and the five-domed Transfiguration Cathedral. This complex of islands also has a number of hermitages. Some of them are closed, some have been converted into mini-hotels, and most of them are often visited by tourists to find out how former hermits lived.

Valaam complex. More detailed description

Now let’s look at the main attractions of Karelia in all their colors and features. Where to go if you come here for a week or at least five days? What to do with all this time, especially if it’s cold outside? The answer is simple: visiting each island from the most famous Valaam archipelago will be one of the most exciting activities for you. It is here that the famous monastery is located, which was built in the 15th century. It was a refuge for many Russian people during the Crimean War. During those years he experienced interesting story, which was as follows: the British sailed to Valaam and began to bomb the island because the local monks did not recognize their supremacy. To their great surprise, the monastery was practically not damaged, after which they curtailed their expedition and left our shores.

Features of nature in Solovki

The name of this city alone brings back rather sad historical memories for many Russian residents. They are connected with the Crimean War and with numerous hermit monks who either came here themselves to renounce the whole world, or were forced into exile. Today, people who live here are very good-natured and sociable. They are not in a hurry, they are in complete harmony with nature, and if you communicate with them, they will teach you this too. After all, it is the air, greenery, mountains and waters that surround this archipelago that can drive any person who is accustomed to a different climate and conditions crazy. It’s incredibly calm here, the air is so clean and full of oxygen that it makes you feel dizzy. It should be remembered that you need to get used to such conditions, give the body time to adapt, otherwise such an “incomprehensible” state will torment you for a long time. That is why many tourists come to Valaam for just one weekend, just to have time to look at the best sights of Karelia and photograph them.

Heritage of the Russian people

One of the centers of concentration of wooden Russian architecture has become the Sights that are located on the Kizhe archipelago - these are truly majestic churches, monasteries, mills, barns, barns and simply residential buildings that amaze with their beauty. All buildings in the region are made of wood, which gives them a special spirit and charm. It is here that historians and simply architecture lovers come to look at the true Russian North. The local pearl is considered to be the Church of the Transfiguration, consisting of 22 domes, its height is 37 meters. Next to it is the winter temple of the Virgin Mary, and between them is a chapel. After visiting these architectural monuments, as a rule, tourists go to explore such sights of Karelia as peasant houses. They present the life of bygone centuries; the guide tells various stories from the life of local inhabitants who lived here previously.

Ruskeala Marble Canyon

It is unthinkable to imagine the natural attractions of Karelia without the famous canyon, which shows us all the natural power and beauty of underground minerals. It was discovered back in the day and since then has been considered one of the most beautiful and at the same time profitable places in Russia. You can look at this natural wonder from different angles, and in any case you will be fascinated. There are many observation platforms along the canyon, which are crowded with tourists both in winter and summer. Through which this huge gorge was filled, you can sail by boat, examining the marble deposits up close. Also, many guides offer to go down into the adits to get acquainted with underground world, which lurks under these beautiful lands. Well, the most amazing way to explore this reserve is diving, which is only possible in summer time.

A little conclusion

Far from being presented above full list natural and architectural riches for which the North of Russia is famous. Martial waters, ancient mysterious petroglyphs, Sandal and Onega lakes are places that are visited by millions of tourists every year. They are known as the sights of Karelia. You can see photos of some of them in the article, but they do not convey the fullness of beauty that can be appreciated while in those extraordinary places.

Karelia is amazing northern region, one of the most interesting and unusual corners of Russia. It is located in the north-west of our country and is a republic within the Russian Federation with its capital in the city of Petrozavodsk.

The Karelian region is special. The natural attractions and riches of Karelia are known far beyond Russia. More than half of the republic is occupied by ancient forests, among which there are trees whose age has exceeded two or even three hundred years. A quarter of the republic’s territory is occupied by reservoirs. Karelia is a lake region, there are more than 60 thousand of them. Most of it is connected to each other by rivers and canals, thanks to which local fish species live very comfortably.

But these harsh northern lands are famous not only for their beauty. A huge number of historical and cultural layers intersect here. People settled in these places for a very long time. One of the first mentions of the event is the Novgorod birch bark letter, written about 1000 years ago.

Even then, Karelian tribes lived in the northern Ladoga region, as well as on the Karelian Isthmus. Since ancient times, people of various cultures and nationalities have coexisted in these territories: Sami, Vespas, Karelians, Finns and Russians.

The fertile land has always been a place of clashes of interests different countries. Many major military clashes and local conflicts left their mark here. The largest: Northern, Soviet-Finnish and Great Patriotic War. The ancient Karelian land still bears the scars left from these events.

Karelia – real paradise for tourists who have been visiting this region for several centuries. Peter I also opened the first Russian resort here, which he named Marcial Waters. With the light hand of the emperor, Karelian healing waters became incredibly popular. Russian nobility came here every year to relax, and after the revolution the resort became accessible to everyone.

Another place that has been attracting tourists for decades is the Kivach waterfall. The magnificent cascade inspired famous poets and artists with its beauty, who came to admire the picturesque views. Imperial people also visited here. He was glorified by Gavrila Derzhavin, who wrote the famous “diamonds fall down the mountain.”

Time has passed, but the sights of the Republic of Karelia still remain attractive to guests of the region. Every year they are visited by thousands of tourists who get here on their own or as part of organized groups. Most tourists prefer to visit attractions by car - tourist buses They can’t drive up everywhere, and the total number of interesting objects to explore is over 4 thousand.

The main attractions of Karelia

White Sea petroglyphs

A unique archaeological complex located in the vicinity of the city of Belomorsk. It includes more than two thousand drawings carved on stone, created in the 6th-3rd millennium BC by the ancestors of the Sami who lived in this territory. A monument of primitive art of global significance.

Kivach waterfall

The cascade, sung by poets, is one of the largest flat waterfalls in Europe, second in size only to the Rhine waterfall. Despite the fact that the padun lost some of its strength after water from the Suna was diverted for the needs of the Palyeozerskaya hydroelectric station, it remains powerful and beautiful. The places around the waterfall are very picturesque; tourists can enjoy magnificent views from the observation deck.

Sights of Karelia - Kivach waterfall.

However, Kivach is far from the only waterfall in Karelia. There are hundreds of them here, and they are all very different. These include cascades, water slides, and rapids. Among them there are those that carry their waters constantly, and there are those that come to life only during the spillway of the hydroelectric power station. For example, Poor-threshold and Girvas. Karelian waterfalls are very beautiful and clean, because they are surrounded by nature, untouched by human activity.

Ladoga lake

Ladoga is one of the largest freshwater European lakes. The most beautiful natural and historical monument Karelia. Already in the 9th century AD, the famous “Path from the Varangians to the Greeks” passed along this lake, famous for its difficult temperament and severe storms. The shores and islands of the reservoir contain many historical and natural attractions that attract tourists. Besides, they are very beautiful.

Sights of Karelia - Lake Ladoga.

Ladoga and Onega are the largest bodies of water in Karelia. In addition to them, there are many other lakes: from huge ones to the smallest “lambushkas” hidden in the forests. Almost all of them are full of fish, of which there are several dozen species. Karelian lakes– a real paradise for fishermen.

Ruskeala

An amazing mountain park located in the northern Ladoga region. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that it is at the same time a nature reserve and a museum of the history of mining, located under open air. The main attraction of the park is the famous marble canyon, created by human hands. Its history began in the 18th century, when, on the orders of Catherine II, they began to take stone from here to decorate buildings under construction in St. Petersburg. The place got its name from the village of Ruskeala, built nearby. 2 km from the village there is another interesting natural monumentbeautiful waterfalls on the Tomayoka River.

Attractions north of Petrozavodsk

The sights of Karelia, which can be visited in one day, are located slightly north of its capital. This group of 3 properties lies on the same road and is easily accessible.

Firstly, this is Girvas - the famous paleovolcano, its age is more than 2 billion years. Tourists can view its crater and walk along lava flows frozen in ancient times. Occasionally, when a technological discharge of water occurs over the Palyeozerskaya hydroelectric station, the volcano disappears under a man-made waterfall. For a short time, Girvas becomes a powerful and beautiful 30-meter cascade.

Thirdly, this is the fabulous Mount Sampo. The name itself speaks of the unusualness of the place. Sampo in Karelian-Finnish mythology is an object that brings happiness. According to legend, you need to make a wish on this mountain and it will come true.

In the north-west of Russia there is Republic of Karelia, stretching along the border with Finland. Karelia is an original state within Russia, with its own Constitution, its own special flavor. The uniqueness of the atmosphere of Karelia is associated with the symbiosis of the culture of the titular nationalities - the Karelians, as well as the Vepsians, Finns and the predominant Russian population.

Center Republic of Karelia is the capital of the region - Petrozavodsk city. The city is famous for its embankment, the famous sculptural compositions, which are given to Petrozavodsk by sister cities every City Day. When you walk along the embankment, you fall in love with this region. She reveals all the greatness of the city and Lake Onega- the second largest in Europe after Ladoga, which is also located in Karelia. There is also a monument to the founder of the city, Peter the Great.

In the republic bordering Murmansk, Arkhangelsk, Vologda and Leningrad regions, washed by the White Sea and famous for its lakes, rivers, forests, the unique northern nature has created a number of incredible creations. This is Mount Vottovaara - highest point western part Republic of Karelia, and the famous Kivach waterfall, as well as numerous other waterfalls of the republic, Ladoga skerries and much more.

All this splendor is located in the edge of northern coniferous forests, rich in lingonberries, strawberries, currants, raspberries, blueberries, cloudberries, blueberries, and cranberries. In the rivers and lakes there are trout, salmon, vendace, pike, bream, white bream... all this diversity is characteristic of the unique Karelian nature in forests far from the bustle of the city, which attracts numerous tourists from different regions Russia and countries of the world.

But not only for fishing lovers and have a relaxing holiday in the lap of nature Republic of Karelia with its mild climate, rich flora and fauna, it will be the most hospitable place on Earth. The sound of water on river rapids attracts rafting enthusiasts to Karelia. Once in Karelia for rafting, be it on catamarans, rafts or kayaks, a person for a long time cannot forget the journey, which again and again will return him to a world where everyone finds peace of mind. There are also many other types extreme recreation in Karelia, where anyone can evaluate their abilities, get the necessary dose of adrenaline, and after a day's drive, sing songs by the fire, enjoying the beauty of Karelian nature.

Numerous tourists are also attracted to such objects on the territory of Karelia as Marcial Waters (the oldest resort in Russia, which was opened by order of Peter the Great in 1719, when he discovered the healing power of springs gushing from underground), the Kivach nature reserve, Vodlozersky national park, Paanajärvi National Park, Ruskeala Marble Canyon. In addition, the most popular are the world famous Kizhi Island, monuments of wooden architecture, which are under UNESCO protection, the island of Valaam with the famous Valaam Monastery, where you can

In the north-west of Russia, near White Sea, is the Republic of Karelia. The capital is the city of Petrozavodsk. The climate of Karelia is mild, with big amount precipitation. Winters are snowy, and short summers can be quite warm. The fauna of the republic was formed after the Ice Age; of the 63 species of mammals, many are listed in the Red Book. In this review we have collected the main sights of Karelia– 11 best tourist places.

1. Kizhi Museum-Reserve

There are about 1650 islands on Lake Onega. Located 68 km from Petrozavodsk, Kizhi is famous for its architectural ensemble, which is the most popular attraction in Karelia. Ancient churches and huts built in the 18th century are considered unique monuments of wooden architecture. The most famous of them are included in temple complex Kizhi churchyard, this is the main Transfiguration Church (1714), Intercession Church (1764), and the bell tower. The Church of the Resurrection of Lazarus was moved to the island, the construction of which dates back to the 14th century - one of the oldest places of worship. Chapels, peasant houses, barns, baths and barns were collected from different villages of Obonezhye and all regions of Karelia.

2. Ruskeala Mountain Park

The Ruskeala Mountain Park is considered a monument of industrial culture of the 17th – early 20th centuries, which is also an amazing natural attraction of the Republic of Karelia. After the cessation of marble mining, the Ruskeala quarries became mountain lakes with clear bluish-green water, and abandoned mines turned into caves and beautiful grottoes. Blocks from the Marble Canyon were used to clad historical buildings in St. Petersburg, such as St. Isaac's Cathedral, as well as the Ladozhskaya and Primorskaya metro stations.

3. Ruskeala waterfalls

The Tokhmajoki River is one of the most large rivers Ladoga region. The yellowish color of its water is due to the high content of iron salts in it. Because of this local residents The river is called Ruskolka. "Ruskea" translated from Karelian means "red-haired". There are four waterfalls in total, they are located near the village of Ruskeala. The waterfalls are flat, so their height is 3-4 meters. You can see them while driving past on the road. There is a nearby Observation deck. The feature film “The Dawns Here Are Quiet” took place here, and later many episodes of the fantasy film “The Dark World” were filmed at the waterfalls. During the Tahmajoki flood, lovers of rafting on catamarans and kayaks come from afar. And although at this time the current is especially strong and the descent is dangerous, there are more and more tourists.

4. Solovetsky Monastery

The next attraction that you should definitely visit during a tour of Karelia is the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Solovetsky Monastery. It was erected in 1420-1430. and even in pre-Petrine times he was one of the largest landowners in the state. In 1669-1676. put up active resistance to the church reform of Patriarch Nikon, and then began to relate to the official church. For many years the monastery was a major defensive center. Thick fortress walls held back multiple sieges by enemy troops. In 1920 the monastery was closed, and from 1923 to 1939. the Solovetsky special purpose camp was located there. There are no exact data on the number of deaths. During World War II, a school for cabin boys was located on the islands. Now there is a stauropegic monastery on the island; monastic life there has been resumed since 1990.

5. Valaam

Translated from Finnish, Valaam means “high mountainous land" This is the most big Island as part of the archipelago on which the Valaam stauropegial monastery and village are located. In 1960, the island was opened to tourists. In 1979, a reserve was organized on its territory and restoration was carried out. Pilgrims from all over the country come here to get acquainted with the life of the famous religious center, look at the 72-meter bell tower, and feel the spirit of high morality and mental fortitude. In December 2005, the sound of the 1000-pound bell “St. Andrew the First-Called” could be heard for the first time. Every year, the island of Valaam is visited by about 100 thousand pilgrims, of which approximately 90 thousand are tourists. This is one of the most visited tourist places in Karelia.

6. National Museum in Petrozavodsk

National Museum was founded in 1871. Its buildings are located in historical center and were built in the classical style of the last third of the 18th century. Today it is one of the oldest museum institutions in Karelia. In total, it presents more than 200,000 objects related to nature, archeology, as well as exhibits that influenced the history of the region. In addition, it is here that there are objects reflecting Russian culture, as well as the crafts and history of smaller nationalities, such as the Karelians and Vepsians. At the present time, the museum is implementing a whole system of exhibitions that will be dedicated to Petrozavodsk and Karelia as a whole.

7. Kivach

Kivach is one of the most beautiful natural attractions of the Republic of Karelia. This powerful waterfall on the Suna River, whose name was used to create the reserve. The height of the total fall of the waterfall is about 10 meters with a length of 170 m. The waterfall is divided by a rock into two streams. Main thread (with right side) goes down along four ledges at once, while the secondary one (on the left side) is divided into several separate jets, gradually entering the main flow. Due to the construction of the Girvas dam, the waterfall has seriously lost its power, since water flows into it from only a 30-kilometer section. Despite this, Kivach is considered one of the most famous and accessible waterfalls in Karelia, which still remains very beautiful.

8. Zoo complex “Three Bears”

The Three Bears zoo complex was created in 2004. Located 70 kilometers from Petrozavodsk on the shore of Syamozero in a pine forest, which is known for its healing air. The main goal was to create a scientific exhibition wildlife, where people could watch animals in their natural environment a habitat. For this purpose, almost all the local fauna was brought to the complex, from bears to chinchillas. Thus, it was planned to educate young people about the intricacies of the interconnections of the animal world, as well as provide tourists with a decent vacation. Various games, competitions and events are regularly held for children on the territory of the complex, and the owners make every effort to improve the environmental situation in the region.

9. Paanajärvi National Park

Paanajärvi National Park is protected natural object Karelia with federal significance. Created in 1992 as a result of a government decree to preserve Lake Paanajärvi and the Olangi River as natural complexes, as well as more rational use of their resources. The territory of the park includes more than 103 thousand hectares, while throughout its entire area there is not a single settlement. There are a total of 15 major geological features in the park, as well as 54 monuments of high scientific value, such as the Kivakka and Zipringa intrusions as examples. In addition, this is where you can often observe the northern lights.

10. Vodlozersky National Park

The territory of the Vodlozersky Park includes 468 thousand hectares, and only 130 of them belong to Karelia. On its square there are permanent archaeological excavations, ecotourism is also available. The main attraction is the territory of Vodlozerye, the oldest cultural region of the Russian North. It was this park that became the first biosphere reserve on the territory of the Russian Federation, according to the decision of UNESCO.

11. Assumption Church in Kondopoga

A beautiful Orthodox landmark of Karelia, the Assumption Church is located in the historical district of the city of Kondopoga, on a cape that extends into the waters of the Kondopoga Bay of Lake Onega. The temple is a protected site cultural heritage with federal significance. The first documented description of the church dates back to 1563. Subsequently, the church was rebuilt about three times. The modern, fourth temple was erected in 1774 as a memorial to those killed during the Kizhi uprising. Construction took place during the decline of wooden architecture, which affected the architecture of the building. Among the surviving objects one can note the iconostasis, as well as the icon-painted sky ceiling. The height of the building is 42 meters, which makes the church a rather unique object and shows the skill of the workers of that time.

Republic of Karelia located in the north-west of the Russian Federation between Bely and Baltic seas. It borders with Finland in the west, with the Vologda and Leningrad regions in the south, with Arkhangelsk in the east, with Murmansk in the north. The main relief is represented by hilly plains, turning into highlands in the west. The climate is mild with heavy rainfall, varying on the territory of the republic from maritime to continental. Characterized by long, relatively mild winters and short, cool summers. The area of ​​Karelia is 172.4 thousand km², divided into: 16 districts, 2 urban districts; on its territory there are 13 cities and 11 villages. The capital is Petrozavodsk.

Petrozavodsk founded in 1703 by Peter I, who ordered the creation of a cannon foundry at the mouth of the Lososinka River, later named Petrovsky in his honor. The city stretches along the shore of Lake Onega.

The territory of modern Petrozavodsk includes 31 ancient settlement, the oldest of them is 8 thousand years old. Petrozavodsk begins many tourist routes Karelia. and has the status historical city RF.

There are different ways to get to Petrozavodsk:

From Moscow to Petrozavodsk - 1010 km.

  • A short road trip along the Moscow – Tver – Valdai – Novgorod – Petrozavodsk highway (9-11 hours on the way).
  • There is a regular railway service (travel time - 13-16 hours, departure - from Leningradsky and Kursky railway stations).
  • Region Avia regularly operates flights between the cities (travel time - up to 2 hours, departure from Domodedovo, arrival in Besovets).

From St. Petersburg to Petrozavodsk – 412 km.

  • By car you can travel along the following route: “St. Petersburg – Sortavala – Petrozavodsk” (4-5 hours on the way).
  • You can get there by direct train (trip duration - 7-8 hours, departure - from Ladozhsky station).

Let's highlight the most interesting sights of Karelia by type.

Natural attractions

The shores of the northern land are washed by waves White Sea. Their temperature in summer is 6-15°C; from autumn the sea freezes until June. Quiet lakes give way to stormy rivers, which gives Karelian nature a rare uniqueness. Karelia is a “country of lakes”; there are about 60,000 of them. Lakes Ladoga and Onega are the largest in Europe. Pristine corners of nature have been preserved in national parks Paanayarvi, Kalevalsky, in the Kandalaksha and Kostomuksha nature reserve. Deserves special mention Kivach Nature Reserve and eponymous waterfall on the Suna River.

Marcial Waters Resort

Year-round resort complex, created in 1719 by Peter I. Used in treatment Gabozero medicinal mud and glandular mineral water. Named “marcial waters” in honor of the god of iron and war, Mars. Located in the Kondopozhsky district, 54 km north of Petrozavodsk.

You can get there from Petrozavodsk: by bus to the stop of the same name or by sanatorium transport, departure from the square near the railway station or by car: in the direction to Shuya, Kondopoga, after the Shuyskaya station, turn left behind the rock with a worship cross (at the turn there is a sign “To Girvas”), pass the village of Tsarevich and Kosalama village, then fork to Konchezero, do not turn off until Marcialnye Vody village).

Worth to visit: the wooden church of the Apostle Peter, the bell tower, the Museum of the History of “Marcial Waters”.

Seids on the Kuzov Islands in the White Sea.

Along the sea route from the port of Kem to the Solovetsky Islands there is Kuzova archipelago. It includes 16 uninhabited domed islets, famous for their unique cult complexes times of the ancient Sami population. About 800 different stone structures have no analogues in the world.

There are no regular flights to the islands. You can get there by boat on your own or with an organized group.

Architectural and cultural-historical sights

People come to Karelia to worship history: Kizhi, Solovetsky architectural and historical ensemble, Valaam archipelago, Voinitsa, Kalevala, petroglyphs, ancient villages. These places are a time capsule, taking travelers into Russia's past.

Kizhi Museum-Reserve

Located in the open air on the island. Kizhi in Lake Onega, 68 km from Petrozavodsk. It collected 89 monuments of wooden architecture. Worth to visit: unique Architectural ensemble Kizhi Pogost, the 22-domed Transfiguration Church, the Church of the Resurrection of Lazarus, the Intercession of the Virgin Mary, the Chapel of the Archangel Michael, the ancient houses of Oshevnev and Elizarova.

Getting there from Petrozavodsk possible: river public transport, travel time 1 hour 15 minutes or by water taxi (by agreement); by off-road pneumatic all-terrain vehicle - in winter, the journey takes 1.5 hours, or by helicopter from the Peski airport.

Valaam archipelago

A nature reserve located in the north of Lake Ladoga. In summer there are short white nights on Valaam. On the island of Valaam preserved Spaso-Preobrazhensky Valaam Monastery- an ancient monastic monastery, considered the spiritual center of Orthodox Rus'. Worth to visit: Assumption Church, Resurrection Skete, Chapel of the Ascension, stable and water supply houses, buildings of the Red and White Sketes.

Get to Valaam Island Possible: by motor ship - travel time 50 minutes, departure – Sortvala or by helicopter from Petrozavodsk. IN winter time You can also get there by hovercraft; from Sortavala the travel time is 45 minutes.

From Petrozavodsk to Sortavala you can get there: by bus “Petrozavodsk - Sortavala” or “Petrozavodsk - Lakhdenpokhya” (about 5 hours); by car: through Pryazha along the R-21 highway, 280 km.

Solovetsky Archipelago

Concentrated in the White Sea, it includes 106 islands. The main attractions are located on Bolshoi Solovetsky Island: Botanical Garden; Spaso-Preobrazhensky Solovetsky Monastery. In the 20s 20th century here was the Solovetsky Special Purpose Camp (SLON), where political prisoners were exiled.

How to get to the Solovetsky Islands:

  • From the city of Kem: by motor ship (travel time - 2-4 hours, departure from the pier in the village of Rabocheostrovsk, 12 km from the city of Kem). A train runs from Petrozavodsk to Kem.
  • From the city of Belomorsk: on the ship “Sapphire” (travel time up to 4 hours, departure from the pier of the Belomorsk fishing port).
  • In winter, Solovki can be reached by plane from Petrozavodsk.

They are drawings engraved on rocks depicting people, boats, scenes of hunting, ritual processions, and wars. They were found at the mouth of the Vyg River on the rocks of small islands 9 km from Belomorsk. Their age is 6000 years, and their number is about two thousand.

Onega petroglyphs

number about 1200 images, often combined into compositions. Scattered in groups on the rocks. Petroglyphs originated in the Neolithic era.

How to get there:

  • White Sea petroglyphs are located near villages of Vygostrov and Zolotets village 6-8 km.
  • Onega is less accessible: the closest ones are 4 km from the Kochkovnavolok Peninsula, the farthest ones are 17 km from Guryi Island, Cape Peri Nos. From Water station of Petrozavodsk Passenger ships go to the village of Shala, then you will have to rent a boat or walk. Highway In a bad condition.

Ancient Karelian villages

These are living monuments of wooden architecture. Their buildings show the world examples of high carpentry skills.

Ancient Vepsian Sheltozero village known since 1543, located 84 km from Petrozavodsk on the shore of Lake Onega. The two-story log house of Melkov from the 19th century has been preserved, in it - Sheltozero Vepsian Ethnographic Museum. Vepsian Folk Choir was founded in 1937.

It is better to get to the villages as part of a tourist group. Interesting tour ancient villages by jeep.

ABOUT Kinerma village mentioned in the chronicles of 1563. Kinerma is located 100 km from Petrozavodsk next to Lake Ladoga, 6 km from the village. Vedlozero. Here is the chapel of Our Lady of Smolensk from the 18th century, which is surrounded by an ancient religious spruce grove, peasant huts and “black-style” baths from the 19th century.

The ancient Pomeranian village is located 35 km southeast of Belomorsk. It contains wooden houses and the remains of a saltworks Solovetsky Monastery 16-17 centuries, Church of Peter and Paul 17 century.

Karelia- an amazing land of blue lakes and amazing landscapes, white nights and hundred-year-old fir trees, rich fishing and successful hunting. Republic exclusively rich in spiritual, cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is interesting for antique lovers. Coming to Karelia, you find yourself in another dimension, in another era, where time has stood still and nature has remained unknown, retaining its unique charm.

Are you afraid of extreme relaxation? Read the article about, from it you can get ideas for have an interesting adventure. From the material you will learn that rafting is available not only to professional extreme sports enthusiasts, and at this link you can find an article about Norilsk - a city of extremely low temperatures.