The largest city in Karelia. Maps of Karelia cities. Beaches. Which ones are better

“I will dream about Karelia for a long time, They will dream from these pores of the pointed fir trees of the eyelashes above the blue eyes of the lakes.” Gin V.

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

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

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

How to get there?

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

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

By plane

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

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

Planes do not fly from St. Petersburg to Petrozavodsk.

By train

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

What trains, when and how long the journey will take you to Petrozavodsk, if you choose the train option - all this is described in

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

By bus

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

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

By car

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

And if you are going to some village or not Big city ok, then it’s not the road that will lead you there, but some pathetic semblance of it.

By ferry

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

The largest ports in Karelia are Kem and Belomorsk. like a city on the shore Lake Onega, also has its own river port.

Cruises depart from St. Petersburg and Moscow calling at and the city. They are not cheap - from 20,000 RUB, but this price already includes food and excursion service.

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

Clue:

Republic of Karelia - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 0

Kazan 0

Samara 1

Ekaterinburg 2

Novosibirsk 4

Vladivostok 7

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

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

When should you go? It all depends on your plans and what you plan to do. Do you want to go to Valaam or? Come in early June or September. Do you want to kayak or raft along our rivers? Then it’s better to go in early May, since at this time the water in the rivers rises and riding the rapids is a pleasure.

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

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

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

Republic of Karelia in summer

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

In June the temperature can be as low as 10 degrees Celsius. On some days it drops below zero. It may also snow at the very beginning of the month.

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

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

August will still delight you with warm days, but by the middle of the heat you should not wait any longer. It's getting cooler - up to +10. Towards the end there is another period of tick activity again.

Republic of Karelia in autumn

At the beginning of September you will enjoy the “Indian summer”. The temperature stays at +15 or even +20. It only lasts a week (give or take a couple of days). Then the rains begin. The temperature is already +5 or 0 degrees. By the end of the month, that same golden time begins that so delighted Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin.

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

The first snow already falls in November. This is the period that I hate in Karelia - the snow falls, then it melts, and there is slush everywhere. Then the same cycle begins. The air temperature is 0 and falling even lower. Freezing rain and snow may also fall. In the northern regions of Karelia the weather is even worse.

Republic of Karelia in spring

In March there is still snow all around in Karelia. Winter is in full swing and shows no sign of going away. Air temperature -25 degrees. It may be slightly higher or lower. The frost outside is just as strong. Snow sometimes falls in large flakes.

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

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

Republic of Karelia in winter

In December it often snows and blizzards blow. Daytime temperature 0/-10. In the evening it drops further. In early December, snow falls and then immediately melts. Then the cold starts again, causing the puddles formed from the snow to freeze, turning the streets into a real skating rink.

January is cold, white and frosty. “Frost and sun - a wonderful day.” This is how you can describe this month. You can already ski, as the snow cover allows it. During the day the temperature is −25.-20 degrees. The streets are sprinkled with sand, but not everywhere. You need to walk carefully.

In February, the most severe frosts begin, when you don’t even want to show your nose outside. The temperature reaches −30 degrees below zero. In some places it could be -35. It is imperative to dress warmly. I always walked around at this time dressed like a cabbage. Because otherwise you will quickly freeze. On the plus side, it's good for skiing or skating.

Clue:

Republic of Karelia - weather by month

Conditional areas. Descriptions and features

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

Ladoga and its shores

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

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

• Another interesting city- Pitkäranta. The international tourist route, the Blue Road, passes through it. It connects Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. It was called Blue because it runs along lakes and rivers.

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

• The Olonets State Nature Reserve is also located here. This is a nature reserve in which many typical representatives of the Karelian forest live. Visiting is only possible for organized tourist groups.

Onega and its banks

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

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

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

Shores of the White Sea

• This is a completely different region of Karelia, with its own energy. Some of the largest and most interesting cities here include Kem or Belomorsk. The village of Rabocheostrovsk is very famous, where the film “The Island” was filmed. From there ships also depart to the Solovetsky Islands. They have been written about in detail.

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

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

What are the prices for holidays?

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

• A room in a hotel or inn will cost you from 1500 to 3000 RUB. IN tourist season, and this summer, accommodation prices are rising. It will be cheaper to stay in a hostel - from 500-600 RUB.
• You can rent a room or even an apartment. The first one will cost you 5,000 - 7,000 RUB thousand, and the second - from 10,000 - 15,000 and above. These are prices without paying for utilities and Internet (this is another plus 2000 - 3000 RUB). It is convenient to choose and book accommodation on. You can look at prices for apartments and compare the cost of hotel rooms by.

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

Main attractions. What to see

It is best to travel around Karelia by car, since not all attractions can be reached by buses or trains.

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

Top 5

I would include these places in the top 5 attractions of Karelia: Kizhi Island, Ruskeala Island, Paanajärvi National Park and Marcial Waters with the Kivach waterfall.

Kizhi Island

This is the jewel in the crown of Karelia. Green Island, which attracts tourists from all over the world. Wooden churches of Kizhi have long been business card Karelia. “Comets” and “Meteoras” depart there from Petrozavodsk - special ships that deliver tourists to the island.

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

Valaam Island

When we approached Valaam, I saw a white monastery building among the trees. I've only been there once and not for long. But I still remember my impressions of this place. The monument of Russian architecture - the Valaam Monastery - delights everyone who has seen it. Blue domes with reddish walls against a background of gray rocks - that’s what this monastery is all about.

Besides it, there are many other hermitages on the island, which are hidden among the trees and rocks.

Ruskeala

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

It’s easy to find - it’s located not far from the city, so you need to move towards this city, and then follow the sign to “Ruskeala”.

There is a parking lot next to the park where you can leave your car. Opposite it there are souvenir shops. Once you have purchased your tickets, you can begin your route. It goes along the lake, which is located inside the canyon. Hiking trail marked with signs, and there are guardrails and warning signs near steep cliffs.

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

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

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

Paanajärvi National Park

If you dream of a place where you can be alone with nature, then Paanajärvi Park is just what you need. Waterfalls, clear rivers and lakes, mountains - everything can be found here. And you can drink water directly from reservoirs! It's so clean! “There are traces of unknown animals on unknown paths.” The park is home to many animals and is monitored.

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

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

Marcial waters and Kivach waterfall

It is no coincidence that I combined them into one attraction. Most of the proposed excursions to the Kivachu waterfall immediately imply a trip to Marcial Waters. This is due to the fact that they are located close to each other. Therefore, it is very convenient to kill two birds with one stone.

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

Marcial Waters is a balneological resort that Peter the Great himself appreciated. There are springs with different types of water - ferruginous, nitrogenous, and slightly mineralized. Each separate source is located in its own wooden house. There is a sign there indicating what diseases this water helps with. It can be drunk in certain quantities. You can take it with you, but you cannot keep it for a long time - it can only stand for a day.

At the Martial Waters there is also small museum, which tells the story of the founding of this resort. Nearby there is a sanatorium of the same name, where you can undergo treatment for a fee.

Beaches. Which ones are better

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

The beaches on Lake Onega are better. Here you can often find real beaches with clean white sand - you need to know the places and that’s it. On the road from Petrozavodsk to Sortavala there are such beaches. Many of the others have stones. Be careful when entering the water, as the bottom may be littered with boulders or debris.

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

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

Finland

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

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

Arhangelsk region

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

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

Murmansk region

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

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

Leningrad region

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

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

Vologda Region

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

If you climb to the very top, you will have a simply amazing view of the entire city! We passed through the region itself by bus, and I noticed that it was all green - in forests.

Nearby Islands

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

Food. What to try

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

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

Karelian dishes are prepared based on lake fish, mushrooms and berries. As for meat, the Karelians did not eat fresh deer or elk meat, but dried it and salted it so that it would last longer.

The cuisine of Karelia was also influenced by that adopted in middle lane Russia. Ordinary, peasant dishes - “cabbage soup and porridge are our food,” as they say.

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

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

Features of mentality

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

Holidays

There are several national holidays in Karelia, but all of them are hardly celebrated. The same Day of the Republic of Karelia, which is officially celebrated on June 8, passes almost unnoticed in the capital - Petrozavodsk. Among the major holidays: City Days, which are held differently in each city. On May 1 and May 9, fireworks are held in Petrozavodsk, and on the second of them the “Immortal Regiment” action takes place.

Safety. What to watch out for

In my opinion, Karelia is safe area. They act here general rules- do not walk at night, follow general safety rules.

In the summer, if you go rafting on rivers, then follow the requirements of the instructors who will accompany you. This is not an easy walk, but belongs to the category - extreme view sports. So don't ignore what the instructors tell you.

It is better to go to the forests of Karelia as part of a tourist group, since alone or alone you can get lost. Moreover, there are wild animals here - bears, deer and moose. By the way, they are under state protection, so shooting them is prohibited. Even if you accidentally hit an elk on the road, you will have to pay a fine for it.

Things to do

There are many rivers in Karelia with rapids of varying difficulty levels. Therefore here perfect place for rafting, kayaking or catamarans. Travel companies they offer rafting for 8,000-9,000 RUB for several days. There are also more expensive ones - it all depends on how long you want to go on such a hike.

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

In winter, come to us for skiing! Here, of course, not, but the nature is pure and pristine! Ski rental will cost you only RUB 300 per day, but what a pleasant feeling it is to hear skis glide on the snow.

Another winter entertainment is husky sled dog riding. An exciting trip can last from 15 to 20 minutes. In terms of price, it costs from 800 to 2000 RUB.

Shopping and shops

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

Bars

For me, the coolest bars are in Petrozavodsk. Although in recent years some have often opened and others closed. The establishments are constantly changing, so I don’t even risk recommending something specific to you. Who knows - maybe in 2-3 months it will close?

In other cities of Karelia there are bars, but they provide a standard set of services. These are more like pubs or “drink bars”, as in St. Petersburg.

Clubs and nightlife

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

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

Extreme Sports

An extreme sport is rafting or catamaran rafting on the rivers of Karelia.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

When you go into a souvenir shop or approach a souvenir shop, your eyes will simply run wild from the variety. What can you bring from Karelia?

Products made from Karelian birch - these can be boxes, mirrors, combs, jewelry. They smell very tasty and are of good quality. Prices - from 200 RUB.

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

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

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

And how can we not remember here the famous Karelian balsam! Among other alcoholic and Karelian drinks, you can buy tinctures made from local berries - cranberries or cloudberries. Prices - from 450-500 RUB.

How to get around the region

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

Excursions to Kondopoga or Sortavala with visits to nearby attractions are organized from Petrozavodsk. They cost from 5,000 RUB. These are bus tours.

Taxi. What features exist

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

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

You can only pay for a taxi in cash. Cards are not accepted.

Public transport

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

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

Transport rental

I haven’t seen any special car rental offices in cities. You can find anything you want. Renting a car is not very practical, since remote areas of the republic are not very safe for movement. And the roads in Karelia are bad, so you won’t have to pay too much for rent later.

Karelian roads were built, as they say, according to the principle: “How a drunken coachman drove by.” There are simply countless turns, U-turns, potholes. It’s not just driving on such roads, but stopping.

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

Republic of Karelia - holidays with children

With children, you can safely go to the Kivach waterfall or Kizhi. You can also go to Ruskeala with them. They will definitely love it there! Riding boats, jumping from rock to rock is very exciting for them!

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

Ski holiday

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

Karelia - amazing beautiful region, which has long become a coveted place of pilgrimage for many tourists from all over the world. They are attracted not only by magnificent landscapes, but also by architecture, as well as the sights of cities that are unique and homely. Let's talk about them.

Large cities of Karelia: list

In total, there are 13 cities in Karelia with a relatively low population density. Topping the list is the capital of the region - Petrozavodsk, located on the shores of Lake Onega and occupying 135 square meters. km.

It begins long before 1777, when a small village became a city. It flourished since the time of Peter the Great, by whose decree an arms factory was erected on the banks of the Onega. Picturesque lakes within the city, an abundance of museums, including the famous Kizhi Island, and art galleries make the city amazing and unique. This is where the most tempting things begin tourist routes. capital - 277.1 thousand people

The second largest city (31.2 thousand people) is a fairly young city Kondopoga(1938), located not far from the capital. Mentions of the first settlements in these places date back to the 15th century, and since the 40s of the twentieth century, marble deposits have been discovered here. Unusual belfries - Dutch carillon bells - give the city a special flavor.

Cities of Karelia

The list will continue with Kostomuksha, a city with a population of 29.5 thousand people, formed in 1983 on the site of an ancient village of the same name. Kostomuksha is located on the shore of Lake Kostomuksha, and the Karelsky Okatysh mining and processing enterprise became the city-forming enterprise.

Another city that emerged in 1943 and forms Segezha urban settlement, - Segezha with a population of 27.5 thousand people. Its location is Lake Vygozero, 267 km from Petrozavodsk.

The small but wonderful cities of Karelia are beautiful and attractive, a list of which is presented below:

Sortalava, included in the list of historical cities of Russia, was founded in 1632. Number of people: 18.7 thousand people. Sortalava is second after the capital of the republic tourist centre. This is the starting point of water routes to the famous Valaam.

Medvezhyegorsk is a city with a population of 14.5 thousand people, located 152 km from Petrozavodsk, formed as a settlement for construction workers of the railway to the bays of the Barents Sea. Recognized as a city in 1938.

Ancient Kem, located on and founded in 1785, and previously a former posadnitsa volost donated to the Solovetsky Monastery in 1450. Today the population of the town is 11.8 thousand people.

Small towns

The smallest entities include the following cities of Karelia (list):

Pitkäranta (1940) - a settlement with 10.7 thousand inhabitants;

Belomorsk (1938) - 10.1 thousand people;

Suoyarvi (1940) - 9.1 thousand people;

Pudozh (1785) - 9.2 thousand people;

Olonets (1649) - 8.2 thousand people;

Lahdenpokhya (1945) - 7.5 thousand people.

The cities of Karelia, the list of which we have presented, are unique and amazing. All of them - both ancient and recently emerged - leave a wonderful mark on the soul and make you return to Karelia again and again.