An unforgettable vacation
Republic of Karelia
The Republic of Karelia is the northwestern territory of Russia, which differs from other subjects by its history and cultural identity. The republic is adjacent to the Leningrad, Vologda, Murmansk and Arkhangelsk regions, and borders Finland in the west. The capital of the republic is located in the city of Petrozavodsk. More than half of the region's territory is occupied by forests (coniferous trees predominate), it is also rich in water resources — there are many lakes and rivers. Located in the Republic of Onega and Ladoga Lakes are the largest in Europe, they are also washed by the White Sea.
To preserve the natural beauty, nature reserves, national and natural parks, nature reserves were created.
The terrain is also amazing — there are meteorite craters, traces of ancient volcanoes, and boulders, furrows and moraine ridges are echoes of the last glaciation. All this creates excellent conditions for ecotourism, which is becoming more popular every year.
Why is it worth visiting here?
Fascinating leisure
Active recreation, hiking, excursions and much more.
Fresh air
Clean forest, lots of reservoirs.
Beautiful nature
Beautiful sunrises, landscapes and a starry sky.
Excursions
Karelia is unique for its natural objects, and the architecture and culture of the region are also distinctive. It is also interesting to visit local museums that offer visitors rich expositions and original formats of acquaintance with them.
For active recreation in Karelia there are hiking in the park, water trips, trolls, visiting a rope park, diving, quad biking and snowmobiling.
Examples of folk wooden architecture, the special spirit of the ancient village, rural life can be felt thanks to a trip to the ancient villages of Karelia. Among these most famous places are the village of Sheltozero, the villages of Kinerma, Rubchoila, Korza, Manga.
Museums are also the main value of the republic
Food and drinks
Since ancient times, one of the crafts of the inhabitants was fishing, in the lakes there was a wide variety of fish. That is why there are so many fish dishes in the local cuisine, while meat was rarely served. The Karelian diet also included vegetables - turnips, potatoes, radishes, cabbage, onions, carrots. There were often mushrooms and berries on the table, which nature generously shared.y
- Kalitki
- Kalarokka
- Meat in Peter's style
- National fish cakes
Cafes and restaurants
- YagelRepublic of Karelia, Petrozavodsk, Embankment 27, building 2.
- RelaxRepublic of Karelia, Sortavala, Karelskaya Street, 29/15.
- Karelian GornitsaRepublic of Karelia, Petrozavodsk, Engels str., 13.
Hotels
Karelia is so beautiful that you want to go around this whole region! Or look from the bus window, depending on how active you are. In any case, after a good, busy day in Karelia, you need a good rest - and there are many interesting hotels for every taste. Here is a selection of six hotels in Karelia, collected according to the principle of diversity and unusualness
- A point on the map - comfort–class hotelA modern country–style hotel located in the village of Ruttu to the north of Sortavala, on the shore of a lake - and around several more lakes and a stunningly beautiful forest. The hotel is perfect for lovers of outdoor activities, and even offers something like buggy or snowmobile rides, a rope park, and walks along historical trails. They also have hotels in Lodeynoye Pole, Priozersk and Vidlitsa.
- Hotel "Sakvoyazh"Perfect for travelers who decide to choose a tour to Petrozavodsk for two days or more. Located in the historical (business and cultural) center of Petrozavodsk, among the services – sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room, swimming pool – you can relax perfectly after an intensive walk around the capital of Karelia!
- Yakkima Hotel ComplexIt is located in Lahdenpohye on the shore of the bay – one of the deepest in Lake Ladoga. Lovers of solving the mysteries and legends of the past will like it – St. Valentine's Chapel is located nearby. In addition to the usual hotel rooms, guests are also offered modular houses, two of which are brand new. And in the cafe "Runduchok", which is part of the complex, you can taste traditional Karelian cuisine.
- Recreation center "Long Beach"It is located on the shore of Lake Ladoga in its northern part, north of Pitkyaranta (or east of Sortavala, depending on where to go). A quiet place, well suited for lovers of relaxation, the opposite of the previous point – calm, relaxed, unity with nature and enjoying the silence. Of the proposed activities, it is worth highlighting boat trips on skerries. They are not available all year round – when it's stormy in the cold, it's really not the best time to go for a boat trip – but if you come in the summer, this walk should be arranged for yourself.
Tourist complex "drive Park Ladoga"
It is located on the border of the Leningrad Region and Karelia, on the west coast of Lake Ladoga, north of Priozersk. Despite the name in the style of modern times, this hotel will really appeal to history lovers. There is a Streletsky prison, a Viking village and a border outpost – all these are objects where you can see people's lives in ancient times with the help of reenactors.- Hotel ‘Karlen’It is located in Lahdenpohye on the shore of the bay – one of the deepest in Lake Ladoga. Lovers of solving the mysteries and legends of the past will like it – St. Valentine's Chapel is located nearby. In addition to the usual hotel rooms, guests are also offered modular houses, two of which are brand new. And in the cafe "Runduchok", which is part of the complex, you can taste traditional Karelian cuisine.
Transport in the Republic of Karelia
It is most convenient to move around the region by car (to come by your own or use a rental car).
Car
During trips to natural attractions, off-road vehicles get an advantage: it is impossible to get through many sections by car.
Water transport
popular destinations like flights from Petrozavodsk to Kizhi or from Sortavala to Valaam
Bus and Trolleybus
from Petrozavodsk to Sortavala you can leave at a price of 700 rubles (travel time 4 hours), to Belomorsk — from 800 rubles (6 hours), to Kostomuksha — from 1100 rubles (9 hours). In the bus schedule there are also excursion routes to interesting places in Karelia: for example, in this way they often go to Ruskeala.
If a building becomes architecture, then it is art
Business tourism facilities
- Cottage complex "Velt"
Location: Kalevala village
Web: www.kalevala-welt.ru
A multifunctional hall for holding various events is open on the territory of the cottage complex. - Hotel "Olonia"
Location: Olonets, Svirsky divisii str., 5
The hotel has a conference room with the necessary equipment - Segezha Hotel Complex
Location: Segezha, Lesokulturnaya str., 4
Web: www.hotelsegezha.ru
The hotel has two conference halls with the necessary equipment. - Onego Palace Hotel
Location: Petrozavodsk, Kuibyshev str., 26
Web: www.onegopalace.com
The modern hotel complex has 3 conference halls for 70, 85 and 205 seats with presentation and sound-amplifying equipment;
Tips for tourists
- 1What to take with you to KareliaEven in summer, a windbreaker, a warm sweater, thermal underwear, warm socks will be useful in the Karelian expanses. If you visit churches in Karelia, women will need a headscarf and long-sleeve clothing, and the skirt and dress should be below the knees.
It is better to take non-slip shoes and without heels: sneakers, half-boots, sandals. In case of rain, it's worth grabbing a replacement pair.
In the warm season, you will need insect repellent, sunglasses and sunscreen (especially if you spend your holidays with savages with tents).
In small settlements, bank cards are not accepted everywhere. ATMs are also not guaranteed, so grab cash. - 2What to bring from KareliaJewelry boxes, watches, key rings, etc. From birch, you can even find computer flash drives here.Karelian herbal balm and tinctures on wild berries. You can buy Karelian balsam in local supermarkets, alcohol stores and souvenir shops.Souvenirs from shungite. This black stone mineral is a real pearl of Karelia. Shungite has medicinal properties, beads, rosaries, bracelets and other products are made from it.
- 3Why should I go to Karelia?It is worth going to Karelia to see the beautiful nature, taste the national Karelian cuisine, admire historical sights, ride deer, fish by boat, visit places of power (Kizhi, Valaam, Solovetsky Monastery), nature reserves and national parks of Karelia.
