Sortavala: pearl of Karelia
Sortavala is a small town in Karelia, built in the XVII century. Karelia has become very popular in recent years, with several trains running there daily from Moscow. You get on the train at Leningrad station in the evening, and in the morning you are already breathing deeply in the Karelian forests.
You can feel like an aristocrat of the XIX century by riding a stylized retro train from Sortavala to Ruskeala. The compartments of the steam—powered retro train are decorated in the style of the Nikolaevsky Express – the designers recreated the atmosphere of ancient wagons in the interior details. An hour of unforgettable impressions, and you will be able to admire the marble canyon in the Ruskeala Mountain Reserve. And if you want to think about the eternal, you can board the Meteor and find yourself on the mysterious island of Valaam in forty minutes.
Sortavala is located on the northern shore of the boundless Lake Ladoga, a three-hour drive from the capital of Karelia Petrozavodsk. The unusual name of the city is associated with its rich history: initially Sortavala belonged to Sweden, then Finland, and only in the XX century it finally became part of Russia. The city’s past has greatly influenced its unique appearance, which reflects the best traditions of Finnish architecture. The most interesting buildings are located in the northern part of Sortavala, among them are the former girls’ school, the Berg house and the old Town Hall.
Galich: postcard with views of Ancient Russia
Galich Lake is the largest in the Kostroma region. More than a hundred thousand years ago, during the melting of glacial waters, a hollow lake was formed, on the shore of which an ancient Russian city grew up in the XII century. Now the Galichsky nature reserve is located around the lake. Galich, one of the oldest cities in Russia, is located along the southern coast. Despite its small size, Galich welcomes tourists with the unique atmosphere of Ancient Russia and an abundance of attractions.
For a long time, Galich was the center of fishing. The city has preserved the Fish Settlement, an area in which fishermen lived separately from the rest of the townspeople from the XVI to the XX century. In addition to the peculiar architecture, the settlement is famous for the fact that Galivonian Aleman originated here — a unique language of local fishermen, which local guides offer to get acquainted with.
The shopping malls built in Galich in the XIX century have a special historical significance for the city. There is still trade behind their stone shops, which inextricably links the city’s past with its present. You can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city in Galich not only by immersing yourself in history, but also by getting to know the local beauties. The most popular observation deck is Baltschug Hill, which offers panoramic views of Galich and Lake Galich. Hiking enthusiasts will especially enjoy the way to the top of the mountain.
Shlisselburg: A nut that the enemies can’t handle
Shlisselburg is a small but famous city in the Leningrad region. Most tourists come here for the sake of the Oreshek fortress, a unique “Russian Bastille”, but the city itself is also interesting. The historical buildings — houses built at the turn of the XIX and XX centuries — are well preserved. Walking through the narrow streets of the city, it is difficult to imagine how many epochs of Russian history have passed through it. Locks, bridges, man-made canals, restless seagulls and a view of the Neva River add romance. In the waters of Shlisselburg, you can go kayaking, yachting, kayaking, and there are many fishermen on the Staroladozhsky Canal at any time of the year.
Shlisselburg, or in German “Key city”, It stands at the headwaters of the Neva River on the shore of Lake Ladoga. The city owes its name to Peter I, who conquered it from the Swedes in 1702.
The main attraction of Shlisselburg is the Oreshek Fortress, which turns 700 years old in 2023. It was built by Alexander Nevsky’s grandson back in the days of Ancient Russia. During this time, the fortress became a participant in many historical events — from the aforementioned campaign of Peter the Great against Sweden to the fight against fascist invaders during the GreatThe Patriotic War. In other words, the Nut is an ideal place to escape from everyday affairs and plunge headlong into the history of Russia.
Rostov Veliky: mystical lake is a paradise of fishermen
The ancient city of Rostov traces its history back to 862. In the Ipatiev Chronicle, one of the oldest Russian chronicles, he was called “the great one” — since then he has been called that.
Rostov Veliky is located on the left bank of Lake Nero, the largest freshwater lake in the Yaroslavl region. This landscape monument of nature is one of the few lakes of the pre-glacial period preserved in central Russia. Among the local population, the lake has gained mystical fame: they say that “our” Loch Ness monster lives there, there are stories about drowned treasures and a pagan altar hidden on one of the islands. But still, today the lake attracts fishermen more — pike, bream, perch, walleye and other fish are found here in abundance. In summer, you can go boating, fishing, kayaking and kayaking on Lake Nero, and in winter you can ride a sleigh and compete in snowmobile races.
The city occupies an honorable place in the list of cities of the “Golden Ring” of Russia and is often called the birthplace of native Russian architecture. The best place for a “reboot” is the legendary Rostov Kremlin. Here, on the territory of the museum-reserve, Russia’s largest collection of products and jewelry with finish enamel applied to a metal substrate is presented. For tourists, master classes on Rostov finifty are organized in the city – this is a great opportunity to try something new and get away from the daily routine.
Belozersk: the revived chronicle
Белозерск It is located in the Vologda region on the shore of Lake Beloe, after which it was named. Until 1777, the city, as in a fairy tale, was called Beloozero. The first mentions in the Tale of Bygone Years date back to 862, which makes Belozersk one of the oldest cities in Russia. The very story when the Slavic and Chudsky tribes called Rurik to rule is familiar to everyone. So one of the brothers mentioned in the chronicle, Sineus— sat down to reign in Beloozer.
Lake Beloe is the seventh largest lake in Europe. There are several versions about the origin of the name, but the natural fact remains indisputable: the bottom of the reservoir is covered with white clay, which forms a suspension during a storm — and we see “white” water in the lake. As evidenced by photos from the beginning of the century, huge fish used to swim here.
Hardly anyone expects to catch one now, but people still come here to fish – the lake has retained its best qualities. On White, you can recharge with the energy of the nature of the Russian north, wander through the forest, picking mushrooms and berries. A quiet rest will be very useful for residents of noisy megacities.
Pereslavl-Zalessky: a place to relax with the whole family
Pereslavl-Zalessky is located just 140 km from Moscow, in the Yaroslavl region on the shore of Lake Pleshcheyev. This freshwater lake is about thirty thousand years old! The city still retains traces of ancient Russian history: it is definitely worth starting the tour with the Transfiguration Cathedral, which was built in the XII century by order of Yuri Dolgoruky. Alexander Nevsky, one of the most famous natives of Pereslavl-Zalessky, was baptized here.
The coat of arms of the city depicts the Pereslavl grouse — the city has been supplying this delicious fish to the court of the Moscow princes since ancient times. It’s nice to go fishing now — there are perch and ruff in the lake. And the famous Pereslavl grouse is now in the Red Book, it cannot be caught.
Another famous Russian autocrat, Peter the Great, also chose this place. His funny flotilla with the “Fortuna” boot was built here in the XVII century — it is currently on display in the museum. There is a national park “Pleshcheyevo Lake” with monuments and attractions around the lake. There are plenty of activities for the young and sporty on the lake: kitesurfing and windsurfing in summer, snowkiting in winter.
