We continue to share delightful routes created specifically for you along with the Russian Explorers photographers. Alexander Mazurov (@alex.mazurov) prepared a guide to Karelia! And for you to use it as soon as possible, in our telegram channel we play a discount on tickets to Karelia, as well as to accommodate there.
Even the name of this region causes pleasant associations with a cozy trip to the north. Thanks to the combination of factors such as the location, transport accessibility and beauty of nature, this region is ideal for traveling on weekends. Today I will tell you how to organize this weekend so that the trip brings a lot of vivid impressions.
Features of the route
Despite transport accessibility and good roads, the whole region will not work in a few days. Therefore, our focus is in South Karelia, in the area of the cities of Sortaval and Lahdenpokhia. This is the perfect place to travel to the weekend – you can get here quickly, it is easy to find housing to your liking and, believe me, there is something to see here.
How to prepare for a trip
You do not have to be an experienced tourist, take tents, trekking sticks and other hiking attributes. In Karelia, you can travel by car, live in comfortable houses and at the same time see many unique natural places. But the region is northern, so I advise you to take a waterproof jacket and boots with you – the weather here changes often, and rain or fog can catch you at any moment.
In Karelia, you can pay with a card almost everywhere, but there are still places where there is no terminal – be sure to take a little cash. And upload a card to the phone’s memory so that you can use them offline, in some places there is no Internet.
How to get
It is most convenient to get by train or car from St. Petersburg. You can get to Sortavala on a “swallow” in four hours and 600 rubles*, about the same way will take the path. Our route is built in such a way that, regardless of the start point, it will remain as convenient.
In Karelia itself, I recommend moving by car. So you will have more freedom. There is also the opportunity to get to tourist places by public transport, but so you are unlikely to get to a particular lake or take a walk in the forest you like. The cost of renting a car on OneTwotrip starts from 3100 rubles* per day.
What to visit and what to do
Sortavala
The starting point of our route. The city itself is very interesting, many buildings remind of the Finnish past. Surprisingly, when you see a classic example of Finnish architecture, and a sign of “Russian Post” flaunts on it. It’s nice to take a walk in the Sortaval, there are cool cafes and restaurants here, so I advise you to stay in the city for at least a couple of hours or even stop at night. I recommend “elk and troll”, a cozy hotel and, part -time, a good restaurant.
Ruskeala
Karelian tourist classics and one of the most beautiful places that I try to visit every time I find myself in the region. In addition, here is very well -groomed. Walking around a career along a wooden path with a large number of viewing platforms, you feel yourself in the Scandinavian park. There are excellent cafes in which you should definitely try a duck of venison or a Finnish ear. From Sortavala to Ruskeala by car you can get within an hour.
Waterfall white bridges
Another amazing place near Sortavala. Until the highest waterfall of South Karelia, the path is more difficult – at the last kilometers you will have to throw a car and walk. By the way, 30 meters from the white bridges is the second waterfall of the complex, a little smaller.
Ladoga skewers
The next morning, I advise you to start with a water tour to Ladoga Sherers. Many boats and boats ride tourists directly from the city, the whole walk takes a couple of hours. Finding them is very simple – in the Sortaval, announcements about excursions hang literally at every step. Stone islands, spruce trees in the middle of a huge lake – here you will definitely feel immersed in a real northern landscape.
The city of Lahdenpokhia and its environs
In Sortaval, you can live throughout the weekend, for a while on the road this will not affect much. But I advise you on the second day to move to the vicinity of the city of Lahdenpokhya and stop closer to nature. Along the way from Sortavala, be sure to go to the coffee shop with pancakes. Despite the creative name Coffee, you will not miss this place – the road here is one, and several advertising signs will be warned in advance about the entrance.
It is in this area that many very cozy places for the night have been collected! If the street is warm, I advise you to stay at the Hygge Camp glamping. Tents with a bed, a lot of personal space around and an ideal lake in a five -minute walk. And there you can take a boat or SAP for rent.
If the season does not allow you to spend the night in such a tent, I advise you to go to Ahvelampi. They have houses right on the lake (and you can stop here all year round). There is also a boat for rent.
I would advise you to spend the rest of the day in a more calm mode, boiling in a boat or walking through the forest. The surroundings of Lahdenpokhi is more about the greatness of nature. The road to the place of the night itself is amazingly beautiful, there are many picturesque lakes and, perhaps, you will want to stop literally at every turn.
The next day we go back smoothly, with the inspection of some attractions along the way. In Lahdenpokhia, we stop at the Akulovka farm store, take the most delicious Fishburger for lunch, and ask with us to wrap the freshest fish and caviar.
After we reach the ruins of the Yakimanskaya Kirch in the city center. Today it is used as an exhibition space – a very pleasant place, especially with evening lighting.
Also, be sure to visit Kirh in Lumivaar. Although it is considered abandoned, and is located in the middle of the forest, Catholic services are periodically held here and movie is shot. The place is beautiful, atmospheric, be sure to go inside and climb the bell tower.
On this, we get in the car and go home, taking with us a particle of the northern mood. Although it is cold and damp, the uniqueness of this region is that it leaves a sense of warmth inside. Thanks to cozy wooden houses, wonderful landscapes, delicious Karelian dishes and rich history.
*Prices are valid at the time of publication
