Until recently, no one knew about the small sleepy town in the very north of Lake Ladoga, but today Sortavala is one of the main points of attraction in Karelia. Many people say that Sortavala is similar to the city where they were born. It’s quiet and peaceful here, but not boring. Let’s tell you why to come here and what to do.
Content
- How to get there
- When is the best time to come
- What to see
- What to do
- Where to stay
- Where to eat
- Tips
Where is Sortavala and how to get to it
Sortavala is located at the same distance from St. Petersburg, Vyborg and Petrozavodsk: 280 km from each, which makes the way to it quite simple in terms of logistics.
By train. High-speed Swallows fly here from St. Petersburg — they depart twice a day from the Finlyandsky railway Station, travel time is 4 hours and 10 minutes, ticket prices start from 1,135 rubles. The train passes through Vyborg, so if you wish, you can see both cities over the weekend.
The branded train 160B runs between Moscow and Sortavala every day, and also passes through St. Petersburg and Vyborg. Travel time from Moscow is 13 hours 40 minutes, from St. Petersburg — 6 hours 7 minutes.
A branded train 160A runs from Petrozavodsk to Sortavala. It is daily, the travel time is 5 hours and 29 minutes.
By car. A 283 km trip from St. Petersburg along the Priozerskoe highway (highway A-121 “Sortavala”) will be a pleasure.: The road is in perfect condition and is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. There are gas stations and motels along the way.
Branded train 160B runs between Moscow and Sortavala every day. Photo: Viktor Karasev/Shutterstock.com
And from there to Murmansk
After Sortavala, you should go to Petrozavodsk, the capital of Karelia, and then drive to Murmansk along one of the most beautiful trails in Russia, the R—21 Cola. It’s a whole stream of attractions.
When is the best time to come
The Northern Ladoga region experiences the main influx of tourists from May to September, with a peak in the summer months. Most vacationers come to relax on Lake Ladoga or go from here to other iconic places in Karelia: neighboring Ruskeale and the Akhvenkoski waterfalls and more remote Petrozavodsk, Mount Vottovaare, Kivach Waterfall, Lake Onega and Kizhi cemetery.
It is quite warm here in summer — an average of +21 °C in July, and in August you can even swim in Ladoga. In November, thick milky mists envelop Sortavala. Winter is snowy and quite frosty, so there are fewer tourists here at this time of the year. However, in recent years, winter Karelia has attracted, among other things, fans of skiing or snowmobiling in the snowy forest, doing snowkiting and steaming in the sauna.
The Northern Ladoga region experiences the main influx of tourists from May to September, with a peak in the summer months. Photo: S.O.E/Shutterstock.com
What to see
Most people come to Sortavala for natural attractions. The nearest landmark is Marble Canyon and Ruskeala Mountain Park, where the retro train goes. But there are still a lot of interesting things here.
Historical center
The center of Sortavala (Old Town) is interesting for its architecture — most of these buildings were built at the beginning of the last century in the Northern Art Nouveau style. The houses have been restored, and their history is being honored with commemorative plaques on the facades.
In addition to the northern Art Nouveau, the architecture of the city is represented by eclecticism, Empire style, pseudo-gothic and Finnish national romanticism. Consider the Leander house, the Berg house, the buildings of the former men’s lyceum and the fire station with a tower, the water tower and the Town Hall.
The house is a representative of Northern Art Nouveau. Photo: Polina Voronova
After an architectural tour, take a look at Mount Kuhavuori in Vaccosalmi Park — it’s only 10 minutes from the center on foot, but climbing the mountain (albeit by steps) allows you to feel like a small hike — even blueberries grow!
The old Finnish cemetery
It’s not the most obvious attraction, but it’s very interesting. There are no fences or gates here, just concrete slabs overgrown with green moss between spreading fir trees. The most pompous crypt here belongs to an agronomist — that’s who was most appreciated in the North.
Ladoga Skerries
The National Park unites more than 500 large and small granite islands in the northern part of Ladoga. Photo: ZAO2006/Shutterstock.com
What other nature reserves are worth visiting
It’s not necessarily about the north of the country — dozens of amazing national parks are hidden in its expanses. How about visiting these 10 natural places in Russia?
Valaam Monastery
The Valaam Monastery is located on an island in Lake Ladoga, 22 kilometers from the mainland. It is believed that the first monastery was founded here in the XI or XIII century. Already in the 17th century, the monastery fell into disrepair, constantly repelling the attacks of the Swedes. He received a second life under Peter the Great and existed quite stably until the revolution of 1917. After Finland gained independence, Valaam went to a new country, and in 1940 it appeared on the maps of the USSR. After the Great Patriotic War, the architectural complex experienced difficult years: there was a state farm and the Valaam home for the disabled. It was only in the late 1980s that it began to be restored again, returning the status of a monastery.
Now this architectural marvel is accessible to tourists, and the famous monastery can be reached by Meteors and speedboats from Sortavala and Priozersk. Prices for the tour (including transportation) start from 5,000 rubles for a one-day tour.
- Valaam and other beautiful places of the Russian North
The Valaam Monastery is located on an island in Lake Ladoga, 22 kilometers from the mainland. Photo: Alvov/Shutterstock.com
Museums: Mineral Center, Kronida Gogoleva, Northern Ladoga region
In addition to natural attractions, cultural life is developed in Sortavala. The Mineral Center Museum will tell you all about the bowels and underground treasures of the Earth, show you the most beautiful samples of minerals and rocks.
The Kronid Gogolev Museum is an exhibition of the Karelian master, known for his wood reliefs. Photo: Photoframe123/Shutterstock.com
What to do
Sortavala and the north of Ladoga are created for active adventures. Skerries are best explored from the water, and in order not to disturb the peace of the motor noise and not scare the animals, it is worth choosing a kayak trip. Wakeboarding allows you to cut through the waters of Ladoga at speed, and horseback riding through shady coniferous forests and soft trails will take you into a fantasy world. In winter, it’s worth exploring the Ladoga region on snowmobiles. Fans of heights and wind are advised to ride the largest trolley in Karelia — it is located in the Karelian Zoo near the village of Kirkkolakhti, and you can fly as much as 530 meters above the ground.
Where to stay
“Forest bath”
The hotel is located in a historic Finnish house. The creators looked at the interior design from the Varangian neighbors, and the colors from the local Karelian nature. In the “Forest Bath” you are surrounded by shades of green, yellow and red. There is a cozy common area with a huge wooden table — you immediately feel like a Viking. It’s nice to drink coffee, socialize, and work here. There is a kitchen area where you can cook. A pleasant plus is that guests with pets are welcome at the hotel.
“Forest bath”.
“Homeland”
The hotel is located on the shore of Lake Ayranne, next to Mount Kuhavuori. As a bonus, we are ready to offer single rooms to solo travelers.
“Mayak”
“Mayak” is an apartment hotel in Sortavala in the very center of the city right on the embankment, literally a step away from the pier, from where ships leave for Valaam and the skerries. The windows overlook Lake Ladoga.
The apartments have a self—catering kitchen, while the building has a spa and gym.
“Lighthouse”.
If the geography is the whole of Karelia
Keep a selection of Karelian country hotels, glamping sites, and manors safely hidden from the hustle and bustle behind pine and spruce trees.
“Luck”
A small guest house, perfect for active travelers who are not used to sitting in a room. You can rent a bed in the spirit of a hostel, as well as a full-fledged room — even a five-bed or a family room. Mosquito nets and blackout curtains are installed on all windows – this helps to sleep soundly on white Karelian nights.
Lampo
Lampo is a boutique hotel in the historical center of the city, completely occupying an ancient Finnish two—story mansion. Translated from Finnish, lampo means warmth — and indeed, the atmosphere in the hotel is exactly like that. It is very cozy — there are only 7 rooms: four double, one triple and two quadruple, each with its own name and its own design. And from May to October, guests are offered a delicious homemade breakfast.
“Lampo”.
Where to eat
Hunter BBQ & Nordic Kitchen
- 1 Suvorova Street
One of the most popular establishments in the city, and deservedly so: it has a thoughtful menu, large Viking portions and its own smokehouse. On weekdays, the restaurant offers set meals, after which you feel full for a long time.
Bekker Joy
- Komsomolskaya St., 1
The bakery chain is located not only in Sortavala, but also throughout Karelia (71 outlets operate). Come here for a large selection of pastries, cakes and pastries. There is craft ice cream, hot and cold drinks. Carrot cake is definitely worth coming to the bakery and even standing in line.
“Leningrad”
- Lenin St., 1
The restaurant is located in the building of the boutique hotel “Mayak” on the shore of Lyapjärvi Bay. Specializes in Russian and European cuisine.
The restaurant is located in the building of the boutique hotel “Mayak” on the shore of Lyapjärvi Bay. Photo: Leningrad Restaurant
“Relax”
- Karelskaya str., 29
One of the oldest establishments in the city, confidently holds the bar. Here you can choose from dishes of European and Karelian cuisine, author’s desserts. A special feature of the establishment is tinctures made from local berries.
Priladozhye
- Lenin St., 1
A bistro where it is pleasant and inexpensive to have breakfast, lunch and dinner. In addition to cheesecakes, porridges, second courses and side dishes, trout dishes and farm products from Karelian producers are presented here. For example, trout and walleye tart with bell pepper and cheese, minced and smoked trout salads, trout salad and others. It is located in the center, on the embankment.
“Story A”
- Komsomolskaya St., 8
Here are the most delicious gates in the city, and here they have the largest selection. Wickets can be replaced with other pastries: pies, puffs, monograms, etc., take hot and cold drinks — from tea to cocoa. The special feature of the place is that it serves hot chicken broth in a mug.
The most delicious gates in the city are here, and there is also the largest selection of them. Photo: Bakery History A
Tips
- It is customary to bring all kinds of berry products from Sortavala as gifts and souvenirs: cloudberries, blueberries, cranberries, blueberries, lingonberries, strawberries. These are soaked berries, jams, as well as marshmallows, chips, fruit drinks and ice cream.
- If you are traveling in the summer, book accommodation and purchase tickets in advance: the flow of tourists is so large that the retro train will be full to capacity, and all the places in the hotels are occupied.
- No matter how warm the Karelian summer or autumn may be, take a raincoat or windbreaker with you: rains in Karelia are also not uncommon.
- Do not rush to complete the entire cultural program in one weekend: Sortavala may be a small town, but it is rich in interesting places, and the North does not tolerate haste.
- Always wear and Fasten your life jacket.
The season of white nights, walks along the skerries and carefree warm days is about to begin – rather, plan a trip to Sortavala, and the Island will help you with this: from finding a hotel or apartment to tips on what to do.
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Cover photo: AKOMIX/Shutterstock.com
