It’s great in St. Petersburg, but sometimes you want to get out of the city on the Neva: change the scenery, admire the harsh waters of Ladoga, feel like you’re almost in Finland, or plunge into the Russian Middle Ages. We have prepared 6 weekend routes for such cases.
Content
- Vyborg
- Priozersk
- Sortavala
- Veliky Novgorod
- Pskov
- Gatchina
Vyborg: the Finnish past and the Monrepos Park
- What to see in Vyborg in one day
- How to get there: by train from Finlyandsky railway station, the Swallow is faster and more convenient — it will take you in 1 hour. By car — about 150 km along the A-181 “Scandinavia” highway.
Walking through the streets of Vyborg, you can feel like you’re in a small European city: in the past, it was part of Suomi (Finland’s self-designation). The Finnish footprint is reminiscent of the library, designed by architect Alvar Aalto in the 1930s. After that, you can visit the Clock Tower, which offers a wonderful view of the city — however, you can only get there during the warmer months and as part of an excursion.
But the main reason why tourists come here is Vyborg Castle with St. Olaf’s Tower. Take a walk across the bridge to the building and take a look inside — book a sightseeing tour if desired. In summer, you can go boating and view the city from the water.
The main reason why tourists come here is Vyborg Castle with St. Olaf’s Tower. Photo: Michaelvbg/Shutterstock.com
Leave the Monrepos Park, which is called the “pearl of nature” of Vyborg, for sweets. It is pleasant to hike the trails and enjoy the picturesque landscapes.
Where to stay
Vyborg Bay glamping.
Priozersk: crystal lakes and Korela fortress
- How to get there: by train from Finlyandsky railway station or by bus 859 from Devyatkino metro station. The journey takes about 2.5 hours. By car along the Novopriozerskoe highway (A-121) — about 150 kilometers.
Another former European town is located on the Karelian isthmus, where the Vuoksa River flows into Lake Ladoga. You should start exploring Priozersky by visiting the Korela Fortress Museum. Here you can learn more about the difficult fate of the city and feel its history. There is another “western” landmark in Priozersk, a Lutheran church with a Soviet annex. Under Soviet rule, the building was reinterpreted and turned into a cultural center. So Finnish romanticism acquired a note of Soviet rationalism.
But the most interesting thing awaits you outside the city: do not miss the church of St. Andrew the First-Called on the Vuoksa River. The building is built on a small island, so it seems as if it is floating above the water. The Vuohensalo Lighthouse is also worth a visit, but you will have to go around the recreation center to get to it.
The Vuohensalo Lighthouse is also worth a visit, but you will have to go around the recreation center to get to it. Photo: Yulia_B/Shutterstock.com
Where to stay
“Point on the map of Priozersk”.
Sortavala: a corner of Finnish architecture and the famous marble canyon
- Karelia Guide: preparation and routes
- How to get there: by train or by train from Finlyandsky railway station — it takes from 4 hours to drive. By car along the A-121 highway — about 250 kilometers (3.5 – 4 hours on the way).
The Leningrad region borders Karelia, a republic rich in rivers, lakes, coniferous forests, rocks and waterfalls. It’s definitely not enough to explore this region for a couple of days, but it’s definitely worth coming here. You can start with a small town — Sortavala.
Does Sortavala incline?
The name of the city is inclined according to the rules of the Russian language, but locals claim the opposite — more than 80% of the participants in the relevant survey voted against. They believe that the name of their city obeys Finnish grammar and it is necessary to say: “come to Sortavala.”
There will be a chance to admire typical Finnish architecture in the city center. Yes, yes, this is another city that was part of a neighboring state in the past. To learn more about the region, visit the Museum of the Northern Ladoga Region or get acquainted with the work of the original Karelian carver Kronid Gogolev in a private museum.
There will be a chance to admire typical Finnish architecture in the city center. Photo: Elenglush/Shutterstock.com
The whole of Sortavala can be seen in full view in Vaccosalmi Park if you climb Mount Kuhavuori. The views from there are stunning: hills, lakes, forests. Another popular natural place, Ruskeala Mountain Park, is just around the corner from the city. The most interesting way to do this is on the Ruskeala Express retro train with a real steam locomotive. The train cars are decorated in the style of the late 19th century and slightly resemble the train from the Harry Potter movie.
Where to stay
“Homeland”.
Veliky Novgorod: the museum city of Ancient Russia
- What to see in Veliky Novgorod over the weekend
- How to get there: it takes 3-4 hours by train from Moskovsky train station. By car — 190 kilometers along the toll road to Moscow, or along the Leningrad highway. Travel time is from 2.5 hours.
The first capital of Russia, the birthplace of the state — all this is Mr. Veliky Novgorod. You should start your walk from the Novgorod Kremlin, the main attraction of the city, which is protected by UNESCO. There are several museums, St. Sophia Cathedral, and a scientific library on the territory of the fortress. Then head across the Volkhov River on the humpback bridge and try to find a monument to a tired tourist.
The second day can be devoted to the Museum of wooden architecture “Vitoslavlitsy”. Moreover, it is no more than 10-15 minutes by car from the city center. Here you can explore the complex of wooden buildings and imagine what the life of peasant Russia was like. We recommend you to refresh yourself at the Well-fed Goose restaurant of Russian cuisine.
You should start your walk from the Novgorod Kremlin, the main attraction of the city, which is protected by UNESCO. Photo: E. O./Shutterstock.com
Where to stay
Boutique hotel Truvor.
Pskov: ancient Russian architecture and “Holguin” sights
- What to see in Pskov in a few days
- How to get there: by train from Baltiysky railway station (3.5 hours on the way) or by car (296 kilometers along the E95 highway, the same distance).
According to legend, Pskov was founded by Princess Olga on the site of her native village, at the mouth of the Pskov and Velikaya rivers. The name of the terrible ruler is indeed closely connected with the city: in the first mention of Pskov, it appears that Prince Igor brought a bride from here — the very Olga. To learn more about the history of the city and admire the ancient architecture, go to the museum-reserve “Pskov Kremlin”, or Pskov Krom. It is especially picturesque in these places in summer in sunny weather or in autumn, when the foliage of the trees turns 50 shades of red.
“Russia begins here” — the inscription-installation was installed next to the fortress, opposite the Velikaya River. Initially, it was planned to make it temporary, but later decided to leave it. The inscription is best seen from the opposite shore — to get there, you need to cross the Holgin Bridge, turn right towards the Holgin Cross. Don’t forget to see the Olga Chapel on the way (the ubiquitous princess gave names to many local locations). If you travel by car and have time, we also recommend visiting Pechory and Izborsk fortress.
To learn more about the history of the city and admire the ancient architecture, go to the Pskov Kremlin Museum-Reserve. Photo: Arh-sib/Shutterstock.com
Where to stay
The Pokrovsky Hotel.
Gatchina: historical palaces and a trip to Mars in half an hour
- The most beautiful palaces and castles: a guide to the suburbs of St. Petersburg
- How to get there: it takes about 30 minutes by train from Baltiysky railway Station. By car on the E95 highway — about 50 kilometers (about one hour).
Welcome to Gatchina, the capital of the Leningrad Region! People come here for the beautiful landscape parks and architectural creations. Among them is the Great Gatchina Palace. The Imperial residence resembles a European medieval castle and is surrounded by a picturesque park on a hill above Silver Lake. Next to the Palace Park there is a huge forest park “Menagerie” and the Priory Park: here you can see another small palace with a distinctive red roof and a tower with a spire.
Not far from Gatchina are the Dudergof Heights, local mountains from which you can admire beautiful landscapes. The Orekhovaya and Voronya mountains are quite small: only 176 and 147 meters. Nevertheless, it is here that the highest point of St. Petersburg is located.
The Great Gatchina Palace. Photo: natalia volkova/Shutterstock.com
Another natural attraction near Gatchina is the Elizavetinsky Quarry. The local Mars consists of limestone mountains created for the mining of butane (building stone). They like to come here to arrange a spectacular photo shoot, ride ATVs, climb hills and just have a great time. It’s worth bearing in mind that there are usually a lot of people on summer weekends. So it’s better to plan a trip on weekdays.
Where to stay
The guest house “Von Lutze”.
So, where are we going — to the Karelian Vuoksa, the imperial palaces or to the medieval Kremlin? In any case, the Island will help with the accommodation — choose a hotel or apartment from thousands of options!
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Cover photo: Andrew Koturanov/Shutterstock.com
