We invite you to take part in a hike in Karelia - in great trip according to the most iconic places this amazing lake country! We will sail through the waters of the two largest lakes in Europe - Onega and Ladoga, visit the island of Kizhi and see the main monument of Russian wooden architecture - the Kizhi churchyard, visit the most big waterfall Karelia - Yukankoski, Ruskeala cascade rapids and the famous Marble Quarry with grottoes and caves, under the arches of which we will swim in rowing boats. We will spend the first part of the trip on Valaam, an archipelago in Lake Ladoga. We will visit sketes (temples of the Valaam Monastery built in different parts of the island), see numerous sights and get acquainted with the unique nature and history of this unusual place. Throughout the journey, we will be surrounded by wild northern nature, many berries and mushrooms, clean rivers, lakes and forests. about a trip in 2017. about a trip in 2018. about traveling in 2019.

Route type	Duration	Length (km)	Route thread	Complexity
Combined	8 days	690 Of which walking: 45	Priozersk - Valaam - Sortavala - Ruskeala - Petrozavodsk - Kizhi	Simple

Main waypoints (click on the map to enlarge)

Hike plan:

Day 1 (August 7, 2020): At 12:10 the group meets at the railway station of the city of Priozersk. We get acquainted, distribute public equipment into backpacks and load into a minibus. We reach the pier, we will have some time left, we can walk to the beach, and if the weather is good, we can swim. Then on the ship (at 14:00) we sail to our goal - the Valaam archipelago! It is about 65 kilometers from Priozersk to it, which our ship will cover in about 3.5 hours. After landing on the island of Valaam (the largest in the archipelago), we immediately head to the camp (1.5 km from the pier). After arranging the camp, we make a fire on the shore and cook dinner.

Day 2: Wake up and breakfast. Then we go to sightseeing tour along the monastery and to the Nikolsky island skete, we will visit the economic zone, the lower, upper garden, and, of course, the heart of the Valaam monastery - the Transfiguration Cathedral. After the end of the walk, we will go to the camp, cook lunch and rest. In the evening, before dinner, we will take a walk to the Zimnyakovsky Bay and the Kazan Skete.

Day 3: We will have breakfast and go for a walk along the so-called distant monasteries of Valaam. First, we will go to the skete of All Saints, the main feature of which is that women are allowed into it only one day a year (but you can see it from the outside! :)) Then we will ford the river and reach the Konevsky skete, after which we will have a halt and lunch on the shore of Ladoga. After lunch, we will climb the Mount of Olives, visit the Gethsemane Skete, see the “Prayer for the Cup” chapel and go down to the Resurrection Skete, the temple of which was built in honor of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. All these sketes are often called Little Jerusalem, since it is here that the main shrines of the capital of Israel are recreated, reflecting the main events of the last days of the life of Jesus Christ. Further, the path will lead us to the farm, where we can taste real, tasty, fragrant fresh milk, look into cowsheds, and everyone can buy local products - kefir, collection of local herbs, etc. In the evening we return to the camp. Bonfire, dinner and free time.

Day 4: Today we will make a 17-kilometer walk to the farthest point of the island - Divnaya Bay and Oboronny Island, on which the coastal artillery of the Finnish army was located until 1944 - ordinary tourists simply do not reach these places. Now on the island you can see already rusted fortifications, gun positions, bunkers, barracks and two-tiered underground casemates, carved right into the rocks. We will explore the island-fortress, climb into the bunkers and casemates with flashlights, and then have lunch on the shore of Divnaya Bay. Let's go back to east coast islands - Finnish fortifications are also located along it (bunkers, bunkers, etc.), along the way we will pick mushrooms and berries, and on one of the sandy beaches, everyone can swim in the waters of open Ladoga. We will return to the camp through the eastern cape near the Zimnyakovskiy Bay, where we have already been on the first day of our stay in the archipelago. In the evening dinner and free time.

Day 5: After breakfast, everyone will have free time, it will be possible to once again walk along the quiet coves of Valaam, through numerous shops to buy gifts and souvenirs. After lunch, we collect the camp and move to the pier, where we will sit in a meteor and say goodbye to this amazing place. Our journey on the water will be only 40 minutes, during which we will be able to enjoy the views largest lake Europe and the famous Ladoga skerries - steep rocky shores. Then from the city of Sortavala we go by minibus to the Finnish border to the village of Ruskeala (about 40 minutes). This place is famous extraordinary beauty local nature (it was here that the film “The Dawns Here Are Quiet” was filmed), numerous rivers and waterfalls, but especially marble quarries, where mining stopped at the beginning of the 20th century. Since 1998, the quarries and the area around have received a protected status and are now called "Ruskeala mountain park"- we will visit it. Upon arrival, we will set up camp on the banks of the Tohmajoki River, make a fire and cook dinner.

Day 6: Today we will devote the whole day to walks and excursions. After breakfast, we will go to the marble quarry, located just a kilometer from the camp. We will walk along the path from the top of the quarry itself, and then we will go down, take rowing boats and sail on them to the mysterious grottoes and caves, of which there are quite a lot in the quarry - this is the hallmark of Ruskeala! In the middle of the day we will return to the camp and prepare lunch, and then we will go to another radial exit to the Ruskeala cascade waterfalls, located 5 kilometers from the camp. In the evening, dinner, free time and gatherings by the fire.

Day 7: After breakfast, we collect the camp and go by minibus to the picturesque coast Lake Onega where we will set up our base camp for the next day. On the way, we will stop by the White Bridges or Yukankoski waterfall. It is believed that it is he who is the largest waterfall in Karelia (about 19 meters high). This waterfall is considered to be one of the most beautiful - at the very top, the water collides with steep rapids, foams, and then falls down from a colossal height - it takes your breath away! In summer, the water level in the river is quite low, which makes it possible for tourists to swim under the falling wall of the seething stream. Believe me, you will never forget this swim! In the evening we will have dinner and a walk along the shore of Lake Onega.

Day 8: We will have breakfast, pack up the camp and go to the pier of Petrozavodsk. There we board a rocket and sail for about an hour to the island of Kizhi, enjoying the majestic landscapes of Onega along the way. Upon arrival, we will have a snack on the shore, after which we will go on a sightseeing tour of the island. Inspection of the Kizhi churchyard and the surrounding villages will take about 4 hours - everyone will have the opportunity to visit all the temples and museums, as well as get acquainted with the way of life of the inhabitants of the island. The main attraction of the churchyard - wooden church Transfiguration of the Lord - has more than 300 years of history and, according to ancient legend, was built by the carpenter Nestor using only an ax without a single nail. Having completed the construction, Nestor threw an ax into the lake and said: “There was not and there will not be another like it!”. This temple is indeed the pinnacle of carpentry and the most striking creation of Russian wooden architecture. At the end of the excursion program, we sit in a meteor that will take us back to the mainland. If we have time, we will go on a city tour, visit all the famous sights, listen to the history of foundation and construction. Then we go by minibus to the railway station, where our journey will end. Train tickets should be taken no earlier than 22:00!
Attention: from weather conditions the route may change slightly, storms on the lakes are an unpredictable phenomenon, as well as excursion programs may change places depending on the weather.

List of required equipment:

Backpack tourist 80l and more (you must leave room for public equipment and products!)
- a small backpack for radial exits
- sleeping bag + rug (you can read about their choice).
- trekking boots or sneakers
- rubber boots
- thermal underwear
- T-shirts, shorts, running pants
- fleece jacket
- storm jacket (wind-moisture protection)
- raincoat
- 5 pairs of thin walking socks and 1 pair of wool socks
- a cap
- Sunglasses
- a small personal first aid kit
- personal hygiene items, towels, bathing accessories
- KLMN (mug, spoon, bowl, knife)
- camera
- mosquito, tick and midge repellant
- headlamp + spare batteries
- thermos
- trekking poles (optional, but they are more convenient)
- fishing rod (optional)

Attention! If you want to purchase any hiking equipment or clothing, but find it difficult to choose - write or call us - we will be happy to help you! For our participants, they operate in many tourist shops in Moscow.

Hike cost:

Standard entry fee: 23 000 rubles

Participation fee for early booking until the end of January 2020: 18 500 rubles

What is included in the price:

- three meals a day
– all transfers according to the program (by land and by water)
– public equipment (tents, boilers, axes, awnings, etc.)
- all excursions according to the program
– payment of all fees in nature reserves and tourist camps
- the work of instructors
- group first aid kit

What is not included in the price:

- the road to Priozersk (by train from St. Petersburg)
– pocket expenses (souvenirs, additional excursions, sauna, etc.)

Payment and booking:

Participation can be paid in full directly to the instructor on the first day of the trip. Not later than two weeks before the start of the trip, you must make an advance payment of 20% of the cost of the tour. A place in the group is reserved only after receiving an advance payment.

Tour features:

11 reviews

It's hard for me to write reviews, but I'll try.
It was quite cold and rainy, but I knew where I was going, I picked up my clothes well and therefore I was comfortable. And I didn’t notice that someone from the group suffered about this.
We didn’t get to Kizhi because of the storm, so we first went to one big tour, and then also walked around Petrozavodsk. To be honest, I don’t even know what would be better, given that in Kizhi now it seems like a restoration and much is covered by forests. I would suggest, if it turns out in terms of time and other parameters, to add both excursions to the tour. It was very interesting and informative.
On the first night, almost no one slept, because the Onega, on the bank of which we stood, was not weakly stormy. You lie in a tent and think that you are little Ellie and now, to a vigorous stump, they will simply take you away ... But everything turned out to be not so scary. And the new tent turned out to be an excellent test drive.
The next day, my old dream came true - we ended up in the Ruskeala park. The place is absolutely magical. I've even been there twice, which I'm very happy about.
I almost forgot, before camping near Ruskeala (there is a hot shower there!), We drove to the wonderful waterfall Yukankoski (White Bridges). And I even managed to get under it. An interesting and pleasant experience. In general, on this trip I imagined myself to be a walrus and climbed into almost any body of water. Due to the rather low air temperature, the water did not seem so cold, so it was quite comfortable. But if you have weak blood vessels or immunity, then I would not advise.
Then Valaam was waiting for us. This place is hard for me to describe in words. It is worth visiting, feeling and seeing.
We were also lucky that our instructors - Zhenya and Masha - are guides on Valaam. Therefore, there was a lot of information, useful and exciting.
All in all, I would take this route again. The instructors and nature did their job.
The team was also very friendly and cool, which added positive impressions.
Many thanks to Zhenya and Masha, nature and all of us! It was wonderful!

And now some tips from personal experience, suddenly someone will come in handy.
1) It is better to take a waterproof jacket and a poncho raincoat that you can fit into instead of with a backpack. IMHO, the coolest option for a downpour.
2) The boots came in handy a couple of times, but I didn’t regret taking them more than I regretted it.
3) A backpack for radials is a thing!
4) If frozen (like me), then the foam is better than 0.3 cm thicker and / or with foil on the back. Maybe a sleeping bag above -5 is probably not worth it.
5) Do not forget a good mood and ease of climbing. Usually, it's easier with them 🙂
Camping July-August 2019

Thanks to Evgeny and Mania for the excellent organization of the trip! Throughout all the days I didn’t have to worry about anything, all that remained was to enjoy the wonderful nature and beautiful views Karelia. The days flew by unnoticed, I would like to walk around Valaam a little more and admire Ladoga. Thank you for such a wonderful opportunity to get to know Karelia and meet so many wonderful people

Good day! I want to express my deep gratitude to the City Escape company and, especially, to Evgeny and Maria for the trip. It was something!!! I think many will understand me when a vacation is understood as a complete disconnection from work, problems and other city bustle. A week trip around Karelia for me is a charge of internal batteries for a year) Organizational moments at the highest level! In general, I would like to say separately about Zhenya and Masha! Guys, you are awesome! You somehow immediately organized and rallied us all) Zhenya, you are definitely in the right place! You work with the soul, and not for show. Surprisingly, convey information in a calm voice in 2-3 sentences, and all the guys are already busy)) This is both impressive and captivating to go camping with you more than once!
Food. I ate too much) They don’t feed me like that at home))) Every day there is a different menu. Plus melon, watermelon, smoked trout (fantastic!), sweets, biscuits and… a cake decorated with berries from the monastery garden!
The trip was varied! We were constantly busy with something, on the move. We visited sooooo many interesting places: the Marcial Waters healing springs, a tour of Petrozavodsk, the Kivach and White Bridges waterfalls, the Ruskeala park (we were impressed with the water tour of the canyon grottoes ... the acoustics were fabulous ... she sang like the rest of our girls))) , Ruskeala threshold waterfalls and ... Valaam! There are not enough words to describe the last place. Valaam must be seen with your own eyes. Truly HOLY LAND! Everything on Valaam attracts attention: giant trees, unusually bright greenery, fantastic rocks, “capricious”, but so beautiful Ladoga, the Main Cathedral, sketes, monks, novices ...
Thanks for the hike! I took home the smell of smoke)), many friends, a lot of photos and impressions for a lifetime! See you soon!

Thanks to Evgeny and Maria for the excellent organization of the trip - I didn’t have to think about anything, I just enjoyed nature and communication with new people. Although we couldn't get to Kizhi Island because of the storm, the mood didn't spoil, because we visited other interesting places - Petrozavodsk itself, the Marcial Waters resort and the Kivach waterfall.
Separately, I want to say about food. We were fed very tasty! The portions were big, there was always an extra 🙂 There was even a baked trout! And Eugene also got us sweets - various cookies, sweets and cakes - that's what I didn't expect on the trip 🙂 And in the end we made a real cake and decorated it with monastery berries.
I was very happy to be a part of this trip. Thanks again! 🙂

Guys thank you so much for this. unforgettable journey. Places like Karelia, and especially Valaam, need to be seen with "feet". Looking at endless mosses and heather, touching the crown of centuries-old fir trees, breathing the wind near a rocky cliff is priceless. Walking on trails that are inaccessible to most tourists is a real gift.
This was my first trip ever and it turned out to be perfect.
* managed to see almost all the places that I dreamed of for so long;
* a combination of hiking and transporting things - for the first time in my life, it was also the most suitable;
* there are different locations on the route that allow you to see Karelia in all its glory: on the shores of lakes Onega and Ladoga, and in the calm of Ruskeala park, walk through the forest, pick wild berries; visit Sortavala and even briefly drive through Priozersk;
* food. I especially want to talk about her. I have a limitation in products and, frankly, bribed individual approach... it was even embarrassing that I was so taken care of on a campaign. Thank you!
* the instructor turned out to be very responsive and attentive, and well aware of the route: he offered different options for approaching places and together we decided how to go. It is very cool!

Yes, there was really little time ... I want to go back and be there again. Karelia showed itself in all its glory and now I even want to see a storm on Ladoga, and even visit there in winter. In general, yes: I am in love and infinitely grateful for these days.
Thank you!

Finally a dream come true! I have traveled through Karelia many times by train, and all by! And now I managed to visit Ruskeala, on beautiful waterfall Kivach and White Bridges, and most importantly - on Valaam! The nature of Karelia shocks, surprises and fascinates in any weather! Unfortunately, due to a storm, we were unable to get to Kizhi Island on the first day. But our instructor Evgeny is a good fellow, he came up with other educational excursions for us on the outskirts of Petrozavodsk and in itself. And then everything went according to plan! The hike is easy, you don't need to carry weights on yourself, hiking only with a light backpack. And it is on this trip that this is a big plus, since there are a lot of interesting things, and you can safely enjoy nature and chat with new friends! The company we got was just great - friendly, cheerful and kind! We cooked ourselves on the fire, very tasty, varied and satisfying. There was even a watermelon! Impressions are only the most positive! Zhenya and Masha, thank you very much!

I have always dreamed of visiting Karelia, since my school history lessons I wanted to see with my own eyes a church built without a nail, visit Valaam Island, wander through the endless forests of Karelia, swim in Ladoga and Onega lakes. Luckily, I found the City Escape group on VK. Photos and reviews so impressed and inspired that I decided on a trip in six months (!). What I especially liked is that the route is long, there is an opportunity to see different parts of Karelia - from Petrozavodsk to Valaam. The itinerary is well planned. We almost never had to carry heavy things on ourselves. I know that for some this will seem like a minus, but this time I wanted to enjoy the views around me more than to die under the weight of a backpack.

During the 7 days of the trip, we managed a lot: we walked around Petrozavodsk, learned the difference between the Karelian birch and the "non-Karelian", saw and swam in the very high waterfall Karelia, swept over this waterfall on a zip-line, found the deepest puddle and safely, but not without help local residents overcame it on our "all-terrain vehicle", wandered at sunset in Ruskeala without tourists and vacationers, swept in the grotto on boats, ate forest raspberries, cooked a sweet cake, admired the sunsets every day ... and much, much more, it's impossible to list everything! You just have to go there at least once...

I think that I was very lucky with the group (although do “radishes” go hiking?)) And the leader who knows literally every tree and bush in Karelia :)) Thanks to Zhenya and the guys!

This August I went on a hiking trip to Kizhi, Ruskeala, Valaam. I have long wanted to go to Karelia. The hike turned out to be excellent. First, the warm, friendly atmosphere in the team played a huge role. Full mutual understanding in the team plays a huge role. Secondly, lovers of spending time outdoors will find a lot of interesting things in Karelia. I will note the White Pillars waterfalls, even if it takes about a few hours to get to them, but the beauty of the places is worth it. I really liked the marble canyon near the village of Ruskeala. I am glad that there is a boat rental there and, having stood in line (there are many who want to sail on a boat through such beautiful places), you can enjoy the landscape of the rocks, sailing through the canyon flooded with water. But of all the places I visited during the campaign, I liked Valaam the most. Very beautiful, spiritual place, Ladoga lake around, nature, Valaam monastery, many sketes. This is the place where you want to stay longer.
I am glad that I did not have to overpay for food and accommodation, as this is all included in the tour price
Guys!
Thank you all for the trip and the great time!

Everything should be perfect on the trip. That is exactly what happened. The group crept up different in age, interests and hobbies, but for the duration of the trip we became one single whole. Team. Thanks to Evgeny and Maria, thanks to all of us. Interesting and educational trip. We had a great time on Kizhi, admired the beauties of Ruskeala, touched the origins of Orthodoxy on Valaam. Organization of the trip, travel, food - everything is fine. Thank you!

Thanks for the trip to Eugene, Maria and everyone! The campaign was successful, the route is beyond praise! Despite the rain in the last three days, everything was very cool!

The most popular type of hike is hiking. Hiking We are also different: in the mountains, on the rocks, on the plains and on the steppes, and even on the pits, this is also a hiking trip. Hiking does not require the skills of a swimmer, rower or climber. All you need is yourself and your desire!

extreme route

Cost from: 9000 rubles.

Hiking along the Karelian Isthmus. The distance is about 50 km (this is about 8-9 hours of daily walking through the forest) through the most beautiful and fabulous places in Karelia. Wild forest, the purest lakes and streams, glacial boulders and the sun, all this and much more awaits the real adventurer. Overnight stay without tents and sleeping bags. Shelter for the night, do it yourself. With you only an ax, a knife, a rope, a flask and a bowler hat. A trip for the adventurous.

All-Union tourist route No. 30 - Thirty!

Cost from: 10800 rubles.

One of the oldest, massive and popular tourist routes in the USSR to the Black Sea through Caucasian mountains, for the season it was held by about 100,000 people. Operated already in the mid-1930s.

This unique route covers most of the landscape and climatic zones of Russia: fir-beech forests, alpine meadows of high mountain plateaus, permafrost on mountain peaks and subtropics of the coast!

The route passes through the reserve, which helped to preserve untouched nature, rare and unique animals, birds and plants.

Karelia. Walk to the island of Koyonsaari.

Price from: 7900 rubles.

Year-round weekend trip! Clean air, picturesque places! Koyonsaari is truly the most beautiful place in Ladoga, with sandy beach, majestic pines, powerful rocks. This is a family route, designed for people of any age, i.e. quite a rare hike that can unite three generations!

Dozen lakes!

Cost from: 3500 rubles.

A pleasant, invigorating aroma of a coniferous forest, sandy mountains, 12 picturesque lakes, springs, gentle sun, deep starry sky, hot and fragrant forest tea and the deafening silence of the Karelian Isthmus. All this you will see and feel in our weekend hike "A Dozen Lakes"!

The hike takes place with a preliminary group application from 10 people at a convenient time for your group.

Big and Small Thach

Price from: 9300 rubles.

The incredible beauty of the mountains and their accessibility make this route one of the most attractive not only for experienced, but also for beginners, before conquering more serious peaks.

The natural park "Big Tkhach" is located in the Republic of Adygea and is included in the World natural heritage. And it is no coincidence, because there really is something to see!

To Yalta, through the cave cities of Crimea!

Price from: 9800 rubles.

Why do they like hiking in the Crimea? We will reveal the secret to you! - this is an amazing variety historical monuments, behind cave cities, carved into the rocks, for waterfalls and refreshing mountain streams, for a mild sunny climate. And finally, to Yalta, where we will celebrate the end of our campaign!

When speed doesn't matter. When everything recedes into the background before the beauty of the moment. When you feel alive, breathing in the fresh air of the Karelian open spaces. Overcoming every, even a minor obstacle, you feel like a hero of this day and a conqueror of nature, being in harmony with it.

Hiking tours in Karelia and the Kola Peninsula: beauty in every step

Hiking in Karelia and the Kola Peninsula ( Murmansk region) give unique emotions. Having experienced them once, you want to repeat them again and again. For those who love hiking, we have created several extensive programs that will open the Karelian Republic for you from a new perspective. Real adventures are waiting for you, with real challenges that allow you to open your possibilities from a new side.
That is why all tours of this kind are accompanied by an instructor. And before setting off on the road, we conduct a mandatory consultation on compliance with safety measures. And another important attribute is equipment.

Hiking in Karelia: programs

Our tours last from 3 to 8 days so that you can enjoy overnight stays in nature, sunsets and sunrises, and see as much beauty as possible.

We focused on the beauties of the Kola Peninsula, because it is here that most of the natural landscapes and beautiful routes.

For example, our most extensive hike includes conquering the peaks of Karnasurt and Kedykvarpakhk, admiring the splendor of the purest Seydozero, and begins in Olenegorsk. You will also experience absolutely unforgettable sensations from fording the river. Crossing the river Seydjarviok, you will see a unique city of shamans, hidden inside Mount Ninchurt, which has not yet been properly explored by scientists.

You will also be lucky enough to admire the surface of Lake Sengisyavr and overcome it. Incredible, breathtaking beauty awaits you along the way, views worthy of magazine covers. Don't forget to bring a good, rugged outdoor camera with you so you don't miss any good shots.

Pay attention to our recommendations on physical activities and opportunities for travelers. We do not advise unprepared people to participate in such trips, since they involve overcoming mountain ranges, although not the highest and most difficult, but requiring physical effort.

Conquest of Vottovaara - the most mysterious mountain in Karelia. These are bizarre sculptures and real natural structures made of stones, the mystery of which has not yet been solved. Also, the mountain is considered to be a “place of power”, attracting mysterious phenomena.

During the journey and climbing Vottovaara, we will see the famous stone seids, the amphitheater located at the very top, as well as the “stairway to heaven”. To the complex nature reserve also includes the so-called "Mountain of Death" (the place where a detachment of partisans died during the Great Patriotic War).
In a word, a non-trivial adventure awaits you with the conquest of the most mysterious mountain of the Republic, covered with many secrets, myths and legends.

Starting from Olegenorsk, we set off on a separate walking tour to Seydozero. During the hike, we will reach the shore of the famous reservoir, set up camp and enjoy the rest on its shore for the whole day. Another memorable detail of the trip is a visit to the village of Lovozero, where a museum dedicated to the life of the ancient Sami was created.
Challenge yourself and get to know the true beauty of Karelia and the Kola Peninsula with "Forest Fairy Tale".

Choose routes and contact us.

The article talks about how to organize your independent travel in Karelia: when to go, what to see and how to get there.

Russia, next to Finland, is the Republic of Karelia, rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. The region attracts travelers with its pristine cleanliness. It is ideal for both quiet, a relaxing holiday, and for active pastime with a continuous change of scenery. Hunting for birds and animals, on rough rivers, skiing and dog sledding, fishing, excursions - all this awaits curious tourists in Karelia.

Note: 2 useful feedback about independent trip to Karelia

• about Karelia
• : advantages and disadvantages
• About the main attractions, and most

How to get to Karelia?

In North-west
There are 4 options for how to get to the republic:

• By train.
  Direct routes are provided between Petrozavodsk and Moscow or St. Petersburg. If there are no direct flights from other Russian cities, you can always take a ticket with transfers.
• By bus.
  The most suitable option for residents of St. Petersburg. Flights to Petrozavodsk.
• By plane.
  Near the village of Besovets, 12 km from Petrozavodsk, there is the main airport of Karelia. Tickets are recommended to be bought in advance.
• By car.
  An excellent option for traveling around Karelia in terms of economy and freedom of movement. Suitable for large families and companies. It should be borne in mind that in the republic, many roads are unpaved.

Choose a tour to Karelia

When there is no time to plan a trip to Karelia on your own, you can contact the guys from Alem Tour. This is a verified tour operator. They have been working since 2002 and know all the most Beautiful places republics. All tours are turnkey: accommodation + transfer + excursions. In general, we recommend. See what tours to Karelia they offer now.

What to see in Karelia?

A huge number of cultural monuments are concentrated in the republic. The most interesting sights for tourists:

Are you planning a trip? That way!

We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help save money at the stage of preparation for the trip.

• Valaam, Solovki- popular islands that have preserved ancient monasteries and churches, many of which are UNESCO heritage. The islands are also attractive for their natural beauties: dense forests with slender fir trees, stone, steep banks, clean river water. You can read more about it in a separate article.
• Architectural Museum of Kizhi. On the island right below open sky collected samples of the life of the peoples who lived on these lands many centuries ago. During the tour, travelers will learn many legends and customs of the locals.

• White Sea petroglyphs. On the islands of Karelia, archaeologists have discovered about three dozen ancient sites, as well as images and compositions carved on rocks dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. It is recommended to view the drawings accompanied by a guide.
• Ruskeala marble canyon. It was here that marble was taken for St. Petersburg palaces. The canyon is surrounded by ancient trees, which makes it more beautiful and majestic.

• Waterfalls Girvas and Kivach. The first is unique in its location on the volcano, and the second in size.
• Body archipelago. At 16 uninhabited islands rare birds and animals huddle. Interesting place to visit naturalists.

How to get around Karelia?

Least popular in the republic railway transport. Since the main task of Karelia is to preserve the primeval beauty of nature, new rails are not being laid. October is relevant for travelers Railway. On it you can get to the Onega and Kandalaksha bays of the White Sea, Lake Onega. Also, branches were laid to Yushkozero, Belomorsk, Sortavala.

To get acquainted with all the beauties of Karelia, it is recommended to travel by car or rent transport on the spot. Moving along the federal highway M-18 "Kola", you can turn onto any secondary road, which will certainly lead to one of the lakes of the region.

Karelia has a sea and river shipping company. The water communication system is well developed here, so travelers can easily move along the White Sea coast, along the Neva, Svir rivers, lakes Ladoga, Onega, White Sea-Baltic Canal.