We continue to share amazing routes created especially for you together with photographers Russian Explorers. Alexander Mazurov (@alex.mazurov) has prepared a guide to Karelia! And so that you can use it as soon as possible, in our telegram channel we are giving away a discount on tickets to Karelia, as well as on accommodation there.
Even the name of this region evokes pleasant associations with a cozy trip to the north. A combination of factors such as location, transport accessibility and natural beauty make the region ideal for weekend getaways. Today I will tell you how to organize this day off so that the trip brings a lot of bright impressions.
Route features
Despite transport accessibility and good roads, it is not possible to see the entire region in a few days. Therefore, our focus is on southern Karelia, in the area of the cities of Sortavala and Lakhdenpokhya. This is the perfect place for a weekend getaway – it’s quick to get to, easy to find accommodation to your liking and, believe me, there’s a lot to see.
How to prepare for a trip
You don’t have to be an experienced hiker to take tents, trekking poles and other hiking accessories. You can travel around Karelia 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 frequently, and rain or fog can catch you at any time.
In Karelia you can pay by card almost everywhere, but there are still places where there is no terminal – be sure to take some cash. And download maps to your phone memory so that you can use them offline; in some places there is no Internet.
How to get there
The most convenient way to get there is by train or car from St. Petersburg. You can get to Sortavala by Lastochka in four hours and 600 rubles*; by car the journey will take about the same. Our route is built in such a way that, regardless of the starting point, it will remain just as convenient.
In Karelia itself, I recommend traveling by car. This way you will have more freedom. It is also possible to get to tourist places by public transport, but this way you are unlikely to get to a specific 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 are reminiscent of the Finnish past. It’s amazing when you see a classic example of Finnish architecture, and there’s a “Russian Post” sign on it. It’s nice to take a walk in Sortavala, there are cool cafes and restaurants, so I advise you to stay in the city for at least a couple of hours or even stay overnight. I recommend “Moose and Troll”, a cozy hotel and, at the same 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, it is very well maintained here. Walking around the quarry along a wooden path with a large number of observation platforms, you feel like you are in a Scandinavian park. There are excellent cafes here, where you should definitely try venison stew or Finnish fish soup. You can get from Sortavala to Ruskeala by car within an hour.
White Bridges Waterfall
Another stunning place not far from Sortavala. The path to the highest waterfall in southern Karelia is more difficult – in the last kilometers you will have to abandon the car and walk. By the way, 30 meters from the White Bridges there is a second waterfall of the complex, a little smaller.
Ladoga skerries
I recommend starting the next morning with a boat excursion to the Ladoga skerries. Many boats and speedboats take tourists directly from the city; the entire walk takes a couple of hours. It’s very easy to find them – in Sortavala there are advertisements for excursions 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 Lahdenpokhya and its environs
You can live in Sortavala for the whole weekend; it won’t affect your travel time much. But I advise you to move to the outskirts of the city of Lakhdenpokhya on the second day and stay closer to nature. On the way from Sortavala, be sure to stop at a coffee shop with pancakes. Despite the creative name Coffee, you won’t miss this place – there is only one road here, and several advertising signs will warn you in advance about the entrance.
It is in this area that there are many very cozy places to stay for the night! If it’s warm outside, I recommend staying at Hygge Camp glamping. Tents with a bed, lots of privacy around and a perfect lake five minutes away. You can also rent a boat or SUP there.
If the season does not allow you to spend the night in such a tent, I advise you to go to “Ahvelampi”. They have cabins right on the lake (and you can stay here all year round). There is also a boat for rent.
I would recommend spending the rest of the day in a more relaxed mode, riding a boat or walking through the forest. The surroundings of Lakhdenpokhya are more about the greatness of nature. The road to your overnight stay is amazingly beautiful in itself, there are many picturesque lakes and you might want to stop at literally every turn.
The next day we smoothly drive back, visiting some sights along the way. In Lahdenpokhya we stop at the Akulovka farm fish store, grab the most delicious fishburger for lunch, and ask to take the freshest fish and caviar with us.
Afterwards we reach the ruins of the Yakimansk Church 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 the church in Lumivaare. Although it is considered abandoned and located in the middle of a forest, Catholic services are periodically held here and films are filmed. The place is beautiful, atmospheric, be sure to go inside and climb the bell tower.
That’s all, we get into the car and drive home, taking with us a piece of the northern mood. Although it can be cold and damp, what makes this region unique is that it leaves you feeling warm inside. Thanks to cozy wooden houses, wonderful landscapes, delicious Karelian dishes and rich history.
*Prices valid at time of publication
