To Solovki from St. Petersburg

The nature of the Russian North impresses with its beauty. During the trip along Lake Ladoga and further north in Karelia, you will see granite rocks, numerous lakes with islands, waterfalls and rivers. This landscape was formed here more than 40 million years ago during the last Ice Age. In addition to the beautiful nature, you can also see numerous cultural and historical attractions.

When leaving St. Petersburg, drive along the western shore of Lake Ladoga. The first stop is in the city of Priozersk. Here you can see the Korela Fortress, several temples, as well as relax in the Recreation Park.

In 20 kilometers from Priozersk in the village of Berezovskoye begins the territory of the Reserve Ladoga Skerries. Here you can take a boat and go on a guided tour along the island of Montosaari. Near Lahdenpohya, make a stop and visit the Mount Filin Museum. It is location of the Finnish Army's command bunker of World War II time.

Stay in Sortavala for a few days. Here you have to take a motor boat tour of the Ladoga Skerries Nature Reserve, as well as board a ship that goes to the island of Valaam. Ruskeala Mountain Park is located 20 kilometers north of Sortavala. On the way there, be sure to make a stop near the Ruskeala Waterfalls.

From Sortavala, go to the capital of Karelia, Petrozavodsk, where you will take a boat to the Kizhi Museum of Wooden Architecture. After that, head north and make a stop at the Kivach Nature Reserve to see the famous waterfall. Further north, near the village of Nadvoitsy, you can see the equally interesting Voitsky waterfall.

Go even further north to Belomorsk. In the vicinity of this city, see the White Sea Petroglyphs. After that, take the ship and go to the Solovetsky Islands. Spend a few days on the island. Visit the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery, its monasteries, as well as Bolshoy Zayatsky Island.