Lake Seliger is located in the west of the Tver region. It has a glacial origin, so the coastline of Seliger resembles Ladoga skerries with a large number of bays, channels and islands. Seliger is more correctly called not a lake, but a system of lakes. Its northern shore is located on the territory of the Valday National Park with a special nature protection regime.
For many tourists, Lake Seliger is associated only with outdoor recreation or fishing, however, there are beautiful historical sights here, so people come to Seliger for sightseeing tourism. The spiritual shrine of Seliger is the monastery of the Nilo-Stolobenskaya Hermitage on the eastern shore of the lake. Interesting sights, as well as a magnificent sandy beach are located in the city of Ostashkov.
Recreation on Seliger
Recreation on Seliger is possible both in tents on numerous islands and in comfortable guest houses on the lake shore. The coat of arms of the city of Ostashkov depicts three fish as a symbol of the huge fish resources of the region. Fishing on Seliger is so fascinating that it is of interest not only for fishing fans.
If you are going to Seliger by bus or train, then the point of your arrival will be Ostashkov. The city is located on the southern shore of Seliger. Many people choose secluded islands for recreation and fishing on Seliger. However, this requires a boat. Alternatively, you can negotiate with the owners of boats to drop off to the distant islands of Seliger. The cost of such services is quite high, therefore, you can consider living in Ostashkov.
What is good about a holiday on Seliger in Ostashkov? There are many guest houses and inexpensive hotels in the city, there are cafes and restaurants. In the very north of Ostashkov is the Zhitnoye peninsula. It has a magnificent sandy beach. This beach is the best on Seliger. Even to the north of the Zhitnoye peninsula is the Island of Klichen. You can walk across the bridge to there from Zhitnoe.
Klichen Island is a natural landmark with a special nature protection regime. It cannot be entered by car, but the entrance on foot is absolutely free. There are always a lot of fishermen here. Thus, in Ostashkov you can live in comfortable conditions, swim on a magnificent sandy beach and have the opportunity for fishing.
If you decide to spend vacation on Seliger with a tent on remote islands, then you probably know the place where you want to go. There are more than 160 islands on Seliger. The owners of boats are usually located on the piers of Ostashkov or near the Nilo-Stolobenskaya Hermitage. They will take you to any island where you can spend a secluded holiday on Seliger in a tent.
Most often, tourists go to Khachin Island to rest on Seliger. It is the largest island on the lake. Its area reaches 30 square kilometers. In different parts of the island there are 13 lakes connected by narrow channels with Seliger. There are a lot of fish in them. There are a lot of mushrooms and berries in the forest. On the southern shore of the island of Khachin there are many camping sites on Seliger with a tent. There are 4 villages with guest houses and boarding houses on the northern shore of the island.
If you want to have a rest on Seliger in comfortable hotels, then you can consider the Svetlitsa Hotel. It is located on the Island of Svetlitsa on the eastern shore of Seliger. The Seliger Palace Hotel is located on the west bank near the village of New Yeltsy. This hotel is located in the Tolstoy noble estate on the territory of 40 hectares.
Sights of Seliger
In addition to excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation and fishing, Seliger is of interest for sightseeing tourism. Most tourists first of all go to the monastery of the Nilo-Stolobenskaya Hermitage. It is located on the eastern shore of Seliger on the Island of Stolbny. Excursion ships from Ostashkov sail to this monastery or you can drive up by car. Parking is located on the Island of Svetlitsa.
In the city of Ostashkov, the most interesting sights are located compactly near the Liberty Park. To the south of it is the Ascension Cathedral, and to the north is the Trinity Cathedral, which houses the exposition of the Ostashkov Museum of Local Lore. Take a walk around the Old Town of Ostashkov. Many buildings need restoration, but in general, the atmosphere of the 19th century city has been preserved here. 70 kilometers from Ostashkov to the east is the Source of the Volga River.
