Rest in Karelia in summer 2023: the best places and locations for travel, how to get there, what to see

What places in Karelia are worth visiting?

Answers the general director of ScanTour tour operator.

Karelia is a uniquely accessible corner of nature, history and original culture. Just an hour and a bit on a charter flight from Moscow, and here you can already enjoy the beauty of the marble canyon, meditative sounds of waterfalls and taste the national cuisine. We’ve picked out the places and activities you simply can’t miss.

Roman Tsvetkov

How did the Sámi, the oldest indigenous people of Karelia, used to live? What songs did the ancient Karelians sing? What was the life of Vikings? On these and many other questions you will get answers in excursion tours, which plunge into the history of this region. Sami village, historical park “Bastion”, cheerful village Kindasovo, where everyone dances and sings – there are a lot of routes. Visiting these locations, you not only listen to the excursion program, but also become a direct participant of the interactive. You can sing ancient runes and play musical instruments, look into the forge and shoot from a real catapult.

Bastion Park

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Getting to the Kivach waterfall

The Republic of Karelia is generous with water beauties, to which one wants to escape from stuffy cities. 27 thousand rivers and more than 61 thousand lakes, as well as stunning waterfalls are the real wealth of this region. Do you want to see the highest plain waterfall in Europe? Then you should definitely come to Karelia, because that is where the Kivach waterfall is located. Koirinoja, Yukankoski, Akhvenkoski are other majestic Karelian waterfalls that will make you feel fresh and light. By the way, locals call waterfalls “paduns”, combining rapids, cascades and rays in one name.

Kivach waterfall

Climb to the top of Vottovaara Mountain

For those who like to explore new territories “on their own”, Karelia has prepared many surprises – ecological trails and fascinating mountain climbs to mesmerizing views. For example, you can go on a trekking tour and climb to the top of Mount Vottovaara. If you prefer active entertainment to measured walks, there are quad bikes, river rafting, and real voyages with Vikings on a drakkar (ship). And, of course, do not forget about sledding with charming huskies. Both adults and children are always happy to socialize with friendly dogs.

Vottovaara Mountain

Get inspired by the places of power in Girvas Park.

Roman: Karelia can be called a place of power, because there are many mystical and energetically powerful places there. Protosaamsky labyrinth, pagan temple, stones of holy powers, ancient volcano Girvas, Vottovaara rock massif and Kurkiyoki village. All these places every year attract those who want to fill themselves with energy, find harmony and immerse themselves. Those who are in awe of the Christian heritage also have something to visit – it is the famous Alexander-Svirsky Monastery on the island of Kizhi. By the way, the ensemble of the Kizhi Pogost is included in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List.

Girvas Park

Taste unusual dishes in the Streletsky Ostrog (Streltsky Ostrog)

Connoisseurs of national cuisine and gastronomic travel can safely go to Karelia. There you can try, for example, kalitki – the national Karelian pastry. But not only to eat them, but to cook them yourself at the master class in the Streltsky Ostrog. However, those who carefully watch their figure, we advise you not to be fond of such pastries, they are quite caloric. However, if you have been hiking all day, you can treat yourself to a couple of pies.

Streltsy Ostrog

Tasting Karelian balsams and tinctures will not leave any guest indifferent, and traditional local dishes will be a great accompaniment. Visiting stores with local small salt fish, caviar and cheeses is also included in the programs of most tours. For the most active fish connoisseurs there is an opportunity not only to fish, but also to take the catch away with you.