What to do in winter-2024 in Karelia - tips, ideas, routes

President of Pro-Vision, author of the Vinogradov.story community

“Karelia is the choice of those who dream of discovering the Russian North, but are afraid of extreme cold, impassable snowdrifts and controversial service. There will definitely be snow here – soft, fluffy and not dangerous at all. There will definitely be a place to stay and have a good rest. And there will also be frozen waterfalls, amazing natural sights and secluded places necessary for lovers of peace and quiet. A few ideas for winter travels in Karelia I will reveal below”.

Table of Contents

See the Northern Lights in Ruskeala Park

The absolute majority of Karelian routes begin in Ruskeala Mountain Park – a worked-out marble quarry, where materials for finishing the facades of St. Isaac’s Cathedral were once extracted. Over time, the canyon was turned into a huge open-air park, where you can both learn about the history of mining, and relax and have fun with the whole family: try authentic northern cuisine, choose a gift for your loved ones decor made of natural marble or learn how to make souvenirs from Karelian pine.

Every evening Ruskeala is lit up with multicolored festive lights, which resemble the northern lights and turn the quarry into one big New Year’s decoration. By the way, it is quite realistic to see the real Aurora in Karelia – it is enough to get away from cities and tourist sites to more “wild” places without bright illumination.

Ruskeala Park

Take a ride on a retro train

To prolong the pleasure of traveling to Ruskeala, it is worth going there on the retro train “Ruskeala Express”. The five-car train on steam locomotive traction runs between the park and the nearest Karelian town Sortavala.

The interior of the train repeats the decoration of the carriage on which Auguste Monferrand, the architect of St. Isaac’s Cathedral, came to Ruskeala in the early XIX century. Therefore, the Ruskeala Express actually allows you to travel not only in space, but also in time – at least 200 years back.

“Ruskeala Express

Go to Kizhi

Kizhi Island with the ensemble of “Kizhi Pogost” is a UNESCO-listed monument of wooden architecture. The Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord, crowned with 22 chapters and preserving a unique iconostasis of the XVII-XVIII centuries, attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists.

Therefore, those who appreciate solitude, it is better to go to the island in winter – on “Khivus”, a hovercraft, from Petrozavodsk or Velikaya Guba. In the cold season life on the island does not stop: it is very interesting and warm here. It is also incredibly atmospheric and unusual – Kizhi is a truly unique place.

Kizhi

Take a walk along the embankment of Petrozavodsk

Petrozavodsk stands on the shore of Lake Onega. In winter it freezes, creating the illusion of a fusion of ice and clear northern sky. And ice sculptures grow on the shore, neighboring with the permanent “inhabitants” of the embankment – art compositions presented to Petrozavodsk by sister cities.

Probably the most interesting of them is the sculpture “Fishermen”, which arrived from the American Duluth. The work looks airy and very suitable for the Karelian capital. And after visiting the modern exposition, you should turn to the classics – for example, visit the House of Kantele, the theater of the national ensemble of Karelia, which performs traditional music and dances, and hear the national instruments – mänkuri, kalyuke and Vepsian psaltery.

Petrozavodsk embankment

Ride reindeer and dog sleds

Northern regions are a special unique world where respectful interaction with nature is an important part of human life. That is why reindeer and dog sledding rides here are not just a tourist attraction, but a tribute to a centuries-old tradition.

There are many farms in Karelia, where you can organize a real multi-hour sledding expedition in the most difficult locations. Or just arrange a cozy photo session with charming animals. A charge of wonderful mood is guaranteed.