The ice is melting between us: 6 places in Russia ideal for declaring love

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

“True romantics know exactly where to invite and what to surprise their other half with. Some couples even have their own “special” places on the map of Russia, where their love story was born. Well, for everyone who is just planning a romantic trip, I suggest a few destinations and ideas for a trip for two”.

Kiss on the Kissing Bridge in St. Petersburg

The cast-iron bridge spanning the Moika River would be lost among hundreds of St. Petersburg crossings, if it weren’t for one “but” – a telling name. It was named Potseluyev Bridge in honor of the nearby inn “Potseluy”, which belonged, characteristically, to the merchant Nikifor Potseluyev. So initially there was no romance in the name – it appeared later, when the bridge was used to say goodbye to lovers by sailors leaving for voyages and prisoners before long imprisonment.

The XX century dispersed urban folklore even more strongly: now couples kissed not only on the bridge, but also under it. And the longer the kiss lasted, the higher the chances of living a long happy life together became. Today the railing of the Kissing Bridge is covered with symbolic locks, the keys to which lie at the bottom of the Moika River. And a date at the crossing is best arranged not just for fun, but in conjunction with New Holland or the Mariinsky Theater, which are just a short walk away.

Kissing Bridge

Melt a girl’s heart by melting Baikal’s ice

In winter Baikal turns into a huge picture “painted” with hummocks, “bubbles” and “nails”, cracks and crevices – in a word, 50 shades and derivatives of ice. Looking at them, you experience the whole range of positive emotions – from surprise to admiration.

And the culmination is an incredibly appropriate and very original marriage proposal, when among thousands of pieces of ice one with a ring inside is accidentally “found”. All that is left to do is to melt it with hot breath or warmth of hands. And, of course, to hear the cherished “yes”.

Making a wish under the northern lights on the Kola Peninsula

10 years ago travelers from Asia went to the Russian North en masse. Having found out the reason for such popularity, the guides could not hide a smile: it turned out that according to oriental legends, a child conceived under the Aurora will certainly grow up happy. Later on, the legend was enriched with additions and variations: now people come to the Kola Peninsula to confess their love, to propose their hand and heart, and just to make a wish together.

Responding to the tourist demand, local entrepreneurs even opened a camping site with glass igloos 50 km away from Murmansk, where you can watch the flashes of the Aurora from a cozy warm bed. A more extreme option is to go to the coast of the Barents Sea to see the Northern Lights over the raging water element – and remember this moment for a lifetime.

Take steamy selfies at the Lake of Love in Arkhyz

In fact, the name of the heart-shaped photogenic body of water is Suuk-Dzhyurek-Kel. But thanks to the photos and videos viralized in social networks it became known as the Lake of Love. The way to the lake is not easy – about 7.5 km with a height difference of more than 900 meters.

But this does not stop the lovers: couples who will endure this test together will surely go hand in hand further in life. And to guarantee a happy future together, you need to take a sip of water from the lake or swim. And, of course, take loving selfies for your children and grandchildren.

Lake of Love

Learn the love story of Peter and Fevronia in Murom

In the XIII century, the spouses Peter and Fevronia ruled Murom together, and many years later they were considered the patron saints of Christian families. Both couples and those who have not yet found their soul mate come to the relics of the saints in the Holy Trinity Monastery. But everyone has a common request – to find family happiness, whatever it may be.

A trip to Murom, a quiet and calm, in the best sense of the “provincial” city, promises measuredness and peace. It is also a pleasure to touch the history of merchant mansions, ancient churches and beautiful monasteries in the style of Russian patterning.

Monument to Peter and Fevronia

Take a break from the hustle and bustle on the Curonian Spit

Despite its popularity with tourists, the Curonian Spit remains one of the most secluded, yet easily accessible places on the map of Russia. The combination of white sand, pine needles and Baltic wind attracts here connoisseurs of quiet contemplative rest with certain requirements to comfort.

In recent years, several glamping and spa complexes inspired by northern aesthetics, natural materials and minimalism have appeared on the Spit. Here you can take a bath overlooking the Baltic Sea, warm yourself in a Russian steam room or Finnish sauna, and afterwards drink fragrant tea with marzipan right on the shore. Just what you need for a little romantic weekend trip.

Curonian Spit