If you decide to see what real winter looks like, then welcome to Karelia! This northern edge will bring you an unforgettable experience. But remember that Karelia can be very harsh in winter. Therefore, we have prepared for you a selection of materials on what to see here, how to relax, when to go, what to take with you, where to stay and what experienced travelers think about their vacation in these places.
Climate and other features
Of course, you need to prepare well for a trip to such a northern region as Karelia. In winter, the weather here is unstable and can change dramatically from severe frosts to sudden thaws. This contrast can be especially strong between daytime and nighttime temperatures. In addition, it is very humid here, there are many rivers and lakes, and therefore even not too much cold is felt by the body as a severe frost. It is recommended to take warm clothes here, and waterproof shoes. If you are driving your own car, not only do not forget your winter tires, but do not try to drive on small paths on your own, otherwise you may be covered with snow. Of course, this is not the Far North, but it dawns very late and gets dark early. This must also be taken into account when planning excursions.
Spiritual centers
The island of Kizhi has become a local tourist symbol. All Karelia is proud of him. In winter, you can also get here, though not by boat across Lake Onega, but by snowmobiles. Some travel companies even offer helicopter tours. What to see in Karelia in winter on Kizhi? Yes, even built without the use of nails, the Preobrazhensky wooden church. This can be done in winter as well. And what magical landscapes you will see along the way! In addition, you can visit the Valaam and Solovetsky monasteries, as well as many old churches. So that travelers can enjoy the amazing landscapes of these places during the winter months, they come up with different ways. For example, hovercraft are used. And if you want to get acquainted with the life of local residents, be sure to visit the village of Rubchoila. There you will learn a lot about the spiritual and material culture of this people.
National parks
What do tourists usually brag about when they want to tell what Karelia is like in winter? Photos of forests, as if emerging from old fairy tales, are what they show to friends and post on social networks. The Paanajärvi National Park is especially beautiful at this time of year. It is named after a lake that was formed in a rocky break. In winter it freezes over and you can skate there.
Do not forget to visit the Kivach lowland waterfall on the Suna River. It is located in a protected area and is the second largest in Europe. This threshold is famous for the fact that a huge mass of water falls from a great height with a terrible roar. And when at the edges the liquid solidifies, turning into ice, the spectacle becomes simply fantastic.
Do you still want to know what to see in Karelia in winter? Sign up for hikes with a private guide. You will see Mount Sampo, Girvach volcano, ride snowmobiles along the endless plains. But the main thing in the cold is not to stand too long, you have to be active. Otherwise, no warm clothes will help.
Ruskeala
This famous marble canyon is always mentioned when they talk about what to see in Karelia. In winter, it becomes even more popular than in summer. This is a former quarry now used for tourism purposes. It is filled with groundwater. Therefore, in summer you can come here by boat. But its countless grottoes and passages, mines and adits in winter are connected by ice, into which water turns. And then it's time for backpackers. Here they go ice skating and dog riding, and when the early dusk falls, the canyon is beautifully illuminated. Ice sculptures are often made by local artists. They are amazing, like Karelia itself in winter. Photos of these sculptures seem to transport us to the Ice Palace of the Snow Queen. Lovers of unusual natural species often come here.
Leisure
A great entertainment for all ages in Karelia is wake parks. Here you will see all kinds of snow skiing - skiing, snowboarding, "cheesecakes" ... Professional instructors and operators are at your service. There are also snowkiting schools here. And you can go downhill skiing at the Yalgora or Spasskaya Guba resort. After all, the peculiarities of the local climate are such that the snow always remains fluffy.
And if you want to relax in Karelia in winter with children, be sure to try dog \u200b\u200bsledding trips. The dogs are very friendly and your little ones will love. They are also happy to pose for tourists and take pictures with you. It is worth it inexpensively, and the sea brings joy.
For those who are fond of ice fishing, all services are provided on Lake Onega, right next to Kizhi. From December to February, countless fishing enthusiasts gather here. After all, the ice here is very strong, and this sport is absolutely safe. And then take a good steam in the famous Karelian sauna.
Some adventurous travelers choose multi-day skiing tours through forests and plains. Then they feel like pioneers and almost colleagues of those who made expeditions to the North Pole.
Winter festivals
But not only natural attractions attract tourists here. Karelia in winter is a real holiday for the soul. Various festivals are organized here. For example, at the beginning of December in the city of Olonets the real Winter Olympic Games take place. Only their participants are not ordinary athletes, but ... Santa Clauses. Celebrating the New Year in Karelia is also very prestigious. It is not the usual Santa Claus that will bring you gifts, but its local equivalent - Papakaine.
But the most famous festival is called "Hyperborea". This is a variant of the European carnival. It takes place in Petrozavodsk. Its program is very diverse. This includes a traditional carnival procession, a fair for food and drinks, and an ice sculpture competition. Usually he settles down on the embankment of Lake Onega, and masters from different countries of the world come here to compete.
Where to stay and what to try
There are a lot of recreation centers and sanatoriums that work all year round. Therefore, the question of where to rest in Karelia in winter is very quickly resolved. In addition to the usual treatment procedures, the latter offer to visit spa centers, try the services of masseurs, shungite therapy. And the prices are very pleasant compared to the summer period. The sanatorium "Marcial Waters" is especially good, where even excursions are arranged.
And in winter in Karelia whole cottage settlements are opened for the needs of tourists. As a rule, they stand on the shores of picturesque lakes, which are covered with ice at this time of the year. Here you can just walk on the crisp snow and breathe in the cleanest air. Looking for some fun? Baths, saunas, jeep safaris, all kinds of entertainment for every taste and budget - that's what awaits you there.
And what interesting dishes you can try in Karelia! Real game - elk, bear, venison. Old dishes, the taste of which have already been forgotten by the townspeople, are served here at meals - oatmeal porridge with berry sauce, herbal teas ... And as a cherry on a cake - the most authentic Karelian dish, milk soup.
Karelia in winter: rest, reviews
Many tourists note that it is better to go to Karelia not on your own, but to buy tours. Indeed, in this case, you can see many sights in not too much time and be in time almost everywhere. The easiest way to get here is from St. Petersburg, but Muscovites are also quite convenient. There is always very clean air here, this is an extremely environmentally friendly region. But Karelia is especially beautiful in winter. Reviews assure that, coming here, you find yourself in a real fairy tale. Travel companies that organize vacations, as a rule, fulfill their promises, arrange a good reception for vacationers, and do everything on time. The staff at the bases and in the hotels is polite, and the cottage villages are located very picturesquely.
Rest in Karelia means solitude with nature in a pleasant house on the shore of a small lake and, of course, a bathhouse or a sauna. And there are plenty of such places in Karelia. There are about 300 bases in the republic, and even more guest houses, which are ready to welcome fans of the Russian north. Recreation centers in Karelia are in great demand among residents of Moscow, St. Petersburg and [...]
The tourist club "Polar Aurora" offers to make an unforgettable helicopter flight from St. Petersburg to the holy places. We take a responsible approach to the safety and comfort of our tourists, we bring to your attention modern helicopters for flights to Kizhi, Valaam, Solovki, as well as for routes in Karelia, which can be agreed individually. Helicopter flight Bell 206 Capacity: 4 […]
Petrozavodsk is the capital of the Republic of Karelia and the last major city on the way to conquering the North-West (not counting Arkhangelsk and Murmansk). Here you can stay at hotels in Petrozavodsk or hotels in Petrozavodsk to make small trips to places of interest without losing convenience and comfort. Hotels and hotels in Petrozavodsk will pleasantly delight you with the number of services provided, service, as well as [...]
Luxurious opportunities for active recreation and sightseeing, breathtaking landscapes with snowdrifts, ornate pine trees and old wooden houses, ringing air - that's what it is Karelia in winter... If you have a desire to escape from the daily hustle and bustle, to touch the secrets of amazing nature and rich history, to taste all the delights of the chilled pore - by all means go on a trip to Karelia in winter with the tour operator Alem-Tur.
Walk through the snowy forest, ride down a hill with a breeze, take a steam bath in a real wood-fired sauna ... there are a number of worthy answers to the question - what to do in Karelia in winter? Extremals, lovers of outdoor activities and winter sports will not be bored here either - tourists will find a lot of entertainment here, and this is not just a speech turnover, but a real fact, the confirmation of which you will find below.
sights
Due to the geographical location and natural and climatic features, the republic has not yet become a place for a very massive influx of tourists. And this is good for preserving its unique natural resources. In search of an answer to the question: what to see in Karelia in winter? - many are surprised to discover that this land is rich not only in natural beauty.
Besides them, the sights of Karelia, which are easy to see in winter by car, - this
- well-preserved architectural monuments of distant antiquity,
- masterpieces of wooden architecture,
- hunting and fishing bases,
- unique zoos, zoo complexes, sled dog kennels.
Ruskeala marble canyon
A unique place is the Ruskeala mountain park. This marble canyon was formed in a huge quarry, from which marble was mined for more than two hundred years. Nowadays it is a canyon stretching for several kilometers, flooded with clear waters.
Visit Ruskeala in winter in Karelia nice: there is no large crowd of people. Nothing distracts from communicating with the calm and majestic nature. You can't go down on the ice, but this marble canyonit is especially beautiful from a height. The trail passes through a cave-adit, illuminated in the dark.
Kivach waterfall
One of the most famous sights of the republic is the Kivach waterfall on the Suna River. It falls over stone rapids from a height of more than ten meters, mesmerizing with its power and grandeur. The waterfall is in perfect harmony with the beauty of nature of the surrounding nature reserve of the same name.
Even in Epiphany frosts, the Kivach waterfall does not freeze. He always rolls river waters along icy ledges, past trees, whose branches are generously shrouded in sparkling snow.
Mount Sampo
Mount Sampo is a "place of power" with vibrant natural energy. This mythical rock made of Kalevala runes looks especially colorful in winter. Climbing the mountain is worth at least because of the unusually beautiful view that opens from its top to the lake and the surrounding forests. And, of course, take a series of stunning photos.
For tourists, Mount Sampo in winter in Karelia is quite accessible, as in summer: there are ladders, railings, observation platforms. But caution does not hurt: the steps can be slippery.
Where to relax in Karelia in winter
A place, where to stay, everyone chooses based on their own preferences and capabilities. It can be a hotel in Petrozavodsk or in the suburbs of the city, for example, a country recreation center "Verkhovye" is well suited for this, or a separate "hunting lodge" or a cottage on the shore of a lake.
Those who wish not only to relax, but also to improve their health are waiting for the health resorts of the republic. The village of Marcial Waters in the Kondopoga region, 55 km from Petrozavodsk, is the first resort in the history of Russia, founded in 1719: year-round, balneological and mud.
In Karelia - the expanse for fans of skiing. There are perfectly equipped trails in Malaya Medvezhka, on the Spasskaya Bay; on Yalgor, and on Gorka, which is directly inside Petrozavodsk. There are plenty of opportunities for ice fishing on the local lakes.
On snowmobiles you can get to the main sights of the republic: Kizhi and Valaam traditionally occupy the highest places in the list of places to visit in Karelia in winter.
Winter recreation centers
The best way to escape from the tense rhythm of modern civilization is to stay not in a city hotel, but at one of the recreation centers that are located "in the very heart" of Karelia.
As, for example, the base "Verkhovye". This complex fits well into the surrounding natural landscape and offers the most intimate rest in winter 2019. Recreation centers are chosen by an increasing number of tourists from year to year, thanks to the affordable pricing policy and a wider range of services - here you can walk in the forest and throw snowballs in the yard and it is unusual to celebrate the New Year.
Cottages in Karelia in winter
Before traveling, you need to decide: what kind of accommodation will be the best for this winter vacation? Whether to settle in a separate room or, together with a friendly company, to rent cottage?
Traditionally, accommodation is offered in cottages on the shore of one of the lakes, or in close proximity to it. There are even options on a separate island, with its own bathhouse and a well-equipped shore.
Renting a house in winter in Karelia
Excellent accommodation option for couples in love; families with children; small companies - rent a house in Karelia in winter... As a rule, such a house has a terrace with a table, chairs / benches overlooking the forest; wood-burning bath / sauna; barbecue and woodpile.
There can be one, two, or three bedrooms in the house, and they are most often built from local environmentally friendly wood.
Excursions and tours in winter Karelia
In one weekend tour, you can visit most of the sights of the republic - both natural and man-made. In just a few days, you can get a complete picture of what is Karelia in winter. Tours from Moscow and St. Petersburg include in their itinerary the Kizhi and Valaam Monastery museums, Kivach waterfall, tasting of mineral waters, as well as: Ruskeala marble canyon, Holy Trinity Monastery, Sheltozero ethnographic museum, the ancient village of Karelians Rubcheila, the Three Bears zoo complex. The winter tour includes dog sledding and snowmobiling. You will have to hit the road early in the morning and return to the hotel late in the evening. These will be busy days full of fresh impressions and positive emotions.
Fishing tours in winter
Podglednaya fishing in Karelia in winter usually available from January. Sometimes even earlier, depending on weather conditions. The very end of winter is considered the best time, and March and April too - in the Russian North, these are still more winter than spring months. During this period, the wilderness ends and fishermen can count on a richer and more varied catch.
Husky riding
An unforgettable winter entertainment in Karelia is dog sledding. A number of husky sled dog breeders, in different villages of the republic, offer this service, and a couple of interesting routes through the picturesque area.
Communication with a husky cannot leave anyone indifferent, because dogs of this breed are friendly, fluffy and affectionate, and how skillfully they pose for a photo!
In winter, it is popular not only among Russians, but also among foreign tourists. Here you can see unique architectural monuments, enjoy virgin nature, do active sports, and also spend time comfortably with your family.
Winter hunting
Many guests prefer to spend their holidays in Karelia in winter actively and even to the extreme. So, hunting has long been a well-known tourist "brand" of this region. Everyone can test the strength of their nerves and go to the local forests for birds or game. At the same time, tourists should be aware that a license is required for beavers, bears, black grouses, wood grouses and wild boars. It is not so easy to obtain the necessary permission from the regional divisions of the State Committee for Hunting of the Republic of Kazakhstan or organizations that have their own hunting grounds, since the number of licenses is limited. But hunting for hazel grouse, white hare, squirrel, duck and a number of other animals is possible without special permission.
If you are not a professional in this type of activity, then use the services of a specialist who will accompany you and relieve you of many difficulties and inconveniences. If you wish, you can purchase a special tour, within which you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in a hunting lodge, food, and the services of a professional huntsman-guide.
Fishing in Karelia
In winter Karelia is an excellent vacation spot for ice fishing lovers. In the central and northern regions of the region there are many rivers and rapids where you can catch grayling, salmon and whitefish. In the north of Karelia there are many lakes, where Pyaozero is especially popular. It is here that fishermen come for trout, whitefish, brown trout and many other types of fish. There are 47 species of fish in Lake Onega, including such “favorites” as salmon, trout, perch, pike perch and pike. Most fans of winter fishing go here on their own, because they believe that it is not worth paying money for something that can be taken for free. However, in Karelia there are also specialized recreation centers with stocked reservoirs. Here everyone can combine their favorite business with living in a comfortable hotel, playing sports, relaxing in a Russian bath and other entertainment.
If you decide to spend your vacation here, you should take into account that Karelia in winter is a rather specific place - the days are short, the nights are long, and the air temperature is quite low. You also need to be aware that there are a number of restrictions on fishing. So, for example, bream, ide and grayling should be released into the wild less than 22 centimeters in length, and pikes less than 30 centimeters.
Active rest, prices
Karelia in winter is a great place for lovers of an active lifestyle. This is where you can go skiing, doggy or horseback riding, or go on an ATV and snowmobile tour. If you are not into extreme relaxation, you can do more relaxed and safer activities. For example, go ice skating, skiing, popular "cheesecakes" and, of course, enjoy the snow fun. For organized programs, contact the tour operator "Alem-Tour".
How much will Karelia tourists - rest in winter? Entertainment prices are more than affordable for most of our fellow citizens. Thus, a two-hour dog sled ride will cost about 3,500 rubles, and a one-day hovercraft trip to Valaam Island and sightseeing tours will cost 7,000 rubles.
Attractions of the region
At any time of the year, tourists tend to visit the most famous places in Karelia. Therefore, in the winter season, you can also admire the beautiful lakes, forests and other picturesque places of this region. The most famous natural sights of Karelia are, of course, Ladoga and Onega lakes, the beauty of which is difficult to convey even to professional photographers. The next places visited by almost all tourists are Solovki, Valaam and Kizhi. Here you can see architectural monuments, museums, cathedrals and chapels with a long history. The list of local attractions will not be complete without mentioning the old Russian northern cities in it. We are talking about Olonets, Petrozavodsk, Kem and many other settlements.
The average cost of a walking tour in Petrozavodsk is 200 rubles, and a bus tour is 350 rubles.
Excursions in Karelia
If you want to enjoy your winter vacation, then feel free to go to Karelia. Here you can create a travel program that will last a lifetime. Someone prefers bus tours, someone moves in their own car. However, experts say that it is impossible to see all the beauty of this region in the usual bustle. Stop and try to escape from your daily routine, admire the nature and beauty of northern cities. On such a journey, you will simply need a guide-guide who loves his homeland and knows its history perfectly.
For those who want to see all the sights in a short time, the guides make up a special program. It provides for movement in different types of transport and different ways of spending leisure time. Such a two-day tour will cost approximately 12,000 rubles per person. There is also a very special group of excursions - extreme tours, where instead of the usual "all inclusive" you get an SUV, a tent, a fishing rod, a folding knife and a bowler hat.
Winter rest in Karelia with children
If you decide to spend with your family, then it is in Karelia that you will get a lot of positive impressions. Going to Karelia in winter with children, you can be sure that you will find a wonderful hotel, interesting excursions for all ages, as well as exciting winter fun. Kids will be interested in dog sledding, reindeer sledding, skiing or building a real snow fort. Many hotels offer families to celebrate New Year and Christmas with them. They design a special program that everyone in your family will enjoy. Here Santa Claus and Snegurochka, funny contests and attractions, as well as a lot of gifts and pleasant surprises will be waiting for you.
Karelia in winter: reviews of tourists
Those who visit this wonderful land in winter are usually full of new and exciting experiences. Someone enthusiastically talks about active rest, someone is delighted with the beauty of northern nature, and someone got a lot of pleasure from the rich excursion program. However, almost all guests of Karelia agree on one thing - they dream of coming back here more than once.
