Karelia in winter: what to see?
If Russia held a competition for the region embodying winter, Karelia would definitely win. And in a beauty contest, and in an intellectual one, and in a creative one.
There would only be questions about the swimsuit competition. But that's about summer. We'll prepare for that a little later. Now is the time to plan a great winter vacation. We have an idea for a route. Catch it!
Features of Karelian winter
Spoiler: inconsistent.
If you briefly and concisely describe the climate in Karelia in winter, you can simply say: you can never predict it. For example, a minute ago it was clear and sunny, but a moment later a snowfall suddenly begins, which turns into a thaw. In general, the weather here is changeable. And all because of the cyclonic vortices coming from three seas at once, between which Karelia is located: the White, Baltic, and Barents Seas.
It's coldest in Karelia in January and February. At this time, the air temperature drops to an average of –13 °C. But don't trust the thermometer alone. Due to the humidity in the local climate, even a slight minus feels much stronger.
As for precipitation, snow usually lies from November to March, although there are exceptions.
When planning hikes and excursions, consider the length of daylight hours. In early winter, it is at its shortest. Dawn begins around ten in the morning, and by three in the afternoon, it already starts to get dark.
In cities, as usual, it's a few degrees warmer. Sortavala is considered the warmest region of Karelia. It is located in the south and protected from winds.
How to get there
There are several ways to get to Karelia. The easiest is . From the latter, it's most convenient, as the Northern Capital is closest to Karelia. Now, about how to get to Karelia. So, there are four ways.
Plane
True, there is only one airport in Karelia. It is located about half an hour's drive from the regional capital, Petrozavodsk.
The flight will take approximately an hour and a half. However, all these airport rituals like check-in, security, and waiting will increase travel time.
Pro: fast. And here it's also cheap.
Con: baggage weight restrictions.
Train
Travelers can choose the branded double-decker train "Karelia" (018A). This is a good option in terms of price/comfort ratio. It departs from Leningradsky railway station in the evening and arrives in Petrozavodsk in the morning. It's like a night teleport with the lulling sound of wheels and an extra charge for bed linen.
, you can get there by regular train. This will take approximately seven hours. There is also a faster alternative – "Lastochka". This train takes about five hours, but there are only seating places.
Besides Petrozavodsk, there are train stations in Sortavala, Kem, Belomorsk, and Medvezhyegorsk, so it's worth figuring out where to go and from where it will be more convenient to plan your return journey.
Pro: the romance of a short train journey.
Con: random fellow travelers who might not let you get enough sleep.
Bus
This option is suitable for those traveling . From the Northern Capital, there are flights to Sortavala and Petrozavodsk. Travel time (without traffic jams) will take five and eight hours, respectively. Buses depart bus stations "Severny" (Murino village, Vokzalnaya street) and "No. 2" (Obvodny Canal embankment, 36), and arrive in Petrozavodsk at the bus station (Chapaeva street, 3).
Pro: a bus trip is cheaper, and boarding is easier.
Con: a bus journey is for the resilient: your body gets stiff, and sitting constantly becomes tiresome.
Car
Probably one of the easiest ways to get to Karelia on your own. to Petrozavodsk is about 700 km. As for time, such a journey should take about 13 hours. However, this is without traffic jams. , naturally, it will be faster – only 420 km, which is about six hours on the road. Again, assuming no traffic congestion.
Pro: no dependence on the schedule – the route and departure time are calculated by the travelers themselves.
Con: the driver will arrive in Karelia tired.
What to see in Karelia in winter
A small tip right away: since most winter activities in Karelia are outdoors, it's worth taking thermal underwear, a windproof and waterproof jacket, as well as a set of spare clothes (while the main one dries after a snow apocalypse).
Let's start with the fact that a huge plus of vacationing in Karelia in winter is the absence of insects and a large number of tourists. Nature at this time looks like a postcard: Karelian landscapes are very photogenic, believe me. Yes, it's beautiful here in summer and autumn, but it's especially magical in the cold season. So, here's a list of locations you definitely need to visit in Karelia in winter.
Ruskeala Mountain Park
Ruskeala Park is a canyon that formed at the site of marble extraction during the time of Catherine II. Stone from here was transported to St. Petersburg and used in the construction of palaces and cathedrals, such as St. Isaac's and Kazan Cathedrals.
Now the park has an equipped area around a lake of an unreal color. In winter, when the lake freezes, the illumination turns on at dusk, and everything around looks especially magical.
To avoid standing in lines at the park itself, it's better to buy tickets on Kupi.com online or from train conductors. They can tell you about all current activities.
The journey to Ruskeala is a separate attraction. You can get to the park by retro train "Ruskeala Express". A quick tip: don't delay buying a ticket. The train is famous for its late 19th-century interior, so many people want to ride it. It consists of three carriages: two with seating and a dining car. By the way, the train itself somewhat resembles the "Hogwarts Express" (Potterheads here?).
Must-have in Ruskeala Park:
- actually, the marble canyon itself with amazing lighting;
- underground Ruskeala (though, only with a guided tour);
- the path of mountain masters: underground lake and Italian quarry;
- "Abode of Angels" — a museum of wooden sculptures carved with a chainsaw.
From Ruskeala, you can take an excursion to the Ahinkoski waterfalls, where the famous film "The Dawns Here Are Quiet" was filmed. It's only five kilometers by car to the waterfalls.
Valaam Monastery
The Valaam Transfiguration Monastery for men is located on the islands of the archipelago in Lake Ladoga. In summer there are many tourists, so it's best to go in winter to soak in the tranquility and peacefulness of this place.
Historians say that the monastery was built in the XI–XII centuries. Before that, there was a pagan sanctuary on the island. There is a legend that Apostle Andrew placed a cross in these places, thereby blessing them.
Kizhi
The Kizhi Museum-Reserve is considered a symbol of Karelia. It is an island on Lake Onega, a huge museum of wooden architecture, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In winter, you can get to the reserve in three ways:
– by hovercraft (this is an air-cushion boat);
– by snowmobile;
– by helicopter (not a cheap option, but spectacular).
The winter journey is not easy, but the adventure will be unforgettable. The island is home to Russia's largest open-air museum. Here, 18th–19th century buildings are gathered: churches, houses, barns, and windmills.
The headliner of the event is the legendary 22-domed Transfiguration Church. It was built, for a moment, without a single nail. Nearby is the no less famous Church of the Resurrection of Lazarus.
For those who want to immerse themselves in the life of that time, the museum offers master classes. The schedule of all events can be viewed on the official website.
Mount Vottovaara
Mount Vottovaara is a must-visit attraction for all lovers of legends and mysticism. According to beliefs, shamans came to the mountain and performed their magical duties. There are other legends – from a ritual altar to a UFO parking lot.
In any case, the place is mysterious and filled with energy. The beautiful view and the absence of human habitation nearby also give pause for thought. And there are also mysteriously twisted trees, a "stairway to heaven", and seids – stone structures on small pedestals.
There is only one winter route – by snowmobile. So, getting there is not easy, but exciting. And definitely worth it.
The place is not very touristy. Enjoy it before crowds of tourists flock here.
Kivach Waterfall
This is not the highest waterfall – just over ten meters, but its essence is not in its height, but in the effect that open, bubbling water creates in winter.
You can reach the waterfall by a convenient path. A bus runs from Petrozavodsk, and you can also get there by car.
Kivach is far from the only waterfall in Karelia. There is also Yukankoski here. Or, as it is otherwise called, the White Bridges waterfall. It is twice as high as Kivach, but it is much more difficult to get to. Yukankoski is located on the Kulismajoki River, 30 kilometers from the city of Pitkyaranta. Yes, the difficulties start with the names. The road to the White Bridges waterfall is actively being built, but you should be prepared for a long walk through the snow.
Northern Lights
For the Northern Lights, it's best to go to the shores of the White Sea. For example, to Paanajärvi National Park or Nilmoguba village.
To see the Northern Lights, you will need:
- luck;
- frosty and clear weather;
- monitoring meteorologist reports;
- darkness (preferably away from the city);
- warm (no, really warm) clothing;
- patience;
- a little luck.
Active recreation
You can only be inactive by the fireplace or in the sauna – otherwise, you might just freeze. Here's what we offer here.
Skiing
The mountains in Karelia are not the steepest (a maximum drop of 50–100 meters), but there's a place for everyone – both beginners and professionals. There are ski, snowboard, and equipment rentals. For beginners – schools with instructors.
Where to go
If you are just learning to ski or are aiming for a more relaxed family vacation, we recommend staying at the "Gorka" center in Petrozavodsk. Here you will find a full "all-inclusive" of activities: skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.
If you are a confident skier/snowboarder or even a pro in this field, then the ski resort with the creative naming "Kurgan" will suit you better.
Fans of hardmode level might be interested in multi-day ski tours.
Naturally, these are not all ski resorts. There are also:
- Yalgora,
- Lumi,
- Medvezhyegorsk ski complex,
- Spasskaya Guba.
For ski walks in Petrozavodsk, there is a wonderful circular track "Fontany". Its length is 15 kilometers, but there are convenient ways to shorten the route. The track is well-equipped: there are ski rentals, equipment, and rest areas.
Dog sledding
This winter entertainment appeared relatively recently and has already become one of the most popular. Karelia has a large number of kennels breeding sled dog breeds: Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes.
What about prices
Dog sledding is not the cheapest pleasure: it will cost adults around 5,000 rubles, and children – 3,000 rubles.
The largest and most famous husky kennel in Russia is located in Karelia and is called "Talviukko". Now it is a huge tourist center, which has the estate of the Karelian Santa Claus, ice towns, reindeer farms, master classes, and cafes. In short, it's an interesting, promoted, and touristy place. In both good and bad ways.
Other popular kennels are located in the villages of Matrosy, Kalevala, Kudama, Sortavala, and Chalna.
For dog sledding, be sure to take a scarf or balaclava. A ski mask will also work. All this will help protect you from icy snow, which at speed simply burns with cold. Don't forget lip balm and nourishing cream, otherwise chapped skin is not much fun. Yes, guys, this applies to you too. Here, as they say, cast aside all gender stereotypes and don't be shy, the dogs won't judge you.
Snowmobiling
It's hard to imagine modern Karelian winter without snowmobiles. And if dog sledding is entertainment, then a snowmobile is a household necessity for many residents and tourists.
A snowmobile can be rented:
- at dog kennels;
- at almost any recreation center and in hotels in Petrozavodsk and Sortavala;
- in national parks.
A snowmobile can be rented for a couple of hours or you can go on an organized multi-day trip.
Ice fishing
Lake Ladoga is considered the best place for ice fishing. Fishermen especially like the first half of December and the end of winter, almost until March, which is also quite wintry in Karelia.
What you can catch in Lake Ladoga:
- pike,
- trout,
- pike-perch,
- roach (but not the one with the Witcher),
- bream,
- chub,
- white bream.
In total, there are about 60 species of fish here.
Most recreation centers are built near rivers or lakes. Guests can rent all kinds of ice fishing equipment. There's even an "all-inclusive" service where you are taken to an already prepared ice hole.
Other places worth fishing:
- Lake Onega,
- Syamozero,
- Pyaozero,
- Shuya River,
- Lake Paanajärvi in the park of the same name (but only with a license there).
Karelia in winter with children
Tourist winter Karelia is maximally oriented towards family vacations with children. Recreation centers and hotels have playgrounds, animators, and equipment rentals. Parks host master classes, games, and children's parties.
Residences of Grandfathers Frost
Yes, in the plural. Karelia has as many as three Grandfathers Frost – Talviukko, Ded Halla, and Pakkaine.
Ded Halla is Santa Claus's older brother. He lives in the forest, near the village of Nizhnyaya Salma. His estate has a school for house spirits, which any child can attend.
Ded Halla is a bit of a rock star, so it's worth booking an appointment with him well in advance. This can be done on the official website of the residence.
Another Karelian Grandfather Frost is Talviukko. He lives in the "Talviukko" residence, which is also a popular sled dog kennel.
The third Frost, though not a grandfather at all, is Pakkaine (Frosty or Morozko). This young handsome guy lives in the city of Olonets.
Zoo Complex "Three Bears"
On Syamozero, near Petrozavodsk, there is a wonderful zoo complex. There you can see wild animals that were rescued and nursed back to health by local residents. Those who could not return to the wild were left in the zoo complex. On the territory, there is a hotel and a Karelian village with monuments of wooden architecture.
City entertainment
In Petrozavodsk, it's definitely worth visiting museums and theaters with a child:
- House of Dolls,
- Puppet Theater,
- Museum of the Polar Odyssey Marine Club.
Events in Karelia in winter
Life in Karelia in winter not only doesn't stop but becomes even more active. Therefore, the question "what to do in Karelia in winter?" sounds more like: "how to manage to see everything?"
- Ice Sculpture Festival
Held in Ruskeala Park. Figures can be seen in the underground hall, equipped with magical lighting.
Winter Fountains Festival
Held in December–January. It is not related to fountains, but to the "Fontany" ski track, where ski competitions are held.
International Festival "Hyperborea"
Held in Petrozavodsk. Various things happen:
- fishing competitions,
- snowman show,
- concerts,
- walrus swim,
- fair,
- carnival,
- master classes.
The main event is the ice sculpture competition on the embankment of Lake Onega.
Pudozh Burbots
A festival for ice fishing burbot. Takes place at the end of winter in Vodlozersky National Park.
Where to stay
Everything depends on finances, vacation plans, and transport.
Generally, it's most convenient to come to the capital, Petrozavodsk, and make long and not-so-long excursions from there. Without a car, it's fine, because from Petrozavodsk there are organized routes to all the most interesting places in the republic.
The choice of accommodation is quite diverse:
- hostels,
- guesthouses and hotels,
- cottages (especially good for large groups),
- recreation centers,
- spa hotels,
- apartments/houses for rent (mainly in cities).
If you are traveling by car, be sure to check the possibility of parking on site and parking conditions.
Excursions to Karelia in winter
Excursion tours are a great option for those who want to relax, not plan. Just entrust yourself to knowledgeable people and enjoy. Yes, this option is usually more expensive, but also more concentrated in terms of events and impressions.
You can choose:
- short tours-excursions from cities, recreation centers, or within national parks;
- multi-day snowmobile or ski tours;
- tours with treatment (for example, the "Martial Waters" resort);
- tours for believers. For example, a tour to the Solovetsky Islands and Solovetsky Monastery.
Well, do you want to go to Karelia? Then don't deny yourself anything.
And after that, you can go somewhere else. We have many ideas, where you can relax in Russia in winter.
