Karelia Travel Guide

Karelia, located in Northwestern Russia, is a beautiful region filled with incredible natural beauty and rich cultural history. This comprehensive travel guide highlights the best things to do, see, and experience in Karelia.


Introduction to Karelia

Karelia is a region located in Northwestern Russia, bordering Finland. This breathtaking region is known for its natural beauty, rich cultural history, and traditional local crafts. Karelia is dotted with beautiful lakes and rivers, endless forests, and picturesque villages, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and culture seekers alike.

List of Places to Visit in Karelia

Karelia offers visitors a diverse range of attractions, including cultural and historical museums, natural wonders, and outdoor activities. Here’s a list of some of the must-visit destinations in Karelia.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Kizhi Island Karelian State Museum of Local Lore Solovki Archipelago Kem Monastery

Natural Attractions of Karelia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Kivach Falls Ruskeala Mountain Park Valaam Island Paanajarvi National Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Karelia

One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of Karelia is by hiking or biking. Here are some of the most popular routes for outdoor enthusiasts:

Karelian Isthmus Koli National Park Kotka-Kuusamo Trail

Best Things to Do in Karelia: Activities and Tours

From kayaking and fishing to visiting traditional villages and museums, Karelia offers a diverse range of activities for travelers. Here are some of the best things to do when visiting Karelia:

Kayaking on Lake Ladoga Cultural Tour of the Kizhi Island Visit to a traditional Karelian village Fishing in rivers and lakes

Week-Long Itinerary for Karelia

Karelia offers visitors a wealth of natural beauty and historical sites to explore. Here’s a week-long itinerary for travelers:

Day 1: Explore Petrozavodsk Day 2: Visit Kizhi Island Day 3: Explore Murmansk Day 4: Explore the Natural Beauty of Koli National Park Day 5: Visit the Solovki Archipelago Day 6: Take a Tour of a Traditional Karelian Village Day 7: Relax by Lake Ladoga

Food and Drink Scene of Karelia

Karelian cuisine is known for its hearty, traditional dishes, including pies, soups, and stews. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Karelian pie (karjalanpiirakka) Kalakukko Shanga

Local Beverages

Karelian beer, “Pohjolan Valo” Karelian vodka, “Ladozhskaya”

Where to Stay in Karelia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Karelia has a variety of accommodation options for travelers, whether you’re looking for a luxurious hotel or a cozy guesthouse. Below are some of the best options:

Hotel Karelia Karelian Guesthouse Onego Palace Hotel

What to Buy in Karelia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Karelia is known for its traditional crafts, including woodcarving, weaving, and pottery. Here are some souvenirs and local products to bring home:

Traditional Karelian handcrafted items Karelian knitwear Karelian jewelry

Local Culture and Customs of Karelia

Karelia has a rich cultural history and unique local customs. Here are some interesting facts about Karelian culture:

Karelians are known for their traditional singing style, called “runosong” Saunas are an important part of Karelian culture Traditional folk costumes and textiles are still made and worn today

Best Time to Visit Karelia

The best time to visit Karelia is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the natural beauty of the region is in full bloom. The winter months (December to February) are also popular, with snowmobiling and aurora watching being popular activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Karelia

Here are some important do’s and don’ts when visiting Karelia:

Do:

Respect local customs and traditions Try local dishes and beverages Take part in local cultural events

Don’t:

Disrespect local traditions or customs Litter or damage natural sites Disrespect local authorities or law enforcement

Safety and Health

Safety in Karelia

Karelia is generally a safe region for travelers, but it’s always important to take safety precautions while traveling. Here are some tips for staying safe in Karelia:

Take care when hiking or exploring natural sites Be cautious when using public transport Be aware of your surroundings and belongings at all times

Health in Karelia

Karelia has a good standard of healthcare, but it’s always important to have travel insurance when traveling abroad. It’s also important to take precautions against tick-borne diseases, which are prevalent in the region.

Getting to Karelia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Karelia

Petrozavodsk Airport Joensuu Airport St. Petersburg Pulkovo Airport

Bus Stations Near Karelia

Moscow Central Bus Station St. Petersburg Bus Station Kuopio Travel Centre

Other Options

Train Station: Petrozavodsk Railway Station Ferry: Helsinki to St. Petersburg

How to Get Around in Karelia

Karelia has a good network of public transport, including buses, trains, and taxis. It’s also possible to rent a car or bicycle for exploring the region at your own pace.

Where to Go Next from Karelia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Karelia is located near several other regions and destinations that are worth exploring. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

St. Petersburg Finland: Helsinki, Joensuu, Lappeenranta Lapland

Conclusion

Karelia is a beautiful region that offers travelers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural history, and traditional crafts. Whether for outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, a trip to Karelia is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Wooden architecture of Kizhi Island Wooden architecture of Kizhi Island An abandoned Finnish dam at a waterfall near Ruskeala An abandoned Finnish dam at a waterfall near Ruskeala World heritage-listed petroglyphs on the shore of Lake Onega World heritage-listed petroglyphs on the shore of Lake Onega Minor road in winter Minor road in winter


    Kizhi
    Kostomuksha
    Paanajärvi National Park
    Petrozavodsk
    Valaam