Kizhi Travel Guide

Discover the culturally rich and naturally beautiful Kizhi in Northwestern Russia with this comprehensive travel guide. Explore must-visit places, hiking/biking routes, best things to do, local culture, safety, health, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to Kizhi

Kizhi is a historically and culturally rich island located in Karelia, a region in Northwestern Russia. It is home to the beautiful Kizhi Pogost, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes two churches and a belltower dating back to the 18th century. Kizhi is also known for its natural beauty, including clear lakes and forests.

Kizhi can be reached by boat from Petrozavodsk, the capital of Karelia. The journey takes around three to four hours, but the scenic views along the way make it worth the time. Kizhi is also accessible by helicopter during summer months.

List of Places to Visit in Kizhi

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kizhi Pogost: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit attraction in Kizhi. It includes the Transfiguration Church, the Intercession Church, and the Belltower – all dating back to the 1700s.
  • Kizhi Museum of Wooden Architecture: This open-air museum showcases traditional wooden architecture from the 14th to 20th centuries, including houses, churches, and other buildings.
  • Kizhi State History, Architecture, and Ethnography Museum Reserve: This museum offers an insight into the history and culture of the region.

Natural Attractions of Kizhi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Kizhi Island and National Park: Explore the island by taking a hike or renting a bike. The national park offers beautiful views, scenic landscapes, and a chance to spot wildlife.
  • Lake Onega: It is one of the largest lakes in Europe, offering clear waters and a relaxing atmosphere. Visitors can swim, fish, or rent a boat and explore the lake.
  • Kizhi Botanical Garden: This garden has over 100 species of plants and is the perfect spot for a peaceful stroll.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kizhi

Kizhi offers many hiking and biking trails that showcase the natural beauty of the island. Here are some of the popular routes:

  • Northern Kizhi Trail: This trail takes visitors through the forests on the northern side of the island and offers beautiful views of the lake.
  • Center of Kizhi Trail: This trail takes visitors through the heart of Kizhi and includes the Kizhi Pogost and other cultural attractions.
  • Kizhi Nature Trail: This trail takes visitors through the national park and offers a chance to spot wildlife.

Best Things to Do in Kizhi: Activities and Tours

  • Traditional Russian Sauna: Experience a traditional Russian sauna, also known as a banya. It is a unique and relaxing way to unwind after a day of exploring the island.
  • Boat Tour: Take a boat tour around Kizhi to see the island from a different perspective and enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Onega.
  • Fishing: Rent a fishing rod and try your hand at catching some fish in the clear waters of Lake Onega.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kizhi

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore the Kizhi Pogost and Kizhi Museum of Wooden Architecture
Day 2 Take a hiking/biking tour of Kizhi Island
Day 3 Relax at the Kizhi Botanical Garden
Day 4 Visit the Kizhi State History, Architecture, and Ethnography Museum Reserve
Day 5 Take a boat tour of Lake Onega
Day 6 Experience a traditional Russian sauna
Day 7 Go fishing on Lake Onega

Food and Drink Scene of Kizhi

Must-Try Dishes

  • Karelian Pirozhki: These are small pies filled with potatoes, rice, cabbage, mushrooms, or meat. They are a popular snack in the region.
  • Kalitki: It is a traditional Karelian dish made with buckwheat flour and is usually served with butter or sour cream.
  • Kiln-Smoked Fish: It is a local specialty that is smoked over a wood fire. The most popular types of fish are trout and salmon.

Local Beverages

  • Kvass: It is a traditional Russian drink made with fermented bread, water, and sugar. It is usually served cold and is perfect for a hot summer day.
  • Medovukha: It is a honey-based alcoholic drink that is similar to mead. It is a popular drink in the region and is usually served at celebrations and festivals.
  • Birch Sap: It is a refreshing drink that is tapped from birch trees in the spring. It has a sweet and slightly tart taste and is great for quenching thirst.

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

  • Kizhi Hotel: This hotel is located on the waterfront and offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving traditional Russian cuisine.
  • Guesthouse on Kizhi: This guesthouse offers traditional Karelian hospitality and wooden houses for an authentic experience.
  • Baza Otdykha Yelovka: This hostel offers affordable accommodation in wooden cabins in the national park area.

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

  • Birch Bark Souvenirs: Kizhi is known for its handmade birch bark products, including boxes, baskets, and other crafts.
  • Wooden Toys: The Kizhi Museum of Wooden Architecture has a gift shop selling traditional wooden toys that make great souvenirs.
  • Local Honey: Karelia is famous for its honey, and Kizhi has many vendors selling jars of the sweet solution.

Local Culture and Customs of Kizhi

Kizhi is known for its rich cultural heritage, including folk traditions, music, and dance. A unique culture has been preserved in Kizhi, and visitors can experience it by participating in local festivals and attending performances by folk groups.

Best Time to Visit Kizhi

The best time to visit Kizhi is during the summer months, from June to August. The weather is warm, and the island is bustling with tourists and locals. The fall months of September and October are also a great time to visit, as the colors of the forests change, and there are fewer crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kizhi

Do:

  • Respect the local traditions and customs.
  • Try the local cuisine.
  • Take care of the natural environment and help preserve it for future generations.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural environment.
  • Wear inappropriate clothing when visiting religious sites.
  • Disrespect the local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kizhi

Kizhi is a safe destination for tourists. However, visitors should take standard safety precautions, such as being aware of their surroundings and not leaving their belongings unattended.

Health in Kizhi

The island has a medical center that provides basic medical care. Visitors should bring any necessary medication and take precautions to prevent mosquito and tick bites.

Getting to Kizhi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kizhi

The nearest airport to Kizhi is Petrozavodsk Airport, which is located in Petrozavodsk. From there, visitors can take a boat to Kizhi.

Bus Stations Near Kizhi

There are many bus stations in Petrozavodsk that offer regular services to Kizhi.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to Kizhi by helicopter during the summer months.

How to Get Around in Kizhi

Kizhi is a small island that can be easily explored on foot or by renting a bike. There are also boat tours available for visitors who want to see the island from the water.

Where to Go Next from Kizhi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can travel to nearby destinations such as Petrozavodsk, the capital of Karelia. It is a vibrant and cultural city that is worth a visit. Other nearby destinations include the Chupa village and Solovetsky Islands, which are known for their natural beauty and historical significance.

Conclusion

Kizhi is a hidden gem in Northwestern Russia that offers a unique blend of culture and natural beauty. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can explore the must-visit places, hiking/biking routes, best things to do, local culture, safety, health, transportation options, and more. A trip to Kizhi is a journey through time and a chance to discover the beauty of Karelia.

Three churches of the Kizhi architectural ensemble Three churches of the Kizhi architectural ensemble