Leningrad Oblast Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Leningrad Oblast with this comprehensive travel guide featuring must-visit places, cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, itinerary ideas, food and drink scene, and practical travel tips.
- Introduction to Leningrad Oblast
- List of Places to Visit in Leningrad Oblast
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Leningrad Oblast
- Karelian Isthmus Hiking Trail
- Vyborg – Priozersk Cycling Route
- Best Things to Do in Leningrad Oblast: Activities and Tours
- River Boat Cruise
- Mariinsky Ballet Performance
- Week-Long Itinerary for Leningrad Oblast
- Food and Drink Scene of Leningrad Oblast
- Where to Stay in Leningrad Oblast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Leningrad Oblast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Leningrad Oblast
- Best Time to Visit Leningrad Oblast
- Do’s and Don’ts of Leningrad Oblast
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Leningrad Oblast: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Leningrad Oblast
- Where to Go Next from Leningrad Oblast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Leningrad Oblast
Leningrad Oblast is a region of northwestern Russia that borders Finland and the Gulf of Finland to the west, the Republic of Karelia to the north, and St. Petersburg to the east. The region is named after its capital city of Leningrad, now known as St. Petersburg. Leningrad Oblast is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from dense forests and pristine lakes to sandy beaches and rocky coastlines. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and culture lovers alike.
List of Places to Visit in Leningrad Oblast
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Hermitage–Kazan Exhibition Centre
Located in the small town of Kazan, this exhibition center displays temporary exhibits from the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. The exhibitions showcase the vast collection of art, artifacts, and historical objects from around the world.
Shlisselburg Fortress
Shlisselburg Fortress, also known as Oreshek Fortress, is a medieval fortress built on an island in the Neva River. The fortress played a strategic role in the defense of St. Petersburg and the surrounding area.
Peterhof Palace and Grand Cascade
Peterhof Palace, also known as the “Russian Versailles,” is a stunning palace complex built by Peter the Great in the early 18th century. The Grand Cascade is a magnificent fountain that features gold statues and waterworks.
Natural Attractions of Leningrad Oblast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Lake Ladoga
Lake Ladoga is the largest freshwater lake in Europe and the second-largest lake in Russia. It is known for its crystal-clear waters, unspoiled nature, and secluded beaches.
Valaam Archipelago
Valaam Archipelago is a group of islands in Lake Ladoga that are home to the famous Valaam Monastery. The islands are also known for their scenic landscapes, hiking trails, and historic churches.
St. Petersburg Beaches
St. Petersburg is known for its sandy beaches, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The most popular beaches include the Gulf of Finland beaches, Krestovsky Island Beach, and Laskovy Beach.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Leningrad Oblast
Karelian Isthmus Hiking Trail
The Karelian Isthmus Hiking Trail is a 200 km long trail that stretches from St. Petersburg to the Finnish border. It takes hikers through the beautiful forests, lakes, and hills of the region.
Vyborg – Priozersk Cycling Route
This 100 km cycling route starts from the historic town of Vyborg and winds through the rolling hills and scenic countryside of Leningrad Oblast. The route ends in the town of Priozersk.
Best Things to Do in Leningrad Oblast: Activities and Tours
River Boat Cruise
A river boat cruise is a great way to explore the scenic waterways of Leningrad Oblast. Cruises typically offer stunning views of natural and historical landmarks.
Mariinsky Ballet Performance
The Mariinsky Ballet is one of the oldest and most renowned ballet companies in the world. Its performances in St. Petersburg are a must-see for fans of ballet and classical music.
Week-Long Itinerary for Leningrad Oblast
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore the historic sites of St. Petersburg, including the Hermitage Museum and St. Isaac’s Cathedral. |
| 2-3 | Visit the natural wonders of Leningrad Oblast, such as Lake Ladoga and the Valaam Archipelago. |
| 4-5 | Take a hiking or cycling tour through the Karelian Isthmus or the Vyborg-Priozersk route. |
| 6 | Enjoy a river boat cruise on the Neva River. |
| 7 | See a ballet performance at the Mariinsky Theatre and sample the local cuisine in St. Petersburg. |
Food and Drink Scene of Leningrad Oblast
Must-Try Dishes
Borscht
Borscht is a classic Russian soup made with beets, cabbage, and other vegetables. It is often served with sour cream and black bread.
Pirozhki
Pirozhki are small, savory pastries filled with meat, vegetables, cheese, or other ingredients. They are a popular snack in Russia.
Local Beverages
Kvass
Kvass is a traditional Russian drink made from fermented bread. It is usually sweetened with sugar and sometimes flavored with berries or herbs.
Vodka
Vodka is a Russian staple and is often served with food or as a standalone drink. It is typically served chilled and in small glasses.
Where to Stay in Leningrad Oblast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
There are plenty of accommodation options in Leningrad Oblast, ranging from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to luxury hotels. Some popular options include:
- Belmond Grand Hotel Europe
- Corinthia Hotel St. Petersburg
- Friends Hostel
- Babylon Hotel
What to Buy in Leningrad Oblast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Here are some of the best souvenirs and products to bring home from Leningrad Oblast:
- Matryoshka dolls
- Baltic amber jewelry
- Russian vodka
- Honey and other bee products from local apiaries
Local Culture and Customs of Leningrad Oblast
Russians are known for their hospitality and friendliness towards visitors. When visiting Leningrad Oblast, it is important to respect the local customs and cultural practices.
Best Time to Visit Leningrad Oblast
The best time to visit Leningrad Oblast is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors can also enjoy the region’s winter activities from December to March, such as ice skating and cross-country skiing.
Do’s and Don’ts of Leningrad Oblast
Do:
- Learn a few basic Russian phrases.
- Respect local customs and traditions.
- Dress appropriately for the weather and culture.
Don’t:
- Take photographs of military or government buildings without permission.
- Wear shoes indoors in someone’s home or a church.
- Drink tap water.
Safety and Health
Safety in Leningrad Oblast
Leningrad Oblast is generally a safe destination for travelers, but visitors should still exercise caution and common sense, especially in crowded areas and at night.
Health in Leningrad Oblast
There are no major health risks in Leningrad Oblast, but travelers should still take precautions against common illnesses, such as the flu, by getting vaccinated and practicing good hygiene.
Getting to Leningrad Oblast: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Leningrad Oblast
The main airport serving Leningrad Oblast is Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg. There are also several smaller airports in the region, such as the Lappeenranta Airport in Finland.
Bus Stations Near Leningrad Oblast
There are several bus stations in Leningrad Oblast, including the St. Petersburg Bus Terminal and the Vsevolozhsk Bus Station.
Other Options
Other transportation options to Leningrad Oblast include trains and taxis.
How to Get Around in Leningrad Oblast
The best way to get around Leningrad Oblast is by car or public transportation. Local buses, trains, and subways are all reliable and affordable.
Where to Go Next from Leningrad Oblast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Some nearby destinations and excursions from Leningrad Oblast include:
- Helsinki, Finland
- Moscow, Russia
- Karelia, Russia
Conclusion
Leningrad Oblast is an incredible destination for travelers looking to experience a wide range of cultural and natural attractions. With this comprehensive tour guide, visitors can plan their trip to Leningrad Oblast with ease and confidence.
