Karelia in 3 Russian words
Karelia has so many forests and such clean air that it is often dubbed the “lungs of Europe”. Here are three of the main symbols of this amazing region.
1. КИЖИ (Kizhi)
Kizhi is a unique architectural ensemble located on the island of the same name in Lake Onega. It consists of a number of buildings from the 18th-19th centuries that were moved there from other parts of Karelia. The most impressive of them is the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord from 1714, assembled from wood without a single nail!
2. ВАЛААМСКИЙ МОНАСТЫРЬ (Valaam Monastery)
The Valaam Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior is located on the archipelago on Ladoga Island. According to legend, the monastery was founded by Apostle Andrew the First-Called. About 100,000 people visit the monastery annually, 90,000 of whom are tourists and 10,000 are pilgrims.
3. РУСКЕАЛЬСКИЙ ЭКСПРЕСС (Ruskeala Express)
This unique retro train runs daily between the city of Sortavala and the Ruskeala Mountain Park. The train is pulled by a steam locomotive and the interior of the carriages is stylized in an early 20th-century look. The Ruskeala Express is also one of the main attractions in Karelia!
