10 places to visit around St. Petersburg (PHOTOS)

1. St. Andrew's Church on the Vuoksa River

St. Andrew's Church on the Vuoksa River

The church was built in 2000 on a monolithic rock in the middle of the water; that is, the temple literally rises on a tiny island on the Vuoksa River. 

In the early years, parishioners and pilgrims could only reach it with the help of boats, but, recently, a bridge was built, connecting the island with the shore, which has made the landscape even more fabulous.

2. ‘Lindulovskaya Grove’ nature reserve

‘Lindulovskaya Grove’ nature reserve

You can find the oldest artificial plantation of larch trees in Russia in the ‘Lindulovskaya Grove’ nature reserve. The trees were planted there by Peter the Great for shipbuilding needs and, 100 years later, the area was declared a nature reserve. 

Now, you can walk along the ecological route, which takes about 90 minutes. The paths are equipped with stairs, observation platforms, pavilions for rest – in general, it has everything to be able to properly enjoy the hilly area with magnificent century-old larches. 

3. Shepelevsky Lighthouse 

Shepelevsky Lighthouse, Shepelevsky village

Lighthouses always attract travelers, even if it is forbidden by law to go inside the structure. In the Leningrad region, people primarily go to Osinovets Lighthouse because of the neighboring beach, but for lovers of quieter walks you can recommend Shepelevsky Lighthouse. 

4. Losevsky rapids

Extreme tourism on the Vuoksa River

The largest artificial rapids in Russia were created by accident. In the 19th century, Lake Sukhodolskoye was connected to Ladoga Lake and the slow tributary of the Vuoksa River became turbulent over time. Since then, the village of Losevo in Priozersky District has become a top destination for water sports enthusiasts: there, you can go rafting, kayaking and canoeing, as well as tackle routes of varying difficulty.

In the summer, it hosts one of the area's most colorful festivals, the ‘Bubble Baba Challenge’. Hundreds of people simultaneously jump into the turbulent river on inflatable dolls to see who will pass the 600-meter distance the fastest. In 2023, for example, more than 400 people participated in the annual event.

5. Oreshek Fortress 

Oreshek fortress ensemble

The history of the fortress on the island at the mouth of Lake Ladoga goes back more than 700 years – the first defense structures were erected there on the orders of Alexander Nevsky's grandson Yuri Danilovich. 

In 1702, the island was conquered from the Swedes by Peter the Great and renamed Shlisselburg (“Key city”) and, a century later, a prison was built on the territory, which became known as the ‘Russian Bastille’. At different times, Decembrists, revolutionaries and even the royal family were kept there. It was there, for example, that Vladimir Lenin's brother was executed.

Now, the island can be reached by boat from Shlisselburg. In the fortress itself, there is a museum about the history of the prison. 

6. Kronstadt & its forts

Kite festival "Fortolet" in the historical and cultural complex "Fort Constantine"

The city of Kronstadt was founded as a line of defense of St. Petersburg from the sea and, for two centuries, it grew and grew forts on the islands around its edges. The last 17 forts were built, each one has a unique history. One, for example, was blown up by drunken French sailors, another was used as a territory for creating a cure for the plague. 

You can learn about all the legends of the place in the best preserved fort called ‘Constantine’, it is now used as a modern cultural and historical cluster. There, you can learn local history, take a boat tour of the forts or visit the Lighthouse Museum with unique exhibits.

7. Palace & park ensembles and Tsarskoye Selo 

Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo

Leningrad Region has the largest number of country palace and park ensembles in Russia, mostly associated with the Romanov dynasty. One of the most famous is ‘Tsarskoe Selo’ near the town of Pushkin. 

There, you will find the luxurious Catherine Palace with its legendary ‘Amber Room’ – a Baroque architectural masterpiece – and a huge park with pavilions and fountains.

8. Vyborg & ‘Monrepos Park’

"Park Monrepos" in Vyborg

Vyborg is a city where you can feel yourself transported to the real Middle Ages. Here you can walk along the cobbled Market Square, admire the masterpieces of Northern Art Nouveau and try a pretzel baked according to a 400-year-old recipe.

But the main treasure of Vyborg can be considered the large park-reserve "Monrepo". In the picturesque area with Chinese bridges and tea gazebos it is pleasant to walk around, and be sure to reach the impressive granite rocks.

9. Ilya Repin's ‘Penty’ museum-estate

‘Penty’ museum-estate

Great Russian painter Ilya Repin lived and worked 45 kilometers away from St. Petersburg. His house, later, became the first memorial museum in the country. 

Inside, there are personal belongings of the master, as well as about 600 works by the artist himself, his son and other authors. The visit also includes a tour of the park around the estate. Tickets must be purchased in advance online.

10. Värämämänselkä Ridge Ecological Cycling Route

Värämänselka Ridge, Petäjärvi

Pedal enthusiasts will appreciate the Värämämänselkä Ridge nature reserve trail. It is 11 kilometers long and goes through varied terrain: from pine forests to traditional bogs. The route, however, is suitable for both beginners and experienced cyclists.

You can get there by car or by train to Petäjärvi station.