Journey to the north: What to see in Karelia if you travel by car?

Domestic tourism is experiencing a real renaissance, as representatives of all generations begin to explore new corners of our vast Motherland. Today, the warm beaches of the south are being replaced by clear lakes and fast-flowing rivers in the north of Russia. One after another, people go to discover the mysterious and attractive Karelia, a republic of endless expanses and mighty rocks, where nature literally speaks the same language as you.

You can get here by plane or train, but nothing compares to the distance traveled by your own car. This is the only way to experience the true taste of travel when you have hundreds of kilometers ahead of you and hot coffee and a hot dog from a gas station in your hand. Pine trees and autumn fields sparkle outside the windows, your favorite songs play on the speakers, and the road becomes part of the route, turning each stop into a small adventure.

Who to trust?

For us, safety is not just a feature, it is the basis for peace of mind on the road. Therefore, it is important to choose the right car and put a confident driver with good experience behind the wheel. It is known that the new VOYAH PASSION EVR has undergone full-scale testing using the C-IASI3 (China Automotive Safety Index – Ed.) method and confirmed its status as a reliable vehicle. Front and side airbags, curtains, adjustable seat belts and more than twenty electronic assistants provide a feeling of control in every situation, from heavy traffic to the highway at night.

Second on the list, but least important, was comfort. The car must be large, comfortable and technologically equipped. Doubts disappeared by themselves when I noticed massage chairs, soft lighting with decorative lighting, a panoramic roof and a noise reduction system.

When going on a trip, many people were intimidated by the team due to the lack of gas stations on the roads. It is not for nothing that they say the main rule of Karelia is “If you see a gas station, fill it up.” But every rule has an exception, and in our case it is hybrid technology. The vehicle can travel up to 1000 km on a single charge and a full tank (based on the WLTP cycle), so you definitely don’t have to worry about the frequency of gas station locations.

Karelia attractions guide

It’s time to talk about the route. The region is developing rapidly: Agriculture, fishing and industry are developing, new, comfortable roads are being built and most importantly, the tourism sector is developing. This collection includes the main places that you cannot miss if you go to Karelia.

Geographically, Kizhi is an island in the northern part of Lake Onega, on the territory of the Kizhi Zoological Reserve. It is here that the museum-reserve of the same name is located, which is the most famous monument of Russian wooden architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main character of the program is the Church of the Transfiguration of the early 18th century. The exterior of the building is decorated with 22 domes that rise in impressive tiers. Inside there is a four-tiered iconostasis containing 102 icons. All this is surprising, especially if you believe the legend that the temple was built without a single nail.

You are unlikely to read about this location in a traditional reference book, so write it down quickly. It would seem that Velikaya Guba is a simple village in the Medvezhyegorsk region of the Republic of Karelia. But if you know the appearances and passwords, you can expect a warm welcome from local resident Larisa. The resort’s special lunch includes all the delights of Karelian cuisine: bread from the Russian bakery, rich fish soup and cabbage soup, hearty porridge and traditional pastries. Ideal after a long walk in the fresh air.

Meet one of Russia’s oldest extinct volcanoes, nearly three billion years old. At the time of its opening (during the construction of the Palyozersk hydroelectric power station) its size was impressive, but now it almost does not rise above the ground due to the destructive effects of winds and glaciers. This is what makes the volcano an attractive place for tourists. After mastering a short descent along a wooden staircase, you find yourself on a real plateau, where you can find lava flows and rare minerals.

Interesting fact: During the first billion years of its existence, Girvas erupted 15 times. Isn’t this a reason to visit the volcano and feel a connection with the distant past?

Kivach waterfall is located in the reserve of the same name. Its name probably comes from the Finnish word “kiivas”, which translated into Russian means “strong” and “fast”. It is interesting that her beauty is repeatedly praised in the works of the Decembrist poet FN Glinka, who was exiled to Petrozavodsk. The waterfall, which was considered the second largest waterfall in Europe at the time, lost this status due to the construction of the Girvas Dam. Despite this, Kivach remains the calling card of the reserve and attracts the attention of tourists with its picturesqueness and power.

If you do not have time to come here in the warm season, do not worry, even in the harshest winters the waterfall does not freeze completely.

A walk in the Sampo Mountain ethnopark is an excellent opportunity not only to look at Karelia, but also to take incredible photos. The local observation deck offers a view of the endless forest that literally hypnotizes, fixing your gaze on the Karelian landscape. Also here you can get to know history better, study the foundations of the Karelian-Finnish epic and try on traditional costumes. And finally, tie a ribbon to the wish tree. Spoiler: It will definitely happen.

Source: People Talk