How much has been written about these places both in poetry and prose. A person who has visited Karelia will always remember it. Karelia is amazing place, with a serene northern beauty and at the same time harsh. There is greatness and mystery in this beauty, which is why you want to come back here.

In many ways, the nature of Karelia is similar to the nature of neighboring Finland. These regions are close both geographically and historically. Only the Finns have learned to provide their beauty to tourists in at its best, and the Russians are just starting to do this. From that forest lakes of Karelia they look as if they are cleaner, untouched by civilization. This is what attracts people here who want to feel harmony with nature and feel at one with the surrounding beauty.

Now Karelia is a great place for active rest and ecological tourism. Everything is done here to ensure that as much as possible more people visited this region. Nature reserves, hiking and water routes are organized. The lakes of Karelia, and there are about 60 thousand of them, are being made convenient for fishermen. There are a lot of fish here, the lakes are clean, and following the example of neighboring Finland, they can be made into excellent tourist attractions.

The republic also has its own natural and historical reserves and sanctuaries. Animals live in nature, a large number of of which are listed in the Red Book. And the most famous of historical places This is of course Valaam and Kizhi. You can go to these places on excursions, which are organized very often. But of course it’s better to go to Karelia not for a few days, but for a couple of weeks or a month, in order to feel and see at least something.


A lot has already been done for tourists to the Republic of Karelia. Tourist centers have been organized, housing for guests has been built, from simple houses to comfortable cottages, and there are large hotels in some places in Karelia. Of course, in order to experience all the magic that the nature of Karelia can give, it is better to go to the forests or lakes of Karelia. Where everything is pristine and untouched since the glacier descended. Where you can walk under centuries-old pine trees, or kayak along the rapids of Karelian rivers.

The nature of Karelia is something that should be preserved carefully, so that future generations can get out of the boxes of offices and square meters your apartments to the freedom and space of the northern beauties of Karelia. Everyone should see these places. The secret that lies in them is the secret of all life. This cannot be explained, it can only be felt. And if you ever have a question about where to go and what to see, then Karelia is a place that will not leave anyone indifferent.

The Republic of Karelia is located in the northwestern part of Russia, and a special ecosystem has formed on its territory. Here Fresh air and massive forests that occupy most of the territory. Among the most important natural objects are Lakes Ladoga and Onega. Small rivers flow through the territory of the republic (the longest of them is the Kem River).

Karelia is located in the temperate continental region climatic zone. Winter here is long and snowy, but mild; frosts are extremely rare. The Karelian summer is short and cool, with temperatures generally not exceeding +20 degrees Celsius. Closer to the sea coast, the weather becomes unpredictable and changeable, as it partially manifests itself here. maritime climate. There is frequent precipitation here.

Flora of Karelia

In the north of Karelia and in mountainous area Plants such as spruce and birch grow, found in the tundra zone. A significant part of the territory is coniferous forests, rich in pine and spruce trees, as well as other species of evergreen plants. The closer you go to the south, the more intense the change deciduous trees trees:

  • - alder;
  • - elm;
  • - maple;
  • - Linden;
  • - birch;
  • - aspen.

Found in forests different kinds shrubs, including blueberries, blueberries, wild rosemary. Moss moss and heather can grow here. A huge number of mushrooms grow in the forests.

Fauna of Karelia

The territory of the republic is home to large populations of brown bears, lynxes, wolves, as well as snowshoe hares, squirrels, badgers, and beavers. Otters, muskrats, seals, and martens live near reservoirs. In the south of Karelia live wild boars, moose, Canadian minks, and raccoon dogs. found here great amount birds:

  • - sparrows;
  • - loonie;
  • - hazel grouse;
  • - wood grouse;
  • - golden eagles;
  • - loons;
  • - partridges;
  • - seagulls;
  • - black grouse;
  • - hawks;
  • - owls;
  • - eiders;
  • - ducks;
  • - waders.

In the reservoirs of Karelia there is a huge number of marine and river fish. These are salmon and salmon, pike and ruffe, smelt and flounder, pike perch and roach, river trout and herring, perch and cod. Different types fish are anadromous, lake-river and sea, depending on the type of reservoir.

Karelia has many interesting natural sites. Their safety, self-regulation and viability depend solely on people. The less the local population interferes with this ecosystem, the richer the world of flora and fauna in Karelia will be.

Karelia is located in the northwestern part of Russia. This is an amazing region that attracts tourists from all over the world with its beauty. The nature of Karelia is rich in broad-leaved forests and clean lakes. Picturesque ponds, rocky shores, unique plants- all this undoubtedly attracts tourists. In addition, Karelia has rivers such as Shuya, Vodla, and Kem, which are especially popular among kayaking enthusiasts. Description of the nature of Karelia and its climatic conditions read this article.

Climate

  • Winter is relatively mild and long. Starts at the end of October. Characterized by frequent changes temperature regime(sharp thaws and cold snaps). The coldest winter month- February.
  • Spring in Karelia begins at the end of March. Frosts often occur in May.
  • Summer begins in June. Most hot month- July (+ 14... +16 degrees C). Temperature in summer months can range from 0 to +34 degrees C.
  • Autumn begins in the second half of August. The weather is usually windy (especially on the coast).

Flora

Most of vegetation cover Karelia was formed during the post-glacial period. A significant territory of the republic is covered in the southern part of Karelia large areas occupied by pine forests, and in the northern part spruce forests predominate. Widely distributed in the Onega region and on the Zaonezhsky Peninsula. This plant is included in the list of the most valuable in the world. tree species. The nature of Karelia is amazingly beautiful. The shores of the lakes are covered with pine trees, which alternate with blueberry and lingonberry bushes. In addition, the forests of Karelia are where chanterelles, boletus, boletus, aspen, and saffron milk caps are found.

Fauna

The nature of Karelia is amazing because animal world in the north of the republic it is characteristically tundra, and in the south it is taiga. The forests are inhabited by lynxes, badgers, wolves, beavers, white hares, and squirrels. In the southern regions of Karelia you can find moose, wild boars and Canadian minks. Otters, martens, and muskrats live in rivers and lakes. Seals live in the White Sea. The world of birds in Karelia is surprisingly diverse. Here you can see hazel grouse, wood grouse, hawks, ptarmigan, golden eagles, and black grouse. There are ducks on the lakes, waders in the swamps, and seagulls on the sea coast.

Reservoirs

The nature of Karelia is the main attraction of the region. This is a world of lakes and rivers. Most of the territory of the republic is dotted with various bodies of water, which impress with their beauty and richness of flora and fauna.

Lake Ladoga is the largest in Karelia and throughout Europe. It is from here that the beautiful Neva and other rivers originate - Volkhov, Svir, Olonka. Lake Ladoga is the most popular tourist site in Karelia. This is a favorite region of fishermen and hunters. In Lake Ladoga there are pike, grayling, pike perch, and in coastal areas a lot of upland birds.

It is the second largest in Karelia and in Europe. Despite the fact that it is half the size of Ladoga, this body of water attracts no less tourists. Firstly, the waters of Lake Onega are home to salmon, trout, pike, pike perch and bream. Secondly, the water here is very warm and clean.

Tourism in Karelia

The nature of Karelia, photos of which surprise with its beauty, has long attracted the attention of travelers from all over the world. The republic is quite developed travel business. Despite the fact that hotels are located only in cities, there are camp sites and wooden houses on the shores of Karelian lakes.

Karelia is an amazing place where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and solitude. In addition, all conditions for good hunting and fishing are created here. At any tourist base you can rent the equipment necessary for recreation.

It should be noted that Karelia is called the “lungs of Europe”. A surprising amount grows here coniferous trees, so this place is especially popular among people suffering from bronchitis, asthma and other diseases of the respiratory system.

Karelia – picturesque corner The North-Western part, our vast country. This unique region is represented by numerous architectural monuments and amazing nature. A large number of lakes, rivers and reservoirs attract guests to Karelia who want to see with their own eyes the advantages of the republic. That is why tourist season here lasts throughout the year.

Traveling to Karelia is always an exceptional pleasure. This land of lakes and forests, rivers and waterfalls, unique natural monuments has always attracted and continues to attract curious travelers.

The Republic of Karelia belongs to Northwestern district Russian Federation, it has its own flag, coat of arms and anthem. The first mention of the republic is found in the chronicles of 1143.
The region is famous throughout the world for its wild rivers, steep slopes and pristine forests. An international tourist route, better known as the Blue Road, passes through the territory of the republic. It connects such countries as Finland, Norway, Russia and Sweden.
The pride of Karelia is its capital - the city of Petrozavodsk. Its embankment is lined with crimson-colored Shoksha quartzite and decorated with various sculptures in the avant-garde style.

Flora and fauna of Karelia

The territory of the republic is home to a large number of animals and birds listed in the Red Book, these include the flying squirrel, seal and brown long-eared bat. Among the 285 bird species, 36 are on the verge of extinction.
The most common inhabitants of Karelian reservoirs are muskrats, European and Canadian beavers. In addition, in the forests of Karelia you can find brown bear, leopard, wolf, wild boar and badger.
Flora of Karelia - present natural wealth countries. Growing here pine forests rich in unique trees, whose age is about 500 years. In some regions you can see deciduous forests where they grow: birch, aspen and alder.
Since ancient times, Karelia has been considered the land of berries. All sorts of berries grow here: blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, currants, strawberries, lingonberries, stoneberries, cloudberries and others.

The best places in Karelia

The most famous place in the region is the flat Kivach waterfall, which in size is second only to the Rhine Falls located in Switzerland.
The Kivach waterfall is located on the Suna River in the reserve of the same name, 50 kilometers from the capital of Karelia towards Murmansk. It is popular both among tourists and among local residents, especially loved by newlyweds. What makes it beautiful are the black mountains and bubbling foamy streams of water, as well as the surrounding wonderful nature protected places.
Lakes Onega and Ladoga, rivers Okhta, Kalga, Pisto, Kem and Shuya. This is just the beginning of a large list of amazing reservoirs in Karelia.

Karelian sights

The sights of the republic include:

  • Ruskeala marble quarries, located near the city of Sortavala.
  • The island of Valaam, where monasteries, monasteries and landscape architecture flaunt.
  • The Martialnye Vody resort is considered the oldest in Russia. It was opened by order of Peter the Great.
  • The city of Kondopoga, on whose territory the Ice Palace and the Palace of Arts are located.
  • Karelian Puppet Theater.
  • Kizhi Island, where the Museum of Wooden Architecture is located. The decoration of the museum is main church, which belongs to the UNESCO monuments.

Tourism

Tourism is well developed in Karelia, so Largest cities republics such as Kem, Belomorsk, Sortavala, Pudozh and Kondopoga warmly welcome guests from all over the world. The region offers recreation in children's camps, diving, rafting, various holiday tours, boat trips, unforgettable extreme safaris on ATVs and recreation in tourist complexes. Holidays in Karelia are a pleasure for every taste, as married couples, and supporters of active recreation and fishing.

Accommodation for tourists in Karelia and Petrozavodsk

Currently, hotels and sanatoriums that previously existed on the territory of Karelia have ceased to cope with the influx of tourists attracted by excellent fishing, both summer and winter, the opportunity to hunt and engage in the most various types sports In this regard, new accommodation facilities, which belong to the category of mini-hotels, began to open throughout the republic and in its capital.
Mini-hotels in Petrozavodsk have become very popular in Lately, since accommodation in them is not expensive, and the comfort fully meets all the requirements of a modern traveler. This type of hotel and boarding house is an opportunity to simultaneously receive quality services and home comfort. Having settled in one of them, tourists enjoy going on excursions around the city and its surroundings. The capital of Karelia guarantees a real holiday at the European level.
Mini-hotels in Petrozavodsk appeared relatively recently, but they are developing in last years very active. By staying in such a hotel, you will not overpay for a room, but at the same time you will be provided with all the necessary amenities.

The unique nature of the Republic of Karelia

In the vicinity of Petrozavodsk you can admire huge, picturesque boulders, rocks, stunning in their beauty, low-growing northern trees, including Karelian pine, which creates a special microclimate in the capital. Everyone who makes trips as part of organized groups or with personal guides will learn a lot of interesting things about the features of the unique Karelian flora and fauna, will see low-growing, dwarf trees that amazingly grow among stones where there is practically no soil.

What else is Karelia attractive for tourists?

Nature. Karelia is famous for its lakes and forests, beautiful landscapes And clean air. Here everyone can find entertainment: hunting in winter and summer, exciting jeep trips, bicycle tours, river rafting, just walking and hiking.
Karelia is famous for fishing, which attracts many fishermen to this region. There are as many lakes in the republic as in Finland. Yamoozero is considered the most visited. In the lakes of Karelia, rich in fish, you can find pike, roach, perch and other fish. Fishing is so popular that fishing excursions are even specially organized.
Tourists are also interested in water routes along the Shuya, Vodla, Chirka-Kemi, and Okhta rivers. Many tourists enjoy a leisurely journey through the quarries, overgrown with bushes and trees. These places are incredibly beautiful.

Karelia is a region rich in cultural, historical and natural monuments and objects, of which there are about 4,000 in total.
The world-famous Orthodox monasteries, which are located on the islands of Valaam, Kizhi and the Solovetsky Islands, are extremely popular, especially among foreign tourists. They are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Tourists are also attracted by the unique combination of Russian architecture, monastic culture and northern landscapes.
Karelian petroglyphs are also known, which are from 5 to 6 thousand years old. They are also called the “Stone Chronicle”. These are some of the most ancient images known to scientists. Many centuries ago, these drawings were carved into the rocks by ancient people. Here you can see images of birds, animals, people, as well as some symbols. Karelian petroglyphs differ from other petroglyphs in that they are located on horizontal rocks, that is, they are underfoot. You can see petroglyphs in the eastern part of Lake Onega (on capes and islands).
There are many more interesting things here, for example, every year in the second half of July Karelia attracts many guests. At this time, the Onega Sailing Regatta of cruising yachts is held on Lake Onega. Foreign athletes also take part in it. Start and finish of the championship in Petrozavodsk.
The famous Marcial Waters resort, founded in 1719, is also located here. It is famous for its sulphide-silt mud and mineral water, which are considered the richest in the world in iron content.
Lovers of outdoor activities and nature come to Karelia to visit the reserve and near the Kivach waterfall, admire the beauty of the Kostomuksha reserve, climb Mount Vottovaara, look at the Kuzova archipelago, sail to the Solovetsky Islands, walk along national parks Paanajärvi, Vodlozersky and Kalevalsky. Beautiful clean Onega and Ladoga lakes attract tourists all year round. And how can we not remember the famous Karelian birch, which is the pride of the republic...

Karelia for history and culture lovers

Monasteries, cathedrals and temples, their beautiful architecture and thirst for spiritual enlightenment attract tourists to Petrozavodsk and other cities of Karelia, to chapels in the villages of Vasilyevo, Voronii Ostrov, Volkostrov, Chuinavolok, Tambitsy, Korba, Kotchura, Vorobyi, Ust-Yandoma, Novinka, churches in Megreg, Kondopoga, Virma, Lychny Island, Sennaya Guba, Kem, Pryazha.
Those who are interested in history and love their native culture will find interesting and educational excursions to the Kalevala Museum of Rune Singers, the Karelian State Museum of Local Lore, the Maritime Museum "Polar Odysseus", the Museum fine arts, Precambrian geology, postal and puppet. Syamozerye and Kindasovo are unique towns, rich in historical monuments and spiritual culture of the local population.
The Valaam Monastery stands on the island of the same name, one of the 50 islands of the Lake Ladoga archipelago. This is the most famous monastery in northern Russia. Scientists have not been able to establish when it was built, but it is assumed that it was the first half of the 14th century. The patron saint of Valaam is Apostle Andrew the First-Called. And this is no coincidence, because according to legend, he visited this place and christened it with a stone cross. Now the Vallam Monastery is considered the monastery of Orthodoxy Northern Russia, and there is a museum in it, which is very popular among guests of Karelia.
On the island of Kizhi in the north of Lake Onega, a unique museum of ancient wooden architecture was created, exhibits of which were collected throughout Karelia. The central place in it is occupied by the Transfiguration and Intercession churches of the 18th century, which were built exclusively from wood, without a single nail. Every year more and more Russian and foreign tourists come to Kizhi. The museum was recognized World Heritage and is included in the UNESCO list.

The history of the Solovetsky Islands is closely connected with Karelia. They are located in the White Sea, bordering Arkhangelsk region. Since the 15th century, there has been an Orthodox monastery here, which became the center of spirituality in Russia, playing an important role during the period of exploration of the North. It consists of several pre-Christian white stone temples, canals and an ancient botanical garden. The Solovetsky Kremlin was built from wild boulders and is a powerful fortress.
Even the most sophisticated tourists can find entertainment in Karelia at any time of the year. Connect with nature, pray in Orthodox monasteries, see new places - all this is Karelia.

In our age of widespread urbanization, corners are becoming increasingly valuable. globe, despite everything, retaining their pristine freshness and beauty. There is one such place in Russia, and its name is . Our virtual trip today will be dedicated to the natural attractions and riches of the Republic of Karelia.

Features of the nature of Karelia

What is so special about the nature of Karelia that people come here on vacation not only from all over Russia, but also from all over the post-Soviet space? Karelia is a northern region, taiga. Anyone who goes here on vacation at least once will not be able to resist the temptation to return to Karelia at least once more in their life. And this is not surprising, because in a relatively small area, dense forests full of berries and wild plants, and crystal lakes, and swamps covered with simply fantastic mosses and lichens. It is here, in Karelia, that a city dweller will have a unique opportunity to see Her Majesty Nature in all its glory. And it doesn’t matter at all what time of year you decide to go to Karelia - both in winter and in summer it will find something to impress its guests.

  1. The Lahdenpokhsky district of Karelia, which is located just 150 km from St. Petersburg and less than 50 km from Finland, without exaggeration, can be called the door behind which all the riches of this unique region are hidden. Compared to the rest of Karelia, the climate in the Lakhdenpokhsky region is the mildest, with moderate frosts in winter and fairly cool summers. Starting from mid-May, amazing white nights await guests in this part of Karelia. But the most important natural attraction of the Lakhdenpokhsky region of Karelia was and is Lake Ladoga, which is the most big lake in Europe. It is Lake Ladoga that is the habitat the rarest representatives local flora and fauna, many of which have found their place on the pages of the Red Book. Coastline Lake Ladoga is very picturesque - islands of various sizes, bays and straits, rock formations, channels and capes are woven into a bizarre lace.
  2. Enjoy all the riches mineral waters Karelia can be found in its Medvezhyegorsk region, where more than forty healing springs. Three of them - Tsaritsyn Key, Salt Pit and Three Ivans - for unique medicinal properties acquired the glory of saints among the people. In addition, guests of this part of Karelia will encounter picturesque, pine forests the banks of which are so rich in wild berries and mushrooms. A forest walks It will be interesting to combine it with a tour of the architectural and historical sights of Karelia, because it is in this area that they are most concentrated.
  3. In the very heart of the republic, in its Kondopoga region, there is the first protected reserve of Karelia - “Kivach”. It was formed in the 30s of the last century, and in its relatively small territory it accommodates all forms of relief characteristic of Karelia. The flora of “Kivacha” is represented by more than 600 species various plants, and the fauna includes more than 300 species. On the territory of “Kivach” there are also their own water resources- the Suna River, which has more than fifty waterfalls and rapids.
  4. In the north-west of the Republic of Karelia is located national park"Paanajärvi", which was published at the very end of the 20th century. On its territory you can see all the wealth wildlife Karelia, starting from centuries-old pine forests and ending with the lake of the same name. Lake Paanjärvi, although it has a small area, is quite deep. Its waters are inhabited by rare species fish, and most representatives of the taiga fauna - wolves, foxes, moose, wild boars - wander quietly along the banks. In addition to the lake, in Paanjärvi Park you can see beautiful mountains, rivers and waterfalls.