Petrozavodsk is not only the capital of Karelia, but also a beautiful city with a rich history and amazingly beautiful nature. The first settlements appeared here in the 5-6 century BC. But officially the city appeared in 1703 by order of Peter the Great, when an arms factory was built on the territory of the settlement. To this day, interesting sights remind of the Petrine era.
A bit about the city ...
Petrozavodsk is located on the shores of Lake Onega, which is the second largest freshwater in Europe. The city is called the port of five seas, because the canals and rivers streaming it flow into the Caspian, Black, White, Barents and Baltic Sea. On the territory of Petrozavodsk there are many springs, and in the west there are beautiful forests. In general, the city is called one of the greenest in Russia. It is not surprising that holidays in Petrozavodsk are very popular with tourists. Every year, a lot of lovers of outdoor recreation gather in the region.
The city itself is very beautiful and unusual. Ancient buildings, museums, sculptures, architectural monuments are adjacent to numerous new buildings.
The climate of the region
Holidays in Petrozavodsk must be planned based on the climate of the region. The city is located in the Far North. And therefore, a temperate continental climate with elements of the marine prevails here. The long and snowy winters are mild, but the summer is very short and not as warm as we would like. The weather in the region is rather moody. Most of the time there are cloudy days with sudden changes in temperature. Spring comes late enough - in mid-April. Colds often return even in May.
And in the summer, eastern winds often blow, bringing heavy rainfall. With the advent of autumn, the winds change direction. In September, the weather is clear, but it’s already cold enough, there are even frosts. The coldest months are February and January, and the warmest is July. If you are planning a vacation in Petrozavodsk, then you should come here in the middle of summer. This is the best time. But even in July, it is necessary to grab warm clothing in case of a cool wind.
Central park
Organizing a vacation in Petrozavodsk is not difficult. On the territory of the city itself there are many attractions and simply beautiful places. Finding yourself an occupation in the city is quite simple. Particular attention should be paid to recreation parks of Petrozavodsk, of which there are a lot. No wonder it is called one of the most landscaped in the country. In general, many attractions and green areas are literally adjacent to each other. The main place to visit in the city is the Park of Culture and Leisure of Petrozavodsk. For more than three hundred years, he recalls the historical moment of its foundation. After all, it was on its territory that the very first stone for the blast furnace shop was laid. Subsequently, around in the future the city was founded. By order of Peter I, birch alleys were planted, which became the basis of the first park complex in Russia. Locals call the park differently: Petrovsky Garden, Birch Grove, Park of Culture and Rest.
All these names correspond to the same place. Currently, the park zone covers an area of about 13 hectares. It is adjacent to the embankment of Lake Onega. The green zone and the promenade harmoniously complement each other. This vacation spot in Petrozavodsk (Karelia) is one of the most beloved not only among the townspeople, but also among the guests of the city. The park has summer rides, cafes and restaurants. According to tourists, this place is definitely worth a visit. Children will appreciate the swing, and parents will be able to spend time in one of the institutions in the lap of nature.
Other city parks
Speaking of holidays in Petrozavodsk in the summer, it is worth recalling other parks of the city. Guests can visit the zoo complex "Three Bears", the Governor's Park, the Botanical Garden, the contact zoo "Inhabited Island", the park "50th Anniversary of the Pioneer Organization." The city has a lot of beautiful natural places that give it a special charm.
For guests of the region, it will be interesting to visit the Botanical Garden, located on the northeast coast of Lake Onega. There is a garden in one of the most popular places of city residents - in the tract "Devil's Chair". Its area reaches 360 hectares. The natural name for the tract was due to volcanic processes that took place here more than 2 billion years ago. As a result of the displacement of the earth's crust, the stone parts formed a niche in the form of a chair.
All guests of the garden are impressed by its unique natural beauty. In 1987, the tract acquired the status of a geological natural monument. It is a favorite vacation spot for residents of the city. A third of the total area of the garden is occupied by natural forests, and all other lands are divided into zones: administrative, economic and exhibition.
City Hotels
For those tourists who plan a vacation in Petrozavodsk in the summer of 2018, information about local hotels will be relevant. Each guest can easily find suitable accommodation. Most hotels have three stars on signboards. However, they are in incredible demand among city guests. For a budget holiday, you can recommend hostels and guesthouses. But nature lovers should pay attention to institutions located in ecologically clean places. The most demanding tourists can stay in four-star hotels that offer high-level rooms.
On average, accommodation in hostels in the city costs 350 rubles per day, in a mini-hotel - from 950 rubles, and in guest houses - from 1100 rubles. Apartments in three-star hotels can be rented for 1300 rubles per day, but in four-star hotels - from 1750 rubles.
"Frigate"
According to tourists, you can recommend the four-star hotel "Fregat", located in a quiet location on the coast of Lake Onega. The institution offers guests accommodation in comfortable rooms equipped with modern technology.
The complex has a restaurant, there is parking for cars. Convenient location of the hotel makes it very popular among tourists. A few minutes walk from the hotel is Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Guests highly recommend this establishment.
Hotel Ladoga
Of the three-star hotels, tourists respond well to the Ladoga Hotel. The small complex offers nice rooms, a hammam, hydromassage, indoor pool, wireless internet and parking.
Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. The establishment pleases with a good level of service and convenient location. At the request of customers, staff provides a shuttle service.
Recreation facilities
For those tourists who are interested in sports and recreation in Petrozavodsk, experienced travelers recommend paying attention to the bases near the city. There are a lot of them in Karelia, you can find a place for every taste and budget. All of them are located in incredibly picturesque places and allow you to relax in nature and engage in active sports.
Among them there are recreation centers near Petrozavodsk. Tourists recommend the guest house “Tsarevich”, located on a rocky isthmus between the amazing spring lakes Ukshezero and Konchezero. The distance from the base to the city is only thirty kilometers. According to guests, a more beautiful and quiet place to relax for the whole family is difficult to find.
No less attractive for active tourism recreation center "Cones", located 70 km from the city. On its territory there are cottages, which can simultaneously accommodate 80 people. There is also a restaurant and a Russian bath on the base.
All rooms of the base are equipped with a separate entrance, an entrance hall, all amenities, warm floors, a kitchenette and a spacious living room. Tourists leave the warmest reviews about the time spent at the base. A picturesque place on the lake - a great option for relaxation.
Very close to the city is the guest house "Coniferous". It is very small and can accommodate up to 18 people. It is located on the Shuya River. Not only all nature lovers will like it here, but also real fishermen. Comfortable rooms with amenities and outdoor activities will leave a lot of pleasant impressions.
Holiday souvenirs
Resting in Karelia, you should definitely bring something as a keepsake. In the shops of Petrozavodsk you can buy unique souvenirs. Among them, crafts from Karelian birch are especially popular. A unique and rare tree is a material for beautiful panoramic paintings, caskets, table clocks, magnets and other trinkets.
Another unique gift from Petrozavodsk is a real Karelian embroidery, which is created using ancient technologies. The most popular geometric patterns that add up to the figures of people, birds, animals.
In the territory of Karelia there is a unique, unique in the world deposit of shungite mineral. Specialists have proven the healing properties of stones. You can purchase them at any gift shop. No less popular among tourists are souvenirs from patchwork: bedspreads, potholders, tablecloths and more. Karelian ceramics is no less interesting: pots, glasses, vases made of red clay.
Instead of an afterword
Holidays in Petrozavodsk are interesting not only for lovers of attractions and museums, which are plentiful in the city, but also for lovers of Karelian nature. Among the many hotels and recreation centers, you can find a variety of accommodation options for every taste.