The Ruskeala marble canyon (see photo below) is a mountain park located in Karelia near the city of Sortavala. It was created in 2005.
History
The marble canyon "Ruskeala" (Karelia) began to be developed in the 17th century. Work in those days was carried out by the Swedes. Mined marble was used for the construction of foundations and in order to make building lime.
On the marble canyon "Ruskeala" paid special attention at the time when palaces and cathedrals began to be erected in St. Petersburg and its environs. The valuable stone mined in these places was highly appreciated by architects. Marble slabs were used to decorate their buildings with Montferrand and Rinaldi. This magnificent stone was lined with Kazan and St. Isaac's Cathedrals, Mikhailovsky Castle, etc.
Before the Russo-Finnish War, the quarries where valuable stone was mined were flooded by the Finns. According to one version, this was done in order to harm the Soviet troops.
The marble canyon "Ruskeala" was used today. Here, material was extracted that went to the facing of the Ladozhskaya and Primorskaya stations of the St. Petersburg metro.
The exploitation of the surrounding fields continues today. The former scope, of course, no longer exists, but the constant production and sale of marble gravel is carried out.
sights
Mountain Park "Ruskeala" - a marble canyon, which is a real museum of mining , as well as a natural heritage. These places are striking in their beauty. Former quarries today are delightful mountain lakes. They resemble marble bowls, which are filled with bluish-green waters. The adits located nearby look like mysterious caves.
The marble canyon "Ruskeala" in 1998 received a new status. He was recognized as part of the Russian cultural heritage.
Marble quarry
The place where valuable building material was mined in the past is one of the attractions of the Ruskeala mountain park. Today, the quarry is filled with crystal clear water with an emerald hue. The splendor of its patterned shores with sheer cliffs pleases the eye. In a former quarry, you can find places where marble shines through water.
Along the perimeter of the place of development of the stone is a number of viewing platforms. You can enjoy picturesque views from them. Brick ovens built before the 1917 revolution are viewed from these sites. They were used to produce lime, which was produced by burning marble chips. The pipes of these furnaces are laid out in the shape of a cone and resemble minarets or ancient towers. It is visible from the observation deck and the old administrative building. It is notable for the fact that it is laid out completely from marble.
If you want to enjoy the scenery of the local nature from the water, you can rent a boat on the pier. Then you can swim in the grottoes located in steep cliffs. Such a journey will leave a lasting impression, surprising with a play of light, which is observed on the marble ceiling. Even at night, the Ruskeala marble canyon will delight you with bright colors. This is due to the artificial lighting arranged here.
Waterfall
Travelers seeking to get into the marble canyon "Ruskeala" (Karelia, Russia) will have to overcome the path along the banks of the Tohmajoki River. Here, near the Akhvenskoski waterfall, it is worth stopping and admiring the opening landscapes. In order for travelers to relax and gain strength, benches are specially installed on the river bank.
In addition, you can visit the destroyed Finnish power station. It is located on the Tohmajoki River, just a little downstream of the waterfall.
Canyon description
There are more than one marble quarry in Ruskeale. But on the territory of the mountain park is the most beautiful of them. After the place was cultivated, a guard began to watch at the entrance. A large number of stalls have been installed on the territory of the mountain park, offering visitors souvenirs. Here you can stroll along neat paths sprinkled with marble chips, near which there are signboards and fences. Such changes cannot but rejoice. They indicate that the marble canyon "Ruskeala" (see photo below) is under supervision and will retain its condition for many years.
Excursions
The area of the mountain park is relatively small. Its width is only 100 m and its length is 450 m. In this regard, the excursions conducted at Ruskeala (the marble canyon) do not take much time.
A few more quarries are located around the park. It is interesting that the color of the water with which they are filled is different everywhere. So, in the main quarry you can admire the emerald-greenish tint. The water in the adjacent marble bowls is blue or gray with a bluish tint. There is no mystery in this. The hue of the liquid depends on the color of the marble lying here. There are also unfrozen adits in the canyon. However, it should be borne in mind that in order to get into them, you must use the services of an escort. This should not be done independently.
Walking outside the park
The so-called Italian quarries fit right up to the marble canyon. In them you can clearly see evenly cut layers of amazing stone. This sight is not limited to the mountain. Near the quarry there is a large number of abandoned marble blocks, which were rejected at one time. The adits got their name due to the fact that the first developments on them were carried out according to Italian technology with the involvement of specialists from this country.
Here you can admire the marble pool, which is carved directly in the strata.
Diving
Diving enthusiasts who have managed to visit the marble canyon Ruskeala are also satisfied. This place is a real paradise for divers. They are attracted by flooded quarries, which are connected to each other by adits. The bulk of visitors do not see the underground horizons of numerous tunnels, in which marble was once mined.
The bottom of the main canyon is also of interest to divers. Here is an abandoned technique that was used to extract marble. The attractiveness of the place increases the transparency of the water, due to its low temperature. The fact is that in the career cold keys beat. That is why the water in it is constantly updated.
Ponds
In "Ruskeale" are flooded marble quarries. On the main of them, which is located in the mountain park, boats are hired. On the banks of the remaining quarries, you can find several places to relax with a tent. However, you should not count on solitude, because these places are very popular with tourists.
Not far from the park flows a river called Tohmajoki. On its shores, you can also find several places for camping. However, there is a lot of garbage.
Impressions of visitors
Those tourists who examined the marble canyon "Ruskeala" leave reviews about it as a great vacation spot. In this regard, the mountain park is very popular. In summer, it is best to come here on a weekday. Only in this case will the crowds be avoided. You can visit the mountain park in the early morning, when the bulk of visitors have not yet arrived.
Difficulties
The marble canyon "Ruskeala" is located at a considerable distance from St. Petersburg. That is why a one-day trip is very tiring, especially for the driver. In addition, starting from Priozersk, the road is very winding and dangerous.
Caution will not hurt when using mobile communications. There is a border near the canyon, as a result of which there is a constant connection of unsolicited Finnish roaming (SMS messages come from the mobile operator).
It should be noted that the shores of the quarry are steep cliffs. It’s forbidden to climb here. The warning signs installed everywhere warn of this. If you rent a boat, you should not swim close to the cliff. Sometimes stones fall from the tops.
Paid services
A small amount is charged for a walk around the park. Paid rental boat. In winter, an ice rink is arranged in the canyon. Skates can be rented here.
Road
So, you have chosen the marble canyon "Ruskeala" as your vacation spot. How to get to it? This can be done by public transport, but difficult. To do this, from St. Petersburg to drive to the town of Sortoval. Regular buses and trains go to this settlement from the Northern capital. The next point on the route is the village of Ruskeala. You can get here by bus, which runs twice a day. Its route runs from Sortovala to Vyartsilya through Ruskeala. Twenty-five kilometers can be covered by taxi.
There is another option. In St. Petersburg you need to take the train next to Kostomuksha. The distance from this station to the park is eight kilometers. A train arrives in Kostomuksha at one in the morning and at four in the morning. Arriving at it, you can become the first visitors to the park.
It is much easier to get to the marble canyon by car. At the same time, the path from St. Petersburg will run along the A-129 highway to Sortovala. Having reached this settlement, you need to turn north to the village of Ruskevala. On the map is the A-130 highway. Not far from the village there is a sign in the direction of the mountain park. The car can be parked on the side of the road or in the free parking lot of the complex. It should be borne in mind that this route is not short. From St. Petersburg to the destination point is almost three hundred thirty kilometers.
Tour Categories
Has "Ruskeala" (marble canyon) official site (base-Ruskeala. Russia). On it you can find a lot of useful information for tourists. Here you can also get acquainted with the categories of excursions offered in the mountain park. Among them - a weekend trip and a big walk, as well as a weekend route.
Where can I stay?
In the village of Ruskeala is the recreation center of the same name. It works year-round and is designed for ninety visitors. The recreation center has rooms of varying degrees of comfort. There are rooms for honeymooners and couples with babies.
On the territory of the recreation center, you can arrange a picnic with barbecue. For guests there is a bathhouse built on the lake.
For vacationers, excursions to the marble canyon, to waterfalls or to Valaam Lake are arranged. For those who have arrived in their own car, there is a guarded parking lot. There is a rental point at the Ruskeala recreation center that issues sports equipment - soccer and volleyballs, bicycles, skis and skates. It also provides picnic equipment.
Conclusion
The marble canyon "Ruskeala" is popular all year round. There are many interesting places and amazing views. So when visiting a mountain park and its environs, do not forget to bring a camera with you. According to most tourists, the marble canyon is one of the most interesting places in Karelia.