St. Petersburg and its environs are famous for their suburbs throughout the world. The extraordinary beauty of the local ancient architecture is combined with natural landscapes and artificial parks. But few people know that along with well-known cultural monuments in the vicinity of the city you can find many less popular, but unique phenomena.
One of these places can be called the Duderhof Heights, which are located in the Krasnoselsky district. This is a unique natural monument, which is formed by two hills more than 100 meters high. The history of their origin begins in ancient times, when the ice age formed a new relief of this territory. One mountain was named Orekhova, its height is 176 meters. The second is Crow Mountain, 147 meters high. They are separated by Sovetskaya Street, Mozhayskoye village. Both hills are covered with forests, in which broad-leaved species prevail. The diversity of vegetation and its uncharacteristic for a given latitude is explained by the unusual composition of the soil and the prevalence of limestone.
Duderhof heights began to develop from the middle of the XIX century. The imperial family decided that there would be a park, after which the territory was divided by paths. Shrubs and decorative tree species were also planted, benches were installed. A Swiss house was erected on Orekhovaya Gora, which has not yet been preserved. Gradually, the Duderhof Heights became popular among the urban population. Many came here for the beauty of nature, scenic views or botanical research.
The Duderhof Heights played a large role in battles with German troops during the Second World War. The park’s architecture and vegetation were almost destroyed by tanks and combat vehicles. Due to their height, the hills became important points in many battles and were used to monitor enemy movements, as well as defensive positions.
After the war, vegetation in the hills gradually recovered. During the years of Soviet rule, the park was renamed Nagorny and began to be protected as a cultural and natural monument. Later, in 1990, the Duderhof Heights, along with many other suburbs of St. Petersburg, were included in the UNESCO
World Heritage List. The city authorities also recognized the park as a nature reserve, which is subject to protection.
For lovers of outdoor activities and walks in the fresh air, a trip to the Duderhof Heights can be an excellent plan for a day off. How to get to the place and find it on the territory of Krasnoselsky district?
If you go on your own, it is easiest to choose the option of traveling by train. From the Baltic Station, trains run to Gatchina. In order to get to the heights, you need to go to the Mozhaiskaya station.
By car, drive along the ring road until you reach the Tallinn Highway. On it you need to go to Krasnoye Selo, and then turn off the main road onto May Day Street. Then you should overcome the Avenue of the Red Commanders and the avenue of October 25th. In the village of Mozhayskoe you need to turn onto Sovetskaya Street.