Karelia tourism in winter. Winter holidays in Karelia

Winter Karelia welcomes guests with pure snow, frosty air and entertainment. Find out about the weather in winter, excursions, meeting the New Year and reviews of tourists. Here are the prices for holidays in Karelia in the winter of 2019-2020 for tours, meals and accommodation at the bases.

Holidays in Karelia in winter are no less attractive than in summer. Residents of cities are happy to spend their holidays among snow-covered pine forests. Tourists live in warm cozy cottages and recreation centers. They enjoy snowmobiling, dog sledding, skiing, excursions and ice fishing. Many come to Karelia with their families and companies to celebrate the New Year.

Winter weather

Snow in Karelia begins to fall from mid-October. The snow cover becomes permanent in November and lasts for about 170 days - until April. Snowfalls here are protracted - snow can fall without interruption for several days in a row.

At the end of January, due to the cold air from the Arctic, the thermometer often drops to -25...-35°C. February is the coldest and windiest month. But you don't have to worry too much! Mighty Karelian forests reliably protect from cold winds, so frosts are relatively easy to endure.

Average air temperature

How to get there

From Moscow to Petrozavodsk you can fly by plane and get there by train. The flight takes just over 1.5 hours, and the journey by rail takes 15 hours.

Trains and buses run from St. Petersburg to Karelia. The fastest train "Lastochka" reaches Petrozavodsk in 5 hours. It takes 8.5 hours to get to the capital of Karelia by bus.

(Photo © hikuta / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

How to relax in Karelia in winter

Rest in Karelia in winter is very popular. Here you can improve your health in sanatoriums, go on excursions and engage in active tourism.

Dog sledding trips. Vacationers like to get new experiences and ride sled dogs in the snow. There are several husky kennels in Karelia, and Karelian tour agencies offer sledding tours. They are quite expensive - from 3700 rubles. To save money, many tourists come to kennels on their own, communicate with dogs and ride sleds. A trip of 0.5 km for children costs 1,500 rubles, and for adults - 2,500 rubles.

Snowmobile safari. The average depth of snow cover in Karelia is about a meter, so snowmobiles are one of the necessary modes of transport. During a holiday in Karelia in the winter of 2019-2020, tourists are happy to ride snowmobiles. Renting a snowmobile with a sled costs 1,000 rubles per hour, and a one-day snowmobile safari + a second snowmobile with an instructor will cost 5,000 rubles.

Visit to Santa Claus. What kind of vacation in Karelia in winter without a visit to the Karelian Santa Claus - Talvi Ukko? His patrimony is just a 20-minute drive from Petrozavodsk. People from the capital of Karelia come there on their own or as part of an organized tour. This is especially interesting for children. The residence hosts several programs during which tourists drive a Finnish sleigh, ride down a hill, ride a sleigh behind an all-terrain vehicle, participate in national Karelian fun and tea with pies. Prices start from 650 rubles.

Winter fishing. At the beginning of the snow season - in October and November - trout and char peck well. Active ice fishing for roach, whitefish, trout, pike, perch and burbot begins in February. At recreation centers, anglers are offered rental of ice drills and fishing tackle, as well as delivery by snowmobile to the place of fishing.

(Photo © unsplash.com / @mika_luo)

Hunting. Until December, hunting for a wild boar is allowed in Karelia, and until January - for an elk. Until the beginning of February, hunters can hunt hares, polecats, muskrats, minks, martens, beavers, badgers and wolves. In addition, hunting for capercaillie, hazel grouse, black grouse, partridge and woodcock is open all winter.

Walks and excursions. Karelian winters are snowy, so skiing is the best way to walk through the forest. In Petrozavodsk it is pleasant to walk around the city on foot. Tourists who come to Karelia on vacation in winter enjoy walking along the embankment along the Onega.

During the winter months, the mountain park "Ruskeala" is open. Helicopters fly to Kizhi. In addition, hovercraft sail on the ice of Lake Onega. Vacationers demand excursions to Karelian cities - they go with pleasure to Belomorsk, Kondopoga, Olonets, Kem and Sortavala.

Mountain Park "Ruskeala" in winter

Skiing. The heights and ridges of Karelia cannot be compared with the mountains of the Caucasus, but there are winter resorts here too. They are popular not only for beginners, but also for experienced skiers and snowboarders. In winter, the Kurgan ski and biathlon complex and the Gorka entertainment center in Petrozavodsk, the Spasskaya Guba ski resort, the Yalgora active recreation center, the Kallivo Park ski center and the Malaya Medvezhka country club are open.

The maximum height difference on the tracks in Karelia is small - only 70-100 m. However, all the necessary infrastructure has been created at the winter resorts: equipment and ski rental, instructor services and schools for beginners.

Map of ski resorts in Karelia

Meeting of the New Year. In Petrozavodsk, the celebration of the New Year is traditionally held on Kirov Square, in the city center. Folk festivals and fairs are held there, a festive program is held and fireworks are fired.

Karelian recreation centers are ideal for celebrating the New Year with family and friends. Almost everywhere they arrange a festive feast and fun contests.

(Photo © booking.com / Sorola Village Park Hotel)

Prices for winter tours to Karelia

Vacation tours in Karelia in winter in 2019-2020 calculated for 2-5 days. These are rich trips, the program of which includes acquaintance with Karelian sights, a Russian bath, fishing, ski trips, snowmobile safaris and dog sledding.

There are tours for active recreation with children. During them, extreme ways of transportation are not provided. Those who want to test their endurance choose multi-day tours on snowmobiles, skis, sleds or combined trips.

Prices for two-day tours start from 10 thousand rubles, and for a trip lasting 5 days they ask from 19 thousand rubles. The price includes transport services in Karelia, meals, accommodation, equipment rental, equipment and guide services. Excursions, entertainment and the road to the starting point of the route are additionally paid. As a rule, trips start in Petrozavodsk, Kemi or Chupa station.

(Photo © unsplash.com / @ozgut)

Accommodation at recreation centers

According to reviews, holidays in Karelia in the winter of 2019-2020 turn out to be quite budgetary when compared with the winter resorts of Sochi or Europe.

During the holidays it is convenient to stay in country estates, cottages and camp sites. In the first half of December, at the end of January, in February and March, a double room with breakfast for two costs 1500-2000 rubles.

(Photo © booking.com / Niska)

Prices for food in cafes and shops

Winter is not the best time for cooking over a fire, so even the most passionate fans of camp life prefer to eat in cafes and restaurants. According to tourists, 600-800 rubles a day is enough for food.

Budget catering establishments should be looked for away from tourist attractions. Near the tracks, these are cafe-canteens where truckers usually eat. They feed in them for 250-300 rubles. Dinner for two in an inexpensive restaurant, excluding the cost of alcohol, will cost 1000-1300 rubles.

Many Karelian recreation centers and country estates have small cafes. Breakfast, lunch or dinner in them costs 250-400 rubles. Although the cafe serves guests, they are always happy to set the table for passing tourists.

If you want to cook on your own during your holidays in Karelia in winter, buy food in chain stores - in Lenta, Pyaterochka or Magnit. Prices are lower there.

(Photo © booking.com / Niska)

Holidays in Karelia in winter with children

Family holidays in Karelia in winter are liked by both parents and children. There are many winter entertainments in the republic - skiing and sledding, skiing and excursions. Children are very impressed by the frozen waterfalls, the Doll House in Petrozavodsk, the Three Bears zoo complex, a trip to Santa Claus and a trip to the Marble Canyon.

With a child, it is worth visiting the sled dog kennel and the deer farm. Reindeer sledding for children under 12 costs 1,000 rubles, and for adults - 1,200 rubles.

Deserves to go on a trip there in winter, when nature here becomes truly fabulous.

Cozy warm cottages on the shores of lakes, in the middle of magically beautiful snow-covered forests, will not leave indifferent lovers of a relaxing outdoor recreation. Here you can walk through the forest, enjoying the silence and crystal clear air, admire the northern lights, take a steam bath, followed by a swim in a snowdrift or ice hole. You can diversify such a holiday with winter fishing and hunting, accompanied by an op hearty instructors, as well as sightseeing tours.

One of the most interesting excursions in winter will be a helicopter ride to , followed by a visit to its attractions, natural with the non-freezing waterfall of the same name and , famous for its extraordinary beauty of nature and architectural and historical monuments. Tourists and lovers of chic and unusual natural views come to the Northern Ladoga region to look at the famous Marble Canyon in

Another type of calm is a sanatorium. For those who wish to improve their health, there are many sanatoriums of various profiles. In addition to treatment, sanatoriums offer their clients various rejuvenating spa treatments, massages, shungite therapy for relaxation and much more. A nice bonus for this type of holiday will be low, compared with summer prices for accommodation and treatment. Medical sanatoriums "Marcial Waters" and .

Came to Karelia and lovers of all kinds of outdoor activities. At a travel agency, you can pre-book a route you like for yourself, it can be a snowmobile or ski tour, a dog sledding trip or skiing on the ski slopes. However, there are tours that include all of the listed active pleasures.

There are also opportunities for recreation with children in Karelia. These are tours to recreation centers with an interesting entertainment program. For those who come here to celebrate the New Year, it can be gatherings with the Karelian Santa Claus and hiking in the forest for the New Year tree. On other days, the bases offer their guests various winter entertainments, including comic marathons, round dances, dances, and competitions. Additionally, you can rent skates, skis or snowmobiles for the whole family. Tired of noisy festivities and active entertainment, it will be nice to take a steam bath in a traditional Russian wood-burning bath.

Karelia will gladly accept people who are tired of the city noise and need peace and quiet, and families with children, and active travelers who love extreme sports. Therefore, choose your vacation about the soul and go on an unforgettable journey, after which it will be impossible not to fall in love with this wonderful land!

Karelia is one of the most beautiful regions in all of Russia. Pure glacial lakes, virgin forests attract tourists not only from all over Russia, but also from all over the world.

Karelia is popular throughout the year, but especially in winter. At this time of the year, she is especially beautiful and charming. Snow covers the branches of fluffy pines. It feels like you are in a real fairy tale. Holidays in Karelia in winter will bring a lot of impressions to children and adults.

About Karelia

Karelia is a republic, the territory of which exceeds the Leningrad region in area by almost 2 times. It covers an area of ​​180,500 km², of which 14.7% is occupied by water basins.

In total, 61 tons of lakes are located on the territory of the republic, of which two are the largest in Europe - Onega and Ladoga. 19 waterfalls are open for visits, although there are about a thousand of them, they are very beautiful, but unfortunately, they are not yet suitable for recreation.

This is an amazing region of Russia, one visit is enough to fall in love with this pristine nature.

This extraordinary beauty every year attracts an increasing number of not only tourists, but also poets, musicians, writers. Someone comes here to relax with the whole family, someone to find inspiration to create another masterpiece, and someone to go fishing or go hunting.

Spasskaya Bay is a ski resort that has long won the love of skiers.

This is due, firstly, to easy accessibility and a huge selection of equipment for hire.

Secondly, it is here that the best slopes for descent are located. The length of one of the tracks is 350 meters. Also on this route there are three descents, two of which are extreme. They are intended for professionals.

This ski resort can offer tourists modern equipment, high quality service, 4 main slopes, 2 of which are illuminated, as well as a snowboard park and a cozy restaurant with low prices.

Yalgora is the largest tourist ski center in all of Karelia. This skiing region can please its visitors with 4 pistes of varying difficulty, equipment rental, absolutely safe lifts, training from instructors, high quality service, as well as a cafe with free Internet access.

Malaya Medvezhka

Malaya Medvezhka, this is a ski slope. Here they can offer their tourists two tracks, the length of which is 350 and 400 meters, and one track designed for teaching children and adults.

For snowboarders, there are pristine downhill slopes, and there are also fast downhill tracks with jumps.

For small children, a slide "Karapuz" was built. Malaya Medvezhka can offer cable lifts, 2 slopes, ski equipment rental, a first aid post and European service.

Slide

Gorka is an entertainment complex. This complex appeared recently, and has already managed to win the hearts of residents.

"Gorka" boasts two slopes. Both slopes have modern lifts, so you can enjoy skiing all the time.

For snowboarders, there is a track with jumps. Every winter, a skating rink is poured on the territory of the "hill".

The basics of skiing for beginners are taught by professionals. "Gorka" can offer all the necessary equipment.

Mound

Kurgan, this is a ski complex. This complex trains national teams in biathlon and cross-country skiing.

For tourists, mass sports activities are held here. Ice rinks are filled every winter for children. On the territory of the center there are ski slopes, the length of which is just over 10 km.

Hunting

Karelia is one of the most attractive places in Russia for hunting, both among professionals and beginners.

On the territory of the republic there are all kinds of animals - bear, elk, otter, hare, lynx, deer. From game - partridge, goose, black grouse. The timing of the hunt is set by the Department of Animal Welfare.

• Fox - hunting is allowed 15.09 - 28.02;
• Ermine, lynx, marten, wolverine - hunting is allowed 15.10 - 28.02;
• Reindeer - hunting is allowed 01.08 - 28.02;
• Wild boar - hunting is allowed 01.06 - 15.01;
• Bear - hunting is allowed from 01.08 - 28.02.

Rest in Karelia in winter is also fishing, which begins in December and lasts until the end of April.

Fishing can also be combined with other activities, such as skiing or skiing.

The most productive periods of fishing can be divided into three main periods:

1. Formation of ice. Fishing lasts from early December to January;
2. Spring fishing. It lasts from early March to mid-April;
3. Last ice. Fishing lasts from mid-April to the end of April.

In winter, it is best to catch pike, roach, perch, and zander. When fishing in Karelia, it is not forbidden to use any fishing tackle, which is divided into two categories - a zherlitsa and a winter fishing rod.

Lures, maggots, dung and earthworms are used as bait.

Fishing methods:

• The roach lives in all reservoirs of Karelia. It is customary to catch it on a worm and a maggot;
• The perch swims close to the shore. It is customary to catch it on maggot, lure;
• Sig - "hunting" for this fish begins from the beginning to the middle of winter. It is customary to catch it on mormyshka and lure. In winter, you can catch an individual weighing up to 1 kg;
• Pike - winter fishing begins with the arrival of the first ice and ends with the arrival of spring. It is customary to catch it with a bait and a lure;
• Grayling - fishing for it is carried out in shallow water. He pecks at mormyshka, maggots and sheer baubles.

Karelia in winter is a place specially created by nature for lovers of frost, a lot of snow, active pastime, connoisseurs of pristine beauty and those who are looking for a real winter fairy tale.

In winter, Karelia is unusually beautiful. But at the same time, it should be taken into account that this is the coldest time in this region, there is a strong wind here, and due to the large number of lakes - high humidity. Therefore, it is worthwhile to approach the selection of equipment wisely if you are planning a vacation in Karelia in the winter.

But if you have warm, waterproof boots in your suitcase, a good winter jacket and protective cream, then a trip to Karelia will bring you nothing but pleasure. Here you can celebrate the New Year in a truly fabulous way, have plenty of sledding, ice skating, snowboarding, snowball fights as much as you like, go skiing ... There are a lot of options for active and fun holidays.

In January, Petrozavodsk annually hosts the International Dog Sled Race “Across the Land of Sampo”. Athletes run short and medium distances. Hundreds of tourists gather to watch such competitions of strength, speed and agility. And if for the participants of the competition it is a real struggle, then for the spectators it is an entertaining spectacle with a cultural program.

The capital of Karelia in February again becomes the center of a large event. The International Winter Festival "Hyperborea" gathers old and new participants and presents new surprises every year. The program includes dozens of competitions. One of the most anticipated is the international competition of snow and ice sculptures. A whole sculptural park of various compositions grows on the embankment. Passes at the festival and the winter carnival. Its participants march through the streets of the city and always in bright carnival costumes.