The vast territory of our country is divided into several administrative districts, including ten regions in the west of Russia, united into the Northwestern Federal District. For a traveler in this region, not only St. Petersburg is usually of interest, but also some other cities and territories with a rich historical and cultural past.
Cards on the table
The western borders of Russia are the Leningrad, Pskov and Smolensk regions, beyond which the territory of the nearest neighbors begins - Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Belarus. The Kaliningrad region, which does not have a land border with the rest of the country, is highlighted separately on the map.
Dots on the globe
Tourist attractions of the west of Russia are well known to lovers of travel around their native land:
- One of the oldest cities in Russia, Pskov is mentioned in the chronicles of the early 10th century. The city fortress more than once repelled the attacks of the enemy and withstood a long siege, thanks to which Pskov was considered for several centuries a stronghold of Russian statehood on the western borders.
- Veliky Novgorod appeared on the map in the 8th century and since then its significance for the country has always been special. It was the center of Novgorod Rus and was not subjected to the Mongol invasion, thanks to which such unique architectural monuments as the St. Sophia Cathedral of the 11th century have survived in the city.
- St. Petersburg does not need additional recommendations. The cultural and northern capital of Russia is just a part of the epithets characterizing the amazingly beautiful and architecturally diverse St. Petersburg. The local museums display world-class masterpieces, and St. Petersburg still acts as a window to Europe - from here it is easy to get to neighboring Finland, Estonia and other countries of the Old World.
Amber coast
Washed by the clear waters of the Baltic, the Kaliningrad land boasts many natural and man-made sights. For their sake, the number of travelers visiting the west of Russia is increasing every year.
The main destination for admirers of beautiful landscapes is the Curonian Spit, a national reserve of sand dunes of a special kind. Their height often exceeds 30 meters, and ideally white sand combined with emerald green pines against the background of sea waves makes the local landscapes unique.
Amber is the second celebrity of the Far West of Russia. The main wealth of this land is raw materials for making magnificent souvenirs and jewelry. You can also find your amber on any Baltic beach in the Kaliningrad region right in the surf.
