Tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city? Does the world around you seem too shaky, unstable? Visit the unique Russian islands, which our country is so rich in! You will immerse yourself in the purity and beauty of Russian nature, forget about stress and uncertainty, feel the foundation on which our entire history rests. Where exactly should I go?
Valaam Islands
The lands of Balaam have long been considered sacred. Here you will be greeted by virgin northern nature. Against the backdrop of landscapes of amazing beauty, ancient monasteries and temples rise to the sky.
The rules of these monasteries are very strictly observed. They are not violated for the sake of tourists. Some churches can only be accessed during special church services.
You can get here only by water.
More about Valaam Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery
Solovetsky Islands
These islands can be called legendary without exaggeration. Solovki became famous thanks to the exploits of the saints who lived here in the past centuries. During Soviet times, the islands housed a prison and a camp known for their atrocities. Political prisoners were serving time here.
Today there is a functioning monastery. Its territory is a collection of architectural landmarks, historical monuments. All of them are under the protection of UNESCO.
Important information: the islands are dry. The monastery charter is in effect here. Don't get this wrong: of course, no one searches tourists. But you shouldn't open a bottle of wine in the monastery yard. If you do, you will be asked to leave immediately.
20 sights of the Solovetsky archipelago
Sviyazhsk
This island will also delight you with antiquities and natural beauty. You can get here by car: a dam was recently built. Or by water, for example, from Kazan. Or by train.
The main attractions of the island:
- Assumption Monastery;
- Rozhdestvensky monastery;
- history museum.
And here you can also ride horses and eat sweets from Sviyazhsk!
More about Sviyazhsk and its sights
Commander Islands
The harsh northern romance reigns here. Strong winds often blow. They are so strong that tall trees do not grow on the island. Such plants simply cannot withstand powerful gusts of wind. Fogs are quite frequent here. And they are special here: it seems as if drops of water are hanging in the air. The reason for this unusual phenomenon is high humidity.
Here are some of the local fauna:
- seals;
- sea lions;
- Arctic foxes;
- mink;
- deer;
- sea otters.
If you decide to go mushroom hunting, do not forget to bring … binoculars. This device is always used by local mushroom pickers. Thanks to him, they easily find mushroom spots, because the trees do not block the view here.
This area is also famous for its unusual geographical names. For example, there is a place called Kitten.
More about the Commander Reserve
Kiy-island
Here is a monastery founded in the middle of the 17th century. If you are not interested in history and religion, you can just live in a holiday home. It is built near the beach.
Don't let the word "beach" mislead you - the scenery here is northern and harsh. But this is the beauty of these places. If you don't like the cold, it is better to come here in the second half of summer or early autumn.
Here you can listen to good music: in August there is a jazz festival.
More about Kiy-Island and the Cross Monastery
Kronstadt
It is a very atmospheric port city full of attractions. It is located on an island within the boundaries of St. Petersburg.
The city was founded in the 18th century. Its history can be called turbulent: there were riots and floods … One of the main attractions is the Naval Cathedral. He invariably makes a huge impression on tourists!
Many forts are scattered around Kronstadt on small islands. Some of them are open to the public.
