23 attractions of Petrozavodsk that are worth visiting

Route of the first day Route of the second day Reviews, stories and tips from tourists Where to stay in Petrozavodsk Excursions

Petrozavodsk is the capital of one of the most attractive corners of Russia for tourists. When traveling to Karelia, guests are sure to visit the city itself. In 2 days in Petrozavodsk you can see all its attractions - the main and lesser-known ones: admire Onego, see the “Fishermen”, and also meet the iron mosquito and personalities of past years.

Petrozavodsk makes a different impression on guests. Often this is facilitated by the weather: green, pleasing with the blue surface of Onego in the summer, harsh and gloomy in the winter. Partly, the small number of iconic attractions plays a role, so guests spend less time in the city and more outside it, getting acquainted with the marvelous Karelian nature - clean lakes, virgin forests, going fishing, rafting or hiking.

For this reason, the second day is here with options: to get to know the city in more detail or to travel to the surrounding area. The latter will allow you to see both the city and Karelia itself. The first day is devoted to the main places - recognized symbols of Petrozavodsk.

The best attractions in the vicinity of Petrozavodsk:

Botanical Garden of Petrozavodsk State University

The botanical garden is a protected area of 367 hectares, which is located in the northeast of Lake Onega.

Plants listed in the Red Book are collected in this territory. The most interesting place here is the arboretum, where there are three zones with plants growing on different continents - Europe, Asia and North America.

Address: Botanicheskaya st., travel along the street. Prishvina, according to the signs, Petrozavodsk, village. Solomennoye, Rep. Karelia

Opening hours: daily 9:00-17:00

Entrance: 150 rub. — adult, 100 rub. — schoolchildren, 50 rubles. - children's

Official website: hortus.karelia.ru

Kizhi Island. Museum-reserve

The whole world knows about this island. This island is located near the city, and therefore is included in the list of its attractions.

The island is unique in that you can still see the original history of this region. These are old-style houses, mills, churches. All this is made of wood and is a masterpiece of this region. This museum is located in the Medvezhyegorsk region of the Republic of Karelia.

Address: Medvezhyegorsky district, Kizhi island, Republic of Karelia; GPS: 62°04′00″N; 35°14′17″E

Opening hours: daily from 8:00 to 20:00

Entrance: 500 rub. — adult, 300 rub. - preferential

Official website: kizhi.karelia.ru

Mount Sampo

In the Karelian-Finnish epic “Kalevala” there was a belief about the Sampo mill, which gives happiness, prosperity and abundance. In 1959, based on this story, the Soviet-Finnish film “Sampo Mill” directed by A. Ptushko was shot in Karelia. For filming, we chose a small mountain 35 km from Petrozavodsk on the banks of the picturesque Konchezero. Since then, this mountain has been called Mount Sampo. Well, just as the Sampo mill fulfilled any desires, it means that the mountain on which this mill stood is also a place of power, a place where the most cherished desires are fulfilled.

Signpost at the foot of Mount Sampo

The mountain is not high, about 30-40 meters. There are convenient paths everywhere, so climbing to the top will not be difficult.

Be careful! Do not approach or lean on the railing! Wooden structures are unsafe!

Climbing Mount Sampo is not difficult

From the top you can admire the picturesque views of the coniferous forest and Konchezero. Here you definitely need to make a wish and tie a ribbon for good luck.

A picturesque panorama of Konchezero opens from above

Here you can tie a ribbon for good luck

How to get to Mount Sampo?

Getting to Mount Sampo is not difficult. We leave Petrozavodsk on the M-18 “Kola” highway, then turn to the village of Kosalma. About 14 km from the junction, right next to the road, this mountain is located. There is no sign on the route, but there are always a lot of cars and excursion buses around. On the road up the mountain, about ten meters away, you can see a small blue sign and sign.

What to visit in Petrozavodsk for free:

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

This work of art was created in the 30s of the 19th century and was a factory church. It had eight domes, on which there were bells of different sizes and sounds.

After the revolution, the domes were demolished and the building was converted into a museum. Only in 1990 this building was restored again and given the status of a cathedral, which belongs to the Petrozavodsk diocese.

Address: ave. Alexandra Nevsky, 32

Opening hours: daily

Free admission

Official website: nevsobor.karelia.ru

Catherine's Church

The church was built in 1878 and belongs to the cultural heritage of Russia. It is built of logs and covered with boards, has a bell tower and one dome. It is an example of wooden architecture in provincial classicism. This Orthodox church is active and is decorated with an amazing iconostasis.

Address: Volnaya st., 1, Petrozavodsk, Rep. Karelia

Opening hours: daily

Free admission

Holy Cross Cathedral

This is a stone five-domed cathedral built in the mid-19th century. The surprising thing is that even after the revolution this temple continued to operate. It still works today, but is undergoing restoration.

The interior decoration of the temple is admirable; the first iconostasis and ancient icons are still preserved here.

Address: st. Volkhovskaya, 1, Petrozavodsk, Rep. Karelia

Opening hours: daily

Free admission

Official website: https://eparhia.karelia.ru/krest.htm

Catholic Church of the Mother of God

Catholic Church of the Mother of God
The Catholic community living in these parts petitioned six times for the construction of a church, but all these petitions were rejected. And only at the end of the 19th century was another request granted. The entire temple was erected in 1906. Immediately after the opening, a musical instrument appeared in it - an organ.

After the revolution, the temple was closed, and the building passed from one organization to another. At the end of the 20th century it was restored and handed over to Catholics. Currently it is a functioning Catholic church.

Address: Lenina Ave., 11A, Petrozavodsk

Opening hours: daily

Free admission

Official website: catholic-karelia.ru

Volcano Girvas

Scenic path to Girvas volcano

Next on the list of amazing places in the vicinity of Petrozavodsk is the oldest volcano on the planet Girvas. It was discovered purely by accident in the middle of the last century, when the Palyeozersk hydroelectric power station was built on the Suna River.

Numerous lava flows have been discovered in the dry bed of the Suna.

The old bed of the Suna with the previously existing Girvas waterfall has practically dried up, revealing lava flows of amazing beauty. After a thorough study, it turned out that this paleovolcano last erupted about two billion years ago. Its height then reached 6 km. Over time, the glacier “smoothed out” the ancient mountains, significantly compacting the volcano itself. However, even the Suna River could not completely destroy traces of lava activity. Unique patterns of flowing magma can be seen in these places to this day. The total area of the lava field reaches a thousand square meters, and goes 100 meters deep.

The drawing of flowing lava has been preserved after 2 billion years!

This is what the volcano looks like from the bridge where the hydroelectric power station is located

Here, near the volcano, the once powerful Girvas waterfall flows in a thin stream. True, twice a year he wakes up, showing himself in all his greatness. These days are not known in advance, so to see the release of water at the hydroelectric power station and the seething waterfall is great luck.

The once majestic Girvas waterfall is now barely visible

On a note! The descent to the volcano is not equipped in any way and is very steep. It's not safe to go down in rainy weather! Carefully assess your strength when you are ready to go down.

How to get to Girvas volcano?

Girvas Volcano is located on the territory of the village of the same name. The distance from Martialnye Vody to Girvas is about 39 km, from Petrozavodsk – about 100 km.

Having reached the village from the Martialnye Vody side, at the first large intersection turn left. Then we drive to the bridge, cross it and find ourselves right at the parking lot. To the left is the parking lot, to the right is the volcano and canyon.

In July, the Karelian forests are full of berries. Strawberries grow near the Girvas volcano

On a note! If you're lucky, in the forest near the volcano you can pick up a whole handful of wild strawberries.

You can also have a snack in Girvas. An excellent roadside cafe “Rybka” is located right at the exit

Lunch for three: borscht, roast, cabbage rolls, a portion of shish kebab, “Herring under a fur coat” salad, 3 donuts and 3 juices cost only 1000 rubles! The portions are large, tasty and filling.

Where to go in Petrozavodsk and what else to see:

Museum of Fine Arts

This building was built in 1790. At that time it housed a men's gymnasium. It existed until the revolution, and in 1960 a museum of fine arts was opened here.

Most of the museum is devoted to Russian and foreign icon painting. Here you can see the rarest icons that were collected in Karelian villages. In addition to icons, there are paintings by Shishkin, Repin, Aivazovsky, Levitan.

Address: Karl Marx Ave., 8, Petrozavodsk

Opening hours: 11:00-19:00, Monday - closed, Thursday from 12:00 to 20:00

Entrance: 200 rub. — adult, 50 rub. - schoolchildren, children, students

Official website: artmuseum.karelia.ru

Polar Odysseus. Maritime Historical and Cultural Center

This center appeared in the city relatively recently, in 1978. This is a museum located in a wooden building located next to the yacht club. In the museum you can see copies of ancient sailing ships on which Russian pioneers sailed the seas.

Here you can control the helm, tie a sea knot, and take part in a treasure-hunting quest game. Ancient naval accessories have been preserved here: compasses, barometers, ship cannons, and a diver’s helmet weighing 16 kilograms.

Important!! It is better to dress warmly, as most of the museum is located outdoors.

Address: st. Rigachina, 37, Petrozavodsk

Opening hours: June-September from 10:00 to 17:00

Entrance: 300 rub. — adult, 200 rub. - children's

Official website: polar-odyssey.org

Industrial History Gallery

Despite the fact that Karelia is a land of unique nature, during the time of Peter I, metallurgy was developed here, where tools and ammunition for the fleet were produced. The museum reveals the history of metallurgy in this region.

Here you can see the ores from which the tools were made. There are also the guns themselves, anchors, models of cannons and cannonballs. The museum is located on Liteinaya Square in Petrozavodsk.

Address: Liteinaya pl., 1, Petrozavodsk

Opening hours: Tue.-Sun. from 11:00 to 17:00, closed Monday

Free admission

Official website: techmuseum.pro

National Museum

This is the largest museum in the city, which is located in the former governor's house. The museum consists of 22 halls. Here you can see a wide variety of exhibits. These include natural objects, archaeological finds, and historical objects.

By visiting the museum, you can feel Russian traditions, learn different customs, and get acquainted with the life of the Karelian people.

Address: pl. Lenina, 1, Petrozavodsk

Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday: from 11:00 to 19:00; Monday - closed

Entrance: 300 rub. — adult, 60 rub. - schoolchildren, children

Official website: nmrk.karelia.ru

Republican Musical Theater

In 1955, a beautiful building for the Musical Theater was erected on Kirov Square. The building was made in late neoclassicism. It is located on a high podium and has a grand staircase fenced with columns.

Externally it looks like the Moscow Bolshoi Theater. Here you can attend ballet, musical, opera, operetta, and musical comedy.

Address: pl. Kirova, 4, Petrozavodsk

Opening hours: depending on the poster

Entrance: depending on the repertoire

Official website: mrteatr.ru

Puppet show

The Petrozavodsk Puppet Theater is one of the first such institutions in the country. A special building was built for it, and the establishment was opened in 1935. Performances are staged on stage for children who do not yet go to school. The building forms a single architectural complex with the national Karelian theater.

Address: Karl Marx Ave., 19, Petrozavodsk

Opening hours: depending on the poster

Entrance: depending on the repertoire

Official website: https://puppet.karelia.ru/

Sights of Petrozavodsk in one day:

Monument to Peter I

In honor of the bicentenary of the city’s founder, a monument to Peter was unveiled in 1873. It is a three-meter bronze figure, which is installed on a pedestal about 3.5 meters high. It is located in the central part of the city on the embankment. The monument is included in the cultural heritage of Russia.

Address: Petrovsky Square, Petrozavodsk

Opening hours: daily

Free admission

Petrovsky Garden

This is one of the oldest parks. 300 years have passed since its foundation. The area of the park is 13 hectares. It is located along the embankment of Lake Onega. Here you can visit a small zoo, ride the most modern attractions, visit a cafe or restaurant.

There is also a large walking area, decorated with lighting and music, which makes this place especially romantic.

Address: st. Lunacharsky, Petrozavodsk

Opening hours: daily

Free admission

Sculpture "Fishermen"

Another symbol of the city was donated by one of the American cities. The sculpture is made of welded pipes and represents two fishermen throwing a net into the lake. This gift to the city has been standing for 20 years, but interest in it does not fade. It looks most beautiful in the evening during sunset.

This monument is located on the embankment of Lake Onega, on the Alley of Contemporary Art in the city of Petrozavodsk.

Address: Onezhskaya embankment, Petrozavodsk

Opening hours: daily

Free admission

Leninskaya (Circular) Square

In the very center of the city at the intersection of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels streets there is a perfectly round square. The ancient Russian architecture of the classical style has been preserved here.

The building of the Ministry of Culture, the former governor's house (now a museum) is located here. In the central part there is a park with a walking area. In the eastern part of the square there is a memorial with the Eternal Flame. The square is located in the area of Lenin Avenue.

Address: pl. Lenina, Petrozavodsk

Opening hours: daily

Free admission

This is a museum-workshop where you can see a variety of dolls, fairy-tale characters, and even entire dioramas dedicated to fairy tales. The decorations and special items created by the designers to decorate the interior are perfectly selected here. The institution has organized a school of children's creativity and doll design.

Address: st. Anokhina, 1, Petrozavodsk

Opening hours: daily from 12:00 to 18:00, closed on Mondays

Entrance: 100 rub.

Official website: strana-skazok.com

With kids

In Petrozavodsk there are various cultural and entertainment institutions that can keep a modern child occupied: theaters, city playgrounds, play centers, trampolines and much more.

In good weather, you can go to the Park of Culture and Recreation . One of its parts is attractions for children and adults: a variety of “Geese-Swans”, “Funny Trains”, as well as a 27-meter Ferris wheel with a wonderful view of Lake Onega. There is also EcoPark PKiO - a small but sincere zoo with the horse Nurik, the yak Malysh, the deer Olezha, a fox, goats, rabbits, turkeys and other domestic animals.

Another zoo, Zoolesye, occupies the forest area of Patriot Park and is a branch of the Three Bears on Syamozero. Real forest animals live in it - lynxes, hares, wolves, foxes, bears, raccoons, and birds - wood grouse, pheasants, owls. Not far from it, among a green park, is Norway Park Karelia , the largest rope park in Karelia, where both children and adults enjoy spending time.

If you decide to visit the “Three Bears” in the vicinity of the city, along the road there will be the patrimony of the Karelian Father Frost Talvi Ukko . Don’t be surprised, various residence facilities are open in the summer.

If the weather turns bad, you can always go to indoor areas. The Lotus Plaza shopping center has a modern entertainment center with trampolines, labyrinths, climbing frames, and dry slides for children young and old. Another shopping area where you can play slot machines, swim in a pool with balls, or take part in entertaining master classes and events.

A cultural program awaits those who visit Puppet Theater . Among the productions there are both the most popular fairy tales - The Clapping Fly, The Cat's House, Aladdin's Magic Lamp, and quite rare ones.

Find even more options for what to do with your child in the capital of Karelia in a separate tip:

Petrozavodsk for children

FAQ

can you go with children in Petrozavodsk Governor's Park, Park of the 50th Anniversary of the Pioneer Organization, Polar Odyssey. Maritime Historical and Cultural Center, Puppet Theatre, .

What entertainment is ? Museum of Fine Arts, Gallery of Industrial History, National Museum, Republican Musical Theatre.

4 main attractions of Petrozavodsk that are definitely worth a visit? Onezhskaya embankment, Kirovskaya square, Monument to Peter I, sculpture “Fishermen”.

Reviews, stories and advice from tourists

Trips to Petrozavodsk for 2–3 days, especially on weekends, are not uncommon. This is a popular destination not only for St. Petersburg residents, who are closest to it, because it is easy to fly to the capital of Karelia from other regions. Even in such a short period of time, Petrozavodsk and Karelia are able to give bright, completely different emotions for each guest. It is interesting that with similar content of the routes, none of them are repeated. You can compose your own, taking into account the recommendations of experienced tourists, based on reviews from site users:

about classical sights in the story “Winter Petrozavodsk and Kivach in two days” from Andrey;
about the outskirts of Petrozavodsk, if you have already been to the city: “Karelia in two days” from Natalya Kazakova;
about a non-standard weekend tour in the publication “Karelia: excursions, extreme!” from Olesya Babaeva;
as well as about a similar duration within the framework of large trips: “Journey along the Kola Peninsula “Towards Leviathan.” Days one and two from Masha Malinovskaya
and “From Perm to the Finnish border by bus” from Valeria Belousova;
For options on where else to go, see the advice: What to see in Karelia by car ;
What to bring from Karelia.

About city transport, tips on how to get there are always on the main page of the city .

All tourist reviews about Petrozavodsk on Tourist. RU

Best hotels in Petrozavodsk

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