Veliky Novgorod in January - a winter trip to the cradle of Russian statehood

Veliky Novgorod is the oldest city in Russia. It was here that the Russian state was once born. The history of the country is carefully preserved here. Tourists, pilgrims, lovers of antiquity and legends come here.

January and the New Year holidays are a great time to travel to the former capital of the Novgorod principality. What is interesting about the city, what kind of weather awaits tourists and how to organize leisure time usefully, we will tell you in the review.

The spirit of the New Year is everywhere.

Weather in Veliky Novgorod in January

Midwinter in the city is frosty: the average air temperature is −8°C. Cold temperatures down to −17°C are common. When planning a trip, take warm clothes and shoes, hats, scarves and gloves.

Snow rarely falls in early January - most precipitation occurs in December. We recommend leaving your sunglasses at home: the weather in Novgorod at this time of year is cloudy.

Weather forecast in Veliky Novgorod for January 2022.

Leisure

In Veliky Novgorod, almost every district has ice skating rinks - there are both indoor and outdoor areas. The skating rink on the territory of the Kremlin Park is of tourist interest. It is open daily until 10 pm. There are skate rentals for children and adults, as well as the opportunity to visit the skating rink with your own skates. Tubing rides are organized on the Kremlin shaft - the slides are not equipped; usually locals ride here with their “cheesecakes”.

For more active winter activities, you should go outside the city. In the Novgorod region there are several large winter recreation centers with entertainment for the whole family. If you have a free day, it's worth going to one of these resorts:

• Ski resort "Mstinskie Gorki" . The resort is located near Malaya Vishera, 130 km from Veliky Novgorod. Tourists can enjoy 4 trails of varying difficulty levels, designated areas for snow tubing, a sauna, an outdoor swimming pool, guest houses, barbecue rentals and other services.
• Eco-resort "Lyubogorye" . The distance from Veliky Novgorod is 180 km. In winter, the resort has 7 trails for skiers and snowboarders. There is a tubing slope and a forest trail for cross-country skiing. You can visit the bathhouse or rent a gazebo. Nearby is the open-air museum “Slavic Village of the 10th Century”.

Panoramic view of the Lyubogorye resort

Details: Ski resorts of the Novgorod region

Options for January holidays in Veliky Novgorod

The winter city is reminiscent of the paintings of Russian Itinerant artists: snow-covered churches, peace, brick fortress walls against the backdrop of a frozen river. It’s nice to walk here and breathe the air, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of antiquity and admire ancient frescoes.

Experienced tourists advise taking excursions or visiting museums on their own. During the New Year holidays, the city hosts entertainment events. Therefore, you definitely won’t be bored. If you haven’t decided what to see in Veliky Novgorod, our recommendations will come in handy.

Excursion programs

A walk through museums and city streets with a guide is an ideal opportunity to get to know Novgorod from the inside. You will visit the most iconic places, listen to local legends and even become a participant in folk games. Choose the program you like and go on an adventure!

1. “Kremlin walks with Sbyslav, Agafya or Euphemia” is an original interactive program that will be conducted for you by one of the “residents” of the ancient city - mayor Sbyslav Yakunovich, mayor Euphemia or healer Agafya Melisentovna. An old-timer from Novgorod will tell you about the life of the townspeople, fortress towers and gates, and Orthodox shrines. Such an original walk will cost you 4,990 rubles for your whole family or company.

Fun, authentic and original about the most important things in the city's history, for adults and children.

Here's what Oleg from Irkutsk says about local excursions:

“We were on a theatrical excursion. Both parents and children liked it: together with a guide dressed as Posadnitsa Evfemia, the stories are easier to remember. Highly recommended!”

1. "Extended tour of Veliky Novgorod by transport." Find out the main milestones in the history of Veliky Novgorod - from the 9th century to the present day. You will visit the Kremlin, the Church of the Transfiguration, the Anthony Monastery, and visit other places of worship in the city. The excursion lasts 4 hours, the cost is 6,000 rubles for a group of up to 10 people.

The route will pass through all the main attractions of the city.

1. "Acquaintance with the architecture of Ancient Rus'." Have you ever been to a fairy tale? A trip to the Vitoslavlitsy Museum of Wooden Architecture will help with this. Here you will see carved wooden houses and churches, assembled without a single nail. And on the shores of Lake Ilmen you can feel the spirit of Orthodoxy and paganism at the same time: on one side of it there is the St. George’s Monastery for men, and on the other - the temple of Perun. The price of the excursion is 3550 rubles for a group of up to 5 people. Additionally, you will have to pay for transport and entrance fees to museums.

Museum of Wooden Architecture "Vitoslavlitsy".

1. “The lordly amusements of the Novgorod region!” - this is the revived science of Russian drinking. Here you will be introduced to the history of alcoholic drinks: what they drank in Rus', what taverns looked like, and where the myths about Russians and vodka came from. Bonus of the program - tasting of local alcoholic products. The cost of the walk is 7,500 rubles for a group of up to 10 people.

After the tour, you will have a different look at the intoxicating traditions of Ancient Rus'.

1. "History and traditions of Valdai." Orthodox shrines on Lake Valdai are worth seeing. Breathe the purest air of the Iversky Monastery, master the profession of a bell ringer and learn about the glorious past of this region. The tour will take you 3.5 hours. Cost - 4300 rubles for a group of up to 5 people.

Hello Valdai!

We recommend searching and booking excursions via the Internet: there is a much larger selection here, and prices are ≈ 20% lower than in travel agency offices and distributors. You can get acquainted with excursion programs in advance, look at photos, read reviews from tourists and choose what is close and interesting to you.

The largest and most reliable online sellers of excursions are the sites Sputnik8.com and Tripster.ru.

Choose and have a pleasant experience!

Nikolo-Vyazhishchi Monastery

So, the first point of our program is the Nikolo-Vyazhishchi Stauropegial Convent. “Stauropegial” means that the monastery is not subordinate to the local diocese, but directly to the patriarch.

The monastery was founded at the end of the 14th century. The first mention in the chronicle is in 1411. Buildings from the second half to the end of the 17th century have survived to this day: St. Nicholas Cathedral, a refectory with the churches of St. John the Evangelist and the Ascension, and a residential building. A distinctive feature of the buildings is the use of colored tiles, which encircle the monastery building like ribbon friezes.

Getting to the monastery is not difficult - you just need to follow the signs. In short: immediately after entering Novgorod from St. Petersburg, there will be a right turn onto Luzhskoe Highway. We cross the bridge and see a fork with a roundabout - there we turn right towards . Immediately after passing the plant checkpoint there will be a left turn, we will go there.

The monastery will be visible from the plant. He is mesmerizing. Perhaps in summer, against the backdrop of green trees, the monastery will look different, but in winter, in the middle of snowy fields, it resembles a small green oasis in the middle of an endless snowy desert.

As soon as we arrived at the gate, some priest arrived with an important look in a new Toyota. Pulling out a huge bag from the trunk, he heaped it onto a puny little man who had run out of the monastery, after which they walked inside together.

Once you enter the territory of the monastery, you immediately plunge headlong into antiquity. Some incomprehensible feeling hits your head like a heavy club wrapped in foam rubber - softly, but quite deafening. Immediately you even begin to feel differently - peace sets in... I have been to different monasteries, but this was the first time in my life that I felt such a feeling here.

These Orthodox domes, Russian birch trees in the snow and some kind of unimaginable silence around - you are immediately transported two hundred years ago.

In every corner of the monastery one can feel its former grandeur. Why was it? Don't know. Most likely, the atmosphere of antiquity that hovers here does not want to relate to the present time. The feeling that life outside the walls of the monastery somehow magically stopped many, many years ago. And not around priests in expensive foreign cars, and not smoking a couple of kilometers from the monastery.

We were very unlucky with the weather - it was cloudy all day. Not a single hint of the sun, but as soon as we entered the territory of the monastery, the clouds opened for a while, and the bright sun, smiling, illuminated the bright green domes of the monastery.

There are turrets along the perimeter of the monastery. In some ways they are similar to their sisters in the Peter and Paul Fortress.

Leaving the monastery, we met an old Ikarus. I haven’t seen them on the streets of St. Petersburg for so long that I even froze for a moment.

The road to Novgorod quickly brought us back from the past to the present.

Interesting places and attractions

After the excursions, just take a walk around the winter city. There are not many tourists here on New Year's holidays. In addition, in Novgorod you will definitely find something to see on your own.

Start with the most grandiose monument - the Monument to the Millennium of Russia. The sculptural composition was opened at the behest of Emperor Alexander II in 1862. The height of the monument is over 15 meters. It is interesting to walk around it, peering into the faces of historical figures. On three tiers, tsars, politicians, generals and scientists who glorified Russia are depicted. And above them there is an Angel blessing Rus'.

Monument to the Millennium of Russia.

The Lord's Chamber of Facets is interesting for its architecture - it is the only monument of German Gothic architecture for civil purposes. Since the 15th century, the building has hosted meetings of Novgorod politicians, courts, meetings of overseas ambassadors, and also held feasts.

Be sure to visit the Museum of Writing. Novgorod is the birthplace of Russian writing. It was here that the oldest birch bark letters were discovered. But the museum also contains more monumental writings: for example, the Novgorod Psalter of the 11th century; the luxurious handwritten Gospel of Andreichina (1575); The Anonymous Gospel (1563–1564) is one of the first printed books in the country.

Visit the Museum of Writing.

Yuriev Monastery

Next stop is Yuryev Monastery. We didn’t plan to go there - our route was to the Vitoslavlitsy Museum - but the road goes in such a way that we still drove past the monastery.

Before we had time to get out of the cars, some guy approached us. With his appearance, he could easily become the hero of the film "Saw" as one of the surviving heroes: his face was adorned with a huge scar, one eye was with a cataract, the other was red like the devil's.

His offer was banal - if we pay him 100 rubles, he will look after our cars while we walk around the monastery, and maybe nothing will even happen to them. The boy was sent in plain text in three letters, and we moved on.

Poster: what to see in January?

Going to Veliky Novgorod in January, you can visit unusual exhibitions, fairs, performances and master classes. For the New Year, the city organizes dozens of entertainments for both local residents and tourists. Therefore, choose what is closest to you and relax with pleasure:

• exhibition “Graffiti drawings in Novgorod monuments of the 11th–14th centuries.” in St. Nicholas Cathedral;
• exhibition of paintings “Intertwined Colors” until January 14 in Chitay-Gorod;
• the musical “Notre Dame de Paris” on January 20 at the Akron Theater;
• show “In the Rain IV. Man vs woman” on January 6 at the Drama Theater. Dostoevsky.

Museums and theaters of Veliky Novgorod - attractions that you can see in winter

Their visit does not depend on weather conditions, you can spend your time profitably by organizing a family trip to an exhibition or performance.

Center for Musical Antiquities of V. I. Povetkin

Few people know that the list of Russian folk instruments is not limited to the gusli, balalaika and rattles. Restorers are carefully working to restore nozzles, zhaleks and other instruments, restoring their ability to sound, holding concerts and more exciting lectures - travel, introducing traditional clothing, recipes of national cuisine, ritual songs and games.

Vitoslavlitsy: open-air museum of wooden architecture

Near the shore of Lake Myachino there is a unique complex of wooden buildings. It is located near the Yuryev Monastery. It is very convenient to combine sightseeing of both attractions. The history of the village begins in the 11th century, when there were houses, large and small monasteries, and chapels here. Time passed and nothing remained but landscape and memory. In 1960 they decided to create a museum of ancient buildings, of which there are about 70.

The oldest tent scar is the Assumption Church. The buildings are masterpieces of wooden architecture, transporting visitors to ancient times.

Art Museum

The building of the Noble Assembly housed a huge exhibition of paintings, sculptures, sketches, drawings, and miniatures. It was built in compliance with classical proportions; 2 spacious wings extend from the central facade, where exhibition galleries with unique objects are located. There are 9 halls in total. The collections contain works by M. Vrubel, Bryullov, A. Aivazovsky, M. Antokolsky, I. Repin.

Museum of Artistic Culture of the Novgorod Land

It was founded on the former square of the Desyatinny Monastery, which is an architectural monument. Over time, the layout, territory and a large proportion of buildings have been preserved. One wing functions as an exhibition hall, where you can see the work of local artists and craftsmen.

Academic Drama Theater named after. F. M. Dostoevsky

Traditionally, theatrical performances were held on major and minor holidays; the fame of the art of buffoons resounded far beyond the borders of the region. At first, temporary stages or halls in the mansions of the nobility were used; the first permanent theater opened in 1825. Classics and avant-garde performances were staged, and much attention was paid to children's repertoire in the 20th century. Almost 160 years later, the theater moved to a new building.

The original appearance resembles a temple where the imperishable art of transformation lives.

Novgorod-on-Volkhov

The main railway station was built in traditional Novgorod style. The project was carried out by I. Yavein. After the devastating bombing, many transport hubs were destroyed; it was necessary not only to restore traffic, but also to create a beautiful modern station building. The architect chose an antique style with well-recognized semicircular rows of windows, strict lines and proportionate proportions. The snow-white walls are visible from afar; inside, passengers will find comfortable lounges and convenient passages to the boarding areas.

What to bring as a souvenir

What is Veliky Novgorod associated with? Of course, with aromatic herbs, berries and honey. But the choice of souvenirs in the city is much larger, so you will definitely find a gift to your liking. And so that you don’t get lost in their diversity, we have made a selection of things that these places are famous for:

1. Mittens are a symbol of the city. It is believed that this is where the name of this item of clothing came from. Trade shops and shops offer more than a hundred types of mittens: from simple knitted ones to fur ones, generously decorated with embroidery and beads.
2. The Valdai bell is known throughout Russia for its clear sound. And they sell brass souvenirs in any store or kiosk. Be sure that you will not find such bells anywhere else.

Valdai bells as a souvenir of the trip.

1. Printed gingerbreads , although not as advertised as Tula ones, are noticeably older from Ichtoria. Real sweets are dark brown in color with a transparent white glaze. You will find them in any grocery store or specialized souvenir shops.
2. Honey in Novgorod is sold both in classic jars and in birch bark jars. The latter are more expensive, but look elegant. Perfect for souvenirs.

Those with a sweet tooth will be delighted with local honey.

1. Candied fruits from the oven are also a local pride. They are made from rhubarb, cranberries, pumpkin and gooseberries. The packaging of healthy sweets is also interesting: the bags depict characters from a theatrical tour of the Kremlin - mayor Sbyslav Yakunovich, mayor Evfimiya, Agafya Melisentovna and Zabava Putyatishna. You can buy dried fruits in the “Red Izba” store at the address: pl. Sennaya, 5.
2. fruit and herbal jam only in the Novgorod lands. Extravagant tastes - fireweed and meadowsweet, ginger and mint, lingonberries and pine cones, etc. Prices start at 120 rubles per jar.
3. Products made by local craftsmen from birch bark or wood.

Products made from birch bark will decorate any home!

When looking for souvenirs, pay attention to specialized stores:

• "Red Izba" - pl. Sennaya, 5;
• "Globus" - at the address: st. Germana, 27. Here you will always find guides and maps of the city;
• "Lavka-Zavod-bar" at - st. Germana, 2;
• “Novgorod Delicacy” - Sennaya Square;
• "Sloboda" - st. Studencheskaya, 2.

Marina from Moscow writes in her review:

“Novgorod candied fruits are our favorite sweet. You have never seen such delicious pumpkin and cranberry sweets anywhere else. We always bring them as souvenirs.”

Excursions around Veliky Novgorod, there is something to see today

Educational programs for children and adults in an entertaining way introduce new aspects of long-known buildings, streets and parks. The city takes on the appearance of an epic hero, powerful and kind.

Walks with mayor Sbyslav

The miracles of Novgorod are amazing and varied. In Lake Ilmen, Sadko caught a golden feather fish, and from the pier of the Marketplace he set off on a long journey. Prince Vladimir Yaroslavovich ruled here, fortress walls were built to intimidate enemies. Novgorod stood for many centuries and was called the Great. Mayor Sbyslav will talk about these and other events during an interactive tour of the Kremlin and cathedrals. The bright antique costume, light style, and entertaining form of stories will hold attention for a long time and will become a series of discoveries for all participants in the program.

Kremlin Park

The historical and natural complex is located in the historical center near the Novgorod Detinets, surrounding the park on three sides. Initially it was called the Summer Garden. It quickly became a favorite walking place for the townspeople. It hosts most events, a children's playground, and a monument to Rachmaninov. A fountain refreshes the air, there is a summer stage, a chess house, and tennis courts.

Fountain "Sadko"

The epic about the guslar who made a great bet with Novgorod merchants is well known. He went on a journey, and was not intimidated by the formidable Sea King; the beautiful Volkhova fell in love with him and saved him from the wrath of the lord of the sea depths. It was this image that the sculptor Kurylev chose for the main city fountain, which flaunts in the Kremlin Park.

Hanseatic fountain

It was erected in 2009 for the opening of a festival dedicated to the development of trade and tourism. The latest trends and technologies were used. The base is a granite disk; water gradually spills from the center, slowly spreading over the surface and falling onto large stones located around the perimeter. The edges of the bowl are decorated with the coats of arms of the countries of the Hanseatic League. Newlyweds come to the fountain to take photos and make a wish.

Kremlin beach

Cozy and clean, it is on the river bank near the Kremlin wall. It is equipped with changing rooms, umbrellas, and children's playgrounds. Perfect for a family holiday in the summer heat.

Pedestrian bridge

Initially, the city was built on both banks of the river, with a bridge connecting the Trade and Sofia sides. The first documentary evidence of it dates back to the 12th century. It had practical and strategic significance, was constantly rebuilt and restored, strengthened, and acquired new features. During the war it was blown up and rebuilt again after the victory. The project, taking into account modern requirements, was created in 1985 and, according to its technical characteristics, can accommodate 8 thousand people at a time.

Rurik settlement

After the settlement began to expand its borders, it began to be called New, and Gorodishche - Old. It remained a craft, trade and military center for a long time. Thanks to archaeological excavations and finds, it was possible to establish its role in the further development of Novgorod. The monument stands opposite the Yuriev Monastery, 2 km south of the center.

Trinity excavation

Archaeological research has been going on for a long time, and it was found:

about 40 buildings of the 10th–15th centuries; letters on birch bark; the oldest book is the Novgorod Codex.

It is interesting to visit the excavation site, listen to the stories of archaeologists and historians about the finds, and look at their work.

The cost of a January holiday in Veliky Novgorod

Tourism in one of the central cities of the Golden Ring is year-round. Therefore, the price of travel and housing remain at the same level throughout the year. To help you with budget planning, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the approximate price level for January 2022:

• train tickets from Moscow to Veliky Novgorod ≈ 1600 rubles - find tickets on Poezd.ru →
• car ride with fellow travelers ≈ 800 rubles - find a passing car on Blablacar.com →
• accommodation in a double room at a 3* hotel ≈ 3400 rubles - find a hotel on Booking.com or on Hotellook.ru →
• accommodation in a rented apartment for two ≈ 1800 rubles according to the website Sutochno.ru →

• printed gingerbread ≈ 120 rubles;
• kroshevo or Novgorod cabbage soup ≈ 100 rubles per serving in a cafe.

Kroshevo. Delicious!

Veliky Novgorod is beautiful both in winter and summer. Even if you have already been here in the warm season, come in January. The unique medieval architecture is especially beautiful against the backdrop of snow-white landscapes. And if the weather forecast promises frost, you can get acquainted with museum exhibitions and luxurious frescoes of ancient temples.

Author: Maria Bakhteeva

Article last updated: December 22, 2021

Excursions from Veliky Novgorod in winter

In winter it is especially pleasant to travel around the Novgorod region and neighboring regions. Sparsely populated towns in winter look like ancient times, and the nature of the region is fabulous and enchanting. For 1-2 days from Veliky Novgorod you can travel to other cities and villages in the region. Worth a visit:

• Staraya Russa . The charm of a provincial town is especially felt in winter, when travelers see wooden huts under the snow with smoke from the stove and ancient churches. In the city, you should definitely visit the Dostoevsky House Museum , in which he wrote some of the cult novels: “Demons” and “The Brothers Karamazov”.
• Valdai . The city, located on the shores of Lake Valdai, is attractive for winter activities in the surrounding area. In the city itself it is worth visiting the bell museum and the county town museum .
• Lyakova village . The Old Believer settlement carefully preserves its traditions. Visitors to the settlement are greeted by a “hostess” who introduces them to the history and traditions of the Old Believers. Guests can take part in round dances and other entertainment, taste cabbage soup from the oven and homemade mead.

You can continue your acquaintance with the heritage of Ancient Rus' in the neighboring Pskov region. The most popular route through the region includes visits to Pskov and Izborsk. In both cities, ancient fortresses and other monuments of the Russian Middle Ages have been preserved.

Pskov Kremlin Photo: © Olga407

Peculiarity

Veliky Novgorod is located in the north-west of the capital. The city is located on the Volkhov River, not far from Lake Ilmen. The history of its origin is covered in legend. They say that it was founded by two brothers - Sloven and Rus. Initially it had the name Slovensk. Further, Veliky Novgorod became part of Kievan Rus and became the second in importance, as well as a kind of residence for the eldest son of the Prince of Kyiv, who reigned before ascending the throne.

During the reign of Vladimir, Novgorod adopted Christianity. Life was good for local residents during the reign of Yaroslav the Wise. Children actively learned to read and write, temples, outbuildings and residential buildings were erected.

There are always a lot of tourists in Veliky Novgorod, especially in summer and winter, so you need to book a hotel room in advance. There are no problems with cafes and restaurants. A tourist can choose what suits his taste and pocket.

It is impossible to overestimate the historical and cultural significance of the city. Around it there are many temples and monasteries that brought literacy to the people.

Religious buildings

What to see in Veliky Novgorod? The attractions of this city are also temples and cathedrals. The most important temple is the St. Sophia Cathedral. It preserves historically significant, priceless Orthodox relics.

In their shape, the heads of the cathedral resemble the helmets of ancient knights. Its central dome is gilded. At the very top of the main dome there is a figurine of a dove. The cathedral houses many historical treasures that date back to the 16th century.

Another surviving relic is the Magdeburg Gate. They are considered a real masterpiece of architecture, as they are covered with many three-dimensional images. For a long time, the gate served as the main entrance to the cathedral.

One of the oldest is the Yuryev Monastery, located on the Volkhov River. According to legend, its founder was Prince Yaroslav the Wise. The monastery consists of a complex ensemble of churches and cathedrals, the most important of which is St. George's Cathedral. Inside there are beautiful frescoes decorating the ceilings and walls.

Another beautiful temple is the Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Cross. It has five blue domes with golden stars that stand out against the background of the entire architectural ensemble.

The Church of the Transfiguration is an example of 14th-century architecture. The temple has a square shape with only one dome and is famous for the fact that ancient frescoes that belonged to one of the great Byzantine artists, who painted the church inside and out, have been preserved to this day. Unusual and monochrome colors were chosen for the painting.

From the outside, this landmark of Veliky Novgorod, photos of which show the richness of its decor, simply amazes the eye. On the walls of this ancient temple you can see many different crosses, which are laid out in relief or carved from stone.

The Church of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa was built back in the 13th century and is completely different from other churches in Veliky Novgorod. It was once the main cathedral of merchants. The single-domed church is made without plaster, and visitors are presented with solid stonework from the 13th century. Throughout its history, it was rebuilt several times. Now it is a structure in the shape of a cross with six pillars.

Museums

What to visit in Veliky Novgorod? This question interests many tourists who come to this city for the first time. Local museums are very popular, among which Vitoslavlitsy deserves mention. This is the most interesting museum of wooden architecture. This is a real old Russian village with many buildings, namely:

• churches;
• huts;
• stable;
• blacksmith;
• sheds and hangars.

All this is surrounded by centuries-old trees. Inside all the buildings, the atmosphere, unique color and interior of past times have been completely recreated, as well as ancient household items. Guides in national costumes will show guests the territory of the complex and tell them everything in detail.

One of the most significant museums in the country is the Novgorod Nature Reserve. It presents unique information regarding the life and way of life of the people of Ancient Rus'. The museum contains a unique collection of ancient Russian painting, including works by icon painters. Among the most famous and significant exhibits, it is necessary to highlight a collection of ancient books, birch bark letters, paintings by Russian artists of the 18th-20th centuries, works of decorative, applied and jewelry art.

Reviews

After looking at the descriptions of attractions and photos of the city of Veliky Novgorod, you will definitely organize for yourself an unforgettable vacation that the whole family is guaranteed to enjoy.

Many people leave positive reviews regarding their holiday in this city. I really like the St. Sophia Cathedral, the Novgorod Detinets, and also the monument to the Millennium of Rus'. You can have a good time with the whole family, ride ponies with your children, as well as open bicycle buses. Excursion ships ply along the Volkhov River.

According to reviews from tourists, Veliky Novgorod is one of the most remarkable cities in Russia, which is a must-see.

Neighborhood

Veliky Novgorod is widely famous for its sights. What to see in the city and its surroundings, everyone decides for themselves. There are temples and monasteries near the city. Some of them stopped working during the Soviet era. Some have been restored and services are held in them.

The Vyazhishsky Monastery is considered a real pearl of these lands. It is located ten kilometers from the city, near the village of Vyazhishche. This is a very beautiful complex of buildings that seem so light, as if they are rushing into the sky. Its only drawback is that it is quite difficult to get to the monastery.

Answering the question about what to see in Veliky Novgorod and its environs, we can say that you should definitely visit the Rodnoe estate. A recreation center is now located on its territory. There is a shooting range and a bathhouse nearby, so you can have a good rest. In the summer, if the weather is good, kayaking is organized on the river.

Near the village of Shuya there is the Berendeevo Kingdom nature reserve. Here you can rent a holiday home with all the amenities.

How to get there

To see all the sights of Veliky Novgorod, you need to know how to get to this city and what time of year is best to visit it.

Until recently, Novgorod had its own airport, but now it is closed and there are no plans to reconstruct it. That is why, if you want to get to the city by air, you will have to choose an airport in a neighboring city, for example in St. Petersburg. Then you will need to change to another mode of transport. A tourist can get to Veliky Novgorod:

• by bus;
• by train;
• by car.

The train arrives at the local railway station. The building was recently renovated and looks like white stone chambers. Leaves a positive impression. On the front side of the station there is a large clock, as well as a monument to Alexander Nevsky, so you can see the local landmark from the first minutes. In summer you can also reach the city by ferry.