A trip around Lake Ladoga is one of the most easily accessible and beautiful trips that you can organize yourself.

Lake Ladoga is the largest lake in Europe. 35 rivers flow into it, and there are about 660 islands on it.

The itinerary of our trip is designed for three days. The purpose of the trip was to feel nature and enjoy it, we stopped a lot at different lakes, walked through the forests, our route reflects natural places more. Of course, we visited several architectural places, but still they were not the main goal.

In order to better navigate, we used maps.me, I advise! This is the best offline map, which helps us out not for the first time, it shows the main attractions, shops, places where you can stay overnight and their rating.

Day 1:

Lembolovskoe lake- a lake on the Karelian Isthmus surrounded by picturesque forests and hills. Sandy beaches, there are many good entrances to the lake. Suitable for fishing and recreation with children.

Razdolinsky lake- located near the village of Sosnovo. There are convenient approaches to the water from the Priozersk highway from the west. The water is clean and transparent. Also suitable for fishing and recreation with children.

Vuoksa river- the largest river of the Karelian Isthmus with fast rapids. The place is the best suited for rafting and kayaking. Everything you need can be rented on site. Suitable for fishing, before our eyes a man caught five large trout, you can find places for tents and recreation with children.

Korela fortress- Museum-Fortress "Korela" is located in the city of Priozersk, Leningrad Region, not far from the confluence of the Vuoksa River into Lake Ladoga. For more information about the cost of visiting, opening hours, you can see on their website.

Lighthouse– I love lighthouses very much, look at them, be near them, they give me strength. On the map, we saw that we met one on the way, it turned out that he was located on the territory of the Captain Morgan Park Hotel, where only vacationers were allowed. We really, really asked and we were allowed to come in for a while.

We spent the night on the shore of Lake Ladoga in a tent, using the maps.me map, we found the way to drive up by car. And at the end of the day there was such a sunset.

Day 2:

Finally, we have arrived in Karelia, there are even more beautiful natural places ahead: lakes, rivers, waterfalls and endless forests. We were in Karelia this winter, so for comparison, I will share winter photos too.

Khitol rocks– if you turn right off the main road towards Tiurul, you can get to a 20-meter sheer cliff on which climbers train.

Sortavala is a city in Karelia.

What to see:

• The center of the city and the pier from which ships depart for Valaam.
• City Park "Vakkosalmi", there from Mount Kuhavuori offers a beautiful view of the city.
• You can have a bite to eat and taste local Karelian pies in the Kalitka cafe, located at ul. Komsomolskaya, 9, Sortavala. It is small in size, two tables and chairs, delicious pies and cheap tea and coffee.

Where to stay?

3 best hotels in Sortavala in terms of price / quality ratio.

Waterfall Ahvenkoski- a complex consisting of several waterfalls, located at the flood of the Tohmajoki River. Their height averages 3-4 meters. In 2005, the movie "Dark World" was filmed on Ahvenkoski, for which they specially built a model of a chopped hut, which is located there to this day. The bathing scene of the main character of the film “The Dawns Here Are Quiet” and scenes from the last battle were also filmed here.

To get closer to the waterfall, you will walk along a beautiful wooden staircase next to which there are figures of various heroes, everyone loves to take pictures with them, we also could not resist.

marble canyon- a historical monument, a former marble quarry filled with groundwater. It was here that marble was mined for the palaces of St. Petersburg. On the official website of the mountain park, you can always find up-to-date information about prices and how to get there. In the evenings, the park turns on a very beautiful backlight, if you have the opportunity to linger, it's worth it.

After the walk, the weather began to deteriorate and we began to look for a place to stay. Traveling in the high season is bad because there were no more free places in hostels / guest houses / hotels. So we recommend thinking about it in advance.

Day 3:

HPP Lyaskelya– The Republic of Karelia is rich in hydropower resources, which are used by various hydroelectric power plants, we managed to visit several of them. First we saw the small HPP Läskelä, which is located on the Janisjoki River. It was launched in 1899, destroyed during the Great Patriotic War, then rebuilt again. After the completion of the reconstruction, the station became fully automated, its work is carried out without permanent personnel.

Waterfall "White Bridges"- the highest waterfall in the entire south of Karelia, its height is 19 meters. Not far from it there is another one, which is often called White Bridges 2. The peculiarity of White Bridges 2 is that in hot summer weather this waterfall is able to dry up almost completely, but in spring or in rainy weather the waterfall is no less picturesque than its older one. comrade.

The road to it is of average quality, of course, depending on the season. We were during the rainy season, the road was washed out and full of large and deep puddles. Many people left their cars half way and walked further, large cars passed without problems.

Lake Rukojärvi- a picturesque lake, it was here that we decided to stop for a bite to eat and relax. The place is also great for fishing, camping and families with children.

Waterfall "Upper Koyrinoya"- it is located right in the village of Koirinoya on the site of a destroyed dam. Its height is approximately 5 meters. You can drive close to it.

Waterfall "Lower Koyrinoya" is located outside the village. Its height is approximately 4 meters.

Pieni Joki HPP- This hydroelectric power plant was built on the Tulimaeki River by the Finns in 1918–1920. Since 1995, she began to work year-round.

The last place we managed to stop by before dark was Lodeynoye Pole, we walked along the main square, stood by the banks of the Svir River, and the road home was waiting for us ahead.

We did not have time to see: Shlisselburg and the Oreshek fortress, new and old Ladoga, the city of Olonets.

Planning to visit Petrozavodsk? Book your accommodation in advance. There are three categories "cheap", "popular" and "close to the center". Book your option.

If the route turned out to be useful for you, then write about it in the comments. If you know other interesting places that are definitely worth seeing, then please write about this too.