Forests, lakes and Vepsian culture in Leningrad Oblast

In the far east of Leningrad Oblast lies Vepsian Forest Nature Park: lakes, ancient coniferous forests that have been preserved, and the way of life of the Vepsians define this part of the destination. Ecological trails in protected areas and Koporye Fortress add further natural and cultural themes. When choosing a holiday apartment, it helps to first consider whether forests and lakes, trails in protected areas, or architecture should shape your stay.

Lakes, forests and the Vepsians in the nature park

Vepsian Forest Nature Park comprises seven reserves with particularly strict protection rules. Numerous lakes are part of its landscape; the largest is Lake Lerinskoye, in the reserve of the same name. The ancient spruce and pine forests in the “Vepsskiy les” and “Ashchozyorskiy” reserves are also among the park’s special assets. They provide habitat for numerous organisms that can survive only in forests undisturbed by economic activity.

Brown bears are found in considerable numbers in the nature park; the wolverine, which is extremely rare in the region, has also been recorded. These details describe their presence, not a reliable chance of seeing them during your visit. Vepsian culture is also part of the park’s character: the Vepsians have traditionally lived there and have their own culture and traditions. In this destination, forests and lakes meet a distinctive cultural way of life.

Ecological trails with different areas of focus

Ecological trails run through seven regionally significant protected areas in Leningrad Oblast. An overview dated December 24, 2019, describes them as intended for independent visits and equipped with information materials and various visitor facilities. Check the conditions of the individual trail before setting out.

A trail description published in 2019 for the natural monument “Toksovskiye vysoty” describes a circular ecological trail over sandy hills and hollows, and through ancient spruce and pine forests. In the “Gryada Vyaryamyanselkya” protected area in Priozersk District, an ecological cycling trail passes through a landscape of lakes, marshes and dry, ancient pine forest. These trail descriptions also date from 2019; check the current trail status before planning your visit.

The Ladva Trail leads to glacially shaped terrain, middle-taiga vegetation and the Vepsian village of Ladva. It also leads to Lake Ladva in Podporozhye District. Another ecological trail near the settlement of Kurba in the same district runs along lakes in Vepsian Forest Nature Park; its trail description dates from 2019. The trails have distinctly different themes: one focuses on terrain, taiga and a Vepsian village, while another features lakes in the nature park or a cycling route through marshland and pine forest. Check current conditions before visiting trails described in 2019.

Stone architecture at Koporye Fortress

Koporye Fortress is a museum and a monument of ancient Russian stone architecture. It has been preserved in its present form since the 16th century; parts of its masonry date from the 13th century. This offers a different focus from the natural areas: the fortress is all about architectural history and a museum visit. For a visit without a guide, you can use the multimedia guide “Koporskaya krepost 2.0.” Check whether the guide is available before planning your visit.

When looking for a holiday apartment, you can use the destinations you want to shape your stay as a guide to choosing where to stay. If you’re mainly interested in forests, lakes and Vepsian traditions, Vepsian Forest Nature Park offers a suitable focus; those interested in ancient Russian stone architecture can make Koporye the centre of their trip. The specific choice therefore starts with the themes of your trip, rather than with a blanket impression of the entire oblast.

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