Vyborgsky District: Lakes, Birds and Dunes

Two distinctive natural features shape the impression of Vyborgsky District: the water-rich landscape of the Rakovye Lakes and the dunes and wetlands of Buchta Zhyoltaya. Together, they reveal different sides of the destination—with habitats for waterbirds and a landscape shaped by dune ridges, wet depressions and bogs. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Vyborgsky District, these features can help you decide which nature experiences to focus on when planning your holiday.

Water Route and Birdlife of the Rakovye Lakes

The “Rakovye Lakes” water route begins at a pier on Lake Ochotnitschje. From there, it follows the right tributary of the Dolgunets stream and leads to Lake Bolschoje-Rakowoje. It ends at a pier near the environmental education centre. The route connects several clearly named sections of water and offers a specific way to discover the lake landscape as a distinct part of your trip. Check the current visitor rules before you arrive.

The water route operates seasonally: it is open from 16 July until the lakes freeze over. This is separate from the rules for the “Rakovye Lakes” nature reserve as a whole: visits to the reserve are restricted from 1 April through 15 July. If you are planning the timing of your stay, take both dates into account and check the applicable rules before your visit.

The lakes are also notable for their birdlife. After becoming shallower and overgrown, they developed into habitats and stopover sites for waterbirds and other migratory birds associated with bodies of water. There are 228 bird species in the Rakovye Lakes, and the area is considered an important ornithological area of Russia. At the beginning of the 20th century, the lakes were regarded as Finland’s most famous bird lakes. This historical distinction and their present-day ecological importance give the landscape a special perspective, although specific sightings cannot be planned.

Dunes, Bogs and Historic Landscapes

The Buchta Zhyoltaya natural monument has a different landscape character. Its territory includes old and modern dunes, various types of bog, and waterlogged depressions between the dune ridges. It also contains historic landscapes considered cultural heritage. The alternation of elevated dune ridges and wet areas in between makes these landscape forms especially interesting: dry and wet habitats occur close together without merging into a single landscape type.

This gives you a clear choice when planning your trip: the Rakovye Lakes bring together bodies of water and bird migration, while Buchta Zhyoltaya offers a different natural and cultural focus, with dunes, bogs and historic landscapes. These differences can help you prioritise your interests when choosing a holiday rental in Vyborgsky District, without assuming anything about the features of a particular property.

A Regional Comparison in Leningrad Oblast

For a broader regional comparison within Leningrad Oblast, Vepsian Forest Nature Park offers a distinct example. It lies in the far east of the oblast and includes seven reserves with particularly strict protection rules. The landscape features numerous lakes; the largest is Lake Lerinskoje, in the reserve of the same name. The park’s other special values include well-preserved old spruce and pine forests in the “Vepsskiy Les” and “Ashchozyorskiy” reserves. These forests are important for organisms that depend on woodland undisturbed by economic activity.

This regional perspective is also culturally distinct: Vepsians, a small people of Russia with their own culture and traditions, have traditionally lived in Vepsian Forest Nature Park. The two landscape themes can therefore be viewed in different ways: the Rakovye Lakes represent bodies of water, bird species and migratory stopovers, while Vepsian Forest Nature Park represents lakes, old forests and Vepsian culture. The information about Vepsian Forest relates to Leningrad Oblast, not Vyborgsky District.

Discover More Destinations

Also discover Pribylovo. Discover more destinations: Priozerskiy Rayon, Lotoshinsky Rajon, Korsakovskiy rayon, Vsevolozhskiy Rajon, Lodeynopolskiy rayon, Lomonosovsky District, Boksitogorskiy rayon.

For the main travel overview: Leningrad Oblast.