Discover Lososinnoye: Nature and Culture in Karelia

In the Republic of Karelia, the nature and recreation area at Lake Lososinnoye covers a section of the lakeshore. It was designated to protect and restore the natural complexes and features along this stretch of shore. The area is also intended for recreation, including physical activity and health promotion, as well as ecological and nature-based tourism.

Protected Area and Landscape in Prionezhsky District

The protected area consists of two sections and covers 163.4 hectares; the entire area is classified as forest land belonging to the state forest fund. It is located in Prionezhsky District, 10 km southwest of the city of Petrozavodsk, and extends across parts of forest compartments 74–77 and 87 of the Lososinsky forestry district. Prionezhsky District has recreational areas featuring landscapes, forest products, sandy beaches, pine forests and rivers with rapids. This gives the region’s natural scenery several facets: lakeshore and forest alongside faster-flowing waterways.

Rules for vehicles also apply within the protected area. Driving and parking motor vehicles and powered vehicles are restricted to designated roads and specially equipped parking areas. Exceptions apply to appropriately authorised special vehicles, motorised vehicles during the snow season, and certain forest protection measures and other activities specified in the protected-area regulations. As the regulations may be amended, check the current version before your visit.

Nature and Cultural Experiences in the Republic of Karelia

Beyond the nearby lakeshore, the Republic of Karelia offers further nature and cultural attractions. Kivach Waterfall is on the Suna River in central Karelia and has a drop of 10.7 m. After the Rhine Falls, it is Europe’s second-largest lowland waterfall. A general excursion in Kivach Nature Reserve includes an outdoor walk to the waterfall, as well as visits to the dendrological collection and the nature museum. An excursion along a 1,000 m circular route on the banks of the Suna also takes 1 to 1.5 hours; the trail passes through a forest near the excursion area. If you plan to take this excursion, check the conditions and booking arrangements with the operator.

The Kizhi Museum Reserve displays 89 monuments of traditional wooden architecture in the open air. These include old chapels and houses, mills, granaries, threshing barns and drying racks. Visitors can see inside the Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God and peasant houses; traditional peasant crafts are demonstrated in the houses. Sacred wooden architecture, dwellings and handicrafts thus represent distinct aspects of regional culture. By comparison, Kivach combines a waterfall with an outdoor excursion, a dendrological collection and a nature museum.

The Onega and White Sea petroglyphs offer another cultural dimension. This World Heritage site comprises 4,500 Neolithic rock carvings in the Republic of Karelia. The Onega petroglyphs include more than 1,200 figures in Pudozhsky District; most are located on the three central capes of Pery Nos, Besov Nos and Kladovets. The White Sea petroglyphs mostly depict hunting and sailing scenes, along with associated equipment, as well as animal and human footprints. The Belomorsk petroglyphs are located in the lower reaches of the Vyg, near its mouth at the White Sea, 6–8 km from Belomorsk, and comprise more than 2,000 different drawings. Their motifs and locations give the rock art distinct regional characteristics.

These destinations offer different options for planning your trip: the protected lakeshore at Lake Lososinnoye, a waterfall and nature experience at Kivach, or wooden architecture and rock art as part of a wider cultural itinerary in Karelia. Choose the location of your holiday rental based on which of these themes you actually want to focus on during your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Ruskeala, Vilga, Lumivaara, Spasskaya Guba, Kotkozero, Pudosch, Shuyskaya Chupa, Meyeri.

For the broader travel overview: Republic of Karelia.