Krotovo and its memorial

A specific historical landmark in Krotovo is the mass grave of 2,907 Soviet soldiers who died in combat. In addition, other destinations in the wider Smolensk Oblast region offer archaeological, landscape and cultural-history perspectives.

Commemoration in Krotovo

A red-brick memorial wall bearing metal plaques lists the names of those buried there. The mass grave also includes a sculpture depicting a Soviet Army soldier and a woman in a nurse’s uniform. Check current access before visiting.

Bus route information

The Yartsevo–Krotovo bus route is listed with several stops along the way to d. Krotovo. Check the current timetable before travelling. This lets you take the connection into account when planning without relying solely on a route listing.

More to explore in Smolensk Oblast

The Gnyozdovo archaeological complex offers a different historical perspective. Around 2,500 burial mounds and a settlement have been preserved there. Gnyozdovo is the largest complex of archaeological monuments in Russia and Europe from the period when the Old Russian state was taking shape, and it is protected by the state as a monument of national (federal) significance. While Krotovo’s memorial commemorates Soviet soldiers, Gnyozdovo offers archaeological traces from a much earlier era.

Nature is also a defining feature of Smolensk Oblast. Smolenskoye Poozerye National Park was established on April 15, 1992, in the Demidovsky and Dukhovshchinsky districts to protect unique natural complexes for recreation, educational, scientific and cultural purposes. One specific hiking option is the “K istokam” circular trail, which starts in the village of Stary Dvor. A track for mobile apps such as Geotreker or MAPS.ME supports independent hiking. Two viewing points were established at Lakes Svyatets and Sapsho in 2023–2024. The trail, digital navigation and two named viewing points offer different reference points for planning a nature excursion.

The barefoot path in Boroviki offers another way to experience nature. It has 14 sections, each six metres long, with different natural surfaces to walk on barefoot. At the end, you can wash your feet and, if you wish, stroll through the Aptekarsky sad. Here, the focus is on the changing ground surfaces and the option of visiting the garden afterwards, rather than on a hiking route.

For those interested in culture, the “Stargrad” ethnographic village offers a glimpse into the way of life of the ancient Slavs. A guided tour presents everyday objects, weapons and clothing; the village can only be visited as part of a guided group. The extended programme includes the “Babiy kut” workshop on traditional women’s crafts, where visitors can make their own souvenirs. At the “Polevaya kuznya” workshop, participants can mint coins and make chain mail. The “Srednevekovy tir” area features archery and slingshot shooting, as well as axe and sulitsa throwing. The extended programme also includes an activity on the water with the Viking oak boat “Fornkor”: participants can sail and row on one of the national park’s deepest lakes. It also includes lunch prepared according to old recipes, with historic dishes from the maritime and field kitchens, cooked in cauldrons over an open fire. Arrange the extended activities in advance.

Choosing the right search location

The cultural and natural attractions mentioned here appeal to different travel interests. Choose your search location based on which destinations are most important to your plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Przhevalskoye, Rykshino, Baranovo, Luzhki, Monastyrshchina, Pilichki, Dorogobuzh, Yasennaya.

To the broader travel overview: Smolensk Oblast.