Lipuny: History in Focus

Lipuny is associated with a sobering local history: a prisoner-of-war camp was located in the village, where several thousand Red Army soldiers were held. The story also includes the help provided by local civilians. Elsewhere in Smolensk Oblast, archaeological sites, nature trails, and guided cultural activities offer other interests to explore.

Lipuny and Its Local History

At great personal risk, local civilians did all they could to help the prisoners, bringing them food, warm clothing, and medicine. Another site lies in an open field between Lipuny and Pechersk: thousands of Soviet prisoners of war died there from disease, hunger, and cold. The village camp and the deaths in the field are therefore two geographically distinct aspects of the history.

Historic Sites in Smolensk Oblast

Within the wider destination of Smolensk Oblast, the Gnyozdovo archaeological complex offers insight into a different historical subject. About 2,500 burial mounds and a settlement have been preserved there. Gnyozdovo is considered the largest complex of archaeological monuments in Russia and Europe from the period when the Old Russian state was emerging, and is protected by the state as an archaeological monument of national (federal) significance. While a prisoner-of-war camp is central to Lipuny’s history, Gnyozdovo is known for its vast archaeological ensemble.

Another cultural site in Smolensk Oblast is the Khmelita estate, the focal point of the A. S. Griboyedov “Khmelita” State Historical, Cultural and Natural Museum-Reserve. The estate has belonged to the Griboyedov family since 1680. It is located in Vyazemsky District, Smolensk Oblast; distances are 260 km from Moscow, 200 km from Smolensk, and 37 km from Vyazma.

Nature Trails and Landscapes in Smolensk Oblast

Smolenskoye Poozerye National Park was established on 15 April 1992 in the territory of Demidovsky and Dukhovshchinsky districts. Its purpose is to protect unique natural complexes for recreational, educational, scientific, and cultural use. The “K istokam” circular trail starts in the village of Stary Dvor; a track for mobile apps such as Geotreker or MAPS.ME helps visitors walk it independently. In 2023–2024, two viewpoints were established at Lakes Svyatets and Sapsho. A further viewpoint on the high southern shore of Lake Sapsho offers a picturesque view of the lake and several islands.

Another trail in the wider destination of Smolensk Oblast is the “Poozerye bez barierov” (“Poozerye Without Barriers”) eco-trail. Created in 2017, it is intended for people with limited mobility and starts near the Eco-Centre “Baklanovo” building. The barefoot trail in Boroviki offers a different experience: it has 14 sections, each six metres long, with different natural surfaces to walk on barefoot. At the end, visitors can wash their feet and, if they wish, stroll through the “Aptekarsky sad” (“Apothecary Garden”).

Guided Cultural Activities in Smolensk Oblast

At the “Stargrad” ethnographic village, guided tours introduce visitors to the way of life of the ancient Slavs. The exhibits include everyday objects, weapons, and clothing. Visits are possible only as part of a guided group. The extended programme includes the “Babiy kut” workshop on traditional women’s crafts, where visitors can make souvenirs, as well as “Polevaya kuznya,” where participants can mint coins and make chain mail.

The extended programme also includes the “Srednevekovy tir” area, with archery, slingshots, axe and javelin throwing, as well as lunch based on old recipes. Historic dishes from maritime and field kitchens are prepared in cauldrons over an open fire. The extended programme activities must be arranged in advance; visits remain restricted to guided groups.

These different themes can help you weigh up your holiday plans: Lipuny’s history, archaeological sites, guided cultural activities, and nature trails offer a range of options. Choose your holiday apartment according to which of these interests you would like to focus on.

Discover more destinations: Przhevalskoye, Dolginovo, Rykshino, Pechorsk, Dorogobuzh, Drozdovo, Sloboda, Klushino.

Back to the destination overview: Smolensk Oblast.