Yelninsky District: Where the Desna and Ugra Rise

The sources of the Desna and Ugra give Yelninsky District a distinctive nature-focused character: both source areas are designated natural monuments of regional significance, and a peat bog also shapes the landscape around the Desna’s headwaters. When looking for a holiday rental, you can first decide whether you want to focus on the district and these natural sites, or include other destinations in the wider travel destination of Smolensk Oblast.

Headwater landscapes in Yelninsky District

The Desna rises in an extensive lowland in the central part of Yelninsky District, at the northwestern edge of the “Golubev Mokh” peat bog. Its headwater stream there is densely overgrown and indistinct. The lowland, bog and headwater stream together describe a specific landscape around the river’s source.

The source of the Desna is a 24.5-hectare natural monument of regional significance, designated in 1981. The source of the Ugra has also held this protected status since 1981; it covers six hectares. The difference in area offers a tangible comparison between the two protected source areas, without making a judgment about the significance of either natural monument.

The route described is one of the ecological educational trails in Yelninsky District. If you would like to include it in your plans, it is advisable to check access and trail conditions in advance.

More nature and culture in Smolensk Oblast

The wider travel destination of Smolensk Oblast is home to Smolenskoye Poozerye National Park. It was established on April 15, 1992, in the Demidovsky and Dukhovshchinsky districts to protect unique natural complexes for recreational, educational, scientific and cultural purposes. A separate example of a route in the oblast is the “K istokam” eco-trail: the circular route starts in the village of Stary Dvor, and a track for mobile apps such as Geotracker or MAPS.ME helps visitors walk it independently.

Two viewpoints were set up at Lakes Svyatets and Sapsho in 2023–2024. Separately, a viewpoint on the high southern shore of Lake Sapsho offers a picturesque view of the lake and several islands. The “Poozerye bez barierov” eco-trail was created in 2017 for a different kind of nature experience. It is intended for people with health limitations and starts near the Eco-Center “Baklanovo” building. The barefoot trail in Boroviki, meanwhile, consists of 14 sections, each six metres long, with different natural surfaces to walk on barefoot. You can wash your feet at the end; a walk through the Aptekarskiy Sad is also possible.

History is also among the themes of the wider travel destination of Smolensk Oblast: around 2,500 burial mounds and a settlement have been preserved in the Gnyozdovo archaeological complex. It is the largest complex of archaeological monuments in Russia and Europe dating from the period when the Old Russian state was forming, and is protected by the state as an archaeological monument of state (federal) significance.

At the “Stargrad” ethnographic village, a guided tour introduces visitors to the way of life of the ancient Slavs and shows household items, weapons and clothing. Visits are possible only as part of a guided group. The extended tour programme includes workshops: “Babiy kut” focuses on traditional women’s crafts, and visitors can make souvenirs; at “Polevaya kuznia,” participants can mint coins and make chain mail. The “Srednevekovy tir” area offers archery and slingshot shooting, as well as axe and sulitsa throwing. The extended programme also includes a lunch of historical dishes from the naval and field kitchens, cooked in cauldrons over an open fire. You should arrange the extended activities in advance.

Discover more destinations: Smolensk, Sychevskiy rayon, Kholm-Zhirkovskiy rayon, Sychyovsky District, Kardymovskiy rayon, Roslavlsky Rajon, Dukhovshchinsky District, Shumyachskiy rayon.

Return to the wider travel overview: Smolensk Oblast.