The man-made lakes in Toksovo include Izumrudnoye, Lyudnoye, Svetloye and Karyernoye. At 6.8 km², Lake Kavgolovskoye is the largest of the Toksovo lakes; Lake Hepoyarvi follows as the second largest, at 4.2 km².
Comparing the lakes: area and depth
Lake Hepoyarvi has an average depth of 4.1 m and a maximum depth of 12.5 m; its bottom is muddy and sandy. In the associated settlement municipality, Lake Kavgolovskoye has an average depth of 2.5 m and a maximum depth of 3.5 m; its layer of mud is 1 m thick. Thus, despite its smaller area, Hepoyarvi is the deeper lake, while Kavgolovskoye has the greater surface area. Area, depth profile and bottom type show specific differences between the two largest lakes.
Nature trail in the Toksovo settlement municipality
The Malinovaya Gora Ecological Trail is part of Toksovsky Nature Park and is located in the Toksovo settlement municipality, south of Lake Kavgolovskoye. It is 2.3 km long and intended for hiking, cycling and skiing. Most of it runs through spruce forest. At the same time, the trail offers views of the ridge landscape in the south of the Karelian Isthmus and of the wildlife of coniferous forests, raised and transitional bogs, and bodies of water. Along this route, forests, wetlands and water are presented alongside the regional ridge landscape as distinct natural features.
A destination in central Toksovo
Another clearly located destination is the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael: it is at 16 Ulitsa Lyzhnaia in Toksovo. Check the current opening hours before visiting.
If you are looking for a vacation rental, it helps to distinguish between the town and the municipality: the lakes are associated with Toksovo, while the Ecological Trail is in the Toksovo settlement municipality.
The wider region: Leningrad Oblast
Within the broader destination of Leningrad Oblast, Vepssky Forest Nature Park lies in the far east of the oblast. It encompasses seven nature reserves with particularly strict protection regulations. Numerous lakes characterize the park; the largest is Lake Lerinskoye, in the reserve of the same name. Ancient spruce and pine forests have been preserved in the Vepsskiy les and Ashchozyorskiy reserves. These forests are important for organisms that depend on undisturbed woodland. Brown bears are found in greater numbers in the park; the wolverine, which is extremely rare in the region, has also been recorded there. The Veps people traditionally live in the park and have their own culture and traditions. This regional perspective relates to Leningrad Oblast, not to Toksovo itself.
Another distinct destination within the broader destination of Leningrad Oblast is Koporye Fortress. It is a museum and a monument of ancient Russian stone architecture. It has retained its present form since the 16th century; parts of the masonry date from the 13th century. The walls and towers must not be climbed because they are in an emergency condition. The multimedia guide “Koporskaya krepost 2.0” is intended for visits without a guide; check its availability before planning your visit.
Discover more destinations: Novaya Ladoga, Tsvelodubovo, Roshchino, Motornoye, Volosovo, Strugi, Sviritsa, Vaganovo
Back to the broader travel guide: Leningrad Oblast.
