The UNESCO World Heritage site of the Onega and White Sea Petroglyphs comprises 4,500 Neolithic rock carvings in the Republic of Karelia.
Rock Carvings on Lake Onega and the White Sea
The Onega Petroglyphs comprise 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 lie in the lower reaches of the Vyg River near its mouth at the White Sea, 6–8 km from Belomorsk, and comprise more than 2,000 different carvings. They mainly depict hunting and sailing scenes, along with related equipment, as well as animal and human footprints. The groups therefore differ in two specific ways: the Onega figures are concentrated mainly on three capes, while hunting and sailing scenes, equipment, and footprints feature prominently among the White Sea Petroglyphs.
Wooden Architecture on Kizhi
On the island of Kizhi in Karelia, 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; the collection thus ranges from religious and residential buildings to agricultural structures. The Kizhi Pogost is an architectural ensemble featuring the world’s only multi-domed wooden Transfiguration Church.
Visitors can also explore the interiors of the Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God and of peasant houses; traditional peasant crafts are demonstrated in the houses. The museum reserve combines a look at wooden buildings outdoors with access to interiors and craft demonstrations.
Waterfall and Excursion in Kivach Nature Reserve
Kivach Waterfall is located on the Suna River in central Karelia. It is 10.7 m high and, after the Rhine Falls, is Europe’s second-largest lowland waterfall. A general tour of Kivach Nature Reserve includes an outdoor walk to the waterfall and visits to the arboretum and the nature museum. The arboretum focuses on woody plants; together with the nature museum, it complements the walk with botanical and natural history topics.
A 1,000 m circular trail runs through a wooded area on the banks of the Suna near the excursion area. Walking this trail takes 1 to 1.5 hours. Check conditions and booking arrangements with the operator before your excursion.
Forests, Wilderness, and Landscapes
Kalevala National Park was established to protect a large expanse of natural forests in the Republic of Karelia. Paanajärvi National Park is located in the Louhi District in northwestern Karelia; its landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, pristine tranquility, and excellent fishing opportunities attract visitors. The fishing opportunities complement the park’s natural attractions—its landscapes and biodiversity—with a specific activity.
Vodlozersky National Park extends across Karelia and Arkhangelsk Oblast and is one of the world’s largest wilderness reserves. The comparison highlights their different characteristics: protecting a large forest area was the purpose behind the establishment of Kalevala, while Vodlozersky stands out for spanning two regions and its size as a wilderness reserve. The Marble Canyon forms the basis of Ruskeala Mountain Park.
Discover more destinations: Shyoltozero, Kurkiyeki, Pryazha, Chalna, Petrozavodsk, Suojärvi, Belomorsk, Uya, Kondopoga, Yashëzero, Medvezhyegorsk, Prionezhsky District, Suoyarvsky District, Belomorsky District, Kondopozhsky District, Medvezhyegorsky District, Sortavala City, Pitkyarantsky District, Sortavala, Salmi, Spasskaya Guba, Shuyskaya Chupa, Lumivaara, Essoyla, Vilga, Vyartsilya, Kalevala, Meyeri, Mikli, Tiurula, Kostomuksha, Velikaya Guba, Lakhkolampi, Pudozh, Pitkyaranta, Konchezero, Kem, Tungozero, Derevyannoye, Matrosy, Yushkozero, Kuzaranda, Yanishpole, Veshkelitsa, Otrakkala, Lakhdenpokhya, Uzheselga, Sofporog, Kindasovo, Kotkozero, Ustye Tuloksy, Lososinnoye, Ruskeala, Pedaselga, Yalguba, Prionezhsky District, Pryazhinsky District, Belomorsky District, Medvezhyegorsky District, Pudozhsky District, Loukhsky District, Kondopozhsky District, Segezhsky District, Loukhsky District, Sortavala City, Olonetsky District, Pitkyarantsky District
For the main travel guide: Russia.
