Plotina can be explored through its mining history and the shore of Lake Loukhskoye. Notable mining sites include the ruins of the grinding and processing plant. This brings two distinct themes into focus: the area's historic use and its lakeshore. If you are planning a stay, these can help you decide whether Plotina suits your interest in mining history or landscapes.
Mining and Local History
The Plotina mine was established in 1936. By 1955, the first shafts, 30 to 50 metres deep, had been dug at the Tedino, Malinovaya Varakka and Plotina mines. The Plotina mine included the “Kapitalnaya” shaft complex. In 1993, the “Kapitalnaya” mine and shafts No. 1 and No. 2 in Plotina were flooded.
The names around the lake also reflect the area's past. Houses were built on the shore of Lake Sazheyechnoye, now called Lake Loukhskoye, in 1936; the village was then called Sazheyek. The area's history thus brings together a change of name for the lake and an earlier name for the village.
When deciding on a trip, you can consider the local themes separately: the mining history offers a historical focus, while the lakeshore provides a connection with the landscape. The factory ruins are among the specifically named mining sites, while the shore of Lake Loukhskoye is one of Plotina's scenic attractions.
More Places to Explore in the Republic of Karelia
Other places in the Republic of Karelia offer their own distinct natural and cultural heritage. At Kivach Nature Reserve, an overview excursion includes an outdoor walk to Kivach Waterfall, a visit to the arboretum and a visit to the nature museum. The waterfall is on the Suna River in central Karelia and has a drop of 10.7 metres. A 1,000-metre circular trail runs through a wooded area on the bank of the Suna, near the excursion zone. The excursion lasts 1 to 1.5 hours. For an excursion, check the conditions and booking options directly with the operator.
The Kizhi Open-Air Museum on Kizhi Island displays 89 monuments of traditional wooden architecture. These include old chapels and houses, mills, granaries, threshing barns and drying racks. Visitors can see the interior of the Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God and peasant houses; traditional peasant crafts are demonstrated in the houses. The Kizhi Pogost is an architectural ensemble featuring the world's only multi-domed wooden Church of the Transfiguration.
Another cultural highlight is the Onega and White Sea petroglyphs. This World Heritage Site includes 4,500 Neolithic rock carvings in the Republic of Karelia. The Onega petroglyphs comprise more than 1,200 figures in Pudozhsky District; most are located on the three central headlands of Pery Nos, Besov Nos and Kladovets. The White Sea petroglyphs mainly depict hunting and sailing scenes, along with related equipment, as well as animal and human footprints. The Belomorsk petroglyphs are located in the lower reaches of the Vyg, near its mouth at the White Sea, 6–8 kilometres from Belomorsk, and comprise more than 2,000 different carvings.
Discover more destinations: Chkalovskiy
View the broader travel guide: Loukhskiy rayon.
