Smolensk Oblast offers many different discoveries: archaeological traces, a historic estate and trails through protected natural landscapes. You can make culture and nature separate focuses of your trip—or include both in your plans.
Archaeology and an estate with a family history
Today, around 2,500 burial mounds and a settlement remain at the Gnyozdovo archaeological complex. The state museum describes it as the largest complex of archaeological monuments in Russia and Europe dating from the formation of the Old Russian state. As an archaeological monument of state and federal significance, the complex is protected by the state. The burial mounds and settlement are two distinct parts of the site, making its historical scale immediately clear.
The A. S. Griboyedov State Historical, Cultural and Natural Museum Reserve “Khmelita” in Vyazemsky District offers another way to explore history. The Khmelita estate has belonged to the Griboyedov family since 1680 and is the centerpiece of the reserve. It is 260 kilometers from Moscow, 200 kilometers from Smolensk and 37 kilometers from Vyazma. These three reference points can help you plan your trip without implying any particular route or travel time.
Nature trails and views in the national park
Smolenskoye Poozerye National Park was established on April 15, 1992, in the territories of Demidovsky and Dukhovshchinsky districts. Its purposes include protecting unique natural complexes, as well as recreation, education, science and culture. A viewpoint on the high southern shore of Lake Sapsho offers views of the lake and several islands.
The “K istokam” eco-trail is a loop trail that starts in the village of Stary Dvor. A track for mobile apps such as Geotreker or MAPS.ME can help you follow the route independently. In 2023–2024, two viewpoints were established at Lakes Svyatets and Sapsho. The route description thus combines a clearly named starting point with wayfinding along the trail and designated viewpoints.
Another trail is designed for people with health limitations: the “Poozerye bez baryerov” eco-trail, established in 2017, starts near the “Baklanovo” Eco-Center building and is described as a radial route. The barefoot trail in Boroviki offers something quite different. Its 14 sections are each six meters long and feature different natural surfaces to walk on barefoot. At the end, you can wash your feet and, if you wish, take a stroll through the Aptekarskiy sad.
Stargrad: history through a group program
At the “Stargrad” ethnographic village, a guided tour introduces visitors to the way of life of the ancient Slavs. Exhibits include everyday objects, weapons and clothing. The village can only be visited as part of a group tour, so plan your visit in advance. The extended program supplements the tour with hands-on offerings and activities.
The “Babiy kut” workshop focuses on traditional women’s crafts, and you can make souvenirs yourself. At the “Polevaya kuznia,” participants mint coins and make chain mail. The “Srednevekovy tir” area offers archery and slingshot shooting, as well as axe and sulitsa throwing. Each activity showcases a different side of the program: trying your hand at crafts, learning about historical equipment and taking part in activities that test your skill.
The extended guided tour program also includes an on-water activity aboard the Viking oak boat “Fornkor.” Participants can sail and row on one of the national park’s deepest lakes. Lunch based on old recipes is also part of the program: historical dishes from seafarers’ and field kitchens are prepared in cauldrons over an open fire. These activities are available as part of a group visit; when planning, check whether the extended program is available, too.
Another seasonal option in the national park is the excursions to a feeding station at the biotechnical complex, offered every winter. Check current dates and arrangements before your trip. This can help you decide whether archaeological sites, tours and hands-on activities, or nature trails and a winter excursion best suit your interests.
Discover more destinations
Roslavl, Smolensk, Roslavlsky District, Sychyovsky District, Gorodnya, Sliznevo, Stepanovo, Sloboda, Luzhki, Safonovo, Yartsevo, Vyazma, Smolensk, Demidov, Svishchevo, Novye Bateki, Krasny, Gerchiki, Pilichki, Baskakovo, Pechorsk, Katyn', Drozdovo, Pochinok, Krotovo, Desnogorsk, Staroye Selo, Sheverdino, Dolginovo, Baranovo, Przhevalskoye, Dorogobuzh, Lipuny, Rykshino, Sloykovo, Klushino, Yasennaya, Rudnya, Vskhody, Monastyrshchina, Bibirevo, Tesovo, Yartsevskiy District, Dukhovshchinsky District, Yelninsky District, Kardymovskiy District, Shumyachskiy District, Kholm-Zhirkovskiy District, Smolenskiy District, Sychevskiy District and Vysokoye.
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