Zaplavye brings together a well-known tradition of decorative woodcarving and a history of fishing and trade. The settlement also lies on the shore of Kravotynsky Plyos. Craftsmanship, a historical livelihood and the waterside landscape give the place several distinct facets, each closely connected to its history.
Woodcarving in Zaplavye
Zaplavye is known for the decorative woodcarvings on its houses. Wooden depictions of Nil Stolobensky are also part of the local craft tradition: many such figures were made in the village, and Zaplavye was known for its woodcarvers. Two forms of woodcarving thus sit side by side: ornamentation on houses and the historical production of figurative works with a specific subject. Wood is therefore a tangible key to the village’s history, not just a general reference to craftsmanship.
Waterside landscape and fishing history
A deep, narrow channel separates the settlement from Kravotynsky Plyos and continues the Polonovka towards Vlydachno Bay. The distinction between the bodies of water is helpful for orientation: Kravotynsky Plyos is the water beside the settlement’s shore, while Vlydachno is the bay towards which the channel continues the Polonovka.
Fishing is also part of the village’s history. Zaplavye’s ancestors were known for their fishing skills and brought fish to Ostashkov. From there, merchants transported the catch onwards to Moscow, St Petersburg and other Russian cities. The process had two stages: the ancestors brought the fish to Ostashkov, and merchants handled its onward transport. The history of local fishing thus extends to trade with several Russian cities.
More places to explore in Tver Oblast
The Central Forest Biosphere Reserve in Tver Oblast offers its own natural attractions. The “Boloto Staroselskiy Mokh” ecological trail leads through a picturesque raised bog with wide, open expanses completely covered in moss, as well as unusual plants. Visitors travel in their own vehicle for the excursion to the “Staroselskiy Mokh” raised bog. Guided excursions are also offered on the “Tayny Okovskogo lesa” and “Lesnaya azbuka” ecological trails. On the hike to the “Barsuchikha” cordon, visitors see southern taiga forest and a raised bog. The hike can be taken as a day trip or with an overnight stay in a forest cabin.
Tver Oblast’s cultural sites offer their own distinctive experiences. In the historic centre of Torzhok lies Verkhneye gorodishche, an archaeological monument of federal significance and a tourist attraction. The Novotorzhskiy Borisoglebskiy Monastyr in Torzhok was founded in 1038 and is one of Russia’s oldest Orthodox monasteries. Nilova Pustyn, a monastery and centre of religious and pilgrimage tourism, is located on Stolobny Island. The “Blin s Pripyokom” and “Kuzminki v Torzhke” festivals are held each year in the Novotorzhskiy Kremlin. If you plan to time your trip around one of the festivals, check the exact dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Svapushche, Antonovo, Vyshny Volochyok, Vypolzovo, Malinovka, Bologovo, Protivye, Shcherbinino.
Return to the main travel overview: Tver Oblast.
