Russian Travel Guide

Коллекция Russian Travel Guide. Крепости. Ленинградская область

The nature of Karelia. The Kivach

The Kivach Nature Reserve, also called "mini Karelia," is relatively small — about 11,000 hectares overall of untouched, primitive nature with many species of flora, fauna and geology that can be found throughout the region. It is, however the reserve's impressive waterfall — which travellers have been visiting for 300 years — which has brought it the most fame. One of the first mentions of the waterfall is from the mid-16th century, although Kivach's history as a centre of ecological tourism did not begin until the 18th century with the visit of famous Russian poet Gavrila Derzhavin. He described the waterfall's beauty in his poetry, helping to spread recognition of this place all over Russia. Join RTG host Evgenia Altfeld and discover what natural treasures can be found in the Karelian nature reserve in the 21st century.

A museum-free Petersburg — a recreational tour

Modern-day life in St. Petersburg is no less interesting than the city’s rich history. Inside SPb’s classic, old interiors inhabitants of the 21st-century megopolis have created their own, new history, making the city even more appealing to its visitors. Here tourists not only hope to see the city’s main sights, but to feel — even if just for an instant — as if they live here. Ducking into a small café, buying a souvenir to remember the trip and taking photos in unusual places are all simple activities that help guests get a real feel for the city.