Karelia is a unique region of Russia. There are practically no good roads between settlements, you have to take with you supplies of drinking water and food, because there are no shops in the forests. But despite this, Karelia has an amazing magnetism. Those who have already visited here are eager to come again and see what was previously lacking in time. Many and those who are planning their first trip to Karelia.
Nature generously endowed this corner of Russia: here there are forests, lakes, waterfalls, rivers, even extinct volcanoes. To learn the multifaceted Karelia, it will take more than one journey. But the main thing is to start. Therefore, we offer a series of routes for kayaking that take place in different parts of Karelia and each has its own characteristics.
1. Vuoksa (Leningrad region) – the village “Sinevo” – the lake “Vuoksa” – the village “Losevo”
The route passes through the Leningrad region on the border with Karelia. And although it is not geographically quite Karelia, spiritually there is everything that people want to see in Karelia – huge lakes, countless rivers, dense forests, beautiful rocks. The route is suitable for those who do not want to leave far from civilization. Of the features – proximity to St. Petersburg, spending the night on small islands, which are only a few tents, a tour of the ancient city of Priozersk.
2. Lake Shaidoma – the river Shaidomka – Lake Lizhmozere – the river “Average Lizhma” – the lake “Kedrozero” – the village “Lizhma”
The route starts from the beautiful Karelian village of Shaidoma and passes through the wild places. The route includes passage of small rapids on the Shaidomka River, parking on the sandy beaches of Lizhmozer, visiting an ancient cemetery with an abandoned church on a small uninhabited island. Also, the route allows you to acquire an unforgettable experience of life in a real Karelian village (Shaidoma) – soak in a bathhouse, go hunting and fishing with local people, and taste village dishes from local rural products.
Features of the route: wild places, a fast river, with small rapids, life in the Karelian village.
3. The island “Gimolskoye” – the river Suna – the island “Kudamgupskoe” – the island “Chudozero” – the island “Porosozero”
The most inaccessible of the proposed routes is in the border zone of Karelia, where until quite recently foreigners were prevented by the ubiquitous border patrols. Even now, this route is very rare and difficult to access. The road to the launch site passes through non-asphalted sections, where not every car will pass. But as a reward for the difficult way you get the indescribable beauty of the wild nature, a calm river without difficult areas and obstacles, beautiful lakes.
4. The village “Unica” – Bolshaya Unitskaya Guba – the island of Kolgostrov – the village of “Pegrima”
The route passes through the Great Units Bay – a very long bay on the Onega Lake. Lake Onega, also called the Onega Sea, is the second largest lake in Europe with an area of 9,700 km². The route passes through calm water and is suitable for a calm, relaxing holiday. On this route you can visit the Kizhi Pogost, located nearby.