If you are looking to live in the rural Russia, but without straying too far from major cities, then you will absolutely love  Karelia.Â

The Republic of Karelia is lush with endless forests, scenic roads and lakes galore. All splendid features that make it so attractive to locals in search of a getaway from the busy St. Petersburg.Â

Nestled in the northwestern part of Russia lies a hidden gem waiting to be explored – Karelia, a land of lakes and natural beauty. If you open maps of Karelia, you will see that this stunning area is all cut up by blue lakes. There are so many lakes here that sometimes it seems that there is nothing else here besides them. But this is not true at all. Let’s delve into the wonders that this enchanting region has to offer. So, what to do in Karelia?

Look at the cards – do you see any unusual names? Pitkäranta, Ruskeala, Suoyarvi, Lakhdenpohja. It seems that these cities have nothing to do with Russia at all, and indeed, these names belonged to the former Finnish territories. These cities are located in the most picturesque skerries. And skerries are small islands with rocky shores that form many small coves and bays.

Karelia is renowned for its vast network of lakes, making it a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The jewel in its crown is Lake Onega, the second-largest lake in Europe. Take a leisurely boat ride to marvel at the picturesque surroundings or visit the famous Kizhi Island with its open-air museum, showcasing traditional wooden architecture.