Petrozavodsk in December 2021 – what to see, holidays, weather, reviews, prices
A stunningly picturesque city has found a cozy haven on the shores of the huge freshwater Lake Onega. The port of the five seas, inimitable in terms of hydrotechnical wonders, has gathered a labyrinth of rivers and canals on its territory, and it looks a bit like a Roman amphitheater with a cascade of lake platforms.
In a few words about the settlement, it is easier to say: well-maintained, carefully maintained, picturesque, hospitable at any time of the year. Here you can marvel at the futuristic innovations in architecture, enjoy the sightseeing of ancient monuments from the era of Peter I, stay in a modern luxury hotel with excellent service and at the same time not spend a lot on entertainment.
Weather
Giving an assessment of the climatic conditions in the capital of the Karelian region, we can say with full confidence that these are, of course, not the tropics, but not the North Pole either. Although the settlement is legally equated with the regions of the Far North, the winter here is long, but almost always mild and fertile for walking.
At the beginning of winter, the temperature on average reaches -7°С, but locals remember such moments as a sudden thaw with a temperature indicator outside the window of + 9°С. What cannot be ignored is the visits of unpredictable cyclones.
Long-term forecasts of weather forecasters in this area are an empty business and are correct only for the coming days. The Karelian region does not spoil the hot sun, cloudy days fall more often, prolonged rains are possible, which in December give way to less persistent snowfalls with fluffy beautiful snowflakes.
According to statistics, the average daily temperature of the first winter month is -5°C during the day and -11°C. With the night, but the cold never seems piercing and bold, everything is somehow moderate and calm.
Is it cold in December
Winter time is, of course, not a pleasant summer in all respects with white nights in June. The light hours are short, but the twilight that thickens early does not bring sudden changes in temperature. Having gone on an excursion, you definitely won't have to urgently change into fur coats and felt boots.
Fans of winter entertainment will not be disappointed by the Snow Queen's “icy breath”, but a stock of warm clothes in the luggage will definitely not be superfluous.
Vacation with children
A joint trip with the younger generation is possible and justified. In winter, young tourists will be interested in participating in “pirate” adventures at the Polar Odyssey Museum, watching a fascinating performance in the puppet theater and admiring the wonderful exhibits of the Doll House gallery.
Even in the snowy attire of winter, there is something to do in the city amusement park. You can start with a promenade along wide alleys with an indispensable battle of snowballs.
Finish cozy gatherings in a cafe with delicious lemonades and delicious desserts. A visit to the husky nursery, where the reindeer farm and the regional residence of Father Frost is located, will leave an unforgettable impression in the memory of the kids.
In the hotel complexes of the Karelian capital, young guests will definitely be taken care of, there will be children's beds for them and a special kitchen with hearty meals.
What to see
The city was founded in 1703, the time of the Petrine era, when the Russian ruler wished that a strategic arms factory would appear here. The legacy of the glorious deeds of Peter Ι is the main grain of local attractions. On the shore of Lake Onega in the very center of the city stands a monument to the Russian Tsar, cast back in 1872.
Walking around the city, one cannot help but pay attention to the necklace of religious cloisters: Catherine's Church, Holy Cross Cathedral, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Church of the Mother of God of Perpetual Help.
Each of these holy cloisters is an undoubted architectural monument of different centuries with rich interior decoration. A separate emphasis is placed on parks, gardens, promenades and charming squares.
Onega embankment here is rightfully considered a hallmark and a romantic gem of the city. The collection of sculptures: “Sleeping Beauty”, “Tübingen Panel”, “Meeting Place”, “Fishermen” was donated to Petrozavodsk on behalf of sister cities from the USA, France, Germany and Norway.
Near intricate rarities there are always many who want to be photographed for memory. The PetrGu Botanical Garden is a storehouse of samples of the rarest flora from all continents, which was not afraid of the harsh northern conditions of existence.
The Park of Culture and Leisure is proud of its rare-sized Ferris wheel, from the cabin of which, the whole city is at a glance.
The National Museum, the “house on the square” with a high collection of art paintings, also known as the Museum of Fine Arts, the Polar Odyssey institution, the museum institution of the industrial history of the settlement, the National Library, better known as the exclusive book depository of the region, will help replenish the cognitive piggy bank of impressions.
Excursions
As in other popular tourist regions, the settlement has a great variety of tour offices with a galaxy of exciting offers. If the trip is short, it is best to choose the option of a city tour with visits to the most significant sights.
Nature lovers will be delighted with visiting the Kivach waterfall, Marcial Waters, the Ruskeala marble canyon, the Devil's Chair tract, Ladoga skerries, nicknamed Karelian fjords by the natives. The format of excursions is group and individual according to the wishes of tourists.
Transport option – bus or car. But Onega embankment is better left for an independent walk. It is so amazingly beautiful here that you don’t want to rush anywhere, even the winter look of the city does not spoil, but on the contrary makes the picturesque coastline fabulously magical.
The cost of travel
Travel expenses are best divided into fragments of a certain tourist puzzle: travel, hotel, food, leisure. Moscow and the capital of Karelia are connected by direct rail links, including the Arktika branded train. Mode – daily.
The travel time of the fast train is 16 hours. 18 min., the passenger train reaches the final destination in 21 hours. 12 min. Ticket prices range from 1,900 rubles. (reserved seat), up to 4,800 rubles. (coupe) and 10,500 rubles. (car SV).
Check train ticket prices online
Pobeda Airlines offers travelers a much more budget direct flight at a price of 1,500 rubles. for one. Travel time – 1 hour. 40 min., it is always better to check the current schedule before the trip, but for now, the air harbor sends planes in the right direction daily.
3 * hotels will cost 4,800-6,000 rubles. per day for two, this price already includes a fairly hearty breakfast. Without regalia in the arsenal, a more modest place to stay here can be found at a price of 1,200 rubles. up to 3,000 rubles for a family room.
Luxury hotel complexes and apartments with a cascade of additional amenities in the winter season can be booked for about 8-10 thousand rubles. for 1 day stay.
Local authentic cuisine is based on Karelian and Vepsian traditions. The most delicious zest – potato pies “kalitki”, open fishmongers “kalakukku”, dishes from lake and river fish of fresh catch, creamy fish soup “lohikeitto”.
A complex lunch, a snack on the go with delicious flour products in a snack bar or a democratic cafe – 200-500 rubles. per person. Dinner in a restaurant with national treats or traditional Russian dishes from 1,000 rubles. for 1 gourmet.
Excursions in the local tourist market are sold within a wide range of prices: 1,200 – 2,500 rubles. (group tours), 5,000 – 10,000 rubles. (individual exotic).
In general, an amazing trip to Karelia for 5 happy days, depending on the wishes and financial capabilities of travelers, can cost from 40,000 rubles. with a round trip flight, hotel, food and entertainment up to numbers depending on the ideas of discerning tourists with great imagination. Everyone will have to calculate their own budget.
Find out what awaits you in Petrozavodsk in November.
Reviews of tourists
Not so big Finnish-Karelian town in the heart of Karelia, amazing by its nature, turned out to be a favorite of the tourist public.
Travelers express the most frequent admiration for the village as follows: “clean, well-groomed, with fresh sweet air”, “a delightful embankment and Lake Onega itself with a piercing glass surface”, “funny old wooden buildings”, “fabulous snow-covered streets”, “stunning the opportunity to travel around nature reserves in the area”, “returned from a trip filled with the mystical splendor of winter”.
The average rating of the city in the tourist certificate is excellent, without any complaints or doubts.
Conclusion
The answer to the question: is it worth going to Petrozavodsk in winter? Of course, yes, if tourists are ready to plunge headlong into the world of natural and man-made wonders. The main thing is not to forget to take a good mood and a positive attitude on the road, and Karelia will definitely not disappoint.