Iri Into Elsewhere
Karelian Travel Alphabet
A – Accommodation
From cozy guesthouses and eco-lodges to modern hotels, Karelia has plenty of options. But if you want the real local experience, skip the chain hotels and go for a lakeside wooden cabin (izba) or a countryside guesthouse (база отдыха). Just a heads-up—if you’re traveling in peak seasons (summer or winter), book early!
As for us, we went full local and booked our stay through a Russian alternative to Airbnb. With major platforms like Booking.com, Airbnb, and Skyscanner gone due to sanctions, Russian-made booking services have stepped in to fill the gap. And honestly? They work just fine.
Here are some of the best platforms for finding a place to stay in Karelia:
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Yandex Go – A super app that does everything: book accommodation, taxis, bus schedule, scooters — you name it. It supports English but works fully once you’re actually in Russia. If you open it at home, it’ll just show you local Yandex services available in your country.
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Aviasales – My go-to for planning any trip around Russia. Flights, hotels, travel tips—all in one place.
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Sutochno.ru – My mom’s personal favorite for booking accommodations. And let’s be real—if a Russian mom recommends it, you know it’s legit.
B – Best Time to Visit
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Winter – A true snowy wonderland with husky sledding, reindeer rides, northern lights, and cozy evenings by the fireplace.
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Summer – Endless white nights, perfect for hiking, lake cruises, and berry picking straight from the wild.
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Autumn – The forests explode in golden-red hues, making it a dream for photographers and nature lovers.
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Spring – A quieter time with melting snow and awakening nature, though some trails can be muddy.
For me, winter is hands down the best time to visit Karelia. The whole place turns into a real-life Christmas fairytale—fluffy snowflakes, reindeer sledding, mulled wine, and twinkling decorative lights everywhere. Now, if you know me, you’d be shocked to hear this because I’m a total warm-weather person. But somehow, Karelia makes winter feel magical rather than miserable.
That said, summer is a close second. Camping by the lakes, wild blueberry picking in the forests, and those long, light-filled nights? It’s an entirely different kind of adventure!
C - Cuisine
Karelian cuisine is all about simplicity, natural ingredients, and rich flavors. It’s heavily influenced by the region’s forests, lakes, and long winters, which shaped a diet based on fish, berries, mushrooms, and hearty baked goods.
Must-tries in Karelia:
Karelian pasties (Karjalanpiirakka) – A thin rye crust filled with creamy rice porridge or mashed potatoes. Best enjoyed with a generous dollop of egg butter (munavoi).
Kalitki – A smaller, softer version of Karelian pasties, often topped with sour cream. Think of them as little pillows of comfort!
Loimulohta – Traditional fire-grilled salmon, slowly cooked on wooden planks near an open flame. The result? Smoky, juicy, and absolutely delicious.
Mushroom & berry dishes – Foraged straight from the northern forests. Expect pickled mushrooms, chanterelle soups, lingonberry preserves, and bilberry pies.
Sterlet or whitefish soup – A rich and flavorful fish broth made with freshly caught sterlet or whitefish, potatoes, and fragrant herbs.
Kalitka with smetana and cloudberry jam – A warm, open-faced pie served with sour cream and golden cloudberries, known as “Arctic gold.”
Game meat dishes – Venison, elk, and even bear meat are part of Karelian traditions, often slow-cooked or turned into rich stews.
🥛 Ryazhenka & Varenets – Fermented baked milk drinks, creamy and slightly caramelized, perfect after a long day outdoors.
Head to a countryside guesthouse, where locals serve home-cooked dishes made with love. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try foraging for berries and mushrooms yourself — just make sure you know which ones are safe to eat!
Karjalanpiirakka / Wiki
Kalitki / Google
Loimulohta / Google
Ryazhenka / Google
D - Driving to Karelia
Exploring Karelia by car is a fantastic way to experience its untouched nature, charming villages, and hidden gems at your own pace. However, the region’s vast wilderness and sometimes unpredictable weather conditions require some preparation.
Road Conditions
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Major highways like the R-21 “Kola” (connecting St. Petersburg to Murmansk) are well-maintained and paved.
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Smaller rural roads can be bumpy, with potholes and gravel sections, especially after rain or snow.
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In remote areas, expect dirt roads that may turn into mud in spring or deep snow in winter.
Fuel & Gas Stations
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Gas stations are frequent in Petrozavodsk and larger towns, but become sparse in rural areas.
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Always fill up your tank before heading into the wilderness, especially if traveling to Paanajärvi National Park or remote villages.
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Remember Russia is switched off from SWIFT, so we don’t accept foreign bank cards, make sure you carry rubs in cash.
Wildlife on the Roads
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Be extra cautious at dawn and dusk — this is when moose, deer, and foxes are most active and may unexpectedly cross the road.
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In forest areas, pay attention to wildlife warning signs and drive at a moderate speed.
Traffic Rules & Essentials
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Speed limits: 60 km/h in cities, 90 km/h on highways, and 110 km/h on some expressways.
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Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day.
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Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
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Dash cams are widely used in Russia and can be helpful in case of accidents or disputes.
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Avoid driving at night if you’re unfamiliar with the roads — poor lighting and potential wildlife crossings make it riskier.
Renting a Car in Karelia
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You’ll need: An international driving permit (IDP) if your license is not in Cyrillic.
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Car rentals: Available in Petrozavodsk, but options are limited compared to Moscow or St. Petersburg. Book in advance, especially in peak seasons.
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Popular rental companies: Local agencies or larger firms like Rentmotors and Yandex Drive (car-sharing).
E - Entry Requirements
Before setting off on your Karelian adventure, make sure you’re aware of Russia’s entry regulations. Whether you’re flying into Petrozavodsk or traveling overland from Finland, proper documentation is key.
Visa & Travel Documents
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Visa: Most travelers need a Russian visa to enter the country. Check with the Russian consulate in your country for specific requirements.
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E-Visa: Some nationalities can apply for an electronic visa (e-visa), which is valid for entry at certain checkpoints, including some near Karelia.
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Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date.
Registration Upon Arrival
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If you’re staying in Russia for more than 7 working days, you must register your stay.
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Hotels and guesthouses usually handle registration for you, but if you’re staying in a private apartment (like through Sutochno or Yandex Travel), your host should do it.
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Keep the registration slip with your passport — it may be checked when leaving Russia.
Border Crossings
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If you plan to enter Karelia from Finland, you can do so via the Värtsilä-Niirala checkpoint (closest to Joensuu).
Police & Document Checks
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Carry your passport with you at all times — police have the right to stop you for an ID check.
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A photocopy of your passport and visa can be useful, but it’s always best to have the original ready to present.
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If asked for ID by the police, remain polite and cooperative. Document checks are common in Russia,
Travel Insurance
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Having travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and unexpected incidents is highly recommended.
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If you need medical care, you may be asked to pay upfront and claim reimbursement from your insurer later.
F - Festivals & Local Events
Throughout the year, various festivals celebrate local folklore, music, and the region’s unique heritage.
February 28 – Kalevala Day
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A celebration of Karelia’s national epic, “Kalevala”, which played a key role in Finnish and Karelian identity.
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Folklore performances, storytelling, and theatrical reenactments bring the myths of Vainamoinen, Ilmarinen, and the legendary Sampo to life.
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Events take place in Petrozavodsk, as well as in smaller villages where traditional Karelian culture thrives.
June – Petrozavodsk City Day
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Celebrated on the last Saturday of June, marking the founding of Petrozavodsk in 1703 by Peter the Great.
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The city comes alive with parades, concerts, open-air performances, and fireworks over Lake Onega.
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Folk groups, local artists, and craftsmen showcase Karelian traditions in street fairs.
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A must-see event for those who want to experience the spirit of Karelia’s capital with music, dance, and historical reenactments.
June–July – White Nights Festival
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Held during the famous “White Nights” period, when the sun barely sets, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
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Expect folk music concerts, dance performances, and art exhibitions in Petrozavodsk and other cities.
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Some events are held outdoors by the Onega Lake embankment, making it a magical experience.
August – Ruskeala Symphony
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A classical music festival set in the stunning Ruskeala Marble Canyon—a UNESCO-worthy landscape where music blends with nature.
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Features performances by renowned orchestras and solo musicians from Russia and beyond.
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The natural acoustics of the marble walls create an unforgettable sound experience under the open sky.
December – Winter Fairy Tale Festival
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A Christmas & New Year celebration featuring ice sculptures, reindeer sleigh rides, and traditional Karelian crafts.
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Held in Petrozavodsk, Sortavala, and other towns, transforming them into real-life winter wonderlands.
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Perfect for families and travelers who want to experience a Russian winter with a touch of Karelian magic.
G - Getting There
By Train
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From St. Petersburg: The high-speed “Lastochka” express train gets you to Petrozavodsk in ~5 hours. It’s modern, comfortable, and the best way to travel if you want to avoid long drives.
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From Moscow: The overnight “Arktika” train and several other sleeper trains connect Moscow with Petrozavodsk in 12–15 hours. A great option if you want to wake up in Karelia!
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Booking: Tickets are available via the Russian Railways (РЖД) website or at railway stations. Booking in advance is recommended, especially in peak season.
By Bus
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From St. Petersburg: Several private and public bus operators offer daily routes. The trip takes around 7-8 hours.
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Comfort Level: Buses range from basic to comfortable, some even offer Wi-Fi and reclining seats.
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Where to Book: Tickets can be purchased at St. Petersburg’s bus terminals or through local bus operators’ websites.
By Plane
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Petrozavodsk Airport (PES) has limited domestic flights, mostly connecting to Moscow.
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International travelers usually fly into St. Petersburg (Pulkovo Airport, LED) or Moscow (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo) and then take a train or bus to Karelia.
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Airport to City: The airport is ~12 km from the city center, and taxis or buses are available for the transfer.
H - Hiking & Outdoor Adventures
Karelia is a paradise for nature lovers, offering stunning landscapes, untouched forests, and hidden legends. Whether you’re a casual hiker or an experienced trekker, you’ll find plenty of breathtaking trails.
Top Hiking & Adventure Spots
• One of Europe’s largest flatland waterfalls, located in Kivach Nature Reserve.
• Easily accessible by car; short, well-marked trails lead to beautiful viewpoints.
• A legendary hill offering panoramic views of the Karelian forests.
• Connected to the myths of the Kalevala epic and the magical Sampo artifact.
• Great for an easy hike, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Ruskeala Mountain Park
• A former marble quarry turned nature park with emerald-green lakes and cliffs.
• Underground tunnels and a scenic railway add to the adventure.
• Activities: Hiking, kayaking, ziplining, diving, and winter ice-climbing.
Vottovaara Mountain
• One of the most mystical places in Karelia, often called a “shaman mountain”.
• Features strange stone formations, believed to be ancient sacred sites.
• More challenging hikes with a mix of steep climbs and eerie landscapes.
Extra Outdoor Activities
• Lake Onega & Lake Ladoga – Perfect for kayaking, fishing, and island-hopping.
• Husky & reindeer sledding – Best in winter, with tours available near Petrozavodsk.
• Berry & mushroom picking – A true Karelian summer experience (blueberries, lingonberries, wild mushrooms).
I - Islands of Karelia
Karelia is home to some of Russia’s most fascinating islands, each offering a unique blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty. Whatever you like, from UNESCO heritage sites, ancient monasteries, to breathtaking landscapes.
Kizhi Island – A UNESCO Treasure
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Home to the famous Kizhi Pogost, a UNESCO-listed wooden church complex.
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Features 22-domed Transfiguration Church, built without a single nail.
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An open-air museum with traditional Karelian wooden houses, windmills, and chapels.
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Best time to visit: Summer, when ferries and hydrofoils operate from Petrozavodsk.
Valaam Island – A Spiritual Retreat
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A remote monastery island on Lake Ladoga, known for its stunning landscapes and deep religious history. Home to the Valaam Monastery, one of Russia’s most sacred Orthodox sites.
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A great mix of pristine nature, rocky shores, and peaceful pine forests.
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Best time to visit: Spring to early autumn; the monastery hosts concerts of Orthodox chants.
Solovetsky Islands – A Place of History & Mystery
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A group of islands in the White Sea, famous for their monastery-fortress.
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Historically a religious site, later turned into a Soviet Gulag prison camp.
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Attractions include ancient stone labyrinths, Arctic nature, and monastery walls.
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Best time to visit: Summer (June–August), when the White Nights create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Bonus Islands & Nature Reserves
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Vottovaara’s Stone Islands – Mysterious rock formations rising from lakes.
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Ludorvay Island – A little-known wildlife sanctuary with untouched nature.
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Great and Small Klimenetsky Islands – Birdwatcher’s paradise, located in Lake Onega.
Photo source - Google
Photo source - Google
J - Just Relax and visit Banya!
Karelia is the perfect place to slow down, breathe in the fresh pine-scented air, and enjoy traditional relaxation rituals.
One of the most authentic experiences you can have in Karelia is visiting a Russian banya — a traditional steam bath that combines heat, water, and a bit of “tough love” for the ultimate relaxation.
What to Expect in a Karelian Banya?
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Intense heat – Temperatures can rise up to 90–110°C (194–230°F).
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Venik massage – A ritual where you’re lightly whipped with birch or oak twigs to improve circulation.
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Icy plunge – After sweating it out, jump into a cold lake or roll in the snow—sounds extreme, but it’s incredibly refreshing!
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Natural spa treatments – Some banyas offer honey scrubs, herbal infusions, and essential oils.
Best Places to Experience a Banya
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Traditional wooden banyas by lakes and rivers in local guesthouses.
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Saunas in Petrozavodsk—some modern spas combine Finnish and Russian styles.
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Wilderness banyas—heated by firewood, set in remote forest lodges.
Locals say the best way to end a day in Karelia is with a banya session, fresh fish soup, and a glass of local berry-infused vodka. Cheers to that!
K - Karelia's History & Culture (Brief)
Karelia has a rich and complex history, shaped by its location between Russia and Finland. Over the centuries, it has been a contested region, a cultural melting pot, and a place of legends and resilience.
Ancient Karelia: Land of Tribes and Legends
Long before modern borders, Karelia was home to Finno-Ugric tribes, including the Karelians, Vepsians, and Sami people. These early settlers were forest dwellers, fishermen, and hunters, deeply connected to nature and animistic beliefs.
The indigenous peoples of Karelia believed in forest spirits, water deities, and sacred stones. Even today, places like Vottovaara Mountain are considered mystical.
Medieval Karelia: Battleground Between East and West
From the 12th to the 17th centuries, Karelia was a war-torn land, caught between the expanding powers of Novgorod (later Russia) and Sweden.
Novgorod Republic (12th–15th centuries) – Karelia was under the influence of Novgorod, which built fortresses and Orthodox churches, spreading Russian culture and Christianity.
Swedish Wars – Sweden and Novgorod fought numerous wars over Karelia. The Swedes built strongholds in Western Karelia, while the Russians fortified the eastern part, including Valaam Monastery on Lake Ladoga.
Treaty of Stolbovo (1617) – Sweden gained a large part of Karelia, pushing many Orthodox Karelians to flee into Russia.
18th–19th Century: Russian Empire and the Rise of Finnish Identity
Peter the Great established Petrozavodsk (1703) as a weapons factory town to supply his war efforts against Sweden.
Treaty of Nystad (1721) – Russia regained most of Karelia after defeating Sweden.
Kalevala and Finnish Nationalism (1835–1849) – The epic poem Kalevala was compiled from Karelian oral traditions by Elias Lönnrot. It became the foundation of Finnish national identity, linking Karelia closely to Finland’s cultural history.
20th Century: Wars, Borders, and Soviet Karelia
The 20th century was one of turmoil and shifting borders, as Karelia found itself at the center of wars between Finland and the Soviet Union.
After Finland gained independence in 1917, Karelia was divided:
• Eastern Karelia remained in Soviet Russia.
• Western Karelia became part of Finland.
Winter War (1939–1940) – The Soviet Union invaded Finland, leading to a brutal war. Finland lost most of Karelia in the Moscow Peace Treaty, and 400,000 Finns were forced to leave their homes.
Continuation War (1941–1944) – Finland tried to reclaim Karelia with Germany’s support, briefly occupying the region before losing it again to the Soviets.
Soviet Karelia (1945–1991) – Karelia became a Soviet republic with a mix of Russian, Karelian, and displaced populations.
Modern Karelia: Russian Republic with a Nordic Soul
Post-Soviet Era (1991–Present) – Karelia is now a republic within Russia, balancing its Finnish roots, Russian culture, and indigenous heritage.
Cultural Revival – There’s a growing interest in reviving Karelian language, folklore, and traditions, especially in music, crafts, and tourism.
Tourism & Nature Conservation – Karelia is becoming a popular travel destination for its pristine nature, historical sites, and cultural experiences.
L - Language
Russian is the official and most widely spoken language. However, Karelia has a unique linguistic landscape due to its history and cultural ties with Finland.
Karelian & Finnish Influence – In some villages, especially near the Finnish border, you might hear Karelian or Finnish dialects. While these languages are not as commonly spoken today, efforts are being made to preserve Karelian culture and language.
English? Not So Much! – In Petrozavodsk, younger people and those working in tourism may speak some English, but in smaller towns and rural areas, it’s rarely spoken.
M - Money
The official currency in Karelia (and all of Russia) is the Russian Ruble (RUB).
ATMs are widely available. However, due to sanctions, foreign bank cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, etc.) do NOT work in Russian ATMs or for payments.
Only MIR cards (Russia’s local payment system) and some UnionPay cards work.
Contactless payments (Google Pay, Apple Pay) are unavailable for foreign cards.
N, O, P - Packing Essentials
Karelia is a quite developed region, so unless you’re planning on camping or long hikes, your packing list depends on your personal needs. However, two must-haves stand out:
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Mosquito repellent – Essential in summer, unless you want to become a walking buffet while visiting natural touristic spots.
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Layers – A couple of warm layers in winter to stay comfortable in the crisp northern air.
For adventure seekers:
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Warm layers – Even in summer, nights can be chilly, and sudden weather changes are common.
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Bug spray – Mosquitoes and midges are relentless in summer, especially near water.
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Waterproof shoes / shoes with a good grip – Trails can be muddy, and unexpected rain is a given.
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Power bank – Limited electricity in remote nature spots, so keep your devices charged.
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Rainproof jacket – Sudden showers are frequent, and staying dry is key.
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Compact first aid kit – Blisters, scratches, or insect bites can be annoying. Pack antiseptic, band-aids, and antihistamines.
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Thermal flask – Keeps tea or coffee hot, essential for chilly mornings by the lake.
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Sunscreen & sunglasses – Even with Karelia’s cool climate, the sun can be strong.
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Headlamp or flashlight – If you’re venturing into forests or remote areas, extra light is a lifesaver.
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Multi-tool or pocket knife – Handy for camping, picnics, and small repairs.
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Dry bag – Keeps your phone, documents, and electronics safe from unexpected rain or splashes.
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Comfortable backpack – A must for hikes and day trips to carry essentials easily.
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Notebook & pen – Perfect for jotting down travel notes, sketching landscapes, or logging your adventures.
Q, R, S - Souvenirs
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Shungite – A rare black mineral unique to Karelia, often used in jewelry, decorative pieces, and what is more important as a natural
Shungite rocks. Photo source - Google
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Birch bark crafts – Handmade baskets, boxes, and souvenirs with intricate patterns.
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Wooden carvings – Inspired by Karelian folklore, featuring bears, owls, and traditional symbols.
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Tea from local herbs and berries – A fragrant mix of fireweed, lingonberry leaves, meadowsweet, and other wild plants.
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Karelian honey – Pure, aromatic, and rich in flavors unique to the northern region.
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Homemade natural jams – A huge variety, including cloudberry, lingonberry, bilberry, and pine cone jam.
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Karelian pastries – If you can take them fresh, kalitki (thin rye pies with potato or cottage cheese filling) are a must-try.
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Woolen socks and mittens – Cozy, hand-knitted, and perfect for cold winters.
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Ceramic and clay pottery – Traditional cups and plates with unique northern designs.
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Amber jewelry – Though more common in the Baltic region, you can find beautiful Karelian amber pieces.
Would you like to highlight any special souvenirs?
T, U, V, W - Weather
Karelia has a harsh yet stunningly beautiful climate, shaped by its northern location and proximity to lakes.
Summer (June – August)
Temperatures range from +15°C to +25°C, but sudden drops and rain showers are common. Long daylight hours, with near White Nights in the north. Mosquitoes thrive near lakes and forests.
Autumn (September – November)
Crisp and cool, with golden forests. Temperatures gradually drop from +10°C to 0°C. By November, the first snow arrives.
Winter (December – February)
A true winter wonderland, with temperatures from -10°C to -30°C. Expect heavy snow, frozen lakes, and magical northern lights in the darkest months.
Spring (March – May)
A slow thaw, with temperatures climbing from -5°C to +10°C. Snow lingers in early spring, and rivers swell with melting ice.
Tip: No matter the season, pack layers and waterproof gear—Karelia’s weather loves surprises!
X, Y, Z - I sure will come back here to complete the alphabet.
