Karelia is amazing! It’s not just the endless primeval forests and deep lakes where we daringly tested the ice thickness; it’s something else. Though we certainly paid attention to the forests and lakes. Our mini-trip to Karelia was filled with emotions, the most pleasant impressions, unusual architecture, warm-hearted people, warm smiles, hugs with huskies, hot drinks, and rosy frosty cheeks. And it all started with the cozy town of Kondopoga, a rather small town (though for Karelia, it’s quite a large city, almost a metropolis), washed by Lake Nigozero and Kondopozhskaya Bay.
Kondopoga – A cozy Karelian town.
It is believed that Kondopoga is the second-largest city in Karelia, of course, after Petrozavodsk. Almost all year round it rains here, and if not rain, then snow. The sun is almost never seen. But we were lucky; there was sunshine and a -40 degree frost. But it might have been better if it had been snowing.
In reality, there’s not much to do in Kondopoga; the whole town has just a couple of attractions: the large carillons that play different melodies every hour and the Kondopoga Regional Museum.
On the outskirts of Kondopoga stands a very curious structure – the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Being in the town, it’s impossible not to visit this church. Essentially, this place is the city’s calling card.
To be honest, I’ve never seen anything like it before. As someone not very religious, I usually don’t pay attention to our Russian churches, but this little church managed to pique my interest. The wooden, almost black church is a monument of wooden architecture and a branch of the local history museum. The church has neither lighting nor heating, and services are only held in the warm season.
As you can see, we are here in winter, and I must say, inside the church, it really is freezing, dark, and cold. But it is precisely this atmosphere that captivates.
However, we came to the cozy town of Kondopoga not for the city’s attractions. There are hardly any to speak of.
Visiting the Karelian Santa Claus.
We found ourselves in Karelia in winter, more precisely on the eve of the New Year. Having learned in advance that the Karelian Santa Claus lives here, we headed to visit him. On the way to his house, torches were lit, and Santa’s helpers – the Saami – led everyone to the shores of Lake Onega.
It turns out the Karelian Santa lives in a mysterious Saami tent, drinks alcoholic beverages made from lingonberry and cloudberry leaves, and drives huskies. The dogs are so affectionate, running up to hug you and not minding posing for the camera.
The entertainment is mainly for children, but despite that, it was quite pleasant to warm our frozen hands in the warm, heated chum, ride the ever-rushing huskies, drink taiga drinks, exhaling steam into the clear air, dance to keep warm, laugh, and admire the expanses of Lake Onega.
If you are looking for more whimsical and interesting places in Karelia, check out my posts about the Kivach waterfall and the Valaam island monastery. Personally, I was thrilled to visit these places. They are entire national parks with wild nature, flowing waterfalls, and endless lakes. It was so beautiful that I can’t help but recommend these places to you!
You can also check out my full post with all the most beautiful and significant locations in Karelia. It will help you plan your route through the region and inspire you to travel!
How to get to Kondopoga.
Here’s how you can get there and some useful tips to make your trip memorable.
By Train: The train is a convenient and scenic way to reach Kondopoga. Trains to Kondopoga run from Saint Petersburg and Moscow, offering a comfortable journey through picturesque landscapes. From Saint Petersburg, the journey takes around 8-10 hours, while from Moscow, it takes approximately 15-18 hours. Make sure to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
By Car: Kondopoga is accessible via the E105 highway from Saint Petersburg. The drive takes about 6-7 hours, providing an opportunity to explore the beautiful Karelian countryside along the way.
I highly recommend traveling around Karelia by your own transport, as it is one of those regions where it is easiest to get around by car! Especially since many of the attractions are quite far from each other. Don’t have your own car? Why not rent one for a day or two? You can check prices and availability of cars here.
Be sure to inspect the car for any scratches or damages noted in the contract before leaving the parking lot, and return to the office to inform the manager of anything you think is not mentioned.
Check Aviasales for the cheapest flights to Petrozavodsk if you are traveling from another country.
The coziest hotels in Kondopoga.
When I first decided to explore Kondopoga, a charming town in the Karelia region, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Nestled in the heart of nature, it’s a place that promises tranquility and beauty. However, what truly made my visit memorable were the two incredibly comfortable hotels. I was genuinely glad to find these gems and couldn’t wait to share them with you.
The first hotel that caught my eye was Hotel Kondopoga. As soon as I stepped into the lobby, I felt a warm and welcoming atmosphere that instantly put me at ease. The rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated, offering a perfect blend of modern amenities and rustic charm. I loved waking up to the stunning views of the surrounding forests and the nearby lake. Each morning, the hotel served a delicious breakfast with a variety of local specialties, which was a delightful way to start the day.
The second hotel that made my stay in Kondopoga unforgettable was the Onego Palace Hotel. This place felt like a cozy retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The hotel also features a fantastic restaurant where I savored some of the best Karelian cuisine I’ve ever tasted. From the hearty soups to the fresh fish dishes, every meal was a culinary delight. Additionally, the hotel offers various recreational activities, including guided tours and boat trips, which added an extra layer of excitement to my visit.
Both hotels provided such a comfortable and welcoming environment that I felt right at home. It’s not often that I find accommodations that leave such a lasting impression, but Hotel Kondopoga and Onego Palace Hotel did just that. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a longer stay in Kondopoga, I highly recommend these two wonderful hotels. They truly made my trip special, and I’m sure they will do the same for you.
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