Traveling through the Leningrad region, I discovered another wonderful place for myself – the city of Vyborg. Despite being within the borders of Russia, this city differs greatly from all other Russian cities. Today I’ll tell you about what to see in Vyborg and give other useful recommendations before visiting.
My first impression of Vyborg (sacred city in Swedish) was formed when I walked literally 200 meters through it. Vyborg is a Russian city with a European soul!
Every building here is unique and exudes antiquity. The houses are like gingerbread, the windows are carved, the area is well-kept, and the streets are deserted. This is exactly how, for example, a good portion of Germany looks. Such appearance of Vyborg is not accidental.
A bit of history about Vyborg!
Once the territory of the city belonged to the Swedes. The Swedes chose a beautiful place where they founded a castle. As usual, a city began to grow around the castle. Rich people from Hanseatic cities gathered here and brought their traditions and customs. They persisted even after the city became part of Russia.
The city remained Swedish for a long time – until the beginning of the 18th century, then in 1721 it became Russian, in the 19th century it became part of Finland, and after the Winter War of 1939-1940, Vyborg passed to the Union. Then the bloody World War II… and now Vyborg is part of the Leningrad region. Although Vyborg now belongs to Russia, there is little here that is Russian.
Vyborg is the most European city in Russia. Everything here is from Europe: the ancient castle on the island, old streets with stone buildings, clock towers and town halls, the Mon Repos Park, which you fall in love with at first sight.
If you have free time, check out my post about the fairy-tale Mon Repos Park, which is located a few kilometers from Vyborg. Boldly include this place in your itinerary.
And there’s plenty to see in the surrounding area: ancient Finnish churches, ruins of fortresses, and abandoned Mannerheim Line.
Viipurin linna – Vyborg Castle.
What to see in Vyborg?
But the magnet of this city, which attracts tourists from all over the world, is Vyborg Castle. It is the most beautiful place and the hallmark of Vyborg.
Vyborg Castle was founded by the Swede Torgils Knutsson. The fortress is located on a small island, which you can reach on foot – from the bridge over a small bay straight to the gate.
By paying a symbolic amount, you can enter the fortress and go to the observation deck in Olaf’s tower, from which you can see medieval streets like from a postcard. This is the most popular and well-known place in the city. Every respectable tourist goes here and takes such a photo.
They say that on a clear day, you can see the outlines of Finland. Note that there is no elevator in the tower, and you will have to climb up the stairs to the height of a ten-story building.
What to see in Vyborg else.
Medieval city center – a walk through the narrow streets and squares of Vyborg immerses you in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Enjoy the unique architecture, graceful facades and cozy cafes located in old houses.
Vyborg Town Hall – another beautiful building in the city, which used to be a museum. And now it’s just a residential building. In front of the house stands a monument to the founder of the city – Torgils Knutsson. And there are many other interesting buildings in the city, for example, I was stuck for about 10 minutes at the Iron building.
The “Otrada” Estate Museum – will immerse you in the atmosphere of the 19th century by visiting the “Otrada” estate. This museum is a living example of rural life at that time, with its houses, ponds, and park.
St. Olga’s Cathedral – this majestic cathedral, built in the style of neo-Romanesque architecture, impresses with its grandeur and beauty.
What else is European here?
- All inscriptions are duplicated in Finnish.
- There are many hotels in the city with good service and they are all not cheap.
- Some restaurants are located in amazing places – for example, in the Round Tower.
- There is a market here where you can find many products from Finland.
If you are planning a trip to St. Petersburg, here is a list of the most beautiful places in the city that I would like to recommend you to see. Also, don’t forget to include the charming gardens of Peterhof in your itinerary – this place will definitely surprise you!
How to get to Vyborg.
Vyborg is located in the north of St. Petersburg, very close to the Finnish border.
By Train: Travelling to Vyborg by train is one of the most convenient options, especially if you’re coming from St. Petersburg or Helsinki. Both cities offer regular train services to Vyborg, making it easily accessible for travelers. From St. Petersburg, you can catch a train from Finlyandsky Railway Station, while from Helsinki, trains depart from Helsinki Central Railway Station.
The train journey from St. Petersburg typically takes around 2 hours, offering scenic views of the Russian countryside along the way. Trains from Helsinki to Vyborg take approximately 2.5 hours, crossing the Finnish-Russian border, a unique experience in itself.
By Car: If you prefer the freedom of driving and exploring at your own pace, renting a car provides an excellent option for reaching Vyborg. The town is easily accessible via well-maintained highways from St. Petersburg and Helsinki. The journey offers picturesque views of the Finnish and Russian landscapes, with opportunities to stop and explore charming towns along the way.
Ensure you have the necessary documentation for crossing international borders if driving from Finland to Russia. Additionally, familiarize yourself with local traffic regulations and road signs to navigate smoothly.
I highly recommend traveling by car as it is the most convenient and direct option. If you don’t have a car, you can rent one at very reasonable prices here.
Check Aviasales to find the cheapest flights to St. Petersburg if you’re traveling from another country.
Unveiling Vyborg’s Most Unusual Hotels.
I Let’s embark on a journey to uncover Vyborg’s most unusual hotels, where each stay promises an unforgettable experience. What to see in Vyborg?
Vyborg Castle Hotel: For those with a penchant for medieval history and fantasy, Vyborg Castle Hotel offers an immersive experience like no other. Situated within the walls of the iconic Vyborg Castle, this hotel transports guests to a bygone era. Each room is uniquely themed, drawing inspiration from knights, royalty, and folklore. Guests can dine in a grand hall reminiscent of medieval banquets and participate in themed events such as jousting tournaments and medieval feasts.
Lighthouse “Krasnaya Gorka”: For a truly unconventional stay, look no further than the Krasnaya Gorka Lighthouse. Perched on a picturesque cliff overlooking the Gulf of Finland, this historic lighthouse offers accommodation unlike any other. Guests can ascend the spiral staircase to reach cozy rooms within the lighthouse tower, boasting panoramic views of the surrounding seascape. The maritime-themed decor and maritime history museum add to the allure of this unique lodging. As night falls, guests can witness mesmerizing sunsets and the rhythmic sweep of the lighthouse beam across the darkened waters.
Eco-Hotel “Taiga”: Tucked away in the serene wilderness surrounding Vyborg lies Eco-Hotel “Taiga,” a haven for nature lovers and eco-conscious travelers. This sustainable retreat offers cozy wooden cabins nestled amidst towering pine trees. Guests can immerse themselves in nature through activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing.
Enjoy your stay in this unique city and discover all its wonders! 🏰🎨🌳
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