►Tours ► Russian North Tours ► Snowmobile weekend in Karelia

  A weekend snowmobile tour in Karelia, including a visit to the famous Kizhi island, is a great way to discover this beautiful part of Russia. Lake Onega at this time of year is more reminiscent of a massive snowy field stretching out to the horizon and dazzling you with its crystal pure snow. It makes the perfect terrain for travelling on a snowmobile as you will enjoy amazing views of the wooden villages and chapels which stand on the shore of the lake. During the tour you will also visit the architectural highlight of Karelia - the island of Kizhi. Standing here is one of the masterpieces of Russian wooden architecture – the 22-domed Transfiguration Church which was built with practically no nails. You will stay here in a guest house which has a view of this stunning wooden church.

  This weekend tour to winter Karelia is a real adventure into a land of Russia fairy tales; snowy forests, endless frozen lakes, crisp and frosty air and a whole range of impressions you will never forget. The trip is also great for families with children aged 11 and above.

 Arrival in Petrozavodsk.

 Transfer to the starting point of the snowmobile safari in the village of Kedrozero.

 Distance: 80km

 Upon arrival equipment will be selected and you will have instructions on driving the snowmobiles and on safety requirements. Training on driving the snowmobiles.

  12:00 | Start of the safary.

THE ROUTE
Kedrozero village → Pegrema Village → Yuzhny Dvor Village → Lipovitsy Village → Kizhi Island   Distance: 70km

  On route you will have a snack of fruit, sandwiches and hot tea out in the fresh air. 

  Excursion around the village of Yuzhny Dvor (Vegoruksa) – this village was first mentioned in chronicles in the 14th century. In the 15th century it was owned by a nobleman from Novgorod and in the 16th century it merged with its neighbouring villages of Kuzaranda and Vegoruksa. It was located on the important trade route from Novgorod to the White Sea. The route consisted of a part travelling by water and then by land. One of the village’s main sights is the 17th century St Nicholas' Church, which also functioned as a lighthouse on the trade route. The church has a large refectory and the largest bell tower in the region.

 Check-in at the guest house just 1km from Kizhi island.

 Dinner and Russian Banya (2hours)

  Excursion around Kizhi Island:

  The Kizhi Pogost is a world famous architectural church ensemble located consisting of two churches and a bell tower dating for the 18th and 19th centuries. It stands on Kizhi island in Lake Onega and is surrounded by a fence. The often repeated legend is that the complex’s Transfiguration Church was built by a carpenter called Nestor who used just one axe and no nails in the original construction process. He then threw the axe into the lake so that it couldn't be used to make an either better church! Today to whole complex is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to this ensemble which was built here, other wooden buildings, such as chapels, houses and other household structures, from Karelia have been brought here for preservation.

 Trip back in the opposite order:

THE ROUTE
Sennay Guba Village → Yuzhny Dvor Village → Pegrema Village → Kedrozero village  Distance: 80km.

  Again you will have a snack in the fresh air of snowy Karelia.

 Upon arrival in the village of Kedrozero, transfer to Petrozavodsk.

 Distance: 90km

  18:30 | Dinner in a cafe in Petrozavodsk.

  Overnight train to Moscow or St Petersburg.

• You must be 18 or over to drive the snowmobiles.
• The tour is recommended for children aged 12 and above.
• The places on the tour are limited so we recommend booking in advance.
• The premium train from Moscow has first-class (two beds in a compartment) and second-class (four beds in a compartment) carriages. As it is the most comfortable train to Petrozavodsk, tickets sell out quickly. Approximate prices for a place in first class - USD125, for a place in second class -USD94. The closer to the date of the tour, the more expensive the tickets.
• You should take with you: a backpack, suitable comfortable clothes: trousers, a warm sweater, thick outer socks and thin socks for wearing underneath, t-shirts, warm coat, warm hat, warm gloves and warm walking boots.
• All equipment for the snowmobile is provided, but we recommend that you bring your own head protection for wearing under the helmet.
• A special rate of cancellation fees applies for this tour.

  The Ostrov ("Island") Hotel Complex is located just 8km from Kizhi Island on the Bolshoy Klimetsky Island. In 2012 scenes from the film 'Anna Karenina' were filmed here and the director Joe Wright and the whole filming group stayed at this hotel.

  The two-storey mini-hotel has twin rooms, fitted out with beds, bedside tables and a chest of drawers. It can accommodate 12 people. Inside there is a reception room with a fireplace and a large communal table. In addition there is also a sauna which can hold four people.

  Also on the complex are five en suite family cottages which have two beds, a divan which can be used as another bed, a television, a table and chairs.