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Nature sights and Nature parks in Karelia

In the north-west of Russia there is a strikingly beautiful land of “midnight sun”, the land of white nights. Here forests spread for many miles; there are thousands of big and small forest lakes surrounded by deep swamps or picturesque wild rocks. This is the land where you meet industrious and hospitable people. The name of this land is Karelia.

The two largest lakes in Europe – Onega Lake and Ladoga Lake – are situated on Karelian territory. One of the mysteries of the Onega Lake is located on the Besov Nos (Demon’s Nose) cape. Here some pictures painted by the people of the late Stone Age have survived. Scientists call them petroglyphs. They were also discovered on the shore of the White Sea. Petroglyphs made 5 thousand years ago represent one of the first examples of ancient culture. They are considered to be one of the most outstanding monuments of primitive art in Northern Europe.

No less unique is the White Sea. In summer it is warm, in winter, severe and arctic. Water of a depth of 100 m becomes a phenomenon known as liquid frost, as its temperature is -1,5’C. Despite the severe climate, 27 rare species of birds and animals reside on the islands of the White Sea.

Almost a million hectares or more than 5 per cent of the total area of the republic consists of specially protected natural territories: national parks "Paanajarvi", "Vodlozerky" and "Kalevalsky", nature park "Valaamsky Archipelago", preserves "Kivach" and "Kostomukshskiy", other reserves and nature monuments. There are a lot of outstanding landscapes on their territories.

A hundred kilometers away from Petrozavodsk on Suna River "a diamond-like water pours" - the largest in Europe waterfall "Kivach".

Forests, lakes and rivers of Karelia give a perfect opportunity for development of different types of tourism: hunting, fishing, safari, rafting, e.t.c.