Do you like romance? Would you like to test yourself on an extreme journey? “My Russia” talks about walking routes that will surprise you with their beauty and test your character.
"Frolikha"
Lake Frolikha. Photo: turizm.ngs.ru- Location: northeastern coast of Lake Baikal
- Length: about 95 km (12 days of travel)
- Sights: Frolikha reserve, Khakusy thermal springs, Frolikha lake.
Baikal is the center of power of the Earth for most people on the planet. Foreigners (and many Russians) imagine the lake as a mysterious and endless body of water in the “heart” of the continent. In many ways, this description suits the object. There are many ways to get up close and personal with the “sea,” as the indigenous people call the lake. One of them is the “Frolikha” trail.
12 days on the northeastern, most pristine coast of Baikal, will be an excellent test of your strength. The route has been sponsored by investors from Dresden since 2010, it is so attractive!
Its length is small - “only” 95 km. But it passes through the natural landscapes of the Siberian taiga. The center of the trail can be considered the Frolikha Nature Reserve, the hallmark of which is the beautiful mountain lake Frolikha. The protected area was created with the aim of preserving the relict population of red fish - Arctic char (salmon family, included in the Red Book of Russia).
The route is decorated with numerous glacial streams, rock outcroppings and ends at the mouth of the upper Angara.
Great Baikal Trail. Photo: baikal-info.ru - Location: along the perimeter of the lake (constantly updated)
- Length: many sections, from 1.5 km to several tens of kilometers long
- Sights: Baikal Museum, Pribaikalsky National Park.
The term “Great Baikal Trail” also hides an organization dedicated to the development of hiking tourism in the Baikal region. The main goal of the project is to create a developed network of trails for tourists. The number of routes is growing every year. Volunteers spend summer and winter implementing projects to develop the trail system, creating new routes, developing infrastructure and compiling maps. At this rate, within 10 years an extensive system of pedestrian routes will be formed along the lake coast. The prospect looks “crazy” - a single path around Baikal! Such an object will definitely become the center of world tourism.
The route is constantly alternating between steep climbs and sharp descents. From the very start, tourists can expect a 400-meter vertical climb with access to the top, which offers views of Lake Baikal. Part of the trail goes along the coastline, on rocky cliffs. Here you will have to use rope sections of the passage.
Eco-tourist route No. 1
Eco-tourist route No. 1. Photo: zozhnik.ru - Location: northwestern Caucasus
- Length: 93 km
- Sights: Khadzhokh Gorge, Rufabgo waterfalls, cave systems, Mount Fisht, glaciers.
The route is the “successor” of the famous All-Union tourist route No. 30 and bears the second name “Through the Mountains to the Sea.” The route is high mountain and requires special physical training. In the USSR, this trail was one of the first and most developed. By the mid-1930s, numerous groups were already walking here.
Today the route has been “shortened” to 5 days of travel. Now the trail does not reach the sea: it connects the village of Guzeripl and the village of Solokh-Aul. Along the way, tourists overcome icy areas, steep cliffs and vast mountain meadows. The trail is not the longest, but it covers landscapes characteristic of the Caucasus. Tourists walk through ecologically clean territory practically untouched by civilization.
All-Union tourist route No. 55
Lake Aushkul. Photo: kudatotam.ru - Location: Southern Urals, Chelyabinsk
- Length: 487 km
- Sights: Lake Uvildy, Lake Ilmenskoe, Mount Kruglitsa, Lake Aushkul.
Another “mastodon” of hiking. A difficult and long route that takes 21 days to overcome. The trail can be covered on foot or by bus. Typically, travelers combine these types of travel, supplementing them with a train. During the hike, tourists visit many reservoirs of the South Ural region, and also pass through virgin forests. Rich wildlife and dense vegetation create a pioneering feel and provide a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The trails are not equipped and maintained in good condition everywhere, but the route attracts with its acquaintance with the Urals and its beauty.
Multinskie Lakes, Altai
Multinskie lakes. Photo: altayer.ru - Location: Gorny Altai
- Length: about 30 km
- Sights: Multinskie lakes system
The natural monument of Altai, the system of glacial high-mountain lakes Multinskie, is one of the tourist “symbols” of Altai. Lakes with crystal clear water are located in small mountain hollows. Snow-covered slopes of the Katunsky ridge, Lower Multinskoye Lake, Poperechnoye, Sredne Multinskoye, Talmen - and a large number of small reservoirs. Along the route, tourists will find:
- Glacier waterfalls.
- Crossings of mountain rivers.
- Climbing rocky slopes.
- Overnight on the shores of lakes.
- Routes at the foot of snow-capped mountains.
Khibiny. Big circle
Umbozero. Photo: hibiny-land.ru - Location: Kola Peninsula
- Length: about 75 km
- Sights: Khibiny passes and lakes
Circular route between lakes Bolshaya Imandra and Umbozero. “Classical” Karelia in all its beauty! Glacial terrain with cleared rock outcroppings and glacial ponds and streams.
A distinctive feature of this trail is its numerous ascents and descents along streams flowing from the Khibiny mountain ranges. On the trail you will have to climb the highest point in the north-west of Russia - Mount Yudymchvumchorr (1,206 meters above sea level). Many passes (you will have to pass 1-3 such objects per day) require special training and skills. Tourists must have special equipment and go out on the trail under the supervision of an experienced instructor.
Manpupuner plateau. Hiking through the Dyatlov Pass
Manpupuner plateau. Photo: tonkosti.ru - Location: Komi Republic.
- Length: from 11 km to 230 km (depending on the chosen route).
- Sights: Dyatlov Pass, Mount Otorten, Pechora River, geological monument “Weathering Pillars” - one of the 7 wonders of Russia.
But here there is no specific path - in a relatively small area there are several routes intersecting at certain points on the map. A visit to the mysterious Mount Otorten and the Dyatlov Pass is included in the mandatory trail program. And of course the legendary “Mansi boobies” - unusual natural objects created by the wind. Locals call Mount Man-Pupu-ner “Booby-iz” or “mountain of idols.” The giants created by nature are somewhat reminiscent of the famous heads on Easter Island.
The Pechora-Ilychsky Nature Reserve, through whose territory the hiking route passes, is a mountain tundra covered with swamps. The terrain is very “fragile” and difficult to pass. But in 2016, more than a hundred volunteers laid a safe path along which tourists reach the pillars, which range from 30 to 42 meters in height.
The trail is fascinating, but requires tourist preparation. If you choose an 11 km walk along the mountainside to the pillars, then you can do without equipment. But a multi-day hike becomes a serious test: crossing rivers, climbing passes and mountains, spending the night in the taiga - all the flavor of Siberia!
Around Elbrus
Around Elbrus. Photo: athletics-club.ru - Location: Caucasus
- Length: about 60 km
- Sights: the highest point in Europe - Elbrus volcano, glaciers, waterfalls, sources of mountain rivers.
The route is mountainous and belongs to the 1st category of difficulty. The trail attracts with its concept - going around the highest mountain of the Caucasus becomes a memorable adventure. The region is well developed from a tourist point of view and travelers do not have to worry about how to get to the Elbrus region. But the terrain is treacherous - the recent village gathering is proof of this. Therefore, you should go out on the route accompanied by an experienced instructor.
What awaits you along the way? Firstly, height. Some points lie at an altitude of 3700 meters, which can cause symptoms of mountain sickness. Glacial lakes such as Syltrakel offer clear water and beautiful views. Real mountain glaciers, from which small rivers and streams begin. Passes and gorges are “mixed” with rocky peaks and peaks. A classic mountain route through the alpine meadows of Elbrus.
Shikotan. In the footsteps of Robinson Crusoe
Japanese lighthouse Spamberg - Location: Kuril Islands
- Length: up to 20 km
- Sights: Cape Land's End, Mount Shikotan (405 meters), exotic nature
Lianas, dwarf bamboo and the Japanese lighthouse Shpamberg (1943) - the most remote island of Russia bears little resemblance to Russia. It is 100 km from Japan, and 7119 km from Moscow.
There are practically no trees on Shikotan, but the film about Robinson Crusoe was filmed here in 1972. Stanislav Govorukhin chose this island for a reason - the landscapes are very similar to an uninhabited area. Many capes protrude deep into the sea, forming attractive landscapes for travelers. The trail is simple and can be covered in a couple of hours. And this is not a trail, but just a walk along a small island on the very “edge” of the country. The route will definitely be remembered and not many people have passed it...
In our city there is a wonderful form of useful recreation: walking along ecological trails. Walking through the forest parks of the capital can be not only pleasant, but also exciting. While walking the route, you can learn a lot of new and interesting things about the flora and fauna of forests, what marks on trees mean, how forests and land are measured, what you can and cannot feed birds, how to learn to distinguish trees from each other by touch, and much more. . This is helped by educational signs on the trails telling about the flora and fauna that can be found in this place.
1. Vorobyovy Gory Nature Reserve
Two ecological routes have been created here, where you can get acquainted with the exhibition materials both independently and under the guidance of an experienced guide. On weekdays from 8.00 to 17.00 excursions along eco-trails are free.
Route 1 – On the slopes of the Vorobyovy Gory – Andreevskie Ponds
Route 2 – On the terraces of the Sparrow Hills
2. Timiryazevsky Park
Visitors can not only walk along the beautiful alleys of the Forest Experimental Dacha, but also learn interesting historical facts about the forest park area, the plants growing in the reserve and its forest inhabitants. Tours are offered free of charge all year round. But they are much more interesting in spring and summer, when all nature comes to life. You must register for excursions in advance.
3. Natural and historical park Bitsevsky forest
An eco-trail operates daily in Bitsevsky Park. Information boards are placed along the entire route. So you can explore the trail not only accompanied by a guide, but also on your own. All excursions along ecological trails are free.
4. Kuzminki-Lublino Park
There are 4 ecological routes in the park. Excursions are organized along them at any time of the year - both paid and free.
Route 1 - Into the forest following a riddle...
Route 2 - Inhabitants of Moscow parks
Route 3 – Trail of Fairy Tales “12 Months”
Route 4 - Enter nature as a friend
5. Silver Forest
Two ecological trails exist today in the unique natural recreation area of Serebryany Bor. One of them is a time-tested, looped route among centuries-old pines. It passes through the lands of the Bottomless Lake, near the Kopan pond and near the largest Reed swamp in the capital, and is called At the Bottomless Lake.
Meanwhile, the construction of the second ecological trail In Harmony with Nature was recently completed in Serebryany Bor. It is much longer than the first one. Today, all the main fragments of this exciting route are completely ready. The trail also begins near Bottomless Lake, but goes far into the forest.
6. Izmailovo Natural and Historical Park
There is also an eco-trail in the Izmailovo Natural and Historical Park. Free excursions are offered here all year round. They originate from the entrance to the forest, which is located near the Izmailovskaya metro station, and go to the Tsarskaya Apiary Environmental Education Center (ECC). Sightseeing tours such as Once upon a time there was a forest, The Road to the Apiary, and Visiting Maya the Bee are very popular.
7. Ecological trail in the Zakharyinskaya floodplain in the territory of the Skhodnya River Valley natural park in Kurkino
A variety of natural landscapes are concentrated in a relatively small area. These include unique upland and floodplain meadows, mixed forests, and small swamps. What is noteworthy: the local natural meadow communities with a landscape unaltered by humans are the only ones in the capital and are of particular value.
8. Natural and historical park Pokrovskoye-Streshnevo
Beautiful pictures are revealed to visitors in that part of the park where there is a cascade of seven ponds at once - the so-called Ivankovsky ponds on the Chernushka River. Around them lies a picturesque meadow park with decorative plantings. You can see the most attractive corners of the park during a walking tour along the Old Park Trails. During them, excursionists will take a fascinating route and get acquainted with the features of Pokrovsky-Streshnevo, its history and modernity. After all, these lands were known back in the era of Ivan the Terrible.
Other walking tours in Moscow
Oddly enough, our metropolis abounds in natural resources. Most likely, the park that is not far from your home also has an ecological trail; write in the comments about which parks or natural reserves we forgot to mention!
0+The origin of the Gatchina geysers is shrouded in mystery. It is believed that in the soil layer under the geysers there are artificial gas deposits contained in a layer of underground water. It is known that this method of gas storage was invented in Leningrad, and the first storage facilities were located in the outskirts of the city. Fountains of water flow directly from under the moss-covered ground. They are especially beautiful in summer, when the height of the stream reaches two meters. In winter, geysers freeze, forming ice sculptures of bizarre shapes. But the most interesting thing about these “sculptures” is their color; due to the presence of gas, the ice turns soft green.
Leningrad region, pos. KorpikovoDuderhof Heights
Not far from the Mozhaiskaya station is the highest point within St. Petersburg. Three large hills, the Voronya, Orekhovaya and Kirchhoff mountains, form the Duderhof Heights. This place received its name in honor of the old name of the village of Mozhaisky, which until 1950 was called Duderhof. The hills are of prehistoric origin: they were formed during the Ice Age. Today, on the slopes of the heights there is a semi-wild Nagorny Park. From here you have an excellent view of the suburbs of St. Petersburg. The hills shield the area from northern winds, creating favorable conditions for plants. In some places, relict hazel thickets have been preserved, and on Orekhovaya Mountain you can find linden and pine trees that are over 150 years old. In addition, there is a spring with drinking water.
Leningrad region, Lomonosov district, Mozhaisky villageRadon lakes
The unusual color of the reservoirs in the vicinity of the village of Lopukhinki has attracted the attention of curious tourists and scientists for many years. Experts managed to find out that the lakes owe their magical color to radon. This chemical element is contained in the water of an underground spring that feeds local reservoirs. It is thanks to the circulation of radon-enriched water that the Lopukhinsky lakes are so transparent and the bottom is clean - there is no underwater flora and fauna here. Many doctors and scientists consider the azure water from local reservoirs to be healing, so studies have been carried out here several times, and at one time there was even a hospital for sailors in the village.
Leningrad region, Lomonosov district, village. LopukhinkaLosevsky threshold 0+
The Burnaya River, on which the rapids are located, appeared relatively recently, in the 19th century. This is the fruit of unsuccessful human intervention in the natural order. Once upon a time, at the site of the threshold there was a small channel that connected Vuoksa with Lake Sukhodolskoe. The Finns who lived here wanted to connect these reservoirs with Lake Ladoga, thereby creating a shipping route from Saimaa to Ladoga. Engineers decided to expand the channel and reverse the flow using blasting operations. However, the rocks that lay in these places were not affected by humans. In place of the calm channel, a dangerous threshold formed, and the passage of ships here was impossible. Even additional explosions did not help. They gave up on the idea, and today Losevsky rapids has become a favorite place for lovers of water extreme sports. Moreover, you can come here at any time of the year: due to the rapid flow, the water does not freeze even in frost.
Leningrad region, Priozersky district, village. LosevoA favorite place for St. Petersburg climbers and hikers is located on the border of the Leningrad region with Karelia. Due to the rocky landscape, it is very difficult to get to it: cars need to be left in a remote parking lot and make your way to the lake through the forest and rocks. The settlements of local residents are also quite far away, so the natural monument is largely protected from unscrupulous tourists. Here you can see an untouched forest landscape, swim in clear water and admire the picturesque cliffs. This is one of the few places in the Leningrad region where rock climbing enthusiasts can practice in natural conditions.
Leningrad region, Priozersky district, Kuznechnoye station
Gorchakovshchinsky waterfall 0+
A phenomenon unusual for northern latitudes can be observed near the villages of Issad and Gorchakovshchina. A river with the good-natured name Lyubasha flows here. A small canyon along which the river bed runs forms a threshold in one place. Here is a four-meter waterfall called Gorchakovsky - after the name of a nearby village. The waterfall is framed by red sandstone slopes and the greenery of a deciduous forest. Despite its small height, the Gorchakovshchinsky waterfall is considered the largest in the Leningrad region.
Leningrad region, Volkhov district, Gorchakovshchina village
To get to these protected places, you need to move almost three hundred kilometers away from St. Petersburg. Once upon a time, representatives of the ancient Finno-Ugric tribe lived here - the Vepsians, in whose honor the forest got its name. The rich nature of the region was perfectly suited to the life of the settlers. Here they built their homes, fished and grew crops. Over hundreds of years, the appearance of the forest has changed little: fresh air, endless thickets of pines and spruces, clean springs and waterfalls... Berries and mushrooms grow in this forest, ponds are filled with fish. Village buildings in the traditional Russian style: wooden huts and Orthodox churches organically fit into the ecologically clean landscape. In 1999, these territories were given the status of a natural reserve. You can come to the Vepsian Forest on an excursion or explore the ecological trails on your own.
Nearest cities - Podporozhye and Tikhvin
For many years, plans were hatched to improve the Yuntolovskaya forest dacha, but the Soviet authorities failed to implement their plans, and in 1990 the forest received the status of a nature reserve. Today the park occupies a vast territory in the west of the Primorsky district with an area of several square kilometers. This is one of the few places within the city where you can observe the life of rare species of birds. Migratory birds nest in the park without fear of proximity to residential areas. To monitor them, the reserve has even set up several observation points. However, the protected status of the park is not able to restrain the advance of civilization towards its borders: for example, a few years ago, part of the Western High-Speed Diameter route was built along its eastern part.
Primorsky district, Yuntolovsky reserve
The protected area in the Kurortny district has the status of the only “green museum” in St. Petersburg, where all the exhibits were created by nature. The first eco-trail in the city leads to the shore of the Gulf of Finland, winding between hundred-year-old spruce trees, green hills and cascading ponds. For the convenience of walkers, pedestrian paths in difficult places are equipped with wooden decking, signs help not to get lost, and in the middle of the path there is a gazebo where you can rest. In educational articles on forest information stands you can read about the flora and fauna of the “Komarovsky Coast” and learn about the secrets of experienced trackers.
