Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, this Russian city on Lake Onega was once a major shipyard. Now the capital of Karelia, it's known for its timber industry and neoclassical architecture.
Petrozavodsk, the capital of Russia's Republic of Karelia, sits on the western shore of Lake Onega. This city of around 280,000 people is home to the neoclassical Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Karelian Musical Theater, and serves as a gateway to Kizhi Island with its remarkable wooden churches. Petrozavodsk's streets showcase a mix of Russian and Karelian architecture, while local restaurants serve traditional Karelian dishes alongside Russian cuisine.
Exploring Petrozavodsk's Center
Begin your visit in Lenin Square, the heart of Petrozavodsk. A large Soviet-era statue of Lenin dominates the center, surrounded by government buildings. A short walk takes you to the city's most distinctive landmark - the Round Square. This oval-shaped plaza, dating back to 1775, is lined with elegant 18th and 19th century buildings. Nearby, you'll see the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, consecrated in 1832, with its striking white façade and golden domes.
Cultural Venues
Petrozavodsk has a rich cultural offering. The Karelian Musical Theater hosts regular performances and displays statuary by sculptor Sergey Konenkov. Classical music fans can attend concerts by the Karelia Philharmonic Orchestra, which has been performing since 1933. To learn about local history and culture, visit the National Museum of the Republic of Karelia, housed in the former governor's residence from the late 1700s.
Lake Onega and the Embankment
Lake Onega, Europe's second-largest lake, forms Petrozavodsk's eastern border. Take a stroll along the Onega Embankment to find an open-air sculpture park with artworks gifted from Petrozavodsk's sister cities around the world. The embankment offers views of the lake and is a popular gathering spot for locals, especially during warmer months.
Day Trip to Kizhi Island
From Petrozavodsk harbor, you can take a hydrofoil to Kizhi Island, about an hour away on Lake Onega. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to an open-air museum of wooden architecture. The Church of the Transfiguration, with its 22 domes, is a remarkable example of construction without nails. The island also has traditional Russian wooden houses, windmills, and other historic buildings relocated from around Karelia.
Getting Around
Petrozavodsk's compact center makes it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, use the city's trolleybus network or take a marshrutka (shared minibus). Taxis operate throughout the city and are generally affordable. For day trips, the main railway station connects Petrozavodsk to other cities in Karelia and beyond.
Local Cuisine
Try local Karelian specialties during your visit. Taste karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasties), oval-shaped pastries typically filled with rice, potatoes, or carrots. Many restaurants serve dishes with fish from Lake Onega, such as whitefish or pike. You can sample these and other regional dishes at restaurants like Karelskaya Gornitsa in the city center.
When to Visit
Petrozavodsk has a humid continental climate, with milder temperatures than many places at similar latitudes. Summers bring pleasant weather, with average highs around 20°C (68°F) in July and long daylight hours. This is the busiest tourist season. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures often below freezing from November to March. Winter sports fans might enjoy this season, but be prepared for short daylight hours.
