7 wonders of Karelia 
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Traveling around Russia is becoming more and more popular every year. Travelers are not limited to sightseeing in Moscow and St. Petersburg and try to look into the most remote corners of their homeland. Excursion tours to Karelia are especially popular, the republic whose landscapes fascinate even the most sophisticated tourists.
Onega petroglyphs
This place has another name - "Stone Age Bible". Petroglyphs are ancient rock paintings that were discovered by scientists only in the 19th century. They depict various animals, as well as scenes from the life of people of that era.
Petroglyphs are located on a cape with an interesting name - Besov Bridge. This place is full of secrets and mysteries. They say that clocks always stop here, and navigators fail.
Vottovaara
This place is considered the most mysterious not only in the republic, but throughout the country. Vottovaara is a mountain that is the highest point of the West Karelian Upland. According to legend, this is where the portal for the dark forces is located.
Getting to Vottovaara is quite difficult, but that doesn’t stop anyone. It is noteworthy that the trees here stretch not up, but down, and the stones scattered over the hill resemble stairs.
Ruskeala
The mountain park is famous for being the most famous deposit of white marble. It was here that the material for the construction of cathedrals and palaces of St. Petersburg was mined.
The main attraction of the park is Marble Canyon. Of interest are also abandoned old adits and quarries, which eventually turned into mountain lakes.
Kivach
The reserve is known for its picturesque landscapes and fresh air. People come here to forget about the worldly bustle for a while and enjoy the unity with nature.
The protected area attracts more with the waterfall of the same name, which is considered one of the largest flat European waterfalls. It is located on the Suna River, in the heart of Karelia. A powerful water stream, falling from a height, creates a strong whirlpool and an impressive noise.
Balaam
The island is the hallmark of Lake Ladoga. It was here that the first monastery was built, after which Christianity began to be practiced in the north of the country.
Of interest is not only the monastery, but also its surroundings. Here you can temporarily forget that there are other people in the world. Tourists simply cannot refuse to try fresh cloudberries and a fragrant tincture prepared on its basis.
Kizhi
In the northern part of Lake Onega there is a small island, the length of which does not exceed 5.5 km, and the width is 1.5 km. There are practically no trees here: under spreading branches you can sit only at the water’s edge.
More than 80 cultural monuments have been placed on the small island, each of which is a masterpiece of local architecture. Particularly popular are the Church of the Transfiguration and the bell tower dating back to the 19th century.
Paanajärvi
Almost near the Finnish border there is a national park, more than half of which is occupied by dense forests and picturesque lakes. You can get here only with a special permit or ticket. A favorite place to spend the night is the hut, although some prefer to meet the new day in the open air.
Wildlife, fresh air, separation from civilization and digital detox - this and much more is promised to its guests by beautiful and original Karelia.