Open the left menu Republic of Karelia. Large cities of Karelia and their sights Extreme sports
Distinctive features. Karelia is a vast land of lakes, forests and swamps. In terms of area, the Republic of Karelia ranks fifth in the Russian Federation. Nature, mineral resources and historical monuments are the main assets of this northern region.
Despite its remote location and, it would seem, some loss, Karelia has been well known to Europeans since the Middle Ages. Viking leaders visited it with tourist visits, and later Karelia became part of the vast and rich Novgorod Republic.
Here is also the “Kemska volost”, which Ivan Vasilyevich from the famous comedy was easily ready to transfer to the Swedish king ... But in reality, a little later, these lands were transferred to the Solovetsky Monastery, which heroically repulsed all the attacks of the Swedes.
Tourists love to visit Karelia for several reasons. Firstly, there are sights here that are known not only in Russia, but also abroad. These are Valaam, Kizhi, the Solovetsky Monastery, included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list. And here you can also look at ancient petroglyphs (images made on rocks), ride yachts on Lake Onega, admire the beautiful landscapes of nature reserves and natural parks.
The magnificent nature of Karelia, which gives not only peace and relaxation, but also healing, has long attracted people. It was here that Peter I founded the first resort in Russia - "Marcial Waters" (1718). Also in the 18th century, the oldest marble quarries in Russia were discovered here. Karelian marble was used to create many architectural masterpieces of St. Petersburg, including St. Isaac's and Kazan's Cathedrals.
Today, the economy of Karelia is mainly the extraction and processing of natural resources: woodworking, pulp and paper industry, metallurgy, development of mineral deposits. The four northernmost districts of the republic have the status of territories of the Far North, which gives benefits to people living there.
Geographic location. Karelia is located in the northwestern part of Russia, on the border with Finland. To the south of it are the Leningrad and Vologda regions, to the east - the Arkhangelsk region. Part of the eastern territory of Karelia is washed by the harsh White Sea. In the north, the Murmansk region borders on Karelia.
The Republic of Karelia is part of the Northwestern Federal District.
Karelia is a country of lakes. There are 60 thousand of them here. The largest freshwater lake in Europe is Ladoga. It is located in the south of Karelia. Another large lake is Onega. Of the 27 thousand rivers of Karelia, the largest are Vodla, Kem, Onda, Unga, Chirga-Kem.
Mount Vottovaara is one of the most mystical places in Karelia. Photo by Maria Kuzovova
The relief of Karelia is predominantly flat, and the highest mountain in the republic (Nuorrunen) has a height of only 576 meters.
Population. In 2012, 636,932 people lived in Karelia. The population density here is low - 3.53 people. per sq. km. If we look at the dynamics of the population of this northern region, we will see that it peaked at the beginning of the 90s of the last century (approximately 791 thousand people). But when economic difficulties began after the collapse of the USSR, people began to move to where it was warmer and more money.
They live here mainly in cities. The share of the rural population is 22%. Unlike the central regions of the European part of Russia, in Karelia the birth rate is almost equal to the death rate. The natural decline in the population is -2.8 people. per 1000 inhabitants.
According to the national composition, the predominant part of the population is Russians (78.88%). Karelians are the second largest (7.08). By the way, about Karelians. This Finno-Ugric people, known from the chronicles of the Novgorodians, lives mainly in Russia (60,000 people), and a small part (12,000 people) lives in Finland.
Crime. Unfortunately, the Republic of Karelia occupies a very high place in the criminal rating of regions - 7th. For some reason, some residents of the republic do not want to earn honestly, and they are trying to raise money in ways that are alternative to honest ones. In the summary of the criminal chronicle of Karelia, one can find many cases of fraud, robbery, theft, and domestic murders. In general, it is difficult to find or imagine such a crime that would not have happened here. To be fair, it should be noted that the majority of crimes are committed not in Petrozavodsk, but in other settlements of the republic.
There is also ethnic crime here. One has only to recall the events of 2006 in Kondopoga, when the local people rebelled, unable to withstand the lawlessness of visiting Chechens. Only the arrival of additional forces of the Petrozavodsk riot police, and the flight from the city of a large number of "persons of Caucasian nationality" could calm the unrest.
Unemployment rate in the Republic of Karelia in 2012 was equal to 6.99%, which is higher than the national average. The average salary in Karelia is about 25 thousand rubles a month. For the NWFD region, this is an average level. Although in the southern regions (Pskov, Vologda) they get less, compared to some northern regions (Komi, Nenets Autonomous Okrug) - this is just ridiculous money. On the other hand, only 4 northern regions of the republic have the status of the territories of the Far North, and there are no large oil or gas fields where people would be paid big money.
Real estate value. In Petrozavodsk, prices for one-room apartments on the secondary market fluctuate between 1.4 and 2 million rubles. The price for "dvushki" starts from 1.8 million rubles. Prices for some three-room apartments in new elite houses can even reach 7 million rubles, but if you wish, you can also find very cheap options in the region of 2.5 million rubles. As for new buildings, one-room apartments are sold in them for 1.8-1.9 million rubles.
Climate. The location of Karelia in northern latitudes, between the Gulf of Finland and the White Sea, determines its climate. It is temperate continental, with a transition to the sea. Summer here is short and cool, even in July the temperature rarely breaks the mark of +20°C. In winter, frosts fluctuate around the mark of 10-12 degrees below zero. Spring comes late, in April-May. Most of the days of the year are cloudy, and the average annual rainfall is 550-600 mm.
Cities of the Republic of Karelia
(population - 269 thousand people) - the capital and largest city of Karelia, located on the shores of Lake Onega. The city got its name in honor of the arms factory founded here in 1703 by Peter I. Soon the small town turned into a powerful fortress. Now it is the most important commercial, industrial and scientific center in the north of Russia. Of the advantages, we note the infrastructure, ecology, nature. Of the minuses - a cold, rainy climate.
Karelia is an amazingly beautiful region, which has long become a coveted place of pilgrimage for many tourists from all over the world. They are attracted not only by magnificent landscapes, but also by architecture, as well as the sights of cities, unique and homely. Let's talk about them.
Large cities of Karelia: list
In total, there are 13 cities in Karelia with a relatively low population density. The list is headed by the capital of the region - Petrozavodsk, which is located on the shores of Lake Onega and occupies 135 square meters. km.
It begins long before 1777, when a small village became a city. The heyday came from the time of Peter the Great, by whose decree an arms factory was erected on the banks of the Onega. Picturesque lakes within the city, an abundance of museums, including the famous island of Kizhi, art galleries make the city amazing and unique. Here begin the most tempting tourist routes. capitals - 277.1 thousand people
The second largest city (31.2 thousand people) is a fairly young city Kondopoga(1938), located not far from the capital. Mentions of the first settlements in these places date back to the 15th century, and marble deposits have been discovered here since the 40s of the twentieth century. Unusual belfries - Dutch carillon bells - give a special flavor to the city.
Cities of Karelia
The list will continue Kostomuksha - a city with a population of 29.5 thousand people, formed in 1983 on the site of an old village of the same name. Kostomuksha is located on the shores of Lake Kostomuksha, and the mining and processing enterprise "Karelsky Okatysh" became the city-forming enterprise.
Another city that arose in 1943 and forms the Segezha urban settlement is Segezha with a population of 27.5 thousand people. Its location is Lake Vygozero, 267 km from Petrozavodsk.
Small but wonderful cities of Karelia are beautiful and attractive, the list of which is presented below:
Sortalava, included in the list of historical cities of Russia, was founded in 1632. Number - 18.7 thousand people. Sortalava is the second tourist center after the capital of the republic. This is the starting point of water routes to the famous Valaam.
Medvezhyegorsk - a city with a population of 14.5 thousand people, located 152 km from Petrozavodsk, was formed as a settlement for the builders of the railway to the bays of the Barents Sea. It was recognized as a city in 1938.
The ancient Kem, located on and founded in 1785, and earlier the former volost posadnitsy, was donated in 1450 to the Solovetsky Monastery. Today the population of the town is 11.8 thousand people.
small towns
The smallest formations include the following cities of Karelia (list):
Pitkyaranta (1940) - a settlement with 10.7 thousand inhabitants;
Belomorsk (1938) - 10.1 thousand people;
Suoyarvi (1940) - 9.1 thousand people;
Pudozh (1785) - 9.2 thousand people;
Olonets (1649) - 8.2 thousand people;
Lakhdenpokhya (1945) - 7.5 thousand people.
The cities of Karelia, the list of which we have presented, are unique and amazing. All of them - both ancient and newly emerged - leave a wonderful mark on the soul and make you return to Karelia again and again.
The Republic of Karelia in the north of Russia is attractive for tourists with monuments of archeology, history and culture, pristine nature and low population density. There are 13 cities and about 800 towns and villages in the republic. The population of Karelia is 618 thousand people. About 80% are city dwellers. A third of them live in the capital, Petrozavodsk.
Also, large cities and tourist centers include Kostomuksha, Kondopoga, Olonets, Sortavala. Some of them trace their history back to the Middle Ages, and such cities as Sortavala, Kem, Olonets, Petrozavodsk have the status of historical Russian cities. A well-known tourist route connecting Russia, Finland, Sweden and Norway passes through several settlements of Karelia. It's called the Blue Road.
The largest cities in Karelia
List of the largest cities in the region by population.
1. Petrozavodsk
By decree of Peter the Great, it was founded in 1703. The capital and the only major city in Karelia. Located on Lake Onega. It has access to 5 seas thanks to a system of canals and rivers. There are many lakes and springs within the city. Onega embankment with a park of modern sculptures, Kamenny Bor, Krestovozdvizhensky and Alexander Nevsky cathedrals are attractive for tourists. It was given the status of a city of military glory and a historical city.
The population is 279 thousand people.
2. Kondopoga
It is located 46 km from Petrozavodsk, on Lake Onega. First mentioned in 1495. In the 18th century deposits of marble and ore were discovered. In 1929, a hydroelectric power station was built. City status was granted in 1938. In 2001, the Ice Palace was opened - the only one in Karelia. In the vicinity is the Kivach waterfall and the Marcial Waters resort. The city sights include two carillons, for 18 and 23 bells.
The population is 30 thousand people.
3. Kostomuksha
The city is 30 km from the Russian-Finnish border. The history dates back to the 70s of the last century, when the development of a new ore deposit and the construction of the GOK began. In the status of a city - since 1983. The main attractions are the Kostomuksha Nature Reserve, the Kalevalsky National Park, ethnic villages famous for the art of rune singing. Every year the city hosts festivals of chamber and rock music, author's songs.
The population is 29 thousand people.
4. Segezha
City on the river of the same name, near Vygozero. The name translates as "light, pure." It was founded in 1914 as a small railway station on the Murmansk road. In 1943 it was given the status of a city. Since the 1930s, a plant producing paper containers has been operating in Segezha - a city-forming enterprise. Tourists are attracted by the waterfall "Voitsky Padun", an archeological monument - the village of Nadvoitsy, the Museum Center.
The population is 26 thousand people.
5. Sortavala
It was founded by the Swedes in 1632, although the settlement of the Karelians existed on this site as early as the 12th century. Until 1918 - Serdobol. Until 1940 - part of Finland. Located on Lake Ladoga. The only city in Karelia with surviving ancient buildings. In the list of historical cities. Of interest are the Ladoga Museum, the modern gallery of Kronid Gogolev, a wood carver, and the natural park Ruskeala. 40 km - the island of Valaam.
The population is 18 thousand people.
6. Medvezhyegorsk
City on the coast of Lake Onega. It was established in 1916 as a village near the railway under construction. Until 1938 it was called Medvezhya Gora. The railway station is still called that today. In the 1930s, the building management of the White Sea Canal was located here, 3 camps for prisoners were created. 15 km away is the Sandarmokh tract - the former place of execution of prisoners. The region is famous for its shungite deposits.
The population is 14 thousand people.
7. Kem
The name translates as "Big River". It was founded in the XIV century. It received city status in 1785. Located on the Kem River. Attractive for tourists by the Kemsky skerries - a group of rocky sea islands. Among the valuable monuments of architecture are the Assumption Cathedral, built 3 centuries ago from wood, and the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the beginning of the last century. The museum "Pomorye" was opened in the building of the former treasury.
The population is 11 thousand people.
8. Pitkyaranta
Until 1940 it was part of Finland. In the same year it was given the status of a city. The name translates as "Long Shore". Located on Lake Ladoga. Founded in the 15th century. It developed rapidly in the 19th century after the discovery of ore deposits. It is famous for the beauty of the Ladoga skerries, the Uksa esker ridge, the Yukankoski waterfall - the highest in Karelia. Of interest are fragments of the Mannerheim line, the local history museum.
The population is 10 thousand people.
9. Belomorsk
It is located on the White Sea coast, at the mouth of the Vyg River. The first mention is in 1419. In 1938 it was given the status of a city. Large railway junction and sea port. Part of the White Sea-Baltic Canal. Popular water tourism along the rivers Shuya, Okhta, Suma. The main attraction is the Neolithic petroglyphs. There are many monuments and memorials of the Soviet period in the city. Nearby are the Solovetsky Islands.
The population is 9600 people.
10. Suoyarvi
It was founded in the 16th century. It is located on the coast of the lake of the same name. The name translated from Finnish means "Swamp Lake". Until 1940 it was part of Finland. Railway junction. In the vicinity is the natural reserve Talvojärvi with an extensive network of lakes and swamps. Historical objects include the building of the railway station at the Kaipa station and the building of the House of Creativity built in the 1920s.
The population is 8900 people.
