Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in Saint Petersburg, Russia

1. Petrodvorets (Peterhof)

A beautiful palace and park complex built by Peter the Great on the Baltic Sea coast.

Proximity to St. Petersburg: Easily accessible by hydrofoil or train, only a 45-minute ride from downtown.
Historical Significance: A UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Russian Baroque and Empire architecture.
Stunning Fountains: More than 170 fountains, operating only during summer, making it a breathtaking spectacle.

A royal residence and estate complex where Catherine Palace and Alexander Palace are located.

Largest Amber Room: The world-famous Amber Room is the largest and most famous of its kind.
Easy Day Trip from St. Petersburg: A short train ride away, making it an excellent choice for a weekend getaway.
Ornate Architecture: Baroque and Neoclassical styles blend beautifully in the grandeur of Catherine Palace.

A palace built by Catherine II, modeled after the German Castle of Bayreuth.

Unique Architectural Style: Unlike any other palace in St. Petersburg, it features a German castle-style.
Historical Art Collection: The museum has an impressive collection of European paintings and sculptures.
Surrounding Parks and Gardens: A vast park complex with numerous fountains, pavilions, and a forest church.

A naval town on Kotlin Island in the Gulf of Finland, known for its rich maritime history.

Marine Museum: Houses a vast collection of naval artifacts and ships.
Historical Fortifications: Well-preserved fortresses offer insights into Russia's military past.
Fresh Seafood: Enjoy fresh seafood in the town's many restaurants, particularly sturgeon caviar.

An impressive medieval castle located in Vyborg, Finland (part of the Russian Federation).

Cross-border Attraction: Unique in being part of both Russia and Finland.
Medieval History: A well-preserved example of medieval Swedish architecture.
Surrounding Town: Vyborg town offers charming wooden houses and a vibrant local culture.

A small town in the Karelia region of Finland (part of the Russian Federation).

Kizhi Open-Air Museum: Showcases wooden churches and windmills, a living testament to ancient architecture.
Natural Beauty: Surrounded by lakes and forests, offering breathtaking landscapes.
Cross-border Attraction: Another unique destination that straddles the Russian-Finnish border.

The museum located at Alexander Pushkin's estate in Repino.

Literary Heritage: Honors the life and work of Russia's most famous poet, Alexander Pushkin.
Serene Setting: Set in a quiet seaside village, providing a peaceful retreat from city life.
Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

A picturesque town on the Ladozhsky Lake known for its wooden architecture.

Wooden Architecture: Preserves traditional Russian wooden houses and churches.
Natural Beauty: Surrounded by stunning lakes, forests, and wildlife.
Historical Significance: A part of the historical Pskov-Pechora-Zaraysk monastic lands.

A coastal town near St. Petersburg with a charming fishing village atmosphere.

Fishing Village Ambiance: Offers a relaxing, laid-back atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional fishing village.
Natural Beauty: Surrounded by scenic forests and coastline, perfect for hiking and photography.
Fresh Seafood: Enjoy delicious seafood cuisine, particularly sturgeon caviar.

A town known for the Holy Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius and its railroad manufacturing plant.

Orthodox Monastery: One of Russia's most significant Orthodox monasteries.
Industrial History: Tikhvin's railroad manufacturing plant is a testament to Soviet-era engineering.
Natural Beauty: Surrounded by forests and lakes, offering tranquil escapes for nature lovers.

A seaside resort town known for its mineral water springs and sandy beaches.

Health Spa: Offers various health and wellness treatments using mineral-rich waters.
Seaside Atmosphere: Enjoy the relaxed, beachfront vibe perfect for a weekend getaway.
Scenic Coastline: Boasts beautiful coastal scenery and sandy beaches.

A unique architectural monument and a maternity hospital in Lomonosov.

Historical Architecture: An impressive example of Art Nouveau architecture.
Medical Tourism: Offers advanced prenatal care and childbirth services for expecting mothers.
Architectural Preservation: A monument of federal importance, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

An ancient city with a rich history and numerous historical landmarks.

Historical Landmarks: Features the St. Sophia Cathedral, Yaroslav's Court, and Millennium of Russia Monument.
Cultural Significance: A key center of Russian Orthodoxy and one of Russia's oldest cities.
Natural Beauty: Surrounded by the Volkhov River, offering scenic views and boat tours.

An ancient town with a fortress overlooking the Narva River.

Historical Fortress: Boasts one of Russia's oldest stone fortifications.
Cultural Significance: A crucial defensive stronghold in the region for over a millennium.
Natural Beauty: Surrounded by picturesque forests and rivers, offering stunning vistas.

An amusement park located near the town of Lomonosov.

Family-friendly Attraction: Offers a variety of rides, shows, and attractions for all ages.
Nature and Leisure: Includes a water park, zoo, and hiking trails within the surrounding forest.
Easy Day Trip from St. Petersburg: A short train ride away, making it an excellent choice for a fun-filled weekend.