Peterhof
Петергоф
Peter the Great’s “Russian Versailles” on the Gulf of Finland, with the Grand Cascade of 64 fountains and more than 200 gilded statues. From May to October you can take a hydrofoil directly from the Winter Palace.
Peterhof sits on the south shore of the Gulf of Finland, 30 km west of Saint Petersburg. Peter the Great began building this summer palace in 1714 as a rival to Versailles. It was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1990. The centrepiece is the Grand Cascade in front of the Grand Palace. Water falls down from the palace terrace through 64 fountains, 37 gilded statues and the central Samson Fountain, which shows Samson tearing open a lion’s jaws and commemorates the 1709 victory at Poltava. The water is carried 22 km through gravity-fed channels from higher ground, so no pumps are needed.
The Lower Park stretches along the shore. Its features include the Adam and Eve Fountain, the Golden Mountain, the Chessboard Hill, the Roman Fountain, and Peter’s “Trick Fountains,” which spray water unexpectedly from benches and paths. Children love them most. On the seafront, the small Monplaisir Palace was Peter’s favourite residence. Marly Palace and the Hermitage Pavilion can also be visited.
Inside the Grand Palace, about 30 rooms, including the Ballroom, the Throne Room and the Chinese Cabinet, require a separate ticket and have limited entry. In summer they are usually open to individual visitors only at certain times.
Tickets in 2025: the Lower Park fountains cost about RUB 1,000–1,500 for foreigners in the fountain season. The Grand Palace costs about RUB 1,000 extra. The Upper Park is free.
Getting there: from May to October, take the Meteor hydrofoil from the embankment in front of the Winter Palace. The trip takes about 35 minutes and costs roughly RUB 1,500–2,000 one way. It is the most romantic option. Alternatively, take the metro to Avtovo station, then the K-424 minibus, which takes about 40 minutes and costs about RUB 100. You can also take a suburban train from Baltic Station to Novy Peterhof, then walk for 20 minutes.
The fountains switch on with music at 11:00 every day, so arrive at the Grand Cascade by 10:30 to get a good spot. Allow 4–5 hours for the visit. It often rains in the park, so bring rain gear.
Opening hours
Lower Park 09:00–20:00 (fountains 11:00–18:00, late Apr–mid Oct); Grand Palace 10:30–18:00, closed Mon
Nearby sights
- Oranienbaum Palace & Park
- Kronstadt Naval Cathedral
- Lakhta Center
- Avtovo Station
- Gatchina Palace
- New Holland Island
- Mariinsky Theatre
- Yusupov Palace on the Moika