Ruskeala Mountain Park
Горный парк «Рускеала»
An emerald-lake gorge formed in an abandoned marble quarry, with boating and underground grotto tours. It is the most popular attraction in Karelia.
Ruskeala once supplied marble for buildings including St. Isaac's Cathedral in Saint Petersburg. After the quarry pits filled with water, they formed a bright emerald marble gorge, with cliffs and caves surrounding the lake. The park has a lakeside trail, boating, a zipline, and the Ruskeala Underground grotto tour (ticket sold separately). Light shows are held on winter evenings. Ruskeala is about 30 km from Sortavala, reached by the Ruskeala Express train or by car. In peak season, book admission and the underground tour in advance on the official website.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–20:00 (seasonal adjustments)
Nearby sights
- Ahvenkoski Waterfalls
- Mount Paaso Viewpoint
- Vakkosalmi Park
- Museum of Northern Ladoga Region
- Sortavala Old Town
- Ruskeala Express
- Ladoga Skerries National Park
- St. Nicholas Skete, Valaam