Karelia, Lake Ladoga & Lake Onega Loop
A self-drive loop from St. Petersburg around Lake Ladoga, connecting Valaam, Ruskeala, and Kizhi Island.
Head north along the west coast of Lake Ladoga to Sortavala, staying for three nights to visit the monastery island and the marble canyon. Then, continue along the north coast to Petrozavodsk to board a boat to Kizhi Island, before returning south via the Kivach Waterfall. With a full day dedicated to both Valaam and Kizhi, the pace is relatively relaxed, though some branch roads are gravel. This route is ideal for repeat visitors who can drive and groups of friends. If you prefer not to drive, you can join local tours, though this will reduce your flexibility.
Ferry services to Valaam and Kizhi operate from approximately May to October and may be cancelled due to strong winds and waves.
Day by day
Day 1 · Heading North Along the West Coast of Lake Ladoga
Korela Fortress, Priozersk → Sortavala & Valaam（Lumivaara Church Ruins、Sortavala Old Town）
Drive from St. Petersburg via Priozersk to Sortavala (approx. 280 km), taking 6 to 7 hours including stops.
Mobile signal is poor in forested areas; download offline maps before departure and keep your fuel tank full.
Stay: Sortavala Centre
Day 2 · Taking a Boat to Valaam Monastery Island
Sortavala & Valaam（Valaam Transfiguration Monastery、St. Nicholas Skete, Valaam、Resurrection & Gethsemane Sketes, Valaam）
Take a hydrofoil from Sortavala Pier to Valaam (approx. 1 hour). Explore the island on foot or by shuttle, returning in the evening.
The monastery has a dress code. Ferry services may be cancelled in rough weather.
Stay: Sortavala Centre
Day 3 · Ruskeala Marble Canyon
Sortavala & Valaam（Ruskeala Mountain Park、Ahvenkoski Waterfalls）
Drive approx. 30 km to the mountain park, or take the retro train (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes). Visit the waterfalls on the return journey.
The retro train schedule varies by season; select Sortavala Station when purchasing tickets.
Stay: Sortavala Centre
Day 4 · Bypassing the North Coast to Petrozavodsk
Sortavala & Valaam（Yukankoski Waterfall (Belye Mosty)） → Petrozavodsk & Kizhi（Onega Embankment）
Drive east along the A121, detour onto a gravel road to see the White Bridges Waterfall, and continue to Petrozavodsk. The entire journey takes approx. 6 hours.
The branch road to the waterfall is approx. 10 km and not fully paved; exercise caution after rain and avoid driving at night.
Stay: Onega Lakeside and River Port
Day 5 · One-Day Trip to the Wooden Churches of Kizhi Island
Petrozavodsk & Kizhi（Kizhi Pogost、Kizhi Open-Air Museum）
Take a hydrofoil from the river terminal to Kizhi Island (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes). Spend 3 to 4 hours on the island before returning.
Book round-trip ferry tickets in advance during peak season. It is windy on the island, so bring a windproof jacket.
Stay: Onega Lakeside and River Port
Day 6 · Southbound via Kivach Waterfall
Petrozavodsk & Kizhi（Kivach Nature Reserve、Marcial Waters）
Depart early for Kivach (approx. 70 km), then head south via Marcial Waters to Lodeynoye Pole. The total distance for the day is approx. 340 km.
Stay: Lodeynoye Pole
Day 7 · Returning to St. Petersburg via Staraya Ladoga
Staraya Ladoga → Saint Petersburg
Drive from Lodeynoye Pole to Staraya Ladoga (approx. 130 km), then continue to St. Petersburg (approx. 125 km). The total driving time is approx. 5 hours.
Traffic entering the city is often heavy on Sunday afternoons; allow extra time for car return and connecting flights.