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.
每日安排
第 1 天 · Heading North Along the West Coast of Lake Ladoga
Korela Fortress, Priozersk → 索爾塔瓦拉·瓦拉姆島（盧米瓦拉教堂遺址、索爾塔瓦拉老城）
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.
住宿：索爾塔瓦拉市中心
第 2 天 · Taking a Boat to Valaam Monastery Island
索爾塔瓦拉·瓦拉姆島（瓦拉姆主顯聖容修道院、瓦拉姆聖尼古拉隱修院、瓦拉姆復活隱修院與客西馬尼隱修院）
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.
住宿：索爾塔瓦拉市中心
第 3 天 · Ruskeala Marble Canyon
索爾塔瓦拉·瓦拉姆島（魯斯克亞拉大理石峽谷山地公園、阿赫文科斯基瀑布（魯斯克亞拉瀑布））
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.
住宿：索爾塔瓦拉市中心
第 4 天 · Bypassing the North Coast to Petrozavodsk
索爾塔瓦拉·瓦拉姆島（尤坎科斯基瀑布（白橋瀑布）） → 彼得羅扎沃茨克（基日島）（奧涅加湖濱步道）
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.
住宿：奧涅加湖濱與河運站
第 5 天 · One-Day Trip to the Wooden Churches of Kizhi Island
彼得羅扎沃茨克（基日島）（基日島木教堂群、基日島露天木建築博物館）
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.
住宿：奧涅加湖濱與河運站
第 6 天 · Southbound via Kivach Waterfall
彼得羅扎沃茨克（基日島）（基瓦奇瀑布自然保護區、馬爾齊亞爾溫泉療養地）
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.
住宿：Lodeynoye Pole
第 7 天 · Returning to St. Petersburg via Staraya Ladoga
Staraya Ladoga → 聖彼得堡
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.