The total length of the water channels of St. Petersburg is approximately two hundred kilometers. And this is impressive. River walks along the Neva have become one of the favorite and most entertaining entertainments of tourists, because where, if not on board a boat or a ship, you can truly feel the heartbeat of this beautiful city, where the streets breathe antiquity and the majestic monuments of architecture have frozen forever, and every the courtyard beckons with its secrets.
Venice of the North
St. Petersburg has long been considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world: famous palaces and museums, monuments and architectural ensembles. But its splendor cannot be imagined without bridges and canals, embankments and, of course, rivers. The main water artery of the city is the majestic and wide Neva with its branches.
There are more than 70 rivers, canals and channels in St. Petersburg. All of them are very different: quiet, stormy, winding. Urban architecture and the surrounding water space are inseparable, they form an integral, unified ensemble. More than three hundred bridges stretched over the canals and rivers of St. Petersburg: stone and steel, movable and suspended. Their splendor and diversity surroundscity of special romantic beauty. For this, St. Petersburg is called the Venice of the North.
Beauty Neva
Neva is one of the largest rivers in the northwestern part of Russia. It was on it that a beautiful and majestic city, now called St. Petersburg, was founded more than three hundred years ago. And this river is truly unique. Despite its small length - about 74 kilometers - it carries the same amount of water as the Don and the Dnieper together. The Neva is the only river that flows out of Lake Ladoga. The following cities are located on its banks: Kirovsk, Otradnoye, Shlisselburg and St. Petersburg.
Its name is also interesting. According to one version, it means "new river". According to another, the name comes from the Finnish word meaning "deep swamp". And there are as many sights on its banks as, perhaps, not a single river in the world has ever seen. Therefore, boat trips along the Neva have long been a favorite leisure activity for citizens and travelers.
River trips
Today, many different companies offer their customers the most varied and exciting river trips. An abundance of routes and thematic excursions will allow you not only to have a good time, but also to discover the city, to get to know it from a new perspective.
Walks along the Neva will introduce you to the most outstanding sights, true gems of architecture. Since the founding of the city, famous architects have sought to build their creations along the rivers, which is why there are so many beautiful palacesadorn the shores. Fascinating excursions along the Neva will tell you about the temples, monuments and history of the Northern capital. Exciting daytime walks and romantic nighttime ones. Among the many exciting routes, everyone can find something of their own. You can go on a boat trip on your own - most of the berths are located in the central part of the city, so it will not be difficult to get your bearings.
Boat trips
One of the most comfortable types of water transport for a walk along the Neva is a motor ship. Riding it is completely safe and very comfortable. Travel companies offer boats that have everything you might need on the way. And also - at the request of tourists - a walk can be accompanied by an orchestra. Under magical live music, the beauty of the city will become even more tangible. Professional guides work on the ships, who will not let anyone get bored. And if the weather suddenly deteriorates, the panoramic roof will give you the opportunity to enjoy the views of St. Petersburg in warmth and comfort.
And you can also hold a buffet table or a fun corporate party on the ship. The spacious deck and cozy lounges allow you to do this with maximum comfort. Therefore, a boat trip along the Neva is one of the best options for a river holiday.
Across the Neva by boat
But the ship is not the only opportunity to ride on the river. In addition, some channels and channels are not wide enough. Boat trips along the Neva are an excellent option. Fast and nimble, it will easily get to those places that are inaccessible to a massive ship.
A boat trip is a favorite form of recreation not only for tourists, but also for the citizens themselves. She is able to make any evening unforgettable and bright. Therefore, more and more people choose exciting boat trips along the Neva for a romantic date, corporate holiday or just an interesting vacation with friends or family.
River tram
A ride on the river bus will bring a truly unforgettable experience. Tours depart from many piers located around the city, so finding the right one will not be difficult. It should be noted that such walks are not held all year round, but only in the warm season. They start in April and end in October. Trams leave as the transport fills up or according to a schedule. The tour lasts about one and a half hours. A warm blanket is offered to everyone, because even in summer a cool wind is possible on the river.
Night romance
Those who are in St. Petersburg for the first time should definitely take a night boat trip. This city is delightfully beautiful in daylight, but at night it becomes special. Mysterious sculptures, the magic of city lights, carved railings of bridges hiding in the darkness.
Night walks along the Neva are truly an unforgettable experience. Therefore, they always remain popular. Especially among couples in love. After all, what could be more romantic than ardentrecognition or marriage proposal under the quiet rustle of the Neva in the twilight of the night city. In addition, only at this time of day you can admire the drawing of bridges - one of the most exciting sights in St. Petersburg.
And we must not forget about the true symbol of the city - white nights. They are repeatedly sung by writers, depicted on the immortal canvases of famous painters. Only at the beginning of summer can one witness a unique phenomenon, when the skies glow with a soft light, and a soft pastel haze reigns over the endless water surface. River walks are especially beautiful at this time.
Bridge drawing
As mentioned above, there are about three hundred bridges in St. Petersburg. Some of them are regularly bred. This is due to the fact that they serve not only for automobile and pedestrian traffic, but also for shipping. And modern motor ships cannot pass under the ancient bridge, so they have a lifting part, which opens during breeding to let the ships through.
The beginning of navigation along the Neva falls on April and ends in November, respectively, and the drawing of bridges can be seen just at this time. It is produced on a strict schedule. Interestingly, bridges are always drawn at night. An exception is made only for public holidays - then this spectacle can be admired during the day.
Most often, drawn bridges are observed in the central part of the city. The most famous of them is the Palace. Many travel companies offer clients special excursions. On themyou can sail on a boat under the seven majestic bridges at the time of their breeding. And all this with solemn live music.
This night walk is the best thing you can think of for those who still believe in miracles. However, once in St. Petersburg, everyone falls under the influence of this amazing city and becomes a little romantic.
Gulf of Finland
No matter how beautiful St. Petersburg is, walking along the Neva within the city is by no means the only thing that travel companies can offer guests. The surrounding area is no less interesting.
Some travel companies offer their clients river walks along the Neva with a trip to the Gulf of Finland. This is a longer tour, it lasts about two hours. During this time, you can admire the Northern Islands, the majestic panorama of the Gulf of Finland and see the beauty of St. Petersburg in a new way. And, of course, not a single trip to the Northern capital is complete without a visit to the grand royal residence - Peterhof.
The beauty of Peterhof
One of the most popular places not only in the city, but also in the country is considered to be Peterhof. Therefore, its visit is one of the mandatory points of the cultural program of every guest of Northern Venice.
The founder of this grand residence was Peter I. Peterhof is located on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland, at a distance of 29 kilometers from the city. Within its boundaries there are several palace and park ensembles, many priceless masterpieces of architecture, and the real glory to himbrought numerous fountains.
You can get to Peterhof in different ways, but perhaps the most exciting will be a water trip through the Gulf of Finland. In addition, it will not only be a boat trip, but also an opportunity to see the most beautiful sights of St. Petersburg from an unusual angle.
Price of excursions
Perhaps the very first thing a tourist who has arrived in St. Petersburg should do is a walk along the Neva. Prices for this pleasure are quite affordable. They vary depending on the company, as well as the duration of the walk and additional services. But in general, we can say that the cost of a river trip on a sightseeing boat starts at about five hundred rubles per person. For privileged categories, it is reduced. So, a family ticket can be bought for 1100 rubles. Night walks along the Neva are somewhat more expensive - from 750 rubles per person. Those who wish to organize an individual tour will have to fork out - their cost is much higher, depending on the package of services and the route.
In any case, each of the existing routes is beautiful and amazing in its own way. Of course, it is better not to limit yourself to one excursion, because each of them exposes only one facet of this extraordinary city. To understand its soul, you need to spend a lot of time here: to feel the silent grandeur of the old palaces and temples, to stand on the embankment, breathing in the unique river air, to feel the romance of St. Petersburg at night, driving through the dark waters under the divorced bridge. And walks along the Neva will helptouch the secrets of Northern Venice.
