Russia is such a huge country that most citizens do not even imagine that it is located outside their native region and the most popular holiday destinations. So, often when asked “Where is Karelia?” there are associations with Asian states. Meanwhile, these lands have been considered Russian since the 13th century.
History
The territory of this part of the mainland began to be inhabited by ancient people after the retreat of the glaciers around the 7th century BC. e. The first ethnic formations recorded the annals of the first millennium of our time. Traditionally they are called Finno-Ugric tribes.
As the Slavic cities grew in the Novgorod region, the surrounding area came under the control of new princes. So, they had conflicts with the Karelian nobility and the Swedes for the right to own the territory located beyond the Ladoga and Onega lakes.
In the Russian Empire, data on where Karelia is legally located have repeatedly changed. First, the lands belonged to Novgorod, then to the Ingermanland province (after it was renamed St. Petersburg), then the Olonets province with the central city of Petrozavodsk.
The bulk of the population wereindigenous people who had the right to settle in other territories south of their native places. So, the Karelians lived in the lands of Novgorod, St. Petersburg, Kaluga, Tver, Yaroslavl, Vladimir, Tambov, Vologda, Smolensk. After 1917, where Karelia is now, a labor commune was organized, then transformed into an Autonomous Republic.
Natural we alth
The nature of these lands is very diverse and whimsical. There are lakes, rivers, hills, plains. The mass of cultural monuments attract connoisseurs of art and antiquity, and the shrines are visited by pilgrims in large numbers. It is worth noting where Karelia is located - the north-west of the European part of Russia, not far from the border of the Arctic Circle. This gives color to the inhabitants and settlements.
Rest
It is undeniable that these places are unique in their nature and culture of the people. Guests of the republic find entertainment to their liking. However, spending holidays in the land of rivers and lakes is not very popular among the general population. This situation has developed for many reasons. First of all, these are weather conditions - where the Republic of Karelia is located, summer is short and not too hot. Moreover, the northern part of the land is colder than the southern. In the vicinity of the White Sea and Lake Onega, the warm season begins in early June and ends in early September. Closer to the borders of the Murmansk region, the time frame for summer is compressed by about four weeks.
Those who are not afraid of heavy rains, strong winds and early frosts are waiting for untouchedhuman nature, unique architectural complexes, a rich catch of fish and much more.
Mountains
The key role in the formation of the area is that where Karelia in Russia is located, complete glaciation has repeatedly appeared. In the process of melting and freezing, the water masses created stone and sand chains, hewn rocks and much more.
Among indigenous peoples, mountain formations often had a ritual meaning, and today's hiking trails were laid by ancient people. So, Nuorunen is famous for a huge boulder that lies on three small stones. Vottovaara is a place with a pronounced negative connotation. It is bypassed by local residents and scientists are studying with interest.
The opposite of the designated object is Sampo. Beliefs attribute to ex altation the power of fulfilling desires. Karelia has many myths and legends associated with this mountain, where there are many other objects named after these rocks. Pyainur is located in the north of the republic. This is a pointed snow peak, the foot of which is covered with coniferous forest. It is surrounded by lakes on both sides. Fans of active tourism will enjoy a beautiful view of the mountain itself, its surroundings and magnificent panoramas after the ascent.
Kivakka is also a popular holiday destination in the Republic of Karelia, where there is a hiking trail, the most powerful waterfall in the republic, beautiful nature untouched by man.
Ponds
There are more than 61 thousand lakes in these places. Among them, the largest are Ladoga and Onega. Also, the landscape is cut through by many rivers with various obstacles. Thanks to this, the region is very attractive for tourists who want to navigate the water.
