St Petersburg Hiking Areas

Best Hiking Areas in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, often referred to as the “Venice of the North,” offers a unique blend of urban charm and natural beauty. For hiking enthusiasts, there are several hidden gems that provide tranquil escapes from the bustling city life. Here’s a list of some of the best hiking areas in St. Petersburg:

  1. Pavlovsk Park 🌲🐦

    • Location: Pavlovsk, 25 kilometers south of St. Petersburg
    • Area: ~8 square kilometers
    • Key Features: The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts a beautiful English landscape garden designed by Charles Moreau. It offers various hiking trails with diverse flora and fauna, including many rare species.

  2. Krasnoye Selo 🏞️🌾

    • Location: Krasnoye Selo, 27 kilometers south of St. Petersburg
    • Area: ~60 square kilometers
    • Key Features: This is the location of the famous Catherine Palace and features numerous hiking trails through forests, meadows, and along small rivers. It’s an excellent place for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

  3. Kronstadt 🌊🏞️

    • Location: Kronstadt Island, in the Gulf of Finland, 64 kilometers west of St. Petersburg
    • Area: ~7 square kilometers (for hiking)
    • Key Features: Kronstadt is a historic naval town with beautiful coastal views and a network of trails leading to various attractions such as forts and churches. The area is great for a day trip, combining both history and nature.

  4. Ladoga Skerries 🏞️🌊

    • Location: Onega District, 190 kilometers east of St. Petersburg
    • Area: Varies depending on the chosen hike
    • Key Features: The Ladoga Skerries are a group of islands located in Lake Ladoga, the largest lake in Europe. These islands offer diverse landscapes, from rocky cliffs to lush forests, making them an ideal destination for experienced hikers.

  5. Oredezh Forest 🌲🐺

    • Location: Oredezhskoye Urochishche, 120 kilometers northeast of St. Petersburg
    • Area: ~6 square kilometers
    • Key Features: The forest is home to the rare European brown bear and lynx, as well as various bird species. It offers several hiking trails through dense pine forests with beautiful views of Lake Oredezh.