St Petersburg Nature Spots

Title: Top Nature Spots to Explore in St. Petersburg

1. Peterhof Lower Park and Garden

  • Location: South of Saint Petersburg
  • Highlights: Fountains, Grand Cascade, Samson Fountain, Marly Waterfall, and various palaces and pavilions.
  • Description: A stunning example of landscape design with over 150 fountains that operate without mechanical equipment during the summer months. The Lower Park offers a serene escape from the bustling city.

2. Pavlovsk Historical and Landscape Museum-Reserve

  • Location: South of Saint Petersburg
  • Highlights: Palace, park, pavilions, and the unique English landscape style garden.
  • Description: Home to the Russian Emperor Paul I, this palace complex features a beautiful park with diverse landscapes, including forests, meadows, and canals.

3. Peter and Paul Fortress

  • Location: Central Saint Petersburg, on Zayachy Island
  • Highlights: Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Trubetskoy Bastion, and the museums within the fortress.
  • Description: Though primarily a historical site, the fortress’s spacious courtyards offer a peaceful retreat amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.

4. The Baltic Sea Coast

  • Location: Northwest of Saint Petersburg
  • Highlights: Beach resorts, coastal forests, and historic villages like Peterhof and Zelenogorsk.
  • Description: The coast provides picturesque landscapes, sandy beaches, and an opportunity to explore charming coastal towns.

5. Kronstadt Town and Krestovsky Island

  • Location: North of Saint Petersburg on Kotlin Island
  • Highlights: Naval Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, fortresses, and the Green Bridge of Petrodvorets.
  • Description: This former naval base offers a variety of parks, forests, and scenic views over the Gulf of Finland.

6. The Botanical Garden of Saint Petersburg

  • Location: Central Saint Petersburg, within the university campus
  • Highlights: Greenhouses, alpine garden, arboretum, and rose garden.
  • Description: Established in 1811, this botanical garden is home to over 14,000 species of plants from around the world.

7. The Dacha District (Lesnoye Poselenie)

  • Location: Western outskirts of Saint Petersburg
  • Highlights: Forested areas with numerous parks and dachas (summer cottages).
  • Description: This sprawling district offers a glimpse into the traditional Russian countryside, with its verdant forests, picturesque streams, and quaint wooden houses.