The vastness of Koltushsky Heights

You don't have to travel hundreds of kilometres to get to the countryside with your family. In just half an hour's drive from the city centre, you'll find yourself in a place where horses walk and sheep graze across endless fields. On the first day there won't be much of a commute. But you will have to do a lot of walking on your own. Be prepared for this!

Just outside the bustling metropolis, a real surprise awaits you - an immersion in the countryside, where a large equestrian sports complex "Venta Arena" stands apart, with its blue roofs visible from afar. The grounds include a hotel, a restaurant, horse stables, and several outdoor and indoor arenas for equestrian sports. This place has all the conditions for holding international level competitions and for family recreation.
Don't forget to sign up in advance!

One of the main places of attraction at Koltushki Heights is the sanctuary of Slavic gods and the "Free Wind" labyrinth. These two sites have ancient roots.
The stone construction is made in the image of classic northern labyrinths, which have survived on the Kola Peninsula. The part of stones of the labyrinth was brought from their northern homeland. Make a wish or ask a question important for you, walk along the twisting stone labyrinth. The wish will come true and the answer will come. It works - it's been tested.

There are three nature trails that range from one to four kilometres in length. Following the signs, you can walk along the most scenic trails and get to the viewpoints. There are stands and signs describing the flora and fauna along the trails.
Feature of this place is that Koltushskaya elevation is elevated relative to surrounding lowlands on 40-50 meters and gives the magnificent view over the surroundings. Even St. Petersburg is visible here!

The eco-trail "Kamovye hills" will take you to one of the local lakes, which is adjacent to a picturesque bog. The territory of Koltushskaya Upland abounds with relict lakes (drained and undrained), small rivers, brooks and bogs that increase the recreational quality of the local landscapes. There are groundwater outlets on the surface in the form of springs, as well as small lakes on the edges of the bogs. There are 7 lakes within the natural monument.

After the observation point by the lake, you can get off the eco-route and return to the open hills. There you will find another interesting angle. One of the viewpoints is on a bluff, which offers a panoramic view of the bog and a cottage village with colourful roofs. There is a swing hanging from one of the trees. This is a famous instagram location, where you get good pictures, especially in the sunset.

After a rich hike through the forests and hills, return to the Venta Arena clubhouse. The central building has a cosy restaurant. On the ground floor its interior has an aristocratic design. The second floor is simpler and looser, with large windows overlooking the main competition arena. Choose the place according to your liking and enjoy your meal!

If your company has had a blast during the day, which is likely to be the case, the rest of the day can be spent on the club grounds.
If you fancy a new adventure, there are a couple of other attractions to explore in the evening. One of them is located in a nearby community. Big Ben Clock was installed to commemorate the 510th anniversary of Koltush Township. They have nothing to do with their "big brother", but they attract the attention of tourists.

Ivan Pavlov himself bathed in the lake; he was a Russian and Soviet scientist, physiologist, vivisector, creator of the science of higher nervous activity and the first Russian Nobel Prize winner.
Nowadays the area around the lake is landscaped and is a popular recreation area for local residents. On the lakeshore there is a fountain, an obelisk with the history of Koltushi, a monument to the dead inhabitants and memorial plaques with the names of countrymen who did not return from the Great Patriotic War.

Follow the picturesque embankment to Pavlovo - "the capital of conditioned reflexes". It was here, on I.P. Pavlov's initiative, that in 1923 a kennel for growing dogs for conducting experiments was organized. Later an entire biostation was built with laboratories, houses for employees, vivariums and an anthropoid - the place where chimpanzees were kept.
The science town is a delightful park with alleys and old buildings. A relaxing stroll through it is ideal for completing the first day of your trip!

This day was very eventful, tomorrow will be even more interesting, but now it's time to go to bed.