It is no secret that the nature of the Leningrad region is incredibly interesting and diverse. So we decided to spend a useful weekend, going to her study. First we chose the southwest direction. We will drive along the coast of the Gulf of Finland, stopping in some interesting and fascinating places, and then, after driving to the Pine Forest, we will turn back and go back to St. Petersburg through Gatchina. During the trip we will have mountain climbing, walks to historical places, swimming in the springs, and, of course, have a delicious meal.
Today is planned to be devoted entirely to a small trip along the Gulf of Finland. We will visit the local beaches, as well as some curious and picturesque places to walk.
When we left town, we decided to make our first stop this weekend in the Schunger Forest. The walk here was away from the noise and bustle of the city, we occasionally came across runners or cyclists on the way. After a small picnic in the woods, we moved on.
After passing Peterhof and leaving behind Kronstadt, we decided to make a stop on the shore of the Gulf of Finland on Lebyazhye beach. It wasn't so small anymore, but it didn't overshadow the experience, so after swimming and having a little rest on the sand, we decided to continue our way along the coast to the west.
In the middle of the day they made a small stop in a small cozy cafe near the coast called Polyana. The assortment of dishes here is quite extensive, among this variety we liked smoked trout, as well as pork steak with tomato paste.
In the afternoon we went further along the coast of the Gulf of Finland and, having stopped at Fort Krasnaya Gorka, decided to admire the views from the observation deck, which is located on the Cape of the same name. As it turned out, it is possible to go down to the shore, where there is a small beach, but we have not started swimming.
One of the most interesting places on our way is a fort called the Grey Horse. It is interesting because the famous TV series "Ashes" with Vladimir Mashkov and Yevgeny Mironov starring was once filmed here. It was interesting to walk around the places where the key events of the series were filmed, especially since the nature here is quiet and soothing.
In the evening we have already arrived in Pine Forest and decided to make a stop to have a dinner in a cozy cafe with the original name "Spices&Strast". We tasted kebab loaf here, as well as salmon tartar. We didn't have to wait long for the order, so the local service can also be complimented.
It's a great trip, isn't it? And for it to be dynamic, come to the Gazpromneft filling station, take water and a snack.
Today is the end of our little trip. We decided to diversify it a bit by visiting some historical sights as well as some parks near St. Petersburg.
Waking up early, we went to a small bakery called Bread Manor for breakfast without wasting time. Visitors have a choice of a wide variety of baked goods and homemade desserts. After a hearty breakfast, we headed out into the countryside, taking some delicacies with us on the way.
Not so far from the Pine Forest there is another interesting cultural object - the Kopor Fortress. For a reasonable price you can take a sightseeing tour here. Architectural fragments of XIII-XV centuries have been preserved on the territory. Visitors are offered the services of a guide, who will tell about the history of this place in all colors.
After a tour of the castle, we went further towards the capital. On the way we caught a small village Lopukhinka, where, as we learned, is a regional geological and hydrological monument Radon springs and lakes. Walking around, we were amazed at how clean and clear the water here is, but even in summer the most hardened dare to swim here.
We decided to have lunch in a small golf club restaurant "Gorki". Its room occupies two floors, and from the windows there is a picturesque panorama of golf courses. The menu consists mainly of national and European dishes. For example, we liked turkey liver pate with lingonberry sauce and salmon tartar with guacamole.
Not so far from Gatchina there is another important place - the Duderhof Heights. It is not always a small place, because many people like the views of Lake Duderhof from the observation platforms. And the ascent to the heights was not difficult at all.
Having visited the top of Duderhof heights, we decided to go down and take a short walk on the lake of the same name. There is a good recreation area on the quay, you can swim if you want. The lake is fed by underground keys, so the water here is unusually clean and clear.
At the end of our short journey, we headed for dinner at one of the nearest restaurants called "Nordic". This place specializes in Scandinavian cuisine. Among the many fish dishes we tasted cod liver with avocado, roasted halibut and Danish herring with roasted beet.