Do you know how to entertain yourself this weekend? Embark on an unforgettable adventure in a city that has long been under Swedish and Finnish influence. It contains many legends, mysteries, contradictions and stories of that time. It fascinates from the first seconds with its unique atmosphere and architectural diversity. Walking along these narrow streets, visiting cafes and museums of Vyborg, you forget that it is the XXI century. It seems that this place, every corner of which is saturated with history, is a portal to the Middle Ages. Route developed with the support of [Volkswagen Caddy](https://www.volkswagen-commercial.ru/ru/model-overview/caddy.html?utm_source=Caddy&utm_medium=cpm&utm_content=Caddy&utm_campaign=LCV_Road_Travel&tc=oa-LCV_Road_Travel-Caddy-cpm-Keyword_Caddy-banner).
Today you have to go to a city with a centuries-old history - Vyborg. The city, founded in 1293, has something to show and surprise. The adventure begins at the entrance to Vyborgsky district in the village of Ilyichevo, where the museum-reserve "Yalkala" is located. A little further away is the amazing historical and ethnographic museum, designed as a fortress of Baltic Slavs of the early Middle Ages. At the end of the day, you'll have a walk along the waterfront, where you can see drakkars from the film "And Trees Grow on Stones".
In Vyborgsky district in Ilyichevo settlement there is a museum-reserve "Yalkala" with interesting and unusual expositions. We strongly recommend making a stop here. The museum appeared in 1940 and is connected with the name of V.I. Lenin, who hid in these places from the Provisional Government. In 1993, the museum in Ilyichevo was converted into a historical and ethnographic museum-reserve. Especially interesting here is the farmstead of the Parviainen family, where there is an ethnographic monument of the XIX century - an apartment house with preserved household items. On [the website](http://parkmonrepos.org/main) you will find contacts where you can call or write to schedule a visit.
At the entrance to Vyborg, at Cape Otradny, there is the Trongzund fortress, which has not been fully preserved until now. The fortress was founded by Peter I during the Great Northern War to protect it from the Swedish fleet. In 1864 the fortress was rebuilt and was no longer used as a defensive structure. Here you can take a hike through the places where history was created, and climb several buildings, which offer a great view of the Vyborg Bay.
For lunch, have a look at the Tavern, located in the heart of Old Vyborg. It serves dishes prepared according to ancient recipes, and the interior is decorated in medieval style: massive tables, dim lights, earthenware.
Further on you will go to the medieval city "Svargas", which is a historical and ethnographic museum, decorated in life-size as a fortress of Baltic Slavs of the early Middle Ages. For private visitors there are excursion programs "The Life of a Medieval City" and "The Falcon of Vienna". The description of the program, duration and prices look at [site](https://www.swargas.ru/content/programmy1). It's best to visit the museum by appointment. Sign up for a tour [here](https://www.swargas.ru/content/zakaz-programm).
In the evening walk along the embankment in Vyborg, be sure to reach unusual vessels that are located near the hotel "Druzhba". Viking rooks or dragon ships on the quay are a gift to the city from director Stanislav Rostotsky. You can see them in his film "And Trees Grow on Stones".
After a walk along the quay, walk to the market square. You should walk along Vyborg to fully enjoy its unique architecture. The square was formed at the end of XIX century. The combat tower of the medieval Vyborg fortress has been preserved here. Moreover, this is where the main street of the city starts.
For dinner, go to another medieval restaurant in Vyborg with a cozy atmosphere and interesting interior.
Yesterday you looked around Vyborg, today you have to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city. Start the day with a trip to the rocky landscape park "Montrepo", take a sightseeing tour and get to know this place better. Everyone knows about Vyborg pretzel, but not everyone knows the history of its origin. Go to Burger Manor if you want to know.
Early rises, breakfast, and on the road. Visit the favourite place of the citizens and guests of the city - cafe "Mon Pleasant" in the very centre of Vyborg.
You will visit the only rock park in Russia. They come here for inspiration and calmness. From 1788 and for 150 years the park served as an estate owned by Barons von Nicolais. It was they who made this place as we can see it now. In the park you can see the Chinese arched bridges, Rosenthal Valley, Neptune Temple, Ludwigstein Island, Medusa Grotto, Champs-Elysées. We advise you to take a sightseeing tour of the park, where you will learn the history of the park and interesting facts about its creators. More information about the park can be found at [site](http://parkmonrepos.org/main). Sign up for a tour [here](http://parkmonrepos.org/content/obzornaya-istoricheskaya-ekskursiya).
After a walk in the park, go to the main symbol of the city - Vyborski Castle. The famous Olaf Tower is located in the centre of the Vyborg Castle. The observation deck, where you can climb not every day, offers a panoramic view of the Old Town Hall, the ancient low-rise urban development and the Vyborg Bay. More information about the schedule of St. Olaf's Tower in the Vyborg Castle can be found at [site](http://vyborgmuseum.org/).
Further from Castle Island head to Pogonnaya Street, here you will find an architectural monument of XVI-XVIII centuries. Once the estate was owned by rich merchants or artisans. Now it has a proper view, inside there is a charming souvenir shop, where you can buy the main symbol of the city - Vyborg pretzel. In general, the architectural complex of the estate includes two buildings: the House of a rich citizen and Karetnik. The Fun Pretzel Club has been opened in the House of the Rich Townspeople, where historical programs with music, tasting and games are held. Read about the history of Vyborg pretzel and if you want to order a sightseeing program - [here](http://www.vyborg-gid.ru/texts/vagnoe-i-interesnoe/vyborgskii-krendel.html).
For lunch, have a look at a very cozy place near the next attraction. In the menu you will find dishes of traditional Russian cuisine.
It is not a usual sight, but if you want to feel the atmosphere of Vyborg in full, go to the central library of the city. It was built in 1933-1935, designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, and this is its main uniqueness. You can take a tour of the library and learn about the history of this amazing place. You can sign up for the tour [here](http://aalto.vbgcity.ru/node/259).
On the way to Peter stop in Primorsk, here you will see a building that looks like a medieval castle, but in fact it is the Kirch of St. Mary Magdalene, an architectural monument of the early 20th century. It was designed by the Finnish architect Josef Stenbeck. The Primorsky Museum of Local Lore has been located inside the Kirch since 1966. If you're curious about how the kircha looks from the inside now, visit the museum.
To complete this short journey we offer at the restaurant of Mikhail Martynenko's author's cuisine. The institution is located in a very picturesque place, panoramic windows overlook the evergreen forest. In the menu you will find a large selection of fine wines and exotic dishes, a lot of game, European salads and snacks, Mediterranean dishes from seafood and fish.