A curious route with interactive entertainment for the whole family. We will go to Vyborg, founded by Swedish crusaders, to walk around the most European city of our country and be a little knightly in a real castle. On the second day we will turn from knights into Vikings in medieval Svargas and plunge into their life. We'll finish our journey in a relaxing atmosphere on the lake shore.
We have a busy day in atmospheric Vyborg. We will enjoy the legendary pretzel in a visit to a red cat, wear knight's armor in the Vyborg castle, explore the mysterious park "Monrepo". For dessert - a walk along the waterfront and a photo at sunset by the Vikings' drakkars.
On the way to Vyborg we will make a short but important stop at the 135 km long Mannerheim Line defensive structures hidden in the forests of the Karelian Isthmus. Fierce battles took place in these places during the Soviet-Finnish "Winter" War.
Well, we're in Vyborg! Let's start with a tasting of the pretzel of the same name, the recipe of which has come to us from the Franciscan monks themselves. Let's look into a cozy shop of souvenirs of local masters and in combination with a cafe with a redheaded owner - a cat Kuzma Voldemarovich, who maybe will even keep us company over a cup of coffee. For a note: at the shop you can book an individual tour of the city.
We are visiting the oldest square in Vyborg, which, by the way, has not changed externally since the 17th century. A photo in memory of the founder of the Vyborg Castle, Swedish Marshal Torgils Knuttson, and we actually go to the castle.
Here it is, the main attraction of the city - the castle, founded by the Swedes in the 13th century. Curious fact - this is the only castle on the water in Russia! In addition, it is also fully preserved despite numerous sieges. Men try on exact copies of medieval armor, ladies - dresses of those times in the Knight's Hall. We continue in the courtyard, shooting with archery or crossbow. If you are lucky enough to be here during the last weekend of July, you can take part in a major annual knight tournament. Important: the lock is closed on Mondays.
It's time to eat in an atmospheric tavern, as befitting a real hungry knight. The place is really very authentic, from the dishes on offer to the burning candles around and the waiters in antique costumes. Get ready for the popularity of the restaurant, and to us at the table, as in the old days, someone else can get hooked.
We go in search of peace and inspiration to the island of Tverdysh, in the picturesque park of Montrepo (translated from Fr. Mon Repos - "my peace"). The park is known for its unique granite landscape. Once upon a time there was a glacier that suffered several earthquakes. We can take a walk in the park by ourselves or with a guide. The "Amazing Nature of Montrepo" tour (1.5 hours) is suitable for families with children. More information can be found on the park's official website. Important: the Montrepo Park is under partial reconstruction until the autumn of 2020. It is possible that some areas of the park will be closed.
Vyborg Castle in presets is especially good. We will see it for ourselves by walking along the quay and looking at it from a new perspective. Let's stop at the Viking drakkars - the 24-meter ships that got Vyborg after the filming of "And on the rocks grow trees", and hurry up to the restaurant.
We deserve a hearty dinner. That's exactly what we specialize in here. The emphasis on the meat dishes on the menu, as you can guess from the name. If the weather allows, we can stay on the cozy terrace. The atmosphere of the Middle Ages is spectacular.
Today we will find ourselves in a life-size fortress of the Vikings, and truly plunge into their lives. At the end of the trip we will have an active and pleasant time on the shore of the forest lake. We deserve it!
The day begins with a cup of aromatic coffee combined with freshly baked croissants. Another nice bonus to the previous two is the view of the Round Tower.
We will walk around the Clock Tower, which survived several fires and miraculously survived during the Great Patriotic War. Despite a series of trials and difficult fate, it looks wonderful now, just after restoration. Make sure you capture it!
We finally go to the medieval town of Svargas, an open-air museum. We'll visit the almost real fortress of the Baltic Slavs with you. Not only will we see how the Vikings lived, but we'll also see ourselves as blacksmiths, riders and hunters. Important: the historical and cultural center "Varyazhsky Yard" is open only on Saturdays from 12:30 to 15:00. To arrive on another day, you need to book one of the excursion programs. More detailed information can be found on the official website.
We'll have lunch on the shore of a forest lake. The restaurant's menu includes dishes of Russian and Scandinavian cuisine, as well as "zest" from the chef: stuffed pike, triple ear, hot smoked trout. At the end of the program, our young part of the team can actively spend time in the cottages located right on the trees, jump on trampolines and hang on ropes (in winter, ride on cuddles). Adults can go to the bath in white or black, or spend time in the SPA (prior booking is required).
We will stop at one of the beautiful lakes of the Leningrad region to make a picture in the rays of the sunset in memory of our route.
It's been a long journey, isn't it time for gas? Come to Gazpromneft for quality fuel, coffee and fresh baked goods to prolong the pleasure of the trip.