Acquaintance with Vyborg

On the way to Vyborg we will make a brief but important stop at the 135 km long Mannerheim Line defensive structures, hidden in the forests of the Karelian Isthmus. These are the places where fierce battles took place 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 for which has come down to us from the Franciscan monks themselves.
We are going to visit a cozy souvenir shop of local craftsmen and café with its ginger owner - cat Kuzma Voldemarovich, who will probably even join us for a cup of coffee.
On a side note: in the shop you can book an individual tour around the city.

We will visit the oldest square in Vyborg, which hasn't changed since the 17th century. Photo session with the founder of Vyborg Castle, Swedish Marshal Torgils Knuttson, and then we go to the castle.

Here it is, the main attraction of the city - the castle founded by the Swedes in the 13th century. A curious fact is that it is the only castle on the water in Russia! In addition, it is also completely preserved in spite of numerous sieges.
Men try on exact copies of medieval armor, ladies - the dresses of those times in the Knight's Hall. We continue in the courtyard, shooting with a bow or crossbow.
If we are lucky enough to be here the last weekend of July, we will be able to take part in a large-scale annual knight's tournament.
Important: the castle is closed on Mondays.

It's a good time to eat in an atmospheric tavern, as befits a true hungry knight.
The place is very authentic indeed, from the food on offer to the burning candles all around and the waiters in period costume.

Let's go in search of peace and inspiration to the island of Tverdysh, to the picturesque park of Monrepo (translated from French as Mon Repos - "my peace"). The park is famous for its unique granite landscape. Once there was a glacier that underwent several earthquakes.
You can walk around the park on your own or with a guide. Excursion "The amazing nature of Monrepo" (1,5 hours) is suitable for families with children. More information can be found on the park's official website.

Vyborg Castle is especially beautiful at sunset. You can see it for yourself by walking along the embankment and looking at it from a new perspective.
We'll stop by the Viking drakkar, a 24-metre long ship that Vyborg got after the shooting of the film "And Trees Grow on Stones", and hurry to the restaurant.

We deserve a hearty dinner. That's exactly what they specialize in here. The emphasis is on meat dishes on the menu, as you can guess from the name.

The program is maximally executed for today, we go to rest with calm conscience.