Ruskeala Mountain Park is located near a small village of Ruskeala, 25 kilometers north of Sortavala town and Lake Ladoga.
History of Ruskeala marble quarry
The marble deposit was discovered by Samuel Alopeus in 1765, under the reign of Catherine II. In subsequent years, four varieties of marble were extracted in this area: ash gray, gray-green, white with gray cracks and white-gray-blue.
The extracted marble was used in the construction of architectural ensembles of St. Petersburg in the second half of the eighteenth and mid-nineteenth centuries. In particular, Ruskeala marble can be seen in the decorations of St. Isaac's Cathedral, Kazansky Cathedral and Mikhailovsky Castle.
Marble was mined in open pits and mine galleries. There are currently three quarries located along the left bank of the Tohmajoki River. They are connected by galleries partially flooded with ground water and, thus, you can see ponds surrounded by sheer marble cliffs. In a good day, the ponds are in emerald green colour.
Ruskeala Mountain Park facts
- The Park was opened for visits in 2005.
- In 2019 the “Ruskeala Express” vintage steam train was launched from Sortavala to the Park.
- In the first half of August Ruskeala Park hosts the annual international festival of classical music Ruskeala Symphony.
- During winter when it gets dark early, artistic illumination is turned on.
- Among the facilities of the Park are free parking, four cafes, a souvenir shop and toilets.
- The picturesque Ruskeala Waterfalls are located in the vicinity and a walking trail is built, allowing visitors to enjoy the view of the rapids.
Guided tours & activities
The following tours and activities are available in the Mountain Park.
- “Marble Canyon" guided walk (1.5 km, 1¼ hour) includes the main attraction of the Park – the flooded marble quarry.
- "The Road of Mountain Masters" excursion (2.3 km, 1¾ hour) includes a walk around the flooded quarry and a visit to the Italian quarry.
- The "Underground Ruskeala" tour takes about one hour and includes a visit to the caves.
- Snowmobile safaris (10-25 km, 1-3 hours).
- Rowing boat rental.
- Zip-line, 400 meters long.
- Bungee jumping, 20 meters high.
- Diving services.
- Carriage rides (up to 4 people).
Opening hours
Subject to change, please check the exact timetable before your visit.
- Summer. The territory of the park is open daily from 09:00 to 21:00; excursions are available from 09:00 to 20:00.
- Autumn and winter. From Monday to Thursday and on Sunday, the park is open from 10:00 to 19:00. Tickets and excursions are available from 10:00 to 18:00. On Friday and Saturday, the park is open from 10:00 to 21:00. Tickets and excursions are available from 10:00 to 20:00.
- Spring. From Monday to Thursday and on Sunday, the park is open from 10:00 to 19:00. Tickets and excursions are available from 10:00 to 18:00. Excursion "The Road of the Mountain Masters" is available until 18:30. On Friday and Saturday, the park is open from 10:00 to 21:00. Tickets and excursions are available from 10:00 to 20:00. Excursion "The Road of the Mountain Masters" is available until 19:30.
