Day Trip to Petroglyphs and the White Sea-Baltic Canal

• Included meals: Lunch

At around 08:00 morning, our guide will pick you up in Petrozavodsk for the full day trip to northern Karelia. Our first destination today is the town of Belomorsk. It takes an average of 4h 30m to travel to Belomorsk by car, over a distance of 370 km. A coffee stop is planned en route.

Located on the White Sea coast, Belomorsk was first mentioned in 1419 as a village called Soroka. A short drive around will put in the picture about the town, with many decaying Soviet buildings, a few old wooden houses and St. Zosima and Savvaty of Solovki church located on the picturesque bank of the Vyg River.

After lunch at local café, continue to the White Sea-Baltic Canal, built by the order of Stalin in 1932/33. Learn the story of its construction and observe the 19th lock, where the canal connects with the White Sea.

Following a short car trip and 20-minute walk along the taiga trail we reach the White Sea Petroglyphs site called Zalavruga. Wander around and explore the prehistoric rock art carvings that depict human figures, animals and birds, as well as hunting, sailing and skiing scenes. Together with Onega Lake Petroglyphs, the site was included in UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021.

Visiting Zalavruga is possible when there is no snow, i.e. from May to late October. At any time of the year, we shall not miss visiting the Pavilion. Built in summer 2021 above the ancient rock, the Pavilion allows seeing around 400 well-lightened petroglyphs in warmth and comfort.

After the Pavilion visit, travel back to Petrozavodsk and finish the trip at your hotel at around 22:00.