Селигер
Seliger is a magical lake country and a popular Central Russian resort located on the Valdai Upland, halfway between Moscow and St. Petersburg. Seliger is usually referred to as a lake, but in reality it is a grandiose hydrosystem made up of endless blue swells and small bodies of water, rivers, large and miniature islands connected by straits and canals. Travelers go to these lands, similar to illustrations to Russian fairy tales, to relax in the bosom of marvelous nature, see curious historical sites, visit holy places associated with the names of famous ascetics.
Video: Seliger
Contents- Highlights
- History of Seliger
- Geography
- Nature
- Climate. Best time to travel
- Attractions and entertainment
- Where to stay
Seliger Lake beaches - Where to eat
- Transportation
- How to get there
Highlights
In the fall it is pleasant to walk in the Seliger forests. At this time of golden colors, transparent silence, mushrooms and berries Seliger is especially dressed up and picturesque. In winter the snowy slopes of the tourist centers are a place for skiers. Skiing trips are also fascinating. You can go on the ice of the lake, on the same places where water routes take place in summer. On a light frost it is good to go out on a skating rink or run along the white surface at the wheel of a snowmobile or in a sleigh pulled by fast horses.
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In spring, at the time of bright sunshine and the first warmth, there is nothing better than sitting on the still firm ice with a fishing rod. That’s where winter and spring come in – a time of ice fishing and successful fishing. In the spring forest it is good to listen to birdsong, wander along the thaw, admire the first flowers.
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All year round on Seliger receive guests tourist centers and campgrounds, club hotels-residences and houses-huts of local residents. Followers of “savages”, who brought Seliger tourist fame back in the Soviet era, still pitch their tents in longtime favorite places. Romantics, who arrived in these lands for the first time, can also set up their camp in one of the favorite places, with the exception of fenced private territories.
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History of Seliger
Geologists have found that Lake Seliger began to form about 20-25 thousand years ago, during the era of climate change on the planet, when the melting of the glacier on the East European Plain began. As the glacier retreated northward, the meltwater released from the ice gradually dammed the valleys, forming a complex and intricate system of lakes.
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People began to settle these lands in the VIII-VII millennia BC – this period dates from the Neolithic site excavated by archaeologists near the village of Konec. Later, tribes of ancient Finns settled on the lake shore and became the first known inhabitants of the Seliger lands. They gave their names to local water bodies and forests, many of which have survived to this day. It is believed that the melodious name of Lake Seliger is of Baltic-Finnish origin and can mean “lake on a hill” or “transparent lake.”
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On Seliger one after another grew slobodskie settlements, whose inhabitants were famous not only as excellent fishermen, but also as skilled craftsmen. Carpenters built reliable and comfortable boats and trading rooks, and tanners made high-quality footwear. A large Ostashkov sloboda was formed on the southern shore of the lake, which received the status of a district town in 1770. By that time about 40 tanneries were operating here, and in the next century Ostashkov leather became famous in Europe: craftsmen presented their products at international exhibitions in Vienna, Paris and German trade cities. The local art school was also famous: skillful Ostashkov painters and carvers were invited to decorate the interiors of palaces in Tsarskoye Selo, Pavlovsk.
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The fame of the first resort on Seliger also belongs to Ostashkov, which in the XIX century was called the Russian version of Baden-Baden. Famous actors, writers, poets, painter Ivan Shishkin and playwright Alexander Ostrovsky vacationed in these parts. Russian geographers were also attracted to these places. The first of them was academician Nikolay Ozeretskovsky, who visited the place back in 1814 and wrote a fascinating book “Journey to Lake Seliger”. Dmitry Anuchin, who is called the father of Russian limnology (lake science), carried out colossal scientific research on Seliger. In 1894-1895, together with his colleagues, he measured the width and depth of reservoirs, current velocities, water temperature fluctuations, collected a lot of valuable data that are still of interest today.
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During the Great Patriotic War, the partisan movement unfolded in the Seliger lands. The history of those years is full of many legendary events. In the post-war years to relax on Seliger began to come to the residents of neighboring regions, and over time this picturesque region has become the Mecca of Soviet “wild” tourism. The favorable conditions were also noted by the participants of a scientific expedition of physicians, who went to Seliger in 1953 and recommended to create a large resort on the lake. High-class, as it was planned, the resort on Seliger never became, but many sanatoriums and rest houses, built in the Soviet era, still receive tourists. In the 90’s on the shores of the lake began to grow cozy, comfortable campgrounds, mini-hotels, and along with the emergence of infrastructural facilities and prices for recreation crept uphill.
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Geography
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Among the largest of Seliger’s plosives – Ostashkovsky (11 km long and 7 km wide), Polnovsky, Berezovsky, Volokhovshinsky, Kravotynsky, Sosnitsky, Vesetsky, Selizharovsky. Many small lakes have long had their own sounding names – Svyatoe, Dolgoe, Black, Beloe, Glubokoe, Stroynoe. Tourists are often confused in toponyms: the same plosso (locals say “plosso”) or lake here can have different names. For example, Ostashkovsky plosse in one village is called City, and in another – Big, lakes Seremo and Glubokoe called Lomsky and Lezhnevsky plosse, and Vesetsky plosse, on the contrary, called a lake or just the bay Veszo.
.The main inland rivers of Seliger are the Polonovka, which connects the Sosnitsky and Kravotninsky plosas, the narrow winding Knyazha and the Nepri – long (5 km) and wide (from 50 to 500 meters), with many islets. The main direction of water flow in these rivers is clearly visible – from north to south. In some places it meets a watercourse coming in the opposite direction, from the south; these areas are full of deep whirlpools that have washed out multi-meter-deep pools. The invisible whirlpool locations hold dangers for kayak rafters. On one of these sections there is an island blown by all winds with a gloomy name “Bandit”. The locals gave it such a name not because dashing people were fishing here, but because of the fact that fishing boats were often thrown on its shore, where the currents of various rafts intersect.
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A little south of Seliger is Lake Sig, which probably used to be one of its glades. Sig is well known to tourists for its gentle coastline, with a natural beach covered with white sand, clear and tasty water.
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Nature
Seliger boasts a rich vegetation. Trees and shrubs on its shores grow more than 60 species, and herbs and flowers – almost 15 times more. The most common are spruce, pine and birch. There are also oak forests, cedar forests, groves of maples, ash, elms and larches. Among shrubs rowan, elderberry, rosehip, birch, hazel, birch bark and cherry dominate. Gifts of nature in the dense Seliger forests can be collected from spring until the inclement fall days.
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There are many wild animals on Seliger. The most prominent representative of the local fauna is the elk, less often you can meet its graceful relative – the European roe deer. The forests are inhabited by foxes, martens, raccoon dogs, hares and ferrets. There are also fur-bearing animals: ermines, weasels, squirrels. Rivers and streams are the habitat of colonies of beavers, minks, otters. In the summer season in the vicinity of marshes, in the thickets of reeds can be seen wild boar trails.
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In the lake region still confidently feels the forest master – brown bear. In summer and fall its traces can be seen on remote sandy roads and trails, along which bears bypass raspberries, dried bogs, where blueberries and bilberries grow.
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With the arrival of summer, the water in the lake warms up quite quickly. Already in June in shallow waters you can swim at +18…+20 ° C. In July and the first half of August, the water temperature in shallow places can be +22 … +23 ° C. For summer rest on Seliger the most favorable period is from the middle of May to the middle of September. And not too suitable for traveling months are November and March – at this time there is a thaw.
.Sights and attractions
In 27 km from Ostashkov, in the ancient village of Kravotyń, which has preserved the ancient layout, see the remarkable Vvedenskaya Church, built in 1791 in the traditional style for local villages. In the village of Zaplavie, located 10 km away, you can see the most beautiful traditional brick houses with wooden mezzanines decorated with skillful carvings. The Trinity Perevalok peninsula, which extends into the lake, is notable for the Trinity Church. Built in the 50s of the XIX century, it stands out against the background of other temples of Seliger with its strict classical architecture.
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It is worth visiting the village of Nikolo-Rozhok, located on the peninsula-hill of the same name. It stands on the site of one of the first settlements on Seliger, here was also the first Christian monastery in these parts. Today here you can see the beautiful Assumption Church, erected in 1768, and capture on the photo magnificent panoramas opening from the top of the hill.
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It is interesting to go to the village of Volgoverhovye, which is 70 km from Ostashkov. Near it is the source of the Volga. In this place, the great river is a touching brook, which is always quite surprising and impressive to tourists. In Volgoverkhovye there is an Orthodox women’s monastery in the name of St. Olga.
.Fans of esotericism head to the village of Khotino, 15 km from Ostashkov. There towers a 22-meter high pyramid of Hunger. In the 90s, similar structures, designed by engineer Alexander Golod, were built all over the country. It was believed that they have a favorable effect on the environment, and in their walls accumulate some unknown to science bioenergy. Here those who wish can buy “charged” water. However, true connoisseurs of healthy and active lifestyle do not need such “doping”, they draw energy by going on hiking, biking, horseback riding tours in the picturesque Seliger surroundings, rafting on winding rivers on kayaks. A number of routes combine rafting on water and hiking on land.
.On the shores of the lake equipped windsurfing stations, kitesurfing, quad bikes, water ski rentals. Most of them are located on the territory of the campgrounds. You can also rent a boat, gear and go fishing. Bear, wild boar, elk hunting is also popular on Seliger. They also hunt birds, mainly pheasants, grouse, grouse and ducks. For this activity you will need a license.
.Where to stay
In the settlements on the shores of Lake Seliger, mainland and island, tourists are offered the widest choice of places for accommodation. Here you can find well-appointed estates for family recreation, cottages for youth companies, cabins for travelers who are fond of fishing. In summer bicycle rides are organized, in winter a ski track is laid. Daily rent of guest houses costs 2000-5200 rubles and more. Many of them have their own pier, the owners provide guests with boats, fishing gear, sports equipment. Unpretentious vacationers can find cheaper housing, but with a minimum of amenities – an outbuilding in the yard of a village house or a room.
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Inexpensive offers overnight accommodation mini-hotel “Sun and Moon” on the shore of Lake Seliger (Rudinskaya St., 2). Double rooms here are rented for 890-990 rubles per day. The hotel has a buffet and a souvenir shop. If desired, you can pay for breakfast – 80 rubles. In 100 meters is a restaurant, in walking distance are located supermarket and city market.
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At the exit from Ostashkov is the hotel “Ashen” (Zagorodnaya Street, 26-B). The first floor houses a cafeteria, a bar and a restaurant popular in the city. Local cooks excellently prepare kebabs and grilled fish. However, tourists write that in the evenings the hotel is noisy: banquets in the institution are often dragged out until late at night, music can be heard throughout the building. The range of prices for a daily stay – from 1667 to 2134 rubles.
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Guests praise the level of service and comfortable conditions for recreation in the complex of residences “Knyazhiy Island” (village Bukhvostovo, 38 km from Ostashkov). There are cottages with 2-4 bedrooms, bathrooms, bathrooms, well-equipped kitchens. A private beach is available. You can rent sports equipment, ATVs, powerful bog boats, hovercrafts, snowmobiles. Organized trips on motor boats to the islands of Lake Seliger, picnics with field cuisine, fishing, hunting. You can order a car trip to the source of the Volga River, a boat trip to the Nilova Desert Monastery. The cost of renting a cottage is 13 000-20 000 rubles per day, plus for breakfast you need to pay 800 rubles extra (optional).
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The eco-hotel “New Ark” surrounded by a garden was recently built in the village of Gorodets, 58 km from Ostashkov. For guests are open 2 restaurants and a bar, working spa complex with several saunas and steam Russian baths. The hotel owns an equipped private beach on the Seliger shore and offers boat and tackle rentals. Vacationers are offered hiking, horseback riding, tennis and volleyball courts. The rooms have TVs, kitchenettes, and refrigerators. The bathrooms have a hairdryer, a set of hygiene products. The cost of living in a room in the main building – 5500 rubles, in separate cottages – from 8000 rubles. Breakfast is paid separately – 400 rubles.
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In the village of Zaborki (29 km from Ostashkov) popular three-story apartments with attic “Favorite pier”. Here are large windows in the entire wall, the basement is covered with natural stone, there is a veranda with a dining area. The building looks elegant and attractive. The four bedrooms have 6 beds and can accommodate additional beds. There is a kitchen, a common living room with a large TV, a bathroom and a toilet. There is a sauna on the first floor and a gazebo with a barbecue in the yard. Bus stop – a five-minute walk. Apartments in the cottage are rented floor by floor, the cost for 2 nights – from 4700 to 10 000 rubles.
.On the edge of the pine forest, at the edge of the village of Veselug are wooden cottages recreation center “Fisherman’s Village”. Cottages are equipped with toilets, bathrooms or showers, kitchenettes. To the beach – 100 meters, there are also arranged berths for boats. The cost of accommodation in cottages – from 2900 to 6300 rubles per day, including three meals a day. A good choice of budget accommodation for recreation you will find in the village of Mogilevo. There are 8 guest estates registered here. Renting a room will cost at least 1000 rubles.
.Romantic tourists come to Seliger with their own tents. Arrange a bivouac is not prohibited in any favored place. But it is much more convenient for a small fee to set up your tent in one of the many campgrounds on a site equipped with a barbecue. The cost of renting one place – about 500 rubles per day. Such bases have parking lots, sell firewood, offer boat rental, fishing tackle, arrange water entertainment, equipped with sports fields.
.Beaches of Lake Seliger
On the shores of Lake Seliger there are many convenient places for swimming. Owners of campgrounds and guest houses in spring sprinkle imported sand on private beaches, put changing cabins, showers, rent day beds, umbrellas, awnings, sports equipment, barbecues and gazebos. In recreation centers built piers, boat rentals, catamarans.
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Good beaches are arranged near camping and campgrounds on the island of Gorodomlya, the most popular of them – “Mayskaya Spit”. This is a long sandbank, going into the lake for 300 meters. By the way, on this island Ivan Shishkin made studies for his famous painting “Morning in a Pine Forest.”
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You will find all conditions for a beach vacation on the islands of Klitschen and Hachen. On many of the other islands, look for the huts of the tourist centers: there are always equipped beaches near them.
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Where to eat
Travelers vacationing at the campgrounds, usually pay full board and eat in the restaurants located on the territory. Those who stay in cottages or rooms with their own kitchens, respectively, cook themselves, buying food in stores, in the markets of district centers or in auto stalls that come to remote villages on certain days. There are supermarkets in Ostashkov. Romantics who prefer to live in tents know well what supplies to take with them and what can be fished in the generous waters of the lake.
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In the summer navigation from the pier Ostashkov several times a day to the island of Gorodomlya runs a pleasure boat. The cost of a ticket is 23 rubles. Here you can also rent a motorboat or a boat. By the way, this type of transportation can be rented in almost every village or at the campground.
.How to get there
As a rule, tourists first get to the regional center – the city of Ostashkov. From there it is convenient to go to recreation centers by buses and boats. The transport network connects the district center with villages where mini-hotels are built, and country cottages scattered on the coast of Seliger and lake islands.
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From the Tushino bus station in Moscow to Ostashkov there are regular direct bus flights. Travel time is 7 hours.
.One of the directions of travel from Moscow to Seliger by rail lies through the town of Bologoye. Two dozen trains departing from the Kursk and Leningrad stations of the capital pass through the station every day. At the station of Bologoye you need to change to an electric train going to Ostashkov. Trains cover the way to the district center in 4 hours. The train schedule is presented on the portal Tutu.ru.
.Another option is to take a train from any city in Russia to Tver. In 500 meters from the railway station, on Kominterna Street, 10, there is a bus station, from where buses run to Ostashkov. Travel time is 4 h. 20 min.
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