The unusual beauty of the Ruskeala Mountain Park is worth visiting Karelia. The marble Canyon and underground caves, created 300 years ago by human hands, have been turned into a monument to nature and the history of mining. I arrived at the Ruskeala Mountain Park on the Ruskeala Express retro train, went on land and underground excursions, took a ride on the lake by ferry. How to get to Ruskeala Park, sightseeing, entertainment, past and present of Ruskeala marble quarries.
How to get to Ruskeala Mountain Park
By train from Moscow without a transfer
The most convenient way to get to the Ruskeala Mountain Park from Moscow is by train 160 without changing trains. In Sortavala, the carriages of train 160 are attached to the Ruskeala Express.
You will not have to get off the train early in the morning to change trains, but you can sleep peacefully and then go to the retro train from your carriage and inspect everything. When buying tickets in one round-trip order, a 20% discount is valid for the return ticket.
By Swallow from St. Petersburg with a transfer to Sortavala
You can get to the Ruskeala Mountain Park by Swallow from St. Petersburg with a transfer to Sortavala station (Railway station). The swallow to Sortavala takes 4 hours, the schedule is docked with the departure of the retro train to the Ruskeala Mountain Park.
How to get to Ruskeala Mountain Park from Sortavala
The best way to get to Ruskeala from Sortavala is to travel by the Ruskeala Express retro train, departing at 10:50 from Sortavala station (Railway station), travel time 1 hour 15 minutes. schedule and tickets
Alternative ways to get to Ruskeala Mountain Park from Sortavala:
- A taxi from Sortavala to the Ruskeala Mountain Park costs about 1000 rubles per car.
- There are no direct buses to the Ruskeala Mountain Park. Buses run from the Sortavala Bus Station and arrive at the Ruskeala-1 stop, which is 2 km from the entrance to the Ruskeala Mountain Park. schedule and tickets
For guests arriving at Ruskeala Mountain Park by car, there are two free parking lots: one at the main entrance and the visitor center, the second is closer to the railway platform.
To Ruskeala from St. Petersburg with a bus tour
You can take a bus tour from St. Petersburg to Ruskeala Park. In addition to the mountain park, you will visit the Korela Fortress in Priozersk, Sortavala, the Akhvenkoski waterfalls and the Lutheran Church.
The address of the Ruskeala Mountain Park
Address: Republic of Karelia, Ruskeala village, 1 Marble street
Ruskeala Express retro train from Sortavala to Ruskeala
The retro steam-powered train “Ruskeala Express” will take you to the Ruskeala Mountain Park in the most spectacular way. This tourist route was opened on June 1, 2019 and immediately became extremely popular.
Tickets for the Ruskeala Express retro train
Retro train tickets are sold on the website, in the mobile application and at any railway ticket office.
Passenger reviews of the Ruskeala Express
Elena N. — February 2023
This is a chance to touch History. And not just look at it as a museum exhibit, but also take a ride inside! The unhurried movement of an ancient steam-powered train, live piano music in the restaurant, champagne (prices are adequate!!!) or ice cream, the harsh beauty of Karelia. A nice bonus is to see how the train changes direction at the terminal station, while all the movement of the train is single—track. The most important bonus is to visit the Ruskeala Mountain Park!
- tripadvisor reviews
Schedule of the Ruskeala Express
The Ruskeala Express retro train runs every day all year round. He leaves for the mountain park from Sortavala at 10:50. This is convenient for those who come to Sortavala by “Swallow” from St. Petersburg. The Ruskeala Express departs back to Sortavala at 17:00 and arrives at 18:10, also under the Swallow.
Additional flights of the Ruskeala Express are introduced on peak demand dates. On the days of the events, a special St. Petersburg – Ruskeala Mountain Park is launched in the park.
Which carriages are on the Ruskeala Express
The Ruskeala Express was modeled after the Nikolaevsky Express of the late XIX — early XX centuries. The steam train horns, the historical shape of the conductors and the interior interiors contribute to the immersion in the atmosphere of that time: green lamps, tasseled curtains, black-and-white photographs, leather armchairs. The retro train consists of 6 cars: 4 seated compartment cars and 2 dining cars.
The dining car on the Ruskeala Express
If you want to sit in the dining car, then hurry up to take seats or buy tickets with meals. Tickets with included meals are sold only in the Old Russian dining car No. 30. Tickets to the Tsar’s dining car No. 3 are not for sale, seating is free.
Dinner-a trip on the Ruskeala express
On holidays, Ruskeala Express invites passengers for a dinner trip. There are several menu options to choose from, and live music is played throughout the trip. Dress code for visiting the dining car: evening dresses and suits. No dress code is required to visit the bar car – free style.
VIP compartment
You can celebrate a significant event with a trip to the VIP compartment. The ticket price includes a welcome drink, fruit, and a certificate to order from the dining car, which will be delivered directly to your compartment. With such a trip, the 4-seater compartment is fully redeemed.
Photo compartment
There is also a special photo compartment in the retro train. You can stay in it for up to 10 minutes, the entrance fee is 300 rubles. An interactive photo system is installed inside, which takes snapshots in virtual historical outfits. The printed image is framed stylistically.
Before the departure of the retro train, we had time to examine the locomotive, hear it hum and emit black smoke. The road flew by unnoticed, it was impossible to break away from the views of Karelian nature passing by the window.
Arrival of the Ruskeala Express to the Ruskeala Mountain Park
The Ruskeala Express arrives at the far entrance to the park, where there are ticket offices and a luggage storage (the cost of a cell is 100 rubles). To save time, entrance tickets to the Ruskeala Mountain Park can be purchased directly on the train at ticket terminals.
At the end of 2020, the first turning circle in modern Russia was built in the Ruskeala Mountain Park, which allows the locomotive to turn 180 degrees. Previously, two steam locomotives were needed at the beginning and at the end of the train to change the direction of movement. Now it has become much easier to turn the train around and refuel the locomotive.
What is the difference between a Retro train and the Ruskeala express
There are two trains running to the Ruskeala Mountain Park: the Ruskeala Express and the Retro Train.
The Ruskeala Express departs at 10:50. This is the train with the pianist and the canary in the dining car.
A steam-powered retro train also consists of 19th-century-styled wagons. Unlike the Ruskeala Express, the Retro train runs only on weekends and holidays, departs at 10:05, shared carriages with seating for 6 people in a compartment.
Changes in the Retro Train 2023
What is included in the Russian Express
(921/ 922/ 923/924 ) Retro train
(925/926/933) On steam locomotive traction ✔ ✔ Stylized coupes ✔ ✔ Photo coupes ✔ ✔ Vip carriage ✔ ✘ Vip compartment ✘ ✔ The Tsarsky and Starorussky Finnish Restaurant Car runs all year round and daily on weekends and holidays
A change in the Retro Train
Since June 2023, train No. 925/926 Sortavala – Ruskeala Mountain Park, which was previously called the “Retro Train”, is called the Ruskeala Express along with train No. 921/922. Thus, there are now two Ruskeala Express trains. This became possible after the royal dining car was included in the train.
In addition, on weekdays, an open–type observation car will be included in one of the trains of the Ruskeala Express train – it does not have glass on the windows, but there are heated benches, and sockets for recharging gadgets are placed on the walls.
Where to stay near Ruskeala Mountain Park
There are no hotels in the Ruskeala Mountain Park, but you can stay nearby. Many people prefer to relax in guest houses by the water, where they offer a sauna, fishing, and barbecue.
Book private accommodation on a Daily basis
Ruskeala Mountain Park in Karelia
The creation of the Ruskeala Mountain Park project began in 2005, previously there were abandoned marble quarries on this site. The owner of the facility is the Kolmas Karelia company. The total area of the Ruskeala Mountain Park is 32 hectares.
Ruskeala Mountain Park is a specially protected natural area. It is forbidden to set up tents, make bonfires, have picnics, swim, go beyond the fences, throw stones and other objects in the park. Violation of the rules can result in fines and administrative penalties under federal and Karelian laws.
The Ruskeala Mountain Park can be visited with dogs if there is a leash and a muzzle. With pets, you will not be allowed to go to cafes, boat trips and the Underground Ruskeala tour.
Is it convenient to walk in Ruskeala Park with a baby stroller?
Due to the peculiarities of the park’s landscape, there are several ascents and descents with steps on the ground route, which may be inconvenient for walking with a stroller, but most of the paths in the Ruskeala Mountain Park are quite comfortable.
Opening hours of the Ruskeala Mountain Park
Ruskeala Mountain Park is open every day, opening hours depend on the season:
- Summer 09:00-21:00
- Autumn 09:00-21:00
- Winter 10:00-19:00
- Spring 09:00-21:00
Tickets to Ruskeala Mountain Park
Entrance tickets to Ruskeala Park are sold at ticket offices, terminals and online on the official website of the park. The entrance ticket is not included in the price of the excursions.
- The official website of the Ruskeala Mountain Park: ruskeala.ru
On festival days, entrance to Ruskeala Park is only possible with tickets to the festival, some excursions and attractions may be closed.
Entrance fee 2024
- Individual visitors — 600 rubles
- Students — 400 rubles
- Schoolchildren — 300 rubles
- Guests 60+ — 450 rub
- Residents of the Sortavalsky district — 400 rubles
- Free of charge for children under 7 years old, disabled and veterans (according to documents)
The entrance ticket to Ruskeala Park allows you to visit the park without receiving additional services: excursions, boat trips, meals, transfers and other things. You can freely walk around the territory, use the free car parking, toilets, Playground, take pictures.
Tickets for excursions and entertainment in Ruskeala
Tickets for excursions and entertainment can only be purchased on site: at the ticket offices or ticket terminals of the Ruskeala Mountain Park on the day of the visit. Ticket terminals are located on the porch of the Visitor Center and in the lobby of the Underground Ruskeala route. The cost of excursions starts from 700 rubles per person, there are discounts.
Marble Canyon Tour
The Marble Canyon Sightseeing tour is a 1.6 km long walking route with stories about the history of Ruskeala quarries. The guides are dressed in national Karelian clothes, live in the area and are well versed in information.
An extended tour of Ruskeala Park “Dear Mountain Masters”, in addition to the Marble Canyon, includes an Italian quarry and the Marble Heart sinkhole. Its duration is 1 hour 45 minutes, the distance is 2.6 km.
Whether you take a tour or take a walk around the park on your own, it is very interesting to learn its history.
Marble Canyon is the main attraction of the Ruskeala Mountain Park. It is 456 meters long and 109 meters wide. The height of the steep cliffs reaches 20-25 meters. The water in the marble canyon is emerald in color. Grottos have been formed in several places, into which you can swim by boat.
The perimeter of the canyon is surrounded by fences, equipped with signs and information boards. Observation decks are made in the most beautiful places. Due to its extraordinary photogenicity, Ruskeala has become a favorite place for photo shoots and a film set.
Commercial and artistic photos and videos must be reported to the park administration in advance at: ruskeala@kolmas.ru .
Next to the Cliff of Catherine II there is an Old mine with a depth of 55 meters and the entrance to the tunnels. Here you can see a piece of underground Ruskeala, but it’s better to go on a special tour.
The history of Russian quarries
Ruskeala marble quarries began to be developed by the Swedes around the middle of the XVII century. As a result of the Northern War, this territory was ceded to Russia and since 1766, marble mining for the Russian Empire began in the Ruskeala quarries.
Catherine II ordered the use of Ruskeala marble for the construction of St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the decoration of the Marble Palace, Kazan Cathedral, Peterhof. The “Marble of the White Nights” was mined by drilling and blasting, which is why the size of the quarries was constantly increasing.
When Vyborg province became part of Finland, the Finns built a marble and lime factory here, of which four old chimneys remained. Marble mining also began to be carried out by the mining method, many kilometers of tunnels appeared underground.
After the war, the restoration of the Ruskeala plant began, but the Main quarry was no longer used and it gradually filled with water. The development of the field finally ended in the early 2000s.
Excursion “Underground Ruskeala”
The underground Ruskeala is the most interesting tour of the mining park. To take a place in the group, especially on weekends, it is advised to arrive early and immediately buy a ticket. The service is not booked and is available for purchase at the ticket offices and ticket terminals of the park on the day of the visit.
Groups (maximum 15 people) are formed on site on a first-come, first-served basis. The temperature in the tunnels is about +6…+8°C all year round, bring warm clothes with you. Children of 7+ are allowed on the underground tour, pets are not allowed. The route is 850 meters long and lasts for 60 minutes.
Before the start of the tour, all participants undergo a safety briefing, sign in the magazine and receive equipment — a vest and a helmet.
As the guide told us, the map of underground tunnels was presented to Ruskeala Park by an old Finnish woman. In return, she asked to create a museum dedicated to the workers of the Ruskeala quarries. The scientific research of the dungeons is carried out by speleologists of the Russian Geographical Society.
When entering, it is still dry and bright, and there are pictures of the dungeon at different times of the year on the walls. As you go, it gets darker, water flows along the edges of the path, the arches overhang and everything seems mysterious. Speleology experts call the Ruskeala tunnels “underground space”.
You go through the tunnel where the rock was mined, find surveying signs on the walls, small stalactites hanging from the ceiling, and enter a Large pillared hall with an Underground lake. A pedestrian bridge has been laid along the perimeter of the hall, allowing you to come close to the marble columns and look into the grottoes.
There is a huge hole in the middle of the Underground Lake, from where you can see the sky and passing people. They turned on the backlight with music, which added effect to an already impressive place. The Cave Lighting project was developed by a German company specializing in the illumination of underground facilities. Acoustic effects — runic Karelian melodies and modern piano music, immerse visitors in the fabulous atmosphere of the underground kingdom.
The underground tour ends with a walk along the Marble Lake on an electric ferry. The views from the water are no less beautiful than from above. Boats sailed past us and troll riders raced by shouting.
Ruskeala Italian Quarry
The Italian Quarry in the Ruskeala Mountain Park is located at a distance of 400 meters from the Marble Canyon. You can go to it on your own or with an excursion “Dear mountain masters”.
Why is the Italian quarry called that? In 1974-1985, rope sawing machines made in Italy were used in the extraction of marble. One researcher called the quarry “Italian” and the name stuck.
Unlike the Marble Canyon, the Italian quarry is not filled with water, you can go down into it and take spectacular photos. The Italian quarry is decorated with smooth polished marble ledges with a bizarre pattern formed 2 billion years ago by marine sediments. The height of the walls reaches three meters.
Shows and events are held in the Italian Quarry in the Ruskeala Mountain Park.
Ruskeala Historical and Cultural Center
A historical and cultural center is open to the left of the entrance to the Underground Ruskeala route. Its exposition consists of several thematic blocks with multimedia screens. Visitors can see a unique collection of marbles and artifacts, learn about the work and life of mountain craftsmen in the XIX-XX centuries.
Of particular interest is a three-dimensional schematic map of the unique Underground Ruskeala speleomar route, as well as a large geological map of the Northern Ladoga region.
One of the walls of the Center is decorated with an original artistic composition dedicated to the history of mining.
Tickets can be purchased online on the park’s website.
- The duration of the session is 20 minutes
- the ticket is 200 rubles
- 100 rubles — schoolchildren
- 150 rub — students and guests 60+
- free of charge for children under 7 years old
The Museum of wooden sculpture “Abode of Angels” in Ruskeala Park ceased its work at the end of October 2023.
Ruskeala Mountain Park in winter
Winter in the Ruskeala Mountain Park is as popular a season as summer. The marble Canyon freezes, after dark the park lights turn on, and ice sculptures are created from the ice of the underground lake.
The artistic illumination of the Marble Canyon is open from the beginning of November to March. The backlight turns on automatically at dusk, depending on the length of daylight (16:00-18:00). This season, the artistic lighting season began on November 1 at 17:00 and will last until March 9.
241 36 watt individually controlled LED floodlights are used to illuminate Ruskeala Park. The iridescence of colored lanterns resembles the northern lights.
In winter, the water of the underground lake freezes, forming bizarre shapes. Master ice carvers make voluminous ice compositions that do not melt until the end of May. Ice for sculptures is extracted directly from an underground lake.
The theme of each season is different: copies of architectural masterpieces of St. Petersburg and the lost churches of Karelia, heroes of the epic “Kalevala”, representatives of the animal world. You can see this beauty in the Large Pillared Hall on the tour “Underground Ruskeala”.
The festival of ice sculptures in the Ruskeala Mountain Park 2024 is called “Epic Kalevala”, it will open on February 23.
New Year in the Ruskeala Mountain Park
During the New Year holidays, a Christmas tree is installed in Ruskeala Park, a New Year’s fair, festive festivities, performances by dance groups, master classes, games, contests and folk amusements are waiting for guests. Festive events take place on the square near the Ruskolka cafe, entrance by tickets to the park.
You can ride in a horse-drawn carriage, a winter banana or a snowmobile through the snow-covered park. Every day of the winter holidays, guests of the mountain park can take a trip to the Ahinkoski waterfalls, transfer at 12:30, 14:00 and 15:30.
Entertainment in the Ruskeala Mountain Park
Entertainment in Ruskeala Park depends on the season. Boat trips begin in spring and close on November 1. Queues form on weekends for popular attractions (trolls, boats).
Only experienced divers are allowed to dive in the Marble Canyon if they have a certificate and their own equipment. Snowmobiles and ATVs can be booked in advance by phone. Check the prices and conditions on the park’s website.
The cost of services in Ruskeala Park
- Trolls (Zip-line) — 2000 rubles
- Bungee jump (rope jump from a cliff 20 m high) — 2500 rub
- Boat trip on the Marble Lake — 1200 rub/hour per boat
- Self—propelled platform riding – 400 RUB/person
- Kubik rope park — 500 rub
- The secret paths of KALEVALA Land — 100 rub
- Diving 1 dive — 7000 rubles, from May 1 to October 1
- Snowmobiling/ATV — 6000 rub/2 people
- Winter sleigh “merry banana” — 500 rub/person
- Horse—drawn carriage – 500 rubles/person
Where to eat in Ruskeala Mountain Park
There are several cafes on the territory of Ruskeala Park. Guests can choose from European and Karelian cuisine. We drank tea with branded Karelian gateways (open pies) in the cafe “Leto”. You can have lunch at Kolmas Burgers, at the Ruskolka cafe near the visitor center or at the Norden Beef cafe near the Italian Quarry.
Events and concerts in the Ruskeala Mountain Park 2024
If you have the opportunity, come to Ruskeala Park for special events. Festivals and open-air concerts are held in the mountain park. Check the exact dates of the events and the conditions of participation on the organizers’ websites.
- January 2-7 — New Year’s holidays in the Ruskeala Mountain Park. Festivities with a festive program and fun entertainment from the presenters.
- February 23 — until the end of spring — Ice Sculpture Festival in the Ruskeala Mountain Park.
- On March 17, from 13:00 to 17:00 — Maslenitsa in the Ruskeala Mountain Park on the square near the Ruskolka cafe. Festive entertainment program, folk amusements, games, round dances, contests, burning of Maslenitsa.
- June 29 — EcoFest RUSKEALA International Sports Festival. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy a night trail race, an open water swim in Marble Canyon and a SUP-board race. registration of participants
- July 26-27 — The Ruskeala Symphony Music Festival has been held since 2017 and is among the top 15 regional events in the country. The festival is organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Karelia and the Karelian State Philharmonic Society. information and tickets
- The end of July is the Regional Festival of folk crafts and crafts “City of Masters”. Craftsmen and artisans from all over Karelia will come to the mountain park with their best examples of manual creativity.
- The beginning of September is the concert “Piano in the Canyon”, the musicians and the piano are placed on a pontoon in the middle of the illuminated Marble Canyon. Information and tickets on the park’s website
- September 7 — Ruskeala Night Swim. Night swim in open water in the rays of artistic illumination of the Marble Canyon. registration of participants
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