Routes
Routes
The routes on this page are built from types of places (a waterfront, a pier, a shoreline trail, an island, a cape) rather than from street addresses. That makes them easy to apply to any big lake and to the weather on any given day. We don't list distances, travel times or schedules: they depend on the season, the wind and the rules in force at the time of your trip. All three routes share one thing: extra time for bad weather and a willingness to shuffle the order of stops.
A good lake route is like a rowboat: you can turn it around when the waves pick up. On the big water, a rigid plan almost never survives the weather.
How these routes were put together: each one can be done without buying a tour, and the stops are described as types of places you'll find at most big lakes.
A day on the shore
One waterfront, one trail and back before dark.
Morning wind forecast
Before you head out, check the wind and waves. If it's very windy, choose a trail through the woods above the shore rather than one along the exposed water's edge.
Waterfront or pier
A handy place to start the day: you can see what kind of mood the lake is in today, and you can pick up water and a snack here too.
Shoreline trail
Walk at your own pace and decide in advance where you'll turn back. The return leg along the shore usually feels longer.
A break by the water
Pick a dry spot sheltered from the wind. Only build a fire where it's allowed, and pack out all your trash.
Back before dark
Leave plenty of time for the return: it gets dark quickly on the shore, and it turns noticeably colder by the water in the evening.
A weekend with an island
A lakeside town as your base and one trip across the water.
Stay in a lakeside town
Stay in one place both nights so you don't waste time moving around. Confirm booking terms directly with your host.
Pier and schedule
The day before, check the boat schedule and the forecast. Get to the departure early and keep warm clothes with you.
Island museum
Stick to the permitted paths and follow the museum-reserve's rules. Confirm the time of the return boat as soon as you arrive.
Evening on the waterfront
After a day on the water, it's lovely to stroll along the shore and watch the sunset over the lake.
Backup plan for wind
If the boat is canceled, swap the island for a walk around town and along a shoreline trail, and move the boat trip to the next day.
Heading home
Don't schedule the island trip for your last day if your return ticket can't be changed.
A week by a big lake
An unhurried look at the shore, an island and the cliffs.
A lakeside town as your base
Spend the first few days in town: museums, the waterfront and short walks will help you settle into the rhythm of the lake.
Shoreline walks
Pick several trails of different lengths and walk them in different weather to see the lake in its many moods.
An island with wooden architecture
Plan the island trip for a day with a calm forecast. Check the visitor rules on the museum's official website.
Cliffs or a cape overlooking the water
To reach cliffs with ancient rock art or a cape, use marked trails and follow the rules of the museum if it manages the site.
A day with no plans
Keep at least one day free: it comes in handy for a canceled boat, a rest or simply a long evening by the water.
Heading home
Save the last day for packing and traveling, with no trips on the water.
How to adapt your route to the weather
- In strong wind, skip the boat trip and choose forest trails above the shore
- In the rain, cut your walk short and spend more time in the town's museums
- In fog, don't take a boat out on the water or stray far from a trail you know
- On bright evenings, keep an eye on the clock: it's easy to linger by the water until late at night
- With kids, choose short trails and don't let them near the water's edge unsupervised
Read next
- Destinations
Six kinds of lake trips, from northern islands to a winter shoreline, plus four questions to help you choose.
- Sights
Islands, cliffs with ancient rock art, capes, trails and waterfronts: what to see and what to watch for by the water.
- Getting there
Train, car, local bus and passenger boat: how to reach the lake and why boat service depends on the weather.
Sources
- Encyclopedic sources on Lake Baikal and Lake Onega
- Kizhi Museum-Reserve: visitor rules
- EMERCOM of Russia: water and ice safety guidelines
This guide covers lake trips in general terms. Boat schedules, visitor rules at museum-reserves and protected shorelines, ice conditions and weather on the water all change, so check them against official sources shortly before you go.