Russiakrasavato the big water: a guide to trips to Russia's lakes

An independent guide to trips to Russia's large lakes. We sell no tours or tickets and are not connected with the former site on this domain.

Getting there

Getting There

Getting to a big lake usually involves several legs. First a train or car to a town on the shore, then a local bus to a trailhead or pier, and in summer a passenger boat out to an island. Each option shines in its own place: the train takes the strain out of a long journey, a car gives you the freedom to pick your shoreline, the bus helps out if you're not driving, and the boat becomes part of the trip itself. Below you'll find a comparison of the options, tips on the road and staying connected, and a note on why boat schedules are flexible. We don't name carriers or fares.

The best connection at a lake is one with time to spare. An hour of waiting at the pier always beats watching your boat sail off without you.

— Editor's note

How to get there

OptionBest forKeep in mind
TrainThe long haul to a town on the shoreTickets for summer dates sell out early; you may need local transport to get from the station to the water
CarSeveral shorelines in one trip, family travelAccess roads to the water are often unpaved; don't drive onto the beach or into protected areas
Local busGetting from town to a trail or pier without a carService may be infrequent; find out in advance how to get back the same day
Passenger boatIslands and roadless shores in the warm seasonService depends on wind and waves and can be canceled; have a backup plan on dry land

On the road and staying connected

  • Download an offline map: cell coverage on remote shores can be spotty
  • Keep your phone charged and bring a power bank
  • Tell family or friends where you're going and when you plan to be back
  • Slow down on unpaved roads to the water, especially after rain
  • Keep warm clothes within reach, not in your luggage: it's windy on deck and at the pier
  • Don't leave your car blocking pier entrances or on the roadway
  • Planning

    A step-by-step plan for a trip to a big lake, with examples, common mistakes and a pre-departure checklist.

  • Routes

    Three routes built from types of places: a day on the shore, a weekend with an island, and a week by a big lake.

  • Local guide

    Shoreline etiquette for travelers, cold water, life jackets, ice safety and the 112 emergency number.

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.