In Loukhskiy District, the northwestern coast of the White Sea, an extensive network of waterways, various protected areas, and places of cultural and historical interest come together. When looking for a holiday apartment, it is worth first deciding what you want to focus on during your trip: for example, the landscapes of Paanajärvi National Park, coastal habitats, or museums and Sámi culture.
Coast, waterways, and protected areas
The district’s network of waterways includes thousands of lakes, among them Topozero, Pyaozero, and Tikshozero, which are among Karelia’s largest lakes. There are also hundreds of rivers and streams, as well as numerous rapids and waterfalls. The “Polar Circle” Nature Reserve lies on the northwestern coast of the White Sea and includes adjacent marine areas, from the shore to the border of Murmansk Oblast. Its habitats include waters, islands, shallow-water areas, and coastal zones of the Kandalaksha Gulf. Eider ducks breed and molt there, while other seabirds and waterbirds pass through.
The Keretsky Nature Reserve is also dedicated to protecting birdlife: it was established to protect large breeding populations of eider ducks and other threatened waterbird species. Of its total area of 21,000 hectares, up to 16,000 hectares are water; ringed seals and belugas, among other species, are found there. The Kandalaksha State Nature Reserve encompasses islands and coastal stretches along the Barents Sea and the White Sea, including areas in Loukhskiy District. These protected areas give the coastal landscape a variety of ecological features.
Paanajärvi and Nuorunen
Paanajärvi National Park was established on May 20, 1992, to preserve the natural areas of Lake Paanajärvi and the Olanga River basin. Its total area is 104,473 hectares. The park is also an important protected area for a viable population of otters.
Nuorunen rises 576 meters above sea level within the park. It is Karelia’s highest point and one of the region’s largest granite massifs. Its summit is home to Europe’s southernmost and largest mountain tundra by area, with relict vegetation. Paanajärvi is therefore not only about the lake and river landscape, but also a distinctive mountain summit and unique vegetation.
A permit from the park administration is required to visit the national park, including when passing through it. Check the park administration’s latest guidance before your trip so you can take this requirement into account when planning.
Sámi culture, museums, and festivals
The mountainous part of Loukhskiy District is home to seid, sacred stones of the ancient Sámi. Stone labyrinths can be found on the White Sea coast; they are considered cultural monuments of the ancient Sámi. The grave of the storyteller M. M. Korguev is also located in Keret. These places connect the landscape with various traces of the region’s cultural history.
The district’s museums include the M. Korguyev Memorial and Local History Museum in Chupa, the Museum of Military Glory in Sosnovy, a space dedicated to the everyday culture of the North Karelians in Kestenga, and the Room of Things Brought to Life in Sofporog. The Matvey Korguyev Museum in Chupa displays materials about the storyteller’s life and work, as well as historical household items, tools, and clothing. They illustrate the everyday life of Pomor Karelians in earlier times. If you are planning a museum visit, check in advance whether visits are possible.
Traditional cultural and ethnographic festivals include “Louhi’s Day – Mistress of the North” in August, as well as “Hello, Kestenga!”, “Matvey Korguyev’s Storytelling Ship,” and Fisherman’s Day in July. Check the specific event dates before your trip.
Choose a focus for your trip
If Paanajärvi is part of your plans, obtaining a permit is an essential part of your preparations; for museum visits and festivals, check whether visits are possible and confirm the latest dates.
Discover more destinations: Chkalovskiy, Plotina, Medvezhyegorsky District, Pitkyarantsky District, Belomorskiy District, Pitkyarantskiy District, Belomorsky District, Olonetskiy District.
View the regional travel overview: Republic of Karelia.
