Novye Bateki combines a nearby archaeological landmark with a public bathhouse. The hillfort reaches far back into history; the bathhouse opened to visitors after extensive renovation. If you are planning to visit the bathhouse, check current visiting hours and access conditions in advance.
The Hillfort and Early Local History
Nearby is an archaeological hillfort dating from the 6th century BCE to the 3rd century CE. It lies 300 metres northwest of Novye Bateki, on the right bank of the Olsha. The site belongs to the Early Iron Age culture and is attributed to the Dnieper-Dvina tribes. These tribes inhabited the Smolensk region from the 8th century BCE to the 3rd century CE. The hillfort's date range and the broader settlement history of the region are distinct chronological classifications.
During excavations at a hillfort near Novye Bateki in 1959, an amulet pendant in the shape of a horse was found. It is part of the collection of the Smolensk Historical Museum. Alongside the cultural classification of the site, there is therefore a specific artefact whose year of discovery and form are recorded.
The Public Bathhouse
A municipal investment passport from 2025 reports that a public bathhouse opened to visitors in Novye Bateki after extensive renovation. This information describes an opening, not confirmed current visiting hours. If you would like to include the bathhouse in your plans, check the current visiting conditions in advance.
In the Wider Destination of Smolensk Oblast
The focus shifts from Novye Bateki to the wider destination of Smolensk Oblast. There, the Gnezdovo archaeological complex combines a large archaeological site with a clearly defined historical theme: around 2,500 burial mounds and a settlement have been preserved. The complex is considered the largest archaeological monument complex in Russia and Europe from the period when the Old Russian state emerged. As an archaeological monument of federal significance, it is under state protection.
Walking Route and Viewpoints in the National Park
Smolenskoye Poozerye National Park was established on 15 April 1992 in the Demidovsky and Dukhovshchinsky districts. Its purpose is to protect unique natural complexes for recreation, education, science, and culture. The “K istokam” eco-trail offers a specific landscape experience: the circular route starts in the village of Stary Dvor, and a track for mobile apps such as Geotreker or MAPS.ME helps visitors explore it independently.
Two viewpoints were set up on the eco-trail in 2023–2024, at Lakes Svyatets and Sapsho. As well as the circular route, the description therefore includes two named destinations by the water. A viewpoint on the high southern shore of Lake Sapsho also offers views of the lake and several islands. These details provide specific points of reference for the region's nature experience without specifying a walking time or difficulty level for the route.
Guided Tours and Crafts in Stargrad
At the “Stargrad” ethnographic village, a guided tour introduces visitors to the way of life of the ancient Slavs and displays everyday objects, weapons, and clothing. The extended programme includes hands-on activities: the “Babiy kut” workshop focuses on traditional women's crafts, where visitors can make souvenirs themselves. In the “Polevaya kuznya” workshop, participants can mint coins and make chain mail. Another programme area, “Srednevekovy tir,” includes shooting with a bow and slingshot, as well as throwing axes and sulitsa spears.
Visits to “Stargrad” are only possible as part of a guided group. The extended programme must be arranged in advance. The options have distinct focuses: Gnezdovo is known for its archaeological monuments, “K istokam” for a walking route with viewpoints, and “Stargrad” for guided interpretation and hands-on activities.
Discover more destinations: Baskakovo, Gorodnya, Safonovo, Dolginovo, Drozdovo, Katyn', Rudnya, Tesovo.
Back to the wider travel guide: Smolensk Oblast.
