Kokovkino combines a specific cultural and historical connection with nearby Lake Sterzh. In the 1890s, the painter Ivan Shishkin lived in the village on the lakeshore. The lake is a place for recreation and fishing. Those interested in Shishkin’s story will find that connection in Kokovkino; recreation and fishing refer to the nearby lake.

Shishkin, Lake Sterzh and Routes

The connection to Shishkin gives the village a clear historical significance: his stay in Kokovkino dates to the 1890s. The lake’s former use is also part of its history. At that time, a 60-kilometre passenger route ran across Lake Sterzh between Peno, Zhirkov Pogost and Kokovkino. This should be understood as historical transport on the lake, not as an indication of current passenger services.

Access to Lake Sterzh is difficult because of the lack of paths and the many streams and ravines. The upper part of the lake, in the area around Kokovkino and Vorovskoye on the left bank, and Alexeyevskoye and Ivanovskoye on the right bank, is considered easier to reach. Since this description of access is undated, check accessibility before visiting. This helps distinguish the options available at the lake from its historical passenger route.

Kokovkino is also mentioned in connection with two routes that raise different planning considerations. The published route “K istoku Volgi – velikoy reke Rossii” passes through the village. The water route “Bolshaya Seligerskaya krugosvetka” runs from Kokovkino to p/o Koroviy. Before travelling on this water route, check current operating conditions with the relevant authority. Each route description reflects the stated route.

More Places to Visit in Tver Oblast

The wider destination of Tver Oblast includes nature and cultural attractions distinct from Kokovkino’s local history. Guided tours are offered along the “Tayny Okovskogo lesa” and “Lesnaya azbuka” ecological trails in the Central Forest Reserve. Another natural attraction is the “Staroselskiy mokh” raised bog: the “Boloto Staroselskiy mokh” educational trail crosses wide open areas completely covered with moss and passes unusual plants. Visitors use their own vehicle for an excursion to the raised bog.

The hike to Kordon “Barsuchikha” also offers two options of different lengths: it can be taken as a day trip or with an overnight stay in a forest cabin. The hike passes southern taiga forest and a raised bog. The Central Forest Reserve therefore offers both guided trails and a hike with the option of a day trip or overnight stay; for the raised-bog excursion, using your own vehicle is part of the plan.

A visitor centre is located on the grounds of the reserve’s central estate. It provides information about the organisation’s history and structure and includes a regular exhibition of children’s work and a souvenir shop. The reserve’s Natural History Museum showcases important ecosystems in the protected area and the species that live there; one hall is dedicated to scientific research. These two stops have different focuses: the visitor centre covers the organisation, while the museum focuses on nature and research in the protected area.

Torzhok offers further cultural and historical attractions in Tver Oblast. Verkhnee gorodishche, in the historic centre, is an archaeological monument of federal significance and a tourist attraction. Novotorzhskiy Borisoglebskiy Monastyr was founded in 1038 and is one of Russia’s oldest Orthodox monasteries. The festivals “Blin s Pripyokom” and “Kuzminki v Torzhke” are held annually at Novotorzhskiy Kremlin; check the dates if you would like to plan your trip around a festival. On Stolobny Island, Nilova Pustyn is a monastery and a centre for religious and pilgrimage tourism.

Discover more destinations: Biryuchyovo, Vyshny Volochyok, Aleksandrovka, Peno, Poddubki, Mishurka, Pachkovo, Zaplavye.

Return to the main travel guide: Tver Oblast.