Kizhi, Russia Cruise Port

For a step back in time, cruising to the port of Kizhi Island, Russia will take you right into the 15th century. Located within the Russian Republic of Karelia, the island can be found near the center of Lake Onega and is all of two square miles total. While some rural small settlements remain, most of the larger villages no longer exist here. In fact, after World War II, only two of them are still around: Vasilyevo and Yamka. Thanks to its relatively cold climate, wooden structures are well-preserved, and the island as a whole is a great place for winter activities. A narrow ridge – a remnant of the ice age – can be found around the center of the island; another anomaly is the complete lack of forests, although there are many single trees. Listed below are a handful of our favorite experiences for the cruise port of Kizhi, Russia:

The Kizhi State Open-Air Museum of History, Architecture and Ethnography (yes, that's a mouthful) is possibly the most famous and striking structure on the island. The first open-air museum in Russia, it currently contains about 87 wooden constructions including the Kizhi Pogost, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Another fascinating wooden structure is the Church of the Resurrection of Lazarus. The original is surmised to have been built around the late 14th century, making it the oldest surviving log structure in Russia. The church was moved to Kizhi in the 1960s and its anteroom restored.
Also part of the museum is the wooden Chapel of the Archangel Michael. It was moved to the island in 1961 from the village of Lelikozero. An elegantly carved bell tower was added; if you're lucky, you might hear its chimes.
Nature lovers can explore the island’s different types of flora and about 180 different species of birds. Birdwatchers might spot the Eurasian siskin among the common chaffinches; while other animals are limited to a handful of amphibians and no larger mammals, a plethora of aquatic vegetation and fish can be found.

Free Cruise Planning

1.800.377.9383

QUICK. FREE. EASY.