The Solovetsky Archipelago in the White Sea is the secret pearl of the Barents Region. When you sail into the main island, the monastery meets you as a fairytale castle. At the same time, Solovki is the place where you still feel the history of the infamous Stalin's Gulag camp.
When visiting the Solovetsky Islands you get acquainted with legendary Monastery buildings with fortress walls and towers. Today, the monastery again belongs to the Russian Orthodox Church and the monks and pilgrims are all there.
On the main island you have to rent a small boat and row the lakes connected with artificial constructed system of canals. The canals were built by the monks from the 16th century. Rowing in the canal systems is the best way to explore the lovely flora and fauna on Solovki. Also, the small, but fascinating botanical garden is worth visiting. The Zayatsky Island has several tens of prehistoric labyrinths.
The easiest way to travel to Solovki is to fly from Arkhangelsk, but you can also take the boat from Kem on the Karelian White Sea coast or from Belomorsk. There are also several cruising-ships visiting Solovki during the summer season. On the main island, you can stay at one of the smaller guesthouses and hotels, or you can bring your own tent.
When visiting the Solovetsky Islands you get acquainted with legendary Monastery buildings with fortress walls and towers. Today, the monastery again belongs to the Russian Orthodox Church and the monks and pilgrims are all there.
On the main island you have to rent a small boat and row the lakes connected with artificial constructed system of canals. The canals were built by the monks from the 16th century. Rowing in the canal systems is the best way to explore the lovely flora and fauna on Solovki. Also, the small, but fascinating botanical garden is worth visiting. The Zayatsky Island has several tens of prehistoric labyrinths.
The easiest way to travel to Solovki is to fly from Arkhangelsk, but you can also take the boat from Kem on the Karelian White Sea coast or from Belomorsk. There are also several cruising-ships visiting Solovki during the summer season. On the main island, you can stay at one of the smaller guesthouses and hotels, or you can bring your own tent.
