The highest point of Karelia on the map. Seven mysterious places in Russia

One of the most curious natural monuments of Karelia is Mount Vottovaara, located 20 kilometers from the village of Sukkozero. Vottovaara - the highest peak of the West Karelian Upland. Its height is 417 meters above sea level. Natural beauty Vottovaara mountain itself is complemented by an unusual amphitheater in its center with small lakes and rocks. This stunning beauty, according to scientists, is a giant failure, formed as a result of a powerful earthquake that occurred about 9 thousand years ago. The complex of ancient cult seids (boulder stones), located on Mount Vottovaara, was discovered by the famous Karelian search engine S.M. Simonyan in 1978, who was looking for the remains of the soldiers of the partisan detachment of Grigoriev Patriotic War. The search engines found the seids after a fire in the forest, which exposed the entire neighborhood.

The cult complex on Mount Vottovaara is an unusual structure of about 1600 rectangular boulder stones, laid out in some mysterious sequence in the shape of a regular circle. Archaeologists called these structures cromlechs. Most of the cromlechs are located on the slopes of the amphitheater and on the upper points of the mountain range. Seids are located in groups of 2 to 6 stones. The largest seids (weighing up to 3 tons) are stacked on smaller stones, resembling stone blocks standing on legs. According to archaeologists, the age of the cult complex is approximately 2000 years, and it owes its creation to the tribes that inhabited Hyperborea - the ancient northern country. Thus, there is every reason to consider Mount Vottovaara not only a geological, but also a historical and archaeological landmark.

One more The striking mystery of Vottovaara mountain is considered to be the "stairway to heaven", representing 13 steps carved into the rock, ending in a steep cliff. Archaeologists believe that the very concept of a ladder was unknown to the ancient peoples. Who and when cut down the "stairway to heaven" or is it of natural origin? Scientists cannot yet give an unambiguous answer to these questions... Of course, the seids and the "stairway to heaven" clear signs artificiality of its origin. BUT different age boulder stones and rock fragments suggest that there is a large-scale cult complex on Mount Vottovaara, which served for many years for sacrificial rites.

Indirect confirmation of this are the legends of the Karelians and Saami living in these places. Indigenous the inhabitants of the surroundings call Vottovaara none other than Death Mountain, considering it a place of power and a portal to the other world. Until now, the local peoples have preserved certain rules visits Death of the mountain: it is forbidden to speak loudly, women and children are not allowed to stay here, visiting out of curiosity is not welcome, you cannot touch the most “strong” seids. In addition to the secrets of antiquity, Vottovaara offers scientists new riddles. There have been several reports of UFO sightings in the surrounding areas. In addition, the anomalous influence of Mount Vottovaara on electrical equipment, mechanisms, nature and the human body was noticed.

In particular, a simultaneous stop of watches was recorded for several members of the expedition, in digital cameras information carriers turned out to be crowded, tourists could not reach a clearly visible object for hours, those who remained alone on the mountain spoke about a sudden and growing sense of horror. Unfortunately, in last years Karelian mountain Vottovaara is experiencing Hard times . Some seids were destroyed during deforestation, others were thrown off by visitors and local residents, seids began to meet clearly modern origin. Currently place of worship and the surrounding vegetation are really threatened by industrial developments and vandalism by unorganized tourism.

The address: Republic of Karelia, Muezersky district, Vottovaara rock massif

Death Mountain Vottovaara (photo)

Karelia is a country not only of thousands of rivers and lakes, but also of interesting peaks. Although the truly mountainous terrain begins already on the Kola Peninsula, there are also enough interesting peaks in Karelia. The most amazing and beautiful peaks are concentrated in the Paanajärvi National Park, located in the north of Karelia in the Louhi region - eight of them are considered the most famous.

Nuorunen - the mysterious "roof of Karelia"

Mount Nuorunen is not only the highest point in Karelia (576.7 meters), it is the highest among the Finnish mountains. You can climb Nuorunen along an ancient path, meeting spruce taiga, birch woodland, tundra, and even “hanging” swamps. Before the traveler who has overcome the difficulties of the path, a delightful view will open.

Nuorunen is also the most mysterious place in Karelia. It is here at the very top that a boulder-seid rests. The huge boulder is supported by three small stone "legs", and the seid is held in spite of all gravitational laws. The Saami believed that spirits live in such seids, and leaving them an offering, one can ask for the fulfillment of cherished desires.

Mäntyutunturi - a waterfall on the "pine rapids"

Mount Mäntyutunturi is known primarily for the fact that a small but very picturesque Mäntykoski waterfall springs from its top. There are only five ledges in it, which simply look magical among the greenery of the forest. The peak heights are 550 meters above sea level.

Tourists began to visit the mountains of Karelia, first of all, in order to see this waterfall, back in the century before last - then the surroundings of Mäntyutunturi still belonged to Finland. There were also villages and farms. But in 1944 all this ceased to exist. Today you can only find empty glades, where Finnish farms used to be, while the foundation of the old school has been preserved.

Kivakka - the stone "daughter" of a dormant volcano

The name of this peak in translation means "Stone Baba". So the mountain was named by the Sami who lived here. Why is not exactly known. Many believe that not far from the top you can find a stone in the shape of a woman's head, there is also a version that looking at the mountain from the Kivakkakoski waterfall, you can see the face of a woman facing the sky.

On the slopes of Mount Kivakka you can find an incredible number of seids - stone containers of spirits. At the same time, the peak itself was formed on the site of an ancient fault, when a long-dormant volcano acted here millions of years ago.

Lunas - the abode of the gods of antiquity

Mount Lunas - as you can easily guess the "Moon Mountain" - today attracts not only travelers and photographers, but also esotericists and modern shamans. There are a huge number of cult stones, in which you can see jewelry, coins or key chains that tourists leave to ask for the realization of their dreams. There are vague legends that it was on this mountain that once sacrifices were made to the gods.

For those who are not fond of mysticism, Lunas is, first of all, stunning views, rare plants, which seem weak, but steadfastly resist the evil mountain winds and, of course, Stone Lake. Its age is more than a billion years, while the water in it is clear as crystal, and an incredible echo is reflected from the steep rocks on the banks.

Päinur - a sharp ridge among smooth waters

If we consider the mountains of Karelia, then Mount Pyainur is undoubtedly the most pointed peak among them. It is simply useless to describe the views from this mountain in words - photographs will not convey unforgettable sensations. The dawn will leave the most amazing impression if you meet it on Mount Päinur.

The view of Päinur itself is also magnificent. The mountain is located on a peninsula, so from a distance it looks like a harsh stone ridge that rises directly from the calm waters of the lake.

Speaking of lakes - having climbed the slopes to a height of 100 - 200 meters, the traveler has an incredible number of tiny charming lakes - they are considered the main attraction of Mount Päinur.

Vottovaara - the mysterious "stairway to heaven"

Another well-known peak of Karelia. Local residents, like the generations of their ancestors, prefer to bypass it and not climb the gloomy slopes without unnecessary necessity. The height of the mountain peak is 417 meters - the highest point in central Karelia. In addition to the beautiful landscapes from the mountain, it contains 1500 different seids, a natural amphitheater, many lakes and the most incomprehensible is the rocks cut like a laser. Also one of the amazing objects Vottovaara mountains - this is an ascent, which consists of 13 steps cut in the rock, leading ... into the abyss. It received the romantic name "stairs to heaven". It is not known for certain today whether the stairs were used for the peaceful worship of spirits or pagan gods, or real sacrifices were made here.

Hiidenvuori - observation post on Lesha mountain

Hiidenvuori - a peak located on the territory of the Pitkäranta region - at first glance does not stand out for its height (only 117 meters), and only a few dried tree trunks are visible on the bare peak. Why visit it, because there are higher and more picturesque mountains of Karelia?

Climbing Hiidenvuori is worth at least for the sake of the cave, which was cut down at the very top as part of the defensive structures during the Russo-Finnish wars. Through a nearby adit, you can get inside the mountain - into a real underground hall that connects to the cave.

Paasonvuori - ancient settlement of Karelians

Paasonvuori is located in the Sortavala region, it is not too high (79 meters), but it is distinguished by magical beauty and historical significance. It was this place that the ancient Karelians chose to build a settlement called Paaso. It existed in the XII-XIII centuries. What happened to the city, and why this well-fortified settlement perished is unknown. Archaeologists found traces of a fire, which suggested that Paaso died suddenly. But many valuable things remained at the site of the conflagration, which is especially mysterious. If Paaso was captured by enemies, why didn't they plunder the settlement? If this was not an attack, why didn't the inhabitants return and try to rebuild their dwellings? This riddle is unlikely to be solved by modern scientists.

Another interesting mountain located near Petrozavodsk is Mount Sampo

This is the lowest elevation of all the above, only about 40 meters, but probably the most visited, as it stands on the excursion route of the small golden ring of Karelia. This place is associated with the Karelian epic "Kalevala", where the "Sampo" mill was described, which was forged by the blacksmith Ilmarinen to redeem his future wife. The mill gave people everything they wanted - bread, salt, gold. Subsequently, the mill was stolen and, in the process of fighting for it, it crashed and drowned in the lake, so the lakes of Karelia are considered rich in land. Some fragments of the mill were washed ashore and they were buried under the mountain by the sage Väinemeinen.

The closest famous mountain in Karelia to St. Petersburg is Mount Filina:

This mountain is a recently opened military historical museum complex. It is a powerful granite rock, with a natural grotto located inside. There are two entrances to the grotto. In 1943, this grotto was adapted for command post Finnish army. The area of ​​the underground bunker was 750 square meters. with a ceiling height of 4 meters. There were all the necessary communications. The entrance fee to the Museum is 200 rubles. It is located next to the highway St. Petersburg - Sortavala. During the organization of the bunker, the mineral Sortavalite was found here, which is not found anywhere else in the world. Features of the relief and picturesque views from the observation decks and footpaths make the "Filin Mountain" an attractive object for panoramic and landscape photography.

Mountains in Karelia on the map:

The Republic of Karelia cannot be called a "mountainous" region, although the relief here is far from flat (in most areas). Guests from other regions are often amused by the fact that in Karelia even a hill 30-40 meters high can be called a “mountain”. Well, "mountain" is a very relative term. But even these hills create a very beautiful and peculiar relief. In this article we will talk about all the highest and most interesting mountains of the Republic of Karelia.

Nuorunen

The highest point in Karelia is 577 meters. It is part of the Maanselkä Range, located on the territory national park Paanajärvi is in the Loukhi region of Karelia, so there is a path to it. You can get to its top even in winter (on skis or snowmobiles). You can read more in this article.

Mäntyutunturi

It is also located in the Paanajärvi National Park. The second highest peak in Karelia is 550 meters. It is also part of the Maanselkä Range. It is located near the border with Finland, there is no organized trail (as to Nuorunen or Kivakku), but hiking to it is quite possible.

Kivakka

Another peak of Paanajärvi. Height - 499 meters. Getting to its top is much easier than getting to Nuorunen. There is a good path, there are stairs in the steepest places. From the top of the mountain, a truly magnificent view of the Loukhsky district opens up. You can read more about it in this article.

Sieppitunturi

It is located in the very north of the Loukhi district, the height is 537 meters. Also applies to mountain system Manselka. There are no organized tours and no trail to the mountain, it is possible that you can reach its summit on foot, but no reports or information about this could be found. This mountain is really in a remote place.

Päinur

Another mountain in the Loukhsky region of Karelia. Height - 486 meters, you can recognize it by its characteristic shape - a sharp peak. Mount Päinur resembles the classical peaks of the Himalayas or the Alps, but is inferior to them in height. It stands on the shore of Lake Zipringa, you can reach the top of Päinur on foot.

We will also mention other mountain peaks of the Loukhi region. All of them belong to the Maanselkya ridge: Ukontunturi (503 meters), Lunas (497), Komettovaara (458), Peryavaara (443). All of them are not of particular interest, as they are located in hard-to-reach places.

Vottovaara

Vottovaara is perhaps the most famous mountain in Karelia. Height - 417 meters, located in the Muezersky district. This is an amazing place with a lot of legends, rumors and conjectures associated with it. You can talk a lot about her, it’s better to read everything in a large and detailed article about Vottovaara, where there are photos, videos and all the information.

Kukkovka

Mount Kukkovka is located within the city of Petrozavodsk and is its highest point - 181 meters. A popular holiday destination among residents of Petrozavodsk. On the top of the mountain there are enclosures for dogs, a water station.

Mound

Also in the vicinity of Petrozavodsk there are the following peaks: Sulazhgora (height 120 meters), Devil's chair (122 meters) and others.

Sampo

Mount Sampo is the lowest in our article, its height does not exceed 40 meters. It became popular after the filming of the film of the same name, the plot of which is based on the Kalevala epic, in which this mountain is mentioned. It is located in the Kondopoga region of Karelia, read more in the article "Mount Sampo".

Hiidenvuori

Also known as the "mountain of Leshy". Height - 117 meters, located in the Pitkyarantsky district of the Republic of Karelia on the shores of Lake Ladoga. At its foot stands the village of Hiidenvuori. A very interesting mountain with a magnificent view. In addition, climbing it will not take a large number time. You can read more about Hiidenvuori in this article.

Surimyaki

Mount Surimyaki is located in the Lakhenpokh region of Karelia on the Tervu peninsula. Height - 86 meters. Opens from the mountain beautiful view to the peninsula itself and to Lake Ladoga. You can read more in this article.

Paasonvuori

Or "Mount Paaso" for short. It is located in the Sortavala region of Karelia near the city of Sortavala. An ancient settlement (an ancient settlement) was found on its top and a very beautiful view of the city and its surroundings opens from it. The height is about 80 meters. Read more in this article.

This is a list of the most interesting, high and remarkable mountains of Karelia. Of course, there are many more, but it is not possible to cover everything in one article. We have mentioned only those that are possible to visit and that may be of interest to tourists.

It is generally accepted that the mountains are the Caucasus. Well, or the Urals. The mountains are Kazbek, Elbrus, Pai-Khoi. But if you ask us, we will proudly say that there is something to conquer in Karelia. And where to sweat. There is also something to admire from a bird's eye view and a little higher.

If you want all this, go to Paanajärvi, Loukhi district. Several of the most beautiful and interesting peaks of Karelia are located within the boundaries of the national park.

1. Mount Nuorunen. 577 meters.

Loukhsky district. This is the most high mountain Karelia. It has a tectonic origin and consists entirely of red granites. From the top, as from the roof of a skyscraper, you can see not only Karelia, but also Finland. For details on how to get to the mountain and how to climb the mountain, as well as the magic of this mountain, read.

2. Mount Mäntyutunturi. 550 meters.

Loukhsky district. From the top there is a magnificent view of Lake Paanjärvi. Also located in Paanajärvi. Closed for visits. Actually not touched by humans at all. Mäntykoski, the famous waterfall, flows down from the mountain.

3. Mount Kivakka. 499 meters.

Loukhsky district. On the top of the mountain there are lakes, which is remarkable in itself, as well as seid. To these wonders, you can add unique hanging swamps. About how to climb Kivakka, and what can be seen from its top.

4. Mount Lunas. 495 meters.

5. Mount Pyainur. 486 meters.

Do not believe it - again Loukhsky district. The most pointed mountain in Karelia. At the same time, the top of the mountain is bald, and the approaches to it are surrounded by forest. In general, it is pointless to talk about the views that open from the highest point of the mountain. This must be seen with your own eyes. How to get to Päinur and what to look for on the mountain itself -

6. Mount Vottovaara. 416 meters.

Muezersky district. Absolutely unique place. Either an anomaly of nature, or a temple of the ancient Sami. The point, of course, is in the seids, and in the dancing forest. We ourselves have been to Vottovaara and we advise you. Why is written here.

7. Mount Hiidenvuori. 119 meters.

Pitkyarantsky district. At first glance, an ordinary mountain. Compared to the first ones on this list, it’s generally a pea. But if you look, then Hiidenvouri is not at all so simple. The name alone is worth something - "Devil's Mountain". And this hole is at the very top ... We told more in this material. And about the devil, which is not a devil at all, and about the hole, which, as it were, is not an ordinary hole at all.

Karelia is one of the most amazing and interesting places Russian Federation. And Mount Vottovaara is one of the curious places in these parts. Local historians and ethnographers call the republic the "northern pearl of Russia", and this is a fair statement. What is so attractive in these harsh northern lands? First of all - the intersection of a huge number of historical and cultural layers. - these are both unique, well-known monuments of architecture, and, of course, megaliths and seids. A real traveler is attracted to the road, something unknown, mysterious. And just such interesting places in Karelia are quite numerous.

Mount Vottovaara is a place shrouded in mystery. What does this word - Vottovaara mean?

Mount Vottovaara is one of those places in Karelia that you should definitely visit if you like unusual and Beautiful places. Despite its low height, only 417 meters above sea level, this is a very unusual and beautiful mountain, which is a large plateau with an area of ​​​​6 square kilometers. She has many interesting features that distinguish Vottovaara from other similar places. In fact, everything is not so mystical.

How do you translate "vottovaara"? If you don't bother to search too much, the first translation that can be found is "a forest that you shouldn't go into." Despite the fact that this translation is fundamentally wrong, for some reason it is more common than others. Apparently, because of its mystery. The second component of the word Vottovaara, "vaara" is translated from the Sami as "mountain overgrown with forest". How is the word "votto" translated? In the Saami-Russian Dictionary, edited by R.D. Kuruch (Moscow, “Russian language”, 1985) you can find the words “vaadt” (lair) and “vuots” (sand), that is, the word “vottovaara” can be translated as “sandy mountain overgrown with forest” or “mountain overgrown forest with a den.

The plateau on which Vottovaara is located has an unusual and strong energy. The forest at the top is also unusual, the amazing shape of the trees of which has quite scientific rationale. The mountain, blown from all sides by strong northern winds, is a somewhat eerie sight. Trunks simply cannot withstand such constant stress, bend and break. Due to constant strong winds, many trees have strange shape, are often broken and the forest is a slightly eerie sight.

The history of the mountain: riddles and secrets

The complex of ancient cult stones - seids located on Mount Vottovaara in the western part of Karelia has become widely known recent times due to unhealthy mystical excitement and sensational publications: here and anomalous zone, a place of power, the remains of cyclopean structures, UFOs and other standard set of "secrets and mysteries of the Earth." Research carried out in the early summer of 2004 by the expedition of A. Sklyarov made it possible to clarify the situation and draw up a more objective picture of this monument. First of all, it turned out that, contrary to numerous publications, the seid complex as such on the summit plateau of Vottovaara was discovered by the searcher S.M. Simonyan in 1978, searching for the remains of the fighters of the partisan brigade Grigoriev. The search engines discovered the seids after a forest fire exposed the surroundings.

Mount Vottovaara is often called "Death Mountain" or "Hill of Death", but it would be more correct to associate this name with a height of 264.9 and the events that took place on it at the end of July 1942, namely a 12-hour battle, the death of more than a hundred partisans and brigade commander I.A. Grigoriev. Hence the first name "Hill of Death". In the fifties, logging was carried out in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bheight 264.9, and workers began to find the remains of the dead partisans, among other military equipment found on the dead, there was also a mortar, so the second name “Mortar Rock” appeared, which, however, soon replaced the other name “Death mountain”, also given by local residents due to the large number of dead partisans who were found and are found to this day at this height and in its vicinity. To this day, locals confuse Vottovaara with the real "Death Mountain", but in fact, "Death Mountain" and "Vottovaara" are still different mountains, although they are located next to each other. “Death Mountain” got its name after the bloody battles of the 1st Partisan Brigade on July 30-31, 1942. Death Mountain, or the Hill of Death, is located five kilometers southeast of Vottovaara. In any case, the name "Death Mountain" is definitely associated with the events of the war and not only the brigade campaign, but also others. tragic stories that took place in the vicinity of Vottvaara in 1941-1944.

Nature or the handiwork of our ancestors?

The tourist attraction of the mountain lies in a somewhat different plane. Firstly, the wonderful nature, as you approach the top, it changes and becomes similar to the northern one, there are dwarf Karelian birch and pine, mosses, which are not so common in South Karelia, beautiful lakes with the purest water, with a diameter of 50-100 meters. Secondly, it is still a mountain, and having risen from 120 meters above sea level (the usual relief height for South Karelia) to 460, you involuntarily rejoice at the views that open into the distance, in the edge of the marshes it is not often possible to view the horizon. Another interesting object on the inclined mountains is the seids. There are several versions of the appearance of seids. According to one of them, the sinking of the glacier led to such an arrangement of stones, according to another, the reason is the earthquake that occurred here BC, however, most likely, the seids are of artificial origin and had a cult purpose among the Sami. Geologists suggest that about nine thousand years ago, at the place where Vottovaara stands, there was a powerful earthquake, which resulted in a giant sinkhole. Because of this, a natural amphitheater appeared in the center of the mountain, dotted with lakes and rocks. Seids are stones laid in a circle, which are ancient cult objects. They say inside these circles there is a special energy and a common person feels uncomfortable inside them. Also among the interesting man-made objects on the mountain there is a rectangular well, built of huge stone slabs, the sides of which have a perfectly flat surface.

And in general, huge slabs are scattered all over the mountain, of the correct shape and huge size, which look like the base or ruins of some kind of ancient building, the external traces of which are gone, and the base itself is destroyed by an earthquake and therefore no longer form a single composition. By the way, it is the earthquake that causes the formation of the mountain. There are not only interesting man-made objects made of stone here. Unusual boulders are scattered all over the mountain, causing real delight among those who see such objects for the first time. In some places, these large boulders are real small towns, and in total there are about one and a half thousand. Some of them have a cult significance among the indigenous peoples of Karelia.

If you examine the mountain in more detail, the megaliths laid out on it, you can find a staircase made of huge stones. This is perhaps the most interesting surviving object on the mountain, built when people, "stairway to heaven." On one of the slopes of the mountain, thirteen huge steps are hollowed out, which lead nowhere, or rather, lead to a cliff. Experienced travelers call these ruins an amphitheater. A little to the side lies a multi-ton megalith, from which a rectangular piece has been neatly cut. And you can clearly see the extra cut.

Mount Vottovaara is very interesting place to visit, however, even if you believe in everything mystical, you should be wary of visiting this place. The indigenous inhabitants of Karelia are very wary of the mountain, which, apparently, is a grandiose cult object on which rituals have been held for many centuries. Locals do not recommend visiting the mountain out of idle curiosity, and long time there was a ban on visiting for children and women. Studies have shown that in some places on the mountain, the truth is a completely different energy, which negatively affects the well-being of most people, and for some, on the contrary, it only acts positively. On the mountain itself, various congresses of psychics are held annually, which treat Vottovaara in a special way, considering the mountain a place with strong energy. In August 2011, by a decree of the government of Karelia, the Vottovaara mountain complex was declared a landscape natural monument. The protected area covers an area of ​​​​more than one and a half thousand hectares: it includes the mountain itself and the area adjacent to it.