Things To Do
in Staraya Russa
Staraya Russa is a small historic spa town in northwest Russia known for its saline springs, 19th-century wooden and brick architecture, and connections to Fyodor Dostoevsky. The town grew up around salt production and later became a regional health resort with mineral baths and sanatoriums. Its compact center, riverfront setting and nearby wetlands give a mix of cultural landmarks and accessible nature.
Visiting offers a quieter, off-the-beaten-path Russian experience with local museums, churches and peaceful lakeside scenery.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day by wandering through the historic center of Staraya Russa, where you can admire the stunning architecture of the 18th-century churches. Visit the Church of St. Nicholas, known for its beautiful frescoes and intricate wooden iconostasis. As you stroll along the cobbled streets, take in the charming atmosphere and the sounds of the town waking up.
After a leisurely lunch at a local café, head to the Staraya Russa Museum of Local Lore to dive deeper into the rich history of the region. The exhibits showcase local artifacts, traditional costumes, and the history of the town's famous writer, Fyodor Dostoevsky. Spend time in the museum's garden, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and reflecting on what you've learned.
As evening falls, take a relaxing walk along the banks of the Msta River, where you can watch the sunset casting vibrant colors over the water. Stop by a local restaurant to indulge in authentic Russian cuisine, such as pelmeni or borscht. End your day with a quiet evening stroll, taking in the serene ambiance of the town under the stars.
Start your day with a visit to the Dostoevsky Memorial Museum, located in the house where the famous author spent his childhood. Explore the museum's collection of personal belongings, manuscripts, and photographs, all providing insight into his early life and literary inspirations. Engage with knowledgeable staff who can share fascinating stories about Dostoevsky's connection to Staraya Russa.
After lunch at a nearby café, continue your exploration with a guided tour of the locales that influenced Dostoevsky's works, including nearby parks and the banks of the river. Learn how the landscapes of Staraya Russa inspired his characters and narratives, giving you a deeper appreciation for his literature. Don't forget to take notes or sketch scenes that resonate with you during the tour.
In the evening, attend a literary-themed event or reading at a local cultural center, where you can connect with fellow literature enthusiasts. Enjoy discussions about Dostoevsky's impact on literature and how his experiences in Staraya Russa shaped his storytelling. Wind down with a glass of Russian tea, reflecting on the day's literary journey.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| ☕Coffee / Tea at a café | $1.50-3 |
| 🚖Short taxi ride (within town) | $3-7 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel / guesthouse (per night) | $35-80 |
| 🚌Local bus / marshrutka fare | $0.50-1.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic small-town Russian atmosphere away from mass tourism
- Thermal springs and spa treatments with historic saltworks heritage
- Good access to wetlands and nature reserves for wildlife and photography
- Compact center easy to explore on foot with interesting cultural sites
- Limited nightlife and dining variety compared with major cities
- Fewer English speakers and limited tourist infrastructure
- Seasonal mosquito issues in summer and harsh winter conditions
- Distance from major international transport hubs can add travel time
- "Здравствуйте (Zdravstvuyte)" - Hello (formal)
- "Спасибо (Spasibo)" - Thank you
- "Пожалуйста (Pozhaluysta)" - Please / You're welcome
- "Где находится ...? (Gde nakhoditsya ...?)" - Where is ...?
- "Сколько стоит? (Skol'ko stoit?)" - How much does it cost?
- "Я не говорю по‑русски (Ya ne govoryu po-russki)" - I don't speak Russian
- "Помогите! (Pomogite!)" - Help!
- "Где туалет? (Gde tualet?)" - Where is the toilet?
Places to Visit in Staraya Russa
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic house and nearby lanes with period architecture — great for atmospheric street and portrait photography, especially in soft morning or late afternoon light.
Picturesque views of the river, reflections of churches and old buildings, and seasonal misty mornings that are excellent for moody landscape shots.
Weathered warehouses, machinery and salt-related structures provide textured, industrial-age subjects and interesting contrast to the town’s greenery.
Rows of traditional wooden houses, carved details and painted shutters make appealing close-ups and architectural studies.
Wide, open landscapes, bogs and birdlife; boardwalks offer vantage points for nature photography and sunrise/sunset shots.
Food in Staraya Russa
Staraya Russa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Classic Russian cabbage soup (shchi) and beet soup (borscht) are widely available; look for versions with local mushrooms or smoked fish in small restaurants.
Must-Try!
Freshwater fish from nearby lakes is often smoked or pickled — try it at local markets, cafes or family-run restaurants.
Baked or fried stuffed buns (pirozhki) and thin pancakes (blini) with savory or sweet fillings are common at bakeries and cafes.
Locally foraged mushrooms are used in salads, soups, and main courses during late summer and autumn; seasonal and very regional.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A modest central market where vendors sell seasonal produce, mushrooms, smoked fish and dairy. Good place to sample local cheeses, honey and pickles; prices are reasonable and vendors are friendly to visitors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use formal greetings (Здравствуйте) in shops and with elders; a firm handshake and eye contact are common. Address people with patronymic plus given name in formal contexts if invited to do so.
If visiting Orthodox churches, dress modestly (cover shoulders, women may wear headscarves) and be quiet and respectful during services.
Remove shoes when entering someone’s home (or wear slippers provided), and bringing a small gift such as flowers or sweets is polite.
Avoid overly personal questions on first meeting; political topics can be sensitive. Russians appreciate sincerity and directness in conversation.
Safety
Tipping in Staraya Russa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory; in restaurants 5–10% is common for good service, rounding up small bills is normal in cafes. Tipping spa staff and taxi drivers modestly is customary.
Cash (Russian rubles) is widely used, especially in markets and small shops. Cards are accepted at larger cafes, hotels and shops; ATMs are available but less frequent than in big cities — carry cash for rural excursions.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Thawing and muddy conditions early in spring; by late spring, forests green up and wildflowers appear. Expect dampness — waterproof shoes are useful. Tourist services begin to increase after ice melt.
Warm and pleasant, with long daylight hours ideal for exploring and outdoor activities. Mosquitoes can be numerous near wetlands and lakes, so bring repellent. Many attractions and cafes are in full swing.
Colorful foliage and mushroom season make it attractive for foraging and photography; temperatures cool and rains increase. Some seasonal services may close late in the season.
Cold, snowy and atmospheric with temperatures often below freezing. Winter sports and spa treatments are popular, but roads and some rural routes can be icy — dress in warm layers and wear good boots.
Staraya Russa at Night
Hiking in Staraya Russa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Boardwalks and marked routes through raised bogs and wetlands ideal for birdwatching and unique landscape photography. Guided walks are sometimes available.
Trails and informal paths around nearby lakes and along the river provide easy, scenic walks with opportunities for fishing and picnics.
Network of quiet forest trails and rural roads good for cycling, mushroom foraging in autumn and peaceful woodland hikes.
Airports
How to reach Staraya Russa by plane.
The nearest regional airport is the Veliky Novgorod area (approximately 100–140 km away) with limited scheduled flights; most visitors reach Staraya Russa by road or rail from here.
Major international airport about 200–300 km northwest, offering numerous domestic and international connections. From St. Petersburg you can travel by train, bus or car to Staraya Russa.
International gateways with frequent flights; travel to Staraya Russa from Moscow involves a domestic flight, long-distance train or car journey and can take several hours to a day depending on connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population are ethnic Russians, including families, working-age residents and retirees.
A higher proportion of older residents and seasonal visitors who come for spa treatments and health resorts.
Residents employed in local services, salt-related heritage, tourism, healthcare and agriculture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular winter sport across the region with local amateur teams and community rinks.
Widely played by youth and adults; local matches and community leagues are common in summer.
A traditional winter pastime in the snowy months with trails through forests and open fields.
Recreational fishing is popular on local lakes and rivers among residents and visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Staraya Russa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited outside larger cities; rely on soups, blini with fillings, mushroom and potato dishes, salads and bread. Learn a few Russian phrases to explain dietary needs and ask for ‘без мяса’ (bez myasa — without meat).
Vegan and gluten-free choices are scarce in small-town eateries; bring snacks or specialty items if you require strict avoidance. Supermarkets carry some basics but read labels carefully.
If you have serious allergies, prepare a short note in Russian describing your allergy and carry any medications, as not all restaurants can accommodate detailed requirements.