Things To Do
in Velsk

Locally smoked trout, roach or pike are commonly sold at markets and small eateries; try it with dark rye bread and pickled vegetables.

Must-Try!

Wild mushrooms gathered in the taiga are used in creamy baked dishes (julienne) or fried with onions; often available in seasonal menus and markets.

Fried or baked filled buns (pirozhki) and thin pancakes (blini) with savory or sweet fillings are easy, cheap snacks found in cafés and from street vendors.

Homemade kvass (fermented rye drink) and jars of lingonberry or cranberry preserves are common at markets and make good souvenirs.

Small covered stalls selling smoked fish, dairy products, preserves, seasonal berries and mushrooms; a good place to try local flavors and buy picnic supplies.

Occasional stalls near the embankment sell fresh and smoked fish, pirozhki and tea in summer; street food is simple, seasonal and homemade.

Use formal greetings (Здравствуйте) with older people or on first meetings; a firm handshake and eye contact are typical. First names with patronymics are customary in formal contexts.

Showing deference to older residents is important; offer seats on public transport and greet elders respectfully.

Hosts may expect you to remove outdoor shoes when entering a home; bringing a small gift (sweets or tea) when invited is polite.

Ask before photographing people, especially inside churches or private properties; some locals prefer not to be staged or intruded upon.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; in restaurants 5–10% is common for good service, small change or rounding up is fine for cafés, and drivers or guides may be given modest tips directly.

Cards are accepted in many shops and restaurants, but cash (rubles) is important for markets, small vendors and rural services. ATMs are available in town but can be limited — carry enough cash when heading into surrounding countryside.

Late May–August brings mild temperatures, long daylight hours and the best time for hiking, fishing, and foraging; mosquitoes can be active in wet areas, so bring repellent.

September–October offers vivid fall colours and mushroom season but can be chilly and rainy; many locals head into the woods to forage, and daylight shortens noticeably.

November–March is cold with snow and ice; temperatures often fall well below freezing, creating beautiful snowy scenes but requiring warm clothing, reliable transport and winter footwear.

April–May can be muddy and thawing, with fluctuating temperatures; spring is quieter for tourism but offers early migratory birdwatching and the first foraged greens.

A network of paths along the Vaga River suited to easy day walks and birdwatching, with spots for picnics and fishing.

A circular route through nearby pine and mixed forest using logging roads and trails — good for mushrooms, berries and quiet nature walks.

Informal trails used by locals for seasonal foraging; these offer varying distances and opportunities to learn about edible plants and fungi.

Longer routes along abandoned or active logging roads that penetrate deeper into the taiga; useful for multi-hour hikes and exploring remote scenery.

Amateur local football is popular, with pickup games and youth teams active in spring–autumn.

Hockey is a favourite winter sport regionally, played in rinks or on frozen ponds when conditions allow.

A traditional winter pastime well-suited to the snowy landscapes and used both recreationally and competitively.

Fishing is both a leisure activity and part of local subsistence/culture along the Vaga River.