Things To Do
in Volkhov
Volkhov is a small industrial town in Leningrad Oblast on the banks of the Volkhov River, known for its historic hydroelectric power station and riverfront setting. It sits along important rail and river routes east of St. Petersburg and serves as a gateway to the southern shore of Lake Ladoga and the ancient settlement of Staraya Ladoga. The town combines Soviet-era industrial architecture, wartime monuments, and stretches of mixed forest and river landscapes that appeal to photographers and outdoors enthusiasts.
Visitors will find a quiet, authentic Russian small-town atmosphere with modest tourist infrastructure and strong local culture.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Volkhov, where you can admire the charming architecture and rich cultural heritage. Visit the local market to engage with friendly vendors and sample fresh produce and traditional Russian snacks. As you wander, be sure to capture the picturesque scenery along the banks of the Volkhov River.
After a delightful morning, head to the Volkhov History Museum to delve into the fascinating past of the region. The museum showcases artifacts from the ancient Slavic tribes and offers insights into the evolution of the town. Take a break at a nearby café, enjoying a cup of Russian tea while soaking in the ambiance of the quaint streets.
As the sun sets, make your way to the banks of the Volkhov River for a peaceful evening by the water. Enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, sampling dishes like borscht and pelmeni, while chatting with locals about their lives in this historical town. End your day with a pleasant walk along the river promenade, admiring the shimmering reflections on the water.
Start your day with a refreshing hike in the lush forests surrounding Volkhov, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Look out for diverse plant species and enjoy the sound of birds chirping as you walk along well-marked trails. The fresh air and tranquil environment will fill you with energy for the day ahead.
After your nature walk, visit the local botanical garden to explore the vibrant array of flowers and plants that thrive in this region. Engage with knowledgeable staff who can share insights about the local ecology and conservation efforts. Pack a picnic and enjoy your lunch surrounded by fragrant blossoms and the calming sounds of nature.
As evening approaches, consider joining a guided night walk in the forest to experience the nocturnal wildlife. The sounds of crickets and rustling leaves set a serene atmosphere while an expert guide shares stories about the area’s ecosystem. Return to your accommodation for a cozy night in, perhaps with a cup of herbal tea made from local herbs.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (5–10 km) | $4-10 |
| 🎟️Museum or attraction entry | $2-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic small-town Russian atmosphere with river and lakeside scenery
- Close to historic Staraya Ladoga and Lake Ladoga for nature and history
- Good opportunities for photography of industrial heritage and landscapes
- Lower prices than big cities and relaxed pace
- Limited tourist infrastructure and English-language services
- Few nightlife and dining options compared with larger cities
- Weather can be harsh in winter and mosquitoes are significant in summer
- Public transport options may be infrequent for remote excursions
- "Здравствуйте" - Hello (formal)
- "Спасибо" - Thank you
- "Пожалуйста" - Please / You're welcome
- "Сколько стоит?" - How much does it cost?
- "Где туалет?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Я не говорю по-русски хорошо" - I don't speak Russian well
- "Говорите ли вы по-английски?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Volkhov
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic Soviet hydroelectric plant with dramatic industrial structures, turbines (viewpoints outside facilities), and river vistas—excellent for industrial and river photography.
Riverside walks provide reflections, boat traffic and atmospheric shots at dawn and dusk; bridges frame the town well.
Ancient fortress walls, churches and river views of the early medieval site—outstanding for history-themed and landscape photography.
Scattered traditional wooden buildings and austere Soviet apartment blocks create strong contrasts and portrait backdrops of everyday life.
Rugged shoreline, quiet bays and wetlands near Volkhov offer sweeping landscapes and birdlife photography, especially in migration seasons.
Food in Volkhov
Volkhov Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Small freshwater fish from Lake Ladoga, often smoked or pan-fried and available in markets and local restaurants along the river.
Must-Try!
Traditional beetroot soup and cabbage soup, served in most cafés and restaurants—comfort food after a day outdoors.
Dumplings filled with meat (often beef/pork) commonly served with sour cream; available at canteens and family-style eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small local market near the center where vendors sell smoked fish, local dairy, fresh seasonal vegetables and traditional baked goods; good for sampling regional products.
Simple kiosks by the station offering hot blini, pastries, tea and packaged smoked fish—convenient for travelers passing through.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use a polite greeting such as 'Здравствуйте' when addressing people formally; handshakes are common in introductions—use both hands for a firmer handshake and maintain eye contact.
WWII memorials and graves are treated with solemn respect—avoid loud behavior, and follow any posted rules when visiting monuments.
Hosts often expect guests to remove outdoor shoes when entering a private home; bring slippers if visiting friends or local homes.
For formal or polite address use given name plus patronymic when appropriate (e.g., Ivan Ivanovich); otherwise last names and polite forms are acceptable.
Alcohol is part of social life in Russia but public drunkenness is frowned upon—drink responsibly and be mindful of behavior in public spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Volkhov
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; in restaurants 5–10% is common for good service, rounding up at cafés is fine, and taxi drivers are usually given small change or rounded fares.
Cash (Russian rubles) remains widely used in small shops and markets; cards are accepted in many restaurants and shops in town but carry cash for kiosks, markets and rural services. ATMs are available but may be less common in smaller settlements—plan accordingly.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days (often comfortable) and long daylight hours make summer the best time for outdoor activities, boating and photography; expect mosquitoes in forests and near the lake—bring repellent.
Crisp air and colorful foliage create picturesque landscapes; shorter daylight and occasional rain mean layered clothing and waterproof footwear are useful.
Cold, snowy and dark months with below-freezing temperatures—excellent for winter landscapes and ice fishing but dress warmly, and be aware of icy sidewalks and limited daylight.
Thawing rivers and muddy trails as snow melts; early spring can be wet and chilly but offers bird migration and emerging greenery by late spring.
Volkhov at Night
Hiking in Volkhov
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Local riverside paths suitable for day walks, photography and birdwatching; flat to gently rolling terrain and easy access from town.
Trails around the ancient settlement and fortress connecting historic sites and lakeshore viewpoints—combine history with short hikes.
Coastal routes along Lake Ladoga offering varied terrain, wetland bird habitats and scenic bays; routes can be tailored to length and difficulty.
Forested trails for mushroom and berry foraging in season, wildlife spotting and longer day hikes—prepare for muddy or uneven surfaces in spring and autumn.
Airports
How to reach Volkhov by plane.
Main international airport serving St. Petersburg, about 100–150 km west of Volkhov depending on route; best option for international travelers—reach Volkhov by train, bus or car from St. Petersburg (train connections are frequent).
Regional airport to the northeast; farther away than St. Petersburg but serves flights to other parts of northwest Russia and is an option if visiting Karelia or combining itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population; traditional Russian culture and language predominate in daily life and public institutions.
Significant portion of residents are employed in industry, energy (hydropower) and transport-related sectors.
Like many smaller Russian towns, Volkhov has a noticeable elderly population, reflecting demographic trends and younger people moving to larger cities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular across the region during winter; many locals play and follow professional teams from larger cities.
Played recreationally and followed as a spectator sport; local amateur teams and youth clubs are common.
Both recreational and subsistence fishing are culturally important—seasonal activity on Lake Ladoga and the Volkhov River.
Common winter pastime in forests and open countryside; trails may be informal but widely used by locals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Volkhov.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited outside major cities—look for soups (ask for no meat broth), salads, potato dishes, buckwheat, blini with fillings and pickled vegetables; bring snacks if you rely on a broader variety.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are limited in small-town eateries; plan ahead, pack staples, and communicate restrictions clearly in Russian (e.g., "без мяса" for no meat).
Specialty halal or kosher options are scarce; adherents should seek larger nearby cities (St. Petersburg) or self-cater.