The fairytale village of Mandrogi

The folklore and ethnographic village of Mandrogi is a unique object, with a rich history and traditions, on the site of which now there is an interesting ethno-cultural settlement with the life and customs of the villages of Karelians, Veps and Archangels.

You will travel to the north of the Leningrad region to the Svir River, to the lands that before the revolution belonged to the Olonets province, the capital of which was Petrozavodsk. The main difference of the village is its authentic architecture, it is a real open-air museum of wooden architecture.

On the way from Petrozavodsk to the village of Mandrogi in an interesting and fascinating form with visual materials, I will tell you about the history of Karelia: from ancient volcanoes to the present day, reveal the secrets and highlights of our republic, answer any questions. You will learn about ancient volcanoes, glaciers and Sami, the first inhabitants of our lands.

In the village you can see:

• houses-complexes of the XIX century, which were found in the “sleeping villages”, dismantled and restored, and now offer to plunge into the life and crafts of the local population, make a souvenir in various workshops;
• Manor and tower. In one of them there is a local restaurant, in others there is the Museum of vodka and a collection of nesting dolls. Others are given for comfortable accommodation. Every building is a work of art.
• The village presents the largest boot in the world size 379, which is listed in the Guinness Book of Records!
• The vodka museum. This museum in the village of Mandrogi is more than 20 years old, and it is one of the first vodka museums in Russia. Over the years, many famous personalities have visited the museum. The collection of the museum is impressive: more than 3,500 varieties of drink.
• Land of fairy tales "Lukomorye". You can get to it by ferry through Petkelev stream. On the other bank there are wooden sculptures of heroes based on the fairy tales of A. S. Pushkin.

The village is located in a picturesque place on the territory of Mezhozer region - between Lake Ladoga and Lake Onega on the banks of the Svir River. You can walk along the coast, see a huge samovar, stables, visit souvenir shops, where famous masters of Russia presented their art.

On the way to Mandrogi or on the way back, you can have a snack in a cafe on the territory of the Alexandro-Svir Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in the North-West. If desired, we can walk through the territory of the monastery and see the incorruptible relics of the founder of the monastery, Veps by origin Alexander Svirsky.

The second option to choose from: to look in the city of Lodeynoe Field and have a snack in one of its restaurants or cafes. Third: you can eat on the territory of the village in a restaurant of Russian cuisine.

The village of Mandrogi itself was formed by the Veps, an indigenous people of these places belonging to the Finno-Ugric group, several centuries ago. Mandrogi is translated from the Veps language as “thresholds”. On the way we will plunge into the Karelian and Vepsian culture, learn who Veps are and how they differ from the Karelians. I will tell the story of the village’s founding, as well as give recommendations on what to see and try on the spot.

On the way back, we will listen to Vepsian music and Vepsian tales, guess Vepsian riddles and return to Petrozavodsk in the evening.

Total length of the route: 440 km.

• Transfer on a comfortable car Volkswagen Polo 2019
• Author's excursion and travel information about Karelia
• Distribution and information materials
• Baby booster and child seat
• Mineral water "Karelian pearl"

Not included in the price:

• Entrance ticket to the village of Mandrogi - 500 rubles. Man. Children under 5 years free of charge

Optional costs:

• Lunch in the cafe "Pilgrim", Alexander Svir monastery - 550д
• Entrance ticket to the Museum of vodka and tasting (50 g) - 350
• Walking sightseeing tour "The Amazing Village of Mandrogi" with a visit and tasting in the Museum of Vodka. Entrance to the village is not required – 1250)
• Ferry crossing through Petkelev brook to the glade of fairy tales “Lukomorye”. Children under 5 years free of charge - 350 -
• Interactive excursion to the stable and mini-farm (40 min.) - 800шн