Two fortresses

Many have heard of the ancient Pskov fortress Izborsk. Since ancient times, this fortress stood on the defense of the western borders of Russia, but in the XX century, new fortresses were supposed to protect the country first in the First and then in the Second World War. However, the new fortresses were no longer enough plateau over Gorodishchensky Lake and they, stretching for tens of kilometers near Izborsk, occupied the picturesque Benevsky heights. Decades later, the forests hid the works of military engineers from prying eyes, giving us a unique opportunity to touch history, strolling along steep hills, along forest lakes through pine forests, look into the dark casemates of the bunkers of the Stalin Line and walk through the huge trenches of the First World War.

What awaits us:
By car we drive from Pskov through D. Izborsk in the area of Zagorje (40 km on the asphalt highway, transfer is not included in the price).

On the way, we will talk about how fortresses evolved in world history, and on the Pskov land in particular, and why Pskov completely lost its military importance by the beginning of the XX century.

Getting to D. We will be able to look at the Benevsky Heights and the highest point in the vicinity of Pskov - Mount Veretye. From this picturesque place will begin our walking journey, a long 9 km. On the way, we will talk and see why military engineers built their fortresses here twice in the XX century.

After the first 10 minutes of walking, we will meet the trenches of the First World War of the Pskov (Izborsk) position, and we will talk about why they still reach a depth of 2 meters, why they are located under hills, not on hills, why they differ in shape from the trenches of the Second World War, and much more.

After a little more time we will meet the first gray concrete monoliths of the bunkers of the Pskov UR, towering among the pine forest. We will go inside, walk through corridors and casemates, talk about how these structures were arranged, who and how was supposed to fight in them, why many of them turned to the front “sideways”, and many other interesting facts related to the creation of the so-called “Stalin Line”.

In total, during the tour, we will be able to inspect five bunkers and the construction of three strongholds of the Pskov (Izborsk) fortified position.

On the way we will be waiting not only for trenches and bunkers, but also picturesque lakes - Light, Grave, Ostrovno, on the shore of one of them we can make a small stop and take a breath.