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The Vodlozersky National Park with an area of almost 470 thousand hectares is located partly in the territory of the Arkhangelsk Region and partly in the territory of the Republic of Karelia. In fact, its entire territory is divided into different zones. For example, a site with an area of 100 thousand hectares is completely closed for visitors.

Another 186 thousand hectares are considered a specially protected area, and on 1.2 thousand hectares, economic activity is carried out. There is also a forest area for forest restoration, as well as a nature management zone - for the needs of local residents.

As many as 51.2 thousand hectares were allocated for tourists - this is a recreational zone set aside specifically for the organization of ecological tourism. Here you can not only watch the untouched nature of the taiga, but also float along the rivers and go fishing, and walk along ecological paths (day trips or trips for several days). And among other things, Vodlozersky National Park has a vast cultural heritage.

There are architectural monuments of the 18th and 19th centuries on its territory - these are houses of simple peasants in the middle of the forest and in the meadows, as well as a chapel. The most beautiful is Ilinsky churchyard with a church, a bell tower and a picturesque wooden fence. It is believed that the churchyard was built in 1798, but local written records speak of earlier dates. Pilgrims from all over the Arkhangelsk region flock here, since Ilinsky Pogost became the spiritual center of these territories.

If we talk about the natural sights of the Vodlozersky National Park, then we should start with its name. It was given to the reserve in honor of the reservoir Vodlozero, stretching for more than 400 km. It is considered the best fishing place in the whole Karelian region and in the Arkhangelsk region. Here they catch bream and burbot, perch and whitefish, and cook  tasty fish soup.

Vodlozersky National Park was established in 1991 and became the first conservation area in northern Russia.

Many national species of animals live in the national park, all thanks to minimal human intervention in the natural course of life of these territories. Here there are badger and lynx, marten and fox, wolf and bear and even reindeer.

Practical information

Getting to the national park "Vodlozersky" is easy. It is partially located on the territory of the Arkhangelsk Region - in the Onega District, and partly on the territory of the Republic of Karelia, in the Pudozh District. Visits should be arranged in advance by calling or visiting the visit centers of the national park.

Addresses of visitor centers:

    Petrozavodsk,  Parkovaya Street, 44. Tel. +7 (8142) 76-43-79, +7 (8142) 76-44-17;
    Arkhangelsk region., Onega, Popova Emb., 5. Tel. +7 (818-39) 7-15-06;
    Republic of Karelia, Pudozh district, village Kuganavolok. Tel. +7 (814-52) 30-110, 30-116.

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