Discover Tarulinna

Nearby, Dr. Vinter’s dacha offers a tangible connection to architectural history. On a broader scale, the Republic of Karelia opens up further nature and culture themes: from waterfalls and forest trails to wooden architecture and Neolithic rock art. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can decide on the scope of your trip: should Tarulinna and its immediate surroundings be the focus, or would you like to plan your trip around different places in the Republic of Karelia? The natural attractions also offer different highlights: Kalevalsky National Park was established to protect a large area of natural forest; Paanajärvi National Park draws visitors with its landscapes, diverse plant and animal life, pristine tranquillity and excellent fishing opportunities.

Dr. Vinter’s Dacha

Dr. Vinter’s Dacha was built in 1909 to a design by Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen. It is located on Cape Taruniemi on the shore of Lake Ladoga, 8 km from Sortavala.

The Dacha Vintera park hotel and the Gustav Vinter restaurant closed on 1 September 2025 for renovation work. Check their current opening status before visiting.

The Republic of Karelia on a broader scale

Kivach Waterfall is on the Suna River in the central part of the Republic of Karelia and drops 10.7 m. After the Rhine Falls, it is Europe’s second-largest lowland waterfall. An overview excursion in the Kivach Nature Reserve includes an outdoor walk to the waterfall, as well as a visit to the dendrological collection and the Natural History Museum. Near the excursion area, a 1,000 m circular trail runs through a forest along the banks of the Suna. The excursion lasts 1 to 1.5 hours; trail length and excursion duration are two different factors to consider when planning. Check conditions and booking details with the operator in advance.

The Kizhi Museum Reserve in the Republic of Karelia displays 89 monuments of traditional wooden architecture in the open air, including old chapels and houses, mills, granaries, threshing barns and drying racks. Visitors can explore the interior of the Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God and of peasant houses; traditional peasant crafts are demonstrated in the houses. Another architectural highlight is the Kizhi Pogost, an ensemble featuring the world’s only multi-domed wooden Church of the Transfiguration.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Onega and White Sea Petroglyphs comprises 4,500 Neolithic rock carvings in the Republic of Karelia. The Onega Petroglyphs comprise more than 1,200 figures in Pudozhsky District; most are located on the three central capes of Pery Nos, Besov Nos and Kladovets. The White Sea Petroglyphs mainly depict hunting and sailing scenes, along with related equipment, as well as animal and human footprints. The Belomorsk Petroglyphs are located in the lower reaches of the Vyg, near its mouth at the White Sea, 6–8 km from Belomorsk, and comprise more than 2,000 different carvings.

Discover more destinations: Zaozernyy.

Return to the main travel overview: Sortavala city.