Veshkelitsa: Lakes, History and Karelian Culture

Veshkelitsa lies on the shores of seven small lakes. It also has a settlement history dating back to the 17th century, historic buildings and cultural events. This combination offers different ways to get to know the character of the place: through its landscape, architecture, music or traditions.

Seven small lakes as a feature of the landscape

The lakes on the shores of Veshkelitsa include Kirikiarvi, Matkajarvi and Koverajarvi. Their names give the landscape a sense of place: water is a feature of this village, not just a general theme of the region. If you like to start with a destination’s surroundings when choosing where to travel, the lake landscape offers a clear point of reference. Historical and cultural themes provide a different focus, so you can consider which side of Veshkelitsa best suits your travel interests.

Traces of different centuries

The settlement of Veshkelitsa was established by the 17th century at the latest. The Sorokin House is a traditional dwelling from the late 19th century and represents a different period from the Chapel of St George the Victorious. The chapel is considered a monument of folk architecture from the 17th century; in the 1980s, it was moved to Veshkelitsa from the village of Kangozero. Its history therefore includes both its architectural classification and its subsequent relocation.

A museum room was also established through the efforts of local historian Pyotr Shamshin. Another sobering historical landmark is the mass grave in Veshkelitsa, where 30 defenders of the Fatherland are buried. Together, these sites reveal different aspects of history: residential architecture, folk architecture with a story of relocation, and remembrance of the defenders.

Folklore and the annual calendar

A folklore group from Veshkelitsa performs songs in Karelian and Finnish. These two languages are a distinctive cultural feature of the place. The Veshkelitsa fair is held annually at Pentecost, providing a recurring date to consider when planning your trip. If you would like to plan your stay around the fair, check the exact date before you leave. If attending a folklore performance is important to your trip, it is also a good idea to enquire about the dates in advance.

Factors that may shape your choice of destination

Your interests may determine your choice of holiday apartment in Veshkelitsa: the lakes reflect the landscape’s character, the Sorokin House and chapel represent different architectural histories, and folklore and the fair offer cultural events. This allows you to assess the place according to the themes that appeal to you most on holiday, rather than basing your decision on just one attraction.

Other highlights in the Republic of Karelia

The wider destination of the Republic of Karelia offers additional nature and culture experiences. At the Kivach Nature Reserve, an introductory excursion includes an outdoor walk to Kivach Waterfall, as well as visits to the arboretum and the Nature Museum. A 1,000-metre circular trail runs through a wooded area on the banks of the Suna, near the excursion zone; the excursion lasts 1 to 1.5 hours. The waterfall lies on the Suna in central Karelia, is 10.7 metres high, and is Europe’s second-largest lowland waterfall after the Rhine Falls. Check the excursion’s conditions and booking with the operator.

The Kizhi Museum Reserve offers a different focus: its open-air collection features 89 monuments of traditional wooden architecture, including chapels, houses, mills, granaries, threshing barns and drying racks. Visitors can explore the interiors of the Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God and peasant houses; traditional peasant crafts are demonstrated inside the houses. Nature experiences and wooden architecture therefore offer distinct interests to consider when planning the rest of your trip in the Republic of Karelia.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Salmi, Lososinnoye, Essoyla, Kurkiyeki, Konchezero, Otrakkala, Uzheselga, Kotkozero.

For the wider travel overview: Republic of Karelia.