Pskov region – winter journeys start here!
What if the real magic is hidden not in the summer heat, but in the crystal breath of winter? We will go to a place where Russian fairy tales come to life under a sparkling crust of snow, and instead of the noise of resorts, there is the cozy crackling of firewood in the fireplace. Welcome to the winter Pskov region – a place where you can find not just a vacation, but a lost sense of peace.
Lovers of winter countryside holidays who wish to get a boost of energy need to travel only 39 km from the regional center, the city of Pskov, and visit the active recreation park "Malskaya Dolina". Here you will find slopes for skiers and snowboarders, trails for cross-country skiing and tubing, and in addition, cottages with a view of the forest lake.
After enjoying the energy of speed, switch it to the energy of the place, carried through the centuries – head to Izborsk, one of the oldest cities in Rus', with its mighty fortress, the Slavyanskiye Springs, and the Swan Lake. By the way, this picturesque corner was awarded the title of the most beautiful village in Russia by the "Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Russia".
To prolong this state of peace, go to the recreation centers near Izborsk – "Lukomorye", "Pleskov", or "Ozyornaya". Here you will find the ritual of a winter evening: the heat of a Russian wood-fired bathhouse, aromatic tea surrounded by ancient pines, and a serene view of the snow-covered expanses of Lake Pskov, whose endless views are rightfully called the "Pskov Sea".
Winter holidays at Forelevy Khutor are a real find for nature lovers and those who enjoy active pastimes! Here you can enjoy ice fishing for trout. In the local restaurant, the chef develops an author's menu with a focus on local products from local farmers. When staying in cozy cottages, do not be surprised if you see tracks in the snow – these are local residents: sheep, turkeys, chickens, ducks, and a lone gander. In the evening, you can gather by the fireplace, share your impressions, and enjoy the warmth of home comfort.
Find your "haven of tranquility" at the "Knyaz Gvidon" glamping site. The main attraction of the upcoming winter season is a long ice slide, where you can glide down on an inflatable tube with the wind in your hair and genuine laughter. Afterwards, do a good deed – assemble a bird feeder from wooden parts.
After your rest, take a stroll through one of the most romantic places – the noble estate of Mikhailovskoye, where Alexander Sergeyevich wrote his best works during his exile. Here, you can even listen to the exclusive and unique fragrance "Pushkin," developed in collaboration with the team of the St. Petersburg Perfumers' Guild. The bouquet combines notes of old ink, rustling paper, the morning coolness of a winter walk, and the shimmer of evening candles.
If you wish to visit the village of Samolva, where Alexander Nevsky achieved victory over the Livonian Order, and see the new, awe-inspiring memorial complex "Alexander Nevsky with his Retinue," which was attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin at its opening, you can stay nearby – at the "Velino" glamping site. Walk along the eco-trail in the pine forest to feel the winter silence, hear the birds sing, and then swap your secluded walk for active recreation – ice skating on the mirror-like surface of the frozen lake. As evening falls, go on a hunt for the Northern Lights and the starry sky. Conclude this eventful day in a real Russian banya, where you'll get a panoramic view of the lake while enjoying the steam.
When traveling to the south of the Pskov region, stay at the "Solnechny Bor" park hotel; a New Year's outdoor program will be running here throughout the holidays. You can also expect an unexpected gastronomic journey – visit a unique snail farm and taste an exquisite delicacy – Burgundy snails.
Auto tourists can consider stopping near the town of Ostrov on the federal highway, which offers not only new accommodation options at the Mandarin hotel but also unique attractions – the only 19th-century chain bridges preserved in Russia. They look especially majestic in the night illumination. You definitely won't drive past them!
It is best to start exploring the region with a visit to the Pskov Region Tourist Information Center, which celebrated its 15th anniversary in October. The office is conveniently located in the very heart of Pskov, near the Pskov Kremlin. Here, every guest can receive free maps and guidebooks, thematic guides, and consultation on booking excursions or hotels.
The Pskov Region is not a point on the map. It is a state of being, based on a sense of belonging to something large and eternal, a synthesis of history and modernity.
See you in the Pskov land!
Pskov Region Tourist Information Center
Address: Pskov, Lenin Square, bld. 3
Tel. +7 (953) 242 57 00
Website: visit.pskov.ru
VK: vk.com/infopunktpskov
Telegram: t.me/visitpskovregion
Photos by: S. Saukh, K. Kochkina, R. Dmitriev, Velino Glamping, Solnechny Bor Park Hotel.