Fabulous Karelia. Underground Ruskeala.

Almost two years have passed since my trip to Karelia, but the beautiful views of the underground caves of Ruskeala are still the main screensaver on my computer. Surprisingly strict, a little abandoned, Karelia has such energy and potential that it left an unforgettable impression and a desire to return there again. Once, Ruskeala was a place of extraction of natural stone. This stone was used in the construction of St. Petersburg. Now there is no mining, but the place has acquired tourist significance. The underground caves and the lake are adjacent to the Marble Canyon (the main and most famous place of stone mining) and is part of the Ruskeala Mountain Park. A visit to the underground Ruskeala is possible only with a guided tour, which are held according to the schedule. We immediately bought tickets at the entrance, laying down 3 hours for walking in the park.

We walked around Ruskeala Park on our own, looked at the marble canyon, abandoned tunnels, beautiful northern nature and brave people bungee jumping.

Also, during the festivities, we visited several shops with handmade products.

A fairly large dining area is provided. But some of the cafes were closed, and, in fact, the choice was from two cafes. But since all the other customers had the same choice), we had to stand in line for a while to get our lunch.

By the excursion to the underground Ruskeala, we, after all, managed in time).

Sculpture of a tunnel worker at the entrance to an underground cave.

Excursions have been held since 2017, when lighting and hanging paths were organized in the old tunnel. Involuntarily, I remember a fairy tale about different wheels, when even animals managed to make very useful things out of different wheels. Immediately, a real miracle was made of the old tunnel. In general, there are so many interesting places in Russia that if you approach them wisely, they can become world-class tourist attractions.

About 20 people gathered for the tour. It began with an acquaintance and a safety briefing. We were all given uniforms in the form of hats, helmets and life jackets. It is important to note that the tour lasts about an hour, and the temperature in the cave in summer is about + 8 degrees. It's not hot, so if you're going to the underground Ruskeala in the summer, don't forget to take warmer clothes).

At the very beginning of the tour, we met a group of tourists like us in hard hats.

Their tour was already coming to an end and the appearance of their dark tunnel of a large number of people in helmets seemed funny).

The length of the route is 800 meters. At first we walked through the tunnel where the stone trolleys used to roll.

The walls in the tunnel have beautiful lighting. Sculptures of quarry workers have even been recreated in one of the tunnels.

After passing through the tunnel and feeling the cold and damp walls, our group came to the lake, where music was playing and there was a very beautiful illumination, and we were greeted by such a solemn beauty.

The colors shimmered to the beat of the music. And it's a wonderful sight.

Now we began to walk on the suspension bridges, there was water under us. Bridges do not have blind fences, which is probably why children under 7 years old are not allowed on the tour.

The depth of the underground lake is 13 meters. According to the researchers, there are lakes of a lower level, at least 40 meters deep, under this lake. It is impossible to get to them, because the tunnels leading to them were either flooded or blocked.

We were in the underground Ruskeale in August. According to the guide, this year the ice in the underground kingdom melted only at the end of July, that is, quite recently. In winter, when there is ice on the lake, an exhibition of ice sculptures is organized here. All of them are also beautifully highlighted.

The combination of the cold solemnity of stone and water, music, lighting, makes an indelible impression. If you are in Ruskeala, be sure to visit its underground caves. This place is worth it!