Lebedevka: Name History and Nature of Leningrad Oblast

• Former name: Honkaniem(i), Finnish Honkaniemi.
• Name changes in 1948: from Lebedevka to Sosnovka and, about half a year later, back to Lebedevka.
• The name Lebedevka derives from the surname of Nikolai Lebedev.

Lebedevka was formerly called Honkaniem(i), in Finnish Honkaniemi. In the spring of 1948, the town was renamed Sosnovka due to “natural features.” Half a year later, a renaming commission changed the name to Lebedevka. This sequence shows that the town’s name changed several times in a short period: the former name was followed by a temporary renaming and then the later name, Lebedevka.

The name Lebedevka derives from the surname of Nikolai Lebedev. Lebedev was the commander of an armored boat and a 1st-class Starshina (1922–1944). He died during the landing on Piisaari, North Beryosovy Island. These details connect the town’s name to a specific historical person without equating the history of its name with the landscape and culture themes of the oblast.

When booking a hotel, it is worth checking the details and current availability of the specific offer.

The Vepsian Forest Nature Park is in the far east of Leningrad Oblast and comprises seven reserves with particularly strict protection regulations. There are numerous lakes in the park; the largest is Lake Lerinskoye, in the reserve of the same name. Other notable features include preserved old spruce and pine forests in the “Vepsskiy les” and “Ashchozyorskiy” reserves. They are important to numerous organisms that can survive only in forests undisturbed by economic activity.

Brown bears are found in greater numbers in the nature park; the wolverine, which is extremely rare in the region, has also been recorded. These are indications of the local wildlife, but they do not guarantee sightings. The regional nature description thus brings together lakes, old forests and their ecological importance, alongside the animal species mentioned.

The Vepsian people traditionally live in the Vepsian Forest Nature Park. They are a small people of Russia with their own culture and traditions. Thus, alongside the landscapes, the culture and traditions of the people who live there are part of the region’s character.

The Koporye Fortress is located in Koporye. It is a museum and a monument of Old Russian stone architecture. It has been preserved in its present form since the 16th century; parts of the masonry date back to the 13th century. Climbing on the walls and towers is prohibited because of their critical condition. A visit without a guide, using the “Koporskaya krepost 2.0” multimedia guide, is mentioned as an option; check its availability when planning.

Regional information dated December 24, 2019, listed ecological routes in seven regionally significant protected areas as operational at that time. They were intended for self-guided visits and equipped with informational materials and various visitor facilities. Check current conditions before planning a visit to these routes.

A description dated 2019 mentions a circular ecological trail at the Toksovskiye vysoty natural monument, running over sandy hills and hollows and through old spruce and pine forests. In the “Gryada Varyamyansel'kya” protected area in Priozersk District, an ecological cycling route runs through a landscape of lakes, bogs and dry, old pine forest. For these routes too, you should check their current status before traveling.

The Ladva trail leads to glacial landforms, middle-taiga vegetation and the Vepsian village of Ladva. It also leads to Lake Ladva in Podporozhye District. Near the settlement of Kurba in the same district, an eco-trail runs alongside lakes in the Vepsian Forest Nature Park; the route description was published on a regional website on December 24, 2019. Comparing their described features, these routes offer different highlights: sandy terrain and forest, a cycling route through a landscape of lakes and bogs, and the Ladva trail with its village, lake and taiga vegetation. It is advisable to check current conditions for the routes described in 2019.

Discover more destinations: Zaborye, Borodinskoye, Sarzhenka, Pasha, Rozhdestveno, Ust-Luga, Volochaevka, Ogonki.

What were Lebedevka’s former names?

Lebedevka was formerly called Honkaniem(i), Finnish Honkaniemi. In the spring of 1948, the town was renamed Sosnovka; half a year later, a commission changed the name to Lebedevka.

Where does the name Lebedevka come from?

It derives from the surname of Nikolai Lebedev. Lebedev was the commander of an armored boat and a 1st-class Starshina (1922–1944), and he died during the landing on Piisaari, North Beryosovy Island.

What nature themes does the Vepsian Forest Nature Park offer?

The park comprises seven reserves, numerous lakes and old spruce and pine forests. Brown bears are found there in greater numbers; the rare wolverine has also been recorded. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

What should you keep in mind when visiting Koporye Fortress?

Climbing on the walls and towers is prohibited because of their critical condition. A visit without a guide, using the “Koporskaya krepost 2.0” multimedia guide, is mentioned as an option; check its availability when planning.

What should you keep in mind about the regional eco-routes?

Regional information dated December 24, 2019, described routes in seven protected areas as operational and intended for self-guided visits. For current planning, you should check the latest conditions and the status of the specific route.

For the wider travel overview: Leningrad Oblast.