Shcheleyki: Church and Nature in the Surrounding Area

• The Church of Dmitry of Thessaloniki (the Myrrh-Streaming) was built in 1783.
• The Shcheleyki Natural Monument lies between Shcheleyki and Gimreka on the southwestern shore of Lake Onega.
• The “Obitel' batyushki Onegi” eco-trail is 10.5 kilometers long; half the route follows forest paths and half runs along the shore of Lake Onega.
• The trail is suitable for a pleasant visit during the warm season. There are no sections that significantly impede travel.

The specific historical landmark in the village is the Church of Dmitry of Thessaloniki, also known as the Myrrh-Streaming. Its construction date of 1783 places it in the late 18th century. For travelers interested in religious architecture and history, this offers a cultural theme with a clear date. The church thus provides a different focus from the nature destinations nearby: here, a single building is at the center, while there, it is the landscape around Lake Onega.

The Shcheleyki Natural Monument is located between the villages of Shcheleyki and Gimreka on the southwestern shore of Lake Onega. Its location between the two villages is a useful reference point when considering the landscape around the destination. The “Obitel' batyushki Onegi” eco-trail starts near Gimreka and is also a destination nearby, not a trail whose starting point is in Shcheleyki.

Along its 10.5 kilometers, forest paths and sections by the lake alternate evenly: half the route runs on forest paths, and the other half along the shore. The route can therefore be viewed as a combination of two landscape experiences, rather than as an entirely forest or entirely lakeside trail. The season also matters when planning: the trail is suitable for a pleasant visit during the warm season. There are no sections that significantly impede travel; however, conditions may vary by season.

Looking at the broader destination of Leningrad Oblast, Vepsian Forest Nature Park offers a distinct regional nature experience. The park lies in the far eastern part of Leningrad Oblast and includes seven reserves with particularly strict conservation regulations. Among its many lakes is Lake Lerinskoye, the park’s largest lake; it lies in the reserve of the same name.

Among the nature park’s special features are well-preserved old spruce and pine forests in the “Vepsskiy les” and “Ashchozyorskiy” reserves. They are important for numerous organisms that can survive only in forests undisturbed by economic activity. Brown bears are found in considerable numbers in the park; the wolverine, which is extremely rare in the region, has also been recorded there. The Vepsians, a small people of Russia with their own culture and traditions, have also traditionally lived in the nature park. This regional perspective thus connects forest landscapes and wildlife with a cultural theme that extends beyond nature.

Koporye Fortress is also located in Leningrad Oblast. 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. Different construction phases thus come together at the fortress, distinguishable by their documented dates.

The fortress can be visited without a guide using the “Koporskaya krepost 2.0” multimedia guide. Check whether this option is available when planning your visit. Climbing the walls and towers is prohibited because of their emergency condition. This restriction is part of planning a visit, along with choosing between a guided and a self-guided tour.

Discover more destinations: Siversky, Terebochevo, Peski, Olkhovka, Nikiforovskoye, Svetlitsa, Svetogorsk and Priozersk.

What is a landmark in Shcheleyki?

The Church of Dmitry of Thessaloniki (the Myrrh-Streaming) was built in 1783.

Where is the Shcheleyki Natural Monument?

It lies between the villages of Shcheleyki and Gimreka on the southwestern shore of Lake Onega.

When is the “Obitel' batyushki Onegi” eco-trail suitable to visit?

The trail is suitable for a pleasant visit during the warm season. It is 10.5 kilometers long, with half the route following forest paths and half running along the shore of Lake Onega.

Can Koporye Fortress be visited without a guide?

Yes. The “Koporskaya krepost 2.0” multimedia guide is available for self-guided visits; check its availability when planning. Climbing the walls and towers is prohibited because of their emergency condition.

Go to the broader travel overview: Leningrad Oblast.