Belomorsky District: Rock Art on the White Sea

• The rock art of the White Sea comprises 11 groups with a total of 3,411 figures.
• The Belomorsk Local History Museum was founded on November 2, 1961.
• Sumsky Ostrog was built in Sumsky Posad in 1582–1583.
• The Soroksky State Nature Reserve includes a stretch of coastline and adjacent marine areas with islands.

The rock images mainly depict hunting and sailing scenes, along with the associated equipment. They also include human and animal footprints. Scenes of activities thus appear alongside traces that record movement. The rock art has significant artistic qualities and is considered evidence of Stone Age creativity. As a landmark of Belomorsky District, the petroglyphs are a distinctive cultural point of reference for the region.

In the wider travel destination of the Republic of Karelia, the UNESCO World Heritage property of the Onega and White Sea Petroglyphs comprises 4,500 Neolithic rock carvings. This regional scale places the rock images of Belomorsky District in a broader context. By contrast, the figure of 11 groups and 3,411 figures refers to the rock art of the White Sea within the district.

The Belomorsk Local History Museum “Belomorskie petroglify” was founded in Belomorsk on November 2, 1961. In January 2023, the updated interactive exhibition “Skazaniya Pomorskogo berega” opened there. If you are planning your trip specifically to see this exhibition, check in advance whether it is currently on display.

Sumsky Ostrog in Sumsky Posad represents a different historical period. The Solovetsky Monastery built it in 1582–1583 to defend the Karelian Pomorye against Swedish raids. The focus here is a fortification with a clearly specified period of construction and a specific defensive purpose. By contrast, the petroglyphs take you back to prehistoric imagery, such as hunting, sailing, and the footprints of people and animals. Visitors interested in history will therefore find different periods and themes to explore in the district.

The Soroksky State Nature Reserve includes a stretch of the Pomor Coast and adjacent areas of the White Sea with islands. The reserve’s aims include protecting unique gathering sites for waterbirds in Onega Bay and safeguarding biological resources in the sea and in the mainland and island areas of the reserve. Alongside the archaeological and historical themes, this adds a clearly defined perspective on coastal areas, islands, and nature conservation.

In 2023, the “Petroglif” information center was established on the basis of the Belomorsk Central District Library. It was created as an information, educational, and research space, as well as a permanent part of tourism activities. Check the specific opening details before visiting.

The forest section of the “Kamennaya kniga Belogo morya” route runs from Vyigostrov to Zalavruga via an ecological educational trail and past the petroglyph groups “Erpin Pudas III,” “Erpin Pudas IV,” and “Zalavruga.” The route description is intended for 10- to 17-year-olds. This age range helps put the offering in context; it is not a general statement about its suitability for every travel group.

Discover more destinations: Sortavala, Segezha District, Prionezhsky District, Medvezhyegorsky District, Pudozhsky District, Pryazhinsky District, Olonetsky District, Loukhsky District.

How many groups and figures does the rock art of the White Sea comprise?

It comprises 11 groups with a total of 3,411 figures.

What motifs do the petroglyphs depict?

Mainly hunting and sailing scenes with associated equipment, as well as human and animal footprints.

What age group is the forest section of the route intended for?

The route description is intended for 10- to 17-year-olds. The forest section runs from Vyigostrov to Zalavruga via an ecological educational trail to three petroglyph groups.

Is the “Skazaniya Pomorskogo berega” exhibition currently on display?

It opened at the Belomorsk Local History Museum in January 2023. Check before your visit whether it is currently on display.

For the broader travel overview: Republic of Karelia.