Plotina

• The Plotina mine was established in 1936.
• In 1993, the Kapitalnaya mine and shafts No. 1 and No. 2 were flooded.
• By 1955, the first shafts, 30 to 50 metres deep, had been established at the Tedino, Malinovaya Varakka and Plotina mines. The Kapitalnaya shaft complex belonged to the Plotina mine.
• Points of interest include the shore of Lake Loukhskoye and the ruins of the grinding and processing plant.

The dates provide a timeline for the mining history: the mine was established in 1936, followed by the first shafts, which were built at the three named mines by 1955. The depth of 30 to 50 metres refers to these shafts collectively. It is also recorded that the Kapitalnaya shaft complex belonged to the Plotina mine.

A later turning point came in 1993, when the Kapitalnaya mine and shafts No. 1 and No. 2 were flooded. This makes it possible to understand the establishment, expansion and flooding as distinct stages in the area’s mining history. The ruins of the grinding and processing plant add another mining site to this picture. If you plan to visit the shore or the ruins, check access conditions in advance.

The lake’s history is also connected with 1936: houses were built on the shore of what was then Lake Zasheyechnoye. At that time, the village was called Zasheek; today, the lake is called Loukhskoye. The former and current names therefore refer to the same lake, while Zasheek was the village’s name at the time.

The shore of today’s Lake Loukhskoye is considered a point of interest. Alongside the mining sites, it creates a picture of a place with different points of interest connected to the lakeshore and mining history. This distinction is useful when planning a trip: the historical facts describe the area, while a visit to the shore or factory ruins depends on current access conditions.

Beyond Plotina, the Republic of Karelia offers more for nature and culture enthusiasts. At the Kivach Nature Reserve, a general excursion includes an outdoor walk to Kivach Waterfall and visits to the dendrological collection and the nature museum. A 1,000-metre circular trail runs through a wooded area on the banks of the Suna, near the excursion zone. The excursion is listed as lasting 1 to 1.5 hours; the circular trail itself is not described as guided. Check conditions and booking details with the operator in advance.

The Kizhi Museum Reserve offers a different cultural perspective: its open-air collection features 89 monuments of traditional wooden architecture, including chapels, houses, mills and granaries. Visitors can also see the interiors of the Church of the Intercession of the Theotokos and peasant houses, where traditional rural crafts are demonstrated. These regional examples complement Plotina’s mining and local history with nature experiences and wooden architecture in the Republic of Karelia.

Discover more destinations: Chkalovskiy.

When was the Plotina mine established?

The Plotina mine was established in 1936. By 1955, the first shafts, 30 to 50 metres deep, had been established at the Tedino, Malinovaya Varakka and Plotina mines.

How did the names of the lake and village change?

The lake was then called Zasheyechnoye and is now named Loukhskoye. The village was called Zasheek at the time.

Which places in Plotina are mentioned as points of interest?

The shore of Lake Loukhskoye and the ruins of the grinding and processing plant are mentioned. Check current access conditions before planning a visit.

Back to the main travel guide: Loukhskiy rayon.