Zaplavye: Woodcarving and Local History

• The village’s houses are known for their decorative woodcarvings.
• Wooden depictions of Nil Stolobensky were made in Zaplavye.
• A deep, narrow channel separates the settlement from Kravotynsky Reach and continues as the Polonovka toward Vlydachno Bay.

The carvings on the houses shape the village’s cultural character. The making of wooden depictions of Nil Stolobensky is also part of this local craft tradition. This was a historic industry: large numbers of these figures were made in Zaplavye. House decorations and figures represent two forms of woodwork associated with the village.

For travelers interested in culture, this offers a clear focus: Zaplavye can be explored not only through its location by the water, but also through its craft history. Woodcarving is a lasting part of how the village is described; the production of figures points to an earlier local tradition.

Zaplavye lies on the shore of Kravotynsky Reach. A deep, narrow channel separates the settlement from this body of water; toward Vlydachno Bay, it continues as the Polonovka. The shore, channel, and bay together form the main geographical reference points in descriptions of the village.

The area’s former fishing industry is also part of Zaplavye’s history. The residents’ ancestors were known for their fishing skills and brought fish to Ostashkov. From there, merchants transported it onward to Moscow, Petersburg, and other Russian cities. The local history thus connects fishing with trade that extended beyond Ostashkov.

Beyond Zaplavye, Tver Oblast offers opportunities to explore nature at the Central Forest Reserve. Guided tours are available along the “Tainy Okovskogo lesa” and “Lesnaya azbuka” ecological trails. The “Boloto Staroselskiy mokh” educational trail crosses a raised bog with broad, open areas completely covered in moss, as well as unusual plants. Visitors use their own vehicle for an excursion to this raised bog.

Another option is a hike to the “Barsuchikha” cordon: it can be taken as a day trip or with an overnight stay in a forest cabin. Along the way, you will see southern taiga forest and a raised bog. The options differ mainly in the type of nature experience and, for the hike to the cordon, in the choice between a day trip and an overnight stay.

The Central Forest Reserve’s nature museum showcases the protected area’s main ecosystems and interesting species that live there; one room is dedicated to scientific research. There is also a visitor center at the central estate, with information about the organization’s history and structure, a regular exhibition of children’s work, and a souvenir shop.

Tver Oblast’s cultural history offers a range of points of interest. Founded in 1038, the Novotorzhskiy Borisoglebskiy Monastery in Torzhok is one of Russia’s oldest Orthodox monasteries. In Torzhok’s historic center, Verkhnee gorodishche is an archaeological monument of federal significance and a tourist attraction.

The “Blin s Pripyokom” and “Kuzminki v Torzhke” festivals are held annually in the Novotorzhskiy Kremlin. Nilova Pustyn is a monastery on Stolobny Island and a center of religious and pilgrimage tourism. These examples illustrate different aspects of Tver Oblast’s cultural offerings beyond Zaplavye: historic monuments, monastic traditions, and recurring festivals.

You can tailor your search area to the experiences that interest you most.

Discover more destinations: Olino, Peno, Staryy Sig, Rogozha, Udomlya, Krasny Kholm, Borovoye, Subtsov.

What is Zaplavye known for?

The houses are known for their decorative woodcarvings. Large numbers of wooden depictions of Nil Stolobensky were also made in Zaplavye.

What is the excursion to the “Staroselskiy mokh” raised bog like?

Visitors use their own vehicle for this excursion. The educational ecological trail crosses an open, moss-covered raised bog with unusual plants.

What options are available for the hike to the “Barsuchikha” cordon?

You can take the hike as a day trip or stay overnight in a forest cabin. Along the way, you will see southern taiga forest and a raised bog.

For the main travel overview: Tver Oblast.