Kizhi (Russian: Кижи) is an island in Karelia, Russia. It is part of the Silver Ring of cultural and historical centers of Northwestern Russia.
Understand
[edit]The Kizhi museum is one of the largest open-air museums in Russia. This is a unique historical, cultural and natural complex enlisted on the Code of the Most Significant Cultural Heritage Sites of the Peoples of the Russian Federation. The basis of the museum collection is the architectural ensemble of the Kizhi Pogost, a 
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The State Kizhi Museum is on the Island of Kizhi in Lake Onega, 68 km from Petrozavodsk, the capital of the Republic of Karelia. The museum has been researching, preserving and popularizing culture of the native peoples of Karelia for more than 40 years.
The collection of the Open-Air “Kizhi” Museum includes 89 monuments of wooden architecture: old chapels and houses, windmills and granaries, threshing barns and racks for drying crops. The gem of this collection is the 22-domed Church of the Transfiguration of Our Savior, 37 m high. The Church of the Intercession of Holy Mary and the Bell-Tower nearby emphasize the harmony and magnificence of the main church.
The guests of the museum can visit the Church of the Intercession of Holy Mary and peasant homesteads. Traditional crafts are demonstrated in peasant houses; wind flows bell-ringing over the island. Wonderful performance of the Museum folk ensemble supplements the impressions of the traditional peasant culture. The visitors whose stay on the island concurs with one of the museum festivals will have the most lasting impressions.
Get in
[edit]All below options will allow you to stay only for 4 hours, usually 12:00-16:00.
By hydrofoil
[edit]- 1 Hydrofoil harbor (main wooden path, westernmost side of the island). Harbor where large hydrofoils, also known as "Meteor" and "Kometa" arrive.
In summer (from 15th May to 15h October), boats run from Petrozavodsk to Kizhi. A ticket costs 5200 руб and half of that for children in August 2025. The journey takes 1.5 hours.
By bus
[edit]For those wishing to safe some money and not caring much about time it is possible to arrive to Kizhi by bus from Petrozavodsk. Ticket costs 3700 руб and for children it is 3200 руб. Journey starts at about 7:00 and takes 5 hours to reach Kizhi. Return at about 21:00.
By car
[edit]- 2 Kizhi Harbor Transfer, Oyatevshchina. Car and bus parking where tourists from mainland can transfer to ferry to Kizhi.
It is possible to reach Kizhi by car. However similarly to bus it is a very long road (over 300 km from Petrozavodsk and 140 km from Kola highway) and impractical as you have to arrive on 12:00 for the only hydrofoil to the island. You also need to leave your car on the mainland. Hydrofoil costs 2100 руб per person which also includes base entry fee (1600 руб for children). Road is new and good quality, but passes through complete wilderness and there is no gas station on its entire length.
Fees and permits
[edit]- 1 Ticket booth. Ticket booth on entrance to Kizhi museum. You can also buy excursions and additional tickets here.
Entry fee is 1000 руб for adults, 500 руб for children aged 6 to 17. Tickets can be bought in advance on website or on entrance. The fee is not included in the ticket price for the hydrofoil or bus from Petrozavodsk.
Get around
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By foot
[edit]Southern tip of the island containing most of the interesting sights can be toured only on foot. Paths are wheelchair accessible and in good condition.
By bicycle
[edit]Bike rental is located at entrance ticket booth. Bike paths go to the central and northern sides of the island with tranquil villages off the main sights.
See
[edit]- 1 Church of the Transfiguration (Церковь Преображения Господня). Main sight of Kizhi. This 37 meter tall church was built in 18th century entirely of wood except for nails on its 22 domes. Inside there is a huge iconostasis with 102 icons on four levels. You can also ask museum worker inside to show you the missing icons from ceiling on AR tablet. Church underwent extensive reconstruction due to subsidence and is the last remaining wooden church of its kind (the other one burned in 1963). It is also known as summer church as service was performed here only in summer.
Do
[edit]Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]There are a few snack cafes and a small supermarket near the landing for the hydrofoils and cruise ships. Bringing your own picnic lunch is allowed, but be sure to use the bins or carry your own refuse off the island with you.
Sleep
[edit]The Kizhi Museum runs a guest house on the island:
- 1 Kizhi Museum Guest House («Кижская благодать» гостевой дом Елупова), Ersenevo (on mainland, to the south of harbor transfer), ☏ +7 921 451 00 81. Double room from 4500 руб.
Backcountry
[edit]Stay safe
[edit]Smoking is strictly prohibited on entire island. Do not smoke! Not even where you think it may be safe.
Go next
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