Ancient Russian fortress on an island at the source of the Neva from Lake Ladoga. Founded by Novgorodians in 1323. The Treaty of Oreshek with Sweden was signed here. In the 18th-19th centuries — a political prison: Peter I's first wife died here, Decembrist Küchelbecker was imprisoned, Lenin's brother was executed. During WWII, the garrison held for 500 days, preventing complete blockade of Leningrad.
Children under 7 free. Students, seniors 200₽. Tour included. Ferry ~285₽ separate. Fortress on island
Summer — warm weather and long days. White nights (June) — special atmosphere. Closed November through April.
From Ulitsa Dybenko metro, minibus 575 (50 min, ~111₽) to Shlisselburg, then boat to island (15 min, from 285₽ round trip). Or hydrofoil from Palace Embankment (1h 20min, from 4700₽ with entry). Train to Petrokrepost station + boat.
Massive stone walls and towers on an island in the Neva. Ruins of St. John's Cathedral, destroyed in war and left as memorial. Prison buildings with political prisoners' cells. Memorial to fortress defenders 1941-1943. Panorama of Lake Ladoga and Neva source.
From boat — fortress against water and sky. From walls — panorama of Ladoga and Neva source. Cathedral ruins — dramatic war symbol.
faq.subtitle Oreshek Fortress
The island where fortress stands is called Orekhovy (Nut Island) — shaped like a nut. Swedes called it Nöteborg (Nut-castle), Peter I renamed it Shlisselburg (Key-city) after capturing it in 1702.
No, fortress is closed from November 1 to May 1. Water navigation is impossible in winter.
Eudoxia Lopukhina (Peter I's first wife), Decembrist Küchelbecker, populists, Alexander Ulyanov (Lenin's brother, executed 1887). Prison operated from 1720s to 1917.
Useful tips for visiting Oreshek Fortress
Season: May-October. Closed November-April. Ticket 350₽ (adult), 200₽ (reduced). Tour included. Ferry from 285₽.
From Ulitsa Dybenko metro, bus 575 to Shlisselburg (50 min, ~111₽), then boat (15 min). Or hydrofoil from Palace Embankment (1h 20min, from 4700₽ all inclusive).
Main sites: ruins of St. John's Cathedral (war memorial), prison buildings, 1941-1943 defenders memorial. From walls — Ladoga panorama.
Bring windbreaker — always windy on island! Buy ferry ticket online in advance — cheaper and no queue.
Average temperature by month
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