If you are traveling to Saint Petersburg in winter there are a lot of places in the suburbs where you can go for a walk. You will be surprised by the winter beauty of parks in Gatchina, Petergof, Pavlovsk, Lomonosov, and Vyborg. So stop focusing on the central part of St. Petersburg, take your friends with you and go ahead, explore the unexplored!
A large number of museums, parks, nature reserves, old buildings and places of interest await you on this little journey. The whole journey should not take longer than a couple of hours regardless of what part of Saint Petersburg you begin your trip from.
Peterhof
Lower Park continues to operate during winter time. Peterhof is open daily from 9:00 to 19:00, and you will not have to pay entrance fee until spring – a great opportunity to explore the unique park ensemble, as well as to consider the magnificent fountains, even if they are not operating.
Gatchina Park
This beautiful park in the suburbs of Saint Petersburg is open from 6:00 to 22:00 with no admission fee all year round, the only exceptions are the days of major holidays and festivals. Gatchina park is a pleasant place for winter walks, where the air is clean and clear and you can admire the beautiful scenery with a touch of Russian history and interesting buildings.
Pavlovsky Park
In the winter you can walk around Pavlovsky Park for free, but only on weekdays. On weekends, even in winter, there is an entrance fee from
10:00 to 18:00. You do not have to pay for a ticket if you come for a walk from 6:00 to 10:00 and from 18:00 to 24:00. The main attractions of the park – the Apollo Colonnade, the Pil-Tower, the Great Stone Staircase – look really magnificent even when covered in snow.
Oranienbaum (Lomonosov)
Now there is a large-scale reconstruction, but the landmark is still available. Today, the park will not meet you with special chic and glitter – many of the statues are removed in protective structures, some alleys and aisles are closed. You can still explore the upper park which is an interesting mix of nature and architecture. However, the reconstruction also has its advantages: the place is absolutely free to visit all year round.
Mon Repos (Vyborg)
Mon Repos in Vyborg is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the only rocky landscape park in Russia on the shores of the Vyborg Bay. No wonder its name translates as “my repose.” Entrance fee is 100 roubles.
