makani catamaran fireworks

Friday Night Fireworks Sail (Honolulu)

Quick details, age requirement, activity times, tour duration, what's included, description.

The experienced crew of the Makani welcomes guests to join them on the luxurious catamaran for a cruise along the Waikiki shore on the most exciting evening of the week. Every Friday evening, the Hilton Hawaiian Village celebrates the start of another weekend with a spectacular show of pyrotechnical art. The deck of our comfortable sailing vessel provides you with a front-row seat for all the dazzling sights and sounds!

We can't think of many better ways to start your weekend than with a beautiful sunset and an open bar. The gentle breeze and the rocking motion of the sea, watching a sensational fireworks show and seeing the bustle of Waikiki nightlife from a distance.

All this is part of the Friday Night Fireworks Cruise onboard the Makani Catamaran. This luxurious vessel allows you a spectacular sailing experience while also providing the comfort of indoor and outdoor seating, dual restrooms, a high-end sound system, and a wide selection of beer, wine and craft cocktails.

Waikiki hotel transportation is included for a stress-free experience. Come aboard just in time for sunset and enjoy the world-famous panorama of the Waikiki skyline lighting up as the sky grows dark. Your eyes will find the iconic Diamond Head to one side, the exquisite beaches and parks of Waikiki all along the shore, and a multitude of classic and modern architecture all framed by the dramatic shapes and dark colors of the Ko'olau Mountains which rise behind the city.

During the one-hour sailing experience, the friendly and experienced crew are happy to answer any questions about the sights you see. Some guests spend the whole cruise just relaxing on the deck and enjoying the balmy Hawaiian breeze. Others try to spot dolphins, turtles, and other sea life near the catamaran. In the wintertime, you may even spot a humpback whale!

A full bar selection is available to those who enjoy a drink, and non-alcoholic beverages are also available. Island-style craft cocktails only enhance the feeling of happy satisfaction that comes with the gentle rocking of the waves.

The highlight of this evening is the majestic fireworks show that draws big crowds to the shore every Friday night. Guests onboard the Makani get a front-row seat for the show, away from the crowd, and in style.

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Makani Catamaran - Friday Night Fireworks Sail

Enjoy a unique vantage point of the Aloha Friday fireworks set off from Waikiki Beach on Friday nights. This sunset catamaran sail takes you along beautiful Waikiki Beach for the best view of the Friday night fireworks show. Immerse yourself in this captivating display while enjoying our fully stocked open bar, offering a selection of craft cocktails, beer, wine, seltzers, soda, juice and water.

Tour Highlights:

• Sail along beautiful Waikiki Beach
• Spectacular views of the Aloha Friday fireworks show
• Chance to see a variety of marine life, including green sea turtles, dolphins and whales (during the winter whale watch season)

Tour Inclusions:

• Open bar (choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages)

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Waikiki Friday Night Fireworks Sail – Makani Catamaran

Sunset Cruise Oahu

Total Duration: 2 Hours 

Availability:  Everyday

Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Tour Rating:

Come enjoy the unique viewing experience of a fireworks show from a catamaran. With exquisite views of the Honolulu skyline, backed by the silhouette of the Ko’olau range,  Friday Night Fireworks Cruise will transform your evening. As the moon rises, you’ll have a spectacular close-up view of the fireworks show from the water. Watch the sky light up as you enjoy our open bar- we offer craft cocktails, beer, wine, seltzers, soda, juice, and water.

Departure Location

1009 Ala Moana Blvd. Slip F31 Honolulu, HI 96814

Included Features

• Fully USCG certified & state-of-the-art catamaran
• Friendly & experienced crew
• Bose surround sound stereo system
• Covered & open-air seating
• Dual restrooms
• Full bar selection
• Eco-friendly & biodegradable cups, plates, & cutlery
• Spectacular views of Honolulu, Waikiki, & Diamond Head
• Waikiki Friday Night Fireworks
• 1-hour sailing cruise

What To Bring

• Comfortable footwear
• Light jacket if you tend to get cold

Have Questions? Call  (808) 698-5779

Adult  Ages 13+

Children Ages 3-12

Infants: (Under 2 Years)

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Friday Night Fireworks Sail (Honolulu)

Activity times, what's included, description.

We can't think of a better way to start the weekend than with a beautiful sunset, an open bar, and a sensational fireworks display! 

Every Friday evening, the Hilton Hawaiian Village celebrates the start of another weekend with a spectacular fireworks display. This weekly ritual draws in onlookers by the thousands, but you don't have to be one of them. The Friday Night Fireworks Cruise will give you a front-row seat from the water. From the deck of the luxurious Makani catamaran, you can take in dazzling sights and sounds without joining the crowd. 

Join the experienced crew of the Makani for this spectacular one-hour cruise from Kewalo Harbor. This luxurious vessel offers an exciting sailing experience while also providing the creature comforts of indoor and outdoor seating, dual restrooms, a high-end sound system, and a wide selection of complimentary beer, wine and craft cocktails.

Cruise Itinerary

Roundtrip transportation from Waikiki area hotels is included for a stress-free experience. Pick-up times will vary depending on your location.

You'll be welcomed aboard the Makani just in time for sunset. As you sail along Oahu's southern coastline, enjoy the world-famous panoramic view of the Waikiki skyline. You will see the iconic Diamond Head Crater, the exquisite beaches and resorts of Waikiki, and the classic and modern architecture of downtown Honolulu framed by the dramatic Ko'olau Mountains which rise up behind the city.

As you sail, you may spot dolphins, turtles, and other sea life near the catamaran. In the wintertime, you may even spot a humpback whale. Enjoy the complimentary island-style craft cocktails or just spend the whole cruise just relaxing on the deck and enjoying the balmy Hawaiian breeze, it's up to you!

The highlight of the cruise is watching the majestic fireworks show that draws big crowds to the shore every Friday night. Guests onboard the Makani get a front-row seat, though, far away from the crowds and cruising in style.

During the one-hour sailing experience, the friendly and professional crew are happy to answer any questions you may have. A full bar selection and non-alcoholic beverages are available and included with the tour. 

Know before you book:

• Cruises fill quickly, please book in advance.
• Dress comfortably and consider bringing along a light jacket. 

Operating Hours and Schedule

• The Friday Night Fireworks Sail operates every Friday night with some exceptions.
• Please see the calendar for availability.

Getting There

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TGI Friday! Make your Friday night extraordinary as you watch the Hawaiian skies light up with a shade of mesmerizing bright-colored sparks after enjoying a sumptuous island-style dinner.

All of these happen in a modern boat while sailing on the pristine Pacific waters. Makani Catamaran, one of the finest sailboats in Hawaii, presents the Friday Night Fireworks Sail where you could enjoy 2 hours of adventure-style fine dining, sunset gazing, picture taking, drinking your favorite beverage, and watching spectacular fireworks. And if luck cooperates (which usually does), you could have a glimpse of some marine lives showcasing their swimming skills like sea turtles, whales and dolphins in the moonlight.

Featuring a cozy covered cabin seating area, full bar, two large freshwater restrooms, Bose surround sound system, pilothouse seating, LCD TV, sunbathing net areas, and a viewing deck (which is probably the most special spot on the boat), the Makani Catamaran is perfectly built for your authentic and most exciting sailing experience. Here’s a fun fact that is worth sharing: did you know that it was the Polynesians who first developed the catamaran-style boats, which also played a vital role in exploring the Pacific, including Hawaii? Well it’s good to know that you are a part of this exploration, isn’t it? So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now and come aboard!

Friday Night Fireworks Sail: What to Expect?

As a part of your package, a bus picks you up from your hotel (major Waikiki hotels only) at around 5:30 pm so, make sure to be ready before this time. You can wear anything you want, as long as you’re comfortable. Just ensure that you bring a light jacket to warm you from the cold winds in the sea and you might as well wear solid shoes with rubber soles to avoid slipping on the outer decks of the yacht. If you’re driving your own or rented car, check-in at the Kewalo Harbor at least 30 minutes before it departs at 6:00. Please note that the parking fee applies.

A small group of crew greets and welcomes you aboard as soon as you step on the boat. They are friendly and accommodating, always looking at your needs while sharing some stories about the Pacific. The Makani Catamaran departs at exactly 6:00 pm and at the same time, the staff starts giving away a complementary drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). The fully-stocked bar also starts to open, where you could order any drinks you prefer at reasonable prices. Some people ask if they get motion sickness. Thankfully, catamarans have two hulls with unique benefits which are stability and speed. You can actually go faster with less rocking. But if you’re still a bit hesitant, please visit a doctor for some great tips. Anyhow, the crew does everything to prevent seasickness and helps if you do get it. Sounds funny but they have “buckets” prepared.

A few minutes in the water, they start calling for dinner. Here, you could enjoy plenty of choices, whether you’re a vegan or meat lover. Enjoy steamed white rice with island-style beef with vegetables, and chicken like Pacific Islanders do. Roasted Red Potato Salad with hints of Olive Oil & Dijon is also available, along with curry tofu and vegetable wraps. Satisfy your sweet cravings with Macadamia nut chocolate chip cookies, which are full of Hawaiian Macadamia nuts. What a delightful treat, indeed! 

After Dinner Splurge

While the lower cabin is so inviting that you want to hang out more and drink the night away, more people spend most of their time in the upper deck, where they walk around and see all the beautiful things surrounding them – the Waikiki shoreline, the Diamond Head, the sunset and don’t forget, the fireworks! Do you remember the movie “Titanic” when Jack let Rose stand in the railing of the ship, grabbing her arms, extending them out where she said, “I’m flying”? Guess what? You can imitate this, standing at the very end of the hull and taking a Titanic photo. 

If you want to get splashed, which kids usually enjoy, you can stay on the nets and feel a few drops of Pacific water on your skin. On the upper deck, you’ll get to see turtles bobbing up for air just a few feet away. On the other side of the hull, dolphins are swimming gracefully, looking like they want to befriend you. Across the bow, flying fish are crossing. Perhaps for hunting or getting away from a predator. The Captain makes sure to sail towards where these beautiful creatures are. You can also hang out with the Captain or crew for a meaningful conversation. So, you see. Everyone seems to find a perfect spot on the yacht where they see everything they want to see.

The Fireworks 

Celebrate your Makani Catamaran Friday Night Sail with a close-up view of the magnificent Fireworks show from the water. Watch the skies of Honolulu transform your evening into a magical moment and be reminded that life is full of so many beautiful things, after all.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

• Sail along the beautiful beach of Waikiki 
• Magnificent views of the Aloha Friday Fireworks show
• Opportunity to see a variety of marine life, including green sea turtles, dolphins and whales 
• Sunset dining at a modern yacht on the sea
• Postcard-worthy picture-taking opportunity

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

• 1 complementary drink (choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages) 
• Roundtrip transportation (from Waikiki hotels)
• Island-style dinner (with hot and cold selections)

DINNER SELECTIONS:

• Island Style Chicken
• Island-Style Beef & Vegetable Stir Fry with Sweet Onion, Zesty Carrots and Crisp Celery
• Steamed White Rice
• Curry Tofu & Vegetable Wraps
• Roasted Red Potato Salad with Olive Oil & Dijon
• Macadamia Nut Chocolate Chip Cookies

$65 & up—Hawaii catamaran cruises incl. Friday fireworks

Why We Love This Deal

Take a relaxing boat ride off Oahu's coast to witness views of Honolulu, Waikiki and Diamond Head. If you're lucky, you'll even glimpse energetic spinner dolphins and, during winter months, majestic humpback whales.

What's Included

• $65 for one person (all ages; reg. up to $87)
• Comes with an open bar
• $65 for one adult (ages 13 and up; reg. up to $97)
• $55 for one child (ages 3-12; reg. $75)
• Valid daily through March 31
• $79 for one adult (ages 13 and up; reg. up to $132.00)
• $65 for one child (ages 3-12; reg. $103)
• Travelzoo members with an adult ticket for the Honolulu City Lights Sunset Sail will receive one complementary alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverage ($8 value)
• Note: A $1-per-person State Ocean Stewardship User Fee and a $2.50 tax will be added to the final price at checkout (paid directly to the merchant; this is standard for all customers).

More Reasons to Go

• The Friday Night Fireworks and Honolulu City Lights Sunset Sail feature an open bar
• Makani Catamaran docks in Kewalo Basin Harbor, which—by car—is located less than 10 minutes from downtown Honolulu and about 15 minutes from Waikiki
• "This 65-foot Makani is the top catamaran in Hawaii for luxury" (Fodor's)

Travelzoo tip: The Friday Night Fireworks bar is available at no extra cost, while the Honolulu City Lights bar is available for an extra $20 (paid directly to Makani Catamaran; must be of legal age to consume alcohol).

$65 & up

When you can go.

Select dates through Dec. 31; days vary by voucher

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10 most beautiful places in Karelia (PHOTOS)

1. Petrozavodsk

Fishermen, simbol of Petrozavodsk city, sculpture on Onega embankment, gift from American twin-city Duluth.

The capital and the largest city in Karelia (with just under 300,000 people living there) is famous for having one of the most remarkable waterfronts in Russia. Lake Onega’s embankment is decorated with installations by contemporary artists from all over the world. And the sunsets here are simply unbelievable!

The main street in Petrozavodsk named after Lenin.

Architecture enthusiasts will fall in love with the old Karelian wooden houses in the city center, which is basically an open-air museum.

2. Ruskeala Mountain Park

Kayakers sailing over sunken boulders in Lake Light.

Several years ago, these abandoned marble quarries were turned into a park. Marble was mined here beginning in the 18th century. Ruskeala marble was used in the decoration of St. Isaac's Cathedral and St. Michael's Castle in St. Petersburg, as well as the city’s Primorskaya and Ladozhskaya metro stations.

In the caves of the marble canyon in Ruskeala Mountain Park.

The main attraction at Ruskeala Park is a big canyon filled with blue water. You can also visit underground tunnels.

3. Kivach Falls

Kivach Falls.

This waterfall features prominently in just about every tour of Karelia. It is impossible to miss! Kivach is translated from Finnish as “powerful, impetuous,” which is a very fitting description of this waterfall on the Suna River. At 10.7-meters high, Kivach is the second largest plain waterfall in Europe after Rhine Falls in Switzerland.

4. The Girvas extinct volcano

On an ancient volcano Girvas.

Girvas is not like any volcanoes we are used to. It looks like a rocky forest cut by numerous lakes and dams. But it is actually a volcano, or more precisely a paleo volcano, as scientists would say. It went extinct more than 2 billion years ago and is considered one of the oldest on the planet.

Kizhi island.

Lake Onega has more than 1,300 islands, but Kizhi is especially worth a visit. It is an island museum of wooden architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Medieval buildings were brought here from abandoned villages in northern Russian and restored. The heart of the ensemble is the Kizhi Pogost.

The Church of Transfiguration built 1714 on the Kizhi Island.

It consists of the 37-meter-tall Church of the Transfiguration, which was built in the early 18th century entirely from wood without a single nail. Here you will also find the Church of the Intercession, which has a partially preserved iconostasis and a 19th century bell tower.

6. Valaam Monastery

The bay of the Valaam Monastery and St. Nicholas Skete.

One of the oldest and most famous monasteries in Russia is located in the western part of Karelia on Lake Ladoga. The Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour was founded in the 11th-12th centuries on the secluded Valaam Archipelago, which consists of 50 islands. Some of them are so close to each other that they seem like a single piece of land, while others are more remote and difficult to get to. On many of those islands, you can find secluded dwellings for monks that are called sketes.

The Valaam Monastery.

Pilgrims and tourists come here not just because of the monastery’s religious history, but also to go on scenic walks around the islands.

7. Ladoga Skerries

Summer evening at the Ladoga Lake.

One of the most beautiful national parks in Russia consists of hundreds of islands, canals and bays hidden away in the dense Karelian forests. It is one of the most popular fishing and kayaking destinations for tourists and locals alike.

A local at the Ladoga Lake.

What’s more, seals live here.

8. White Sea Petroglyphs

Petroglyph of a deer.

These carvings on rocks—messages from people who lived in the area 5,000-7,000 years ago—are considered one of the main mysteries of Karelia. They can be found all over the region, but most of all near the city of Belomorsk in the north of the republic. There are more than 2,000 of them here, with new ones being discovered all the time. They depict scenes from the everyday life of the ancient residents, ranging from fishing to domestic scenes. There are even pictures of people on skis!

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The famous view of Rabocheostrovsk.

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The Karelian village of Kinerma.

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Inside a Karelian house.

Local residents have set up an exhibition for tourists that introduces everyday life in a Karelian village. And, of course, all visitors are treated to delicious local pasties, called kalitki.

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• The 7 most beautiful villages in Russia (PHOTOS)
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Honolulu City Lights Sunset Sail

Quick details.

Calendar Availability: Please check the calendar for most updated availability

Adult (13-62 years old)

Senior (63+ years old), child (3-12 years old), infant (2 years and under), our honolulu sunset cruise.

Prepare for an extraordinary evening unlike any other. Indulge in the enchanting Hawaiian sunset aboard the Makani Catamaran, basking in the open air. As you sip on our tropical cocktails, be captivated by the breathtaking vista of glistening waters, with the setting sun casting an amber glow upon the city skyline and the majestic peak of Oahu’s renowned Diamond Head towering above the azure waves. It serves as a reminder of the very reason you chose to visit Hawaii – to uncover the splendor of paradise!

Immerse yourself in this wind-in-your-face moment alongside your beloved, amidst an awe-inspiring ocean landscape. As the sun gracefully descends, painting the sky with vibrant amber hues, relish in the spellbinding surroundings and allow us to cater to your needs during this two-hour cruise. This experience is certain to be the pinnacle of your Oahu vacation!

Highlights:

• Marvel at the spectacular views of Honolulu, Waikiki, and Diamond Head as the sun sets, all from the deck of our exquisite catamaran.
• Embark on a two-hour coastal excursion with our friendly and experienced crew.

$1.00 per person State Ocean Stewardship User Fee will be added to the final prices starting January 1st, 2024.

Highlights & inclusions

• Fully USCG certified & state-of-the-art catamaran
• Friendly & experienced crew
• Surround sound stereo system
• Covered & open-air seating
• Dual restrooms
• Full bar selection
• Eco-friendly & biodegradable cups
• Frequent sightings of turtles & dolphins
• Humpback whale sightings (Seasonal)
• Spectacular views of Honolulu, Waikiki, & Diamond Head
• A beautiful Hawaiian sunset
• Chevron down What to bring
• Comfortable footwear
• Light jacket if you tend to get cold

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Fun in the Sun Sail

Embark on a voyage along the sun-kissed south shore of Oahu, where breathtaking vistas of the verdant Ko’olau Mountains, glistening Honolulu skylines, and the awe-inspiring Diamond Head await. Stay alert and witness the enchanting marine wildlife that graces these waters!

• Hour Glass 1 hour
• Clock 7:30 pm

Waikiki Friday Night Fireworks Sail

Experience a breathtaking view of the fireworks show from the water as the moon ascends. The Friday Night Fireworks Cruise offers a mesmerizing spectacle, showcasing the Honolulu skyline and the majestic Ko’olau range. Indulge in an evening of unparalleled beauty and enchantment.

Gift Certificates

Give a gift of relaxation and the excitement all in one

Gift Certificates are available for *Honolulu City Lights Sunset Sail *Fun in the Sun Sail *Friday Night Fireworks Sail

hep-i-book'a

A lazy perfectionist in the kitchen and on the road, petroskoi or petrozavodsk, capital of karelian republic.

My second trip to Petrozavodsk , the capital of Karelian Republic in the North of Russia, has proved once again my first impression of a very provincial and yet welcoming city. In fact this visit has been one of the most rewarding as far as my job goes. But of course there was a travel part to this journey which was almost completely left out during my first time in Petrozavodsk 2 years ago .

Petrozavodsk is of exactly the same age as St Petersburg and was founded by the same super-active person, tsar and then emperor Peter the Great. Actually,  Petrozavodsk is a shortened version of Petrovsky Zavod , the Factory of Peter, as there was this factory founded to make metal things for the Russian fleet.

People had populated the area long before the new settlement appeared on the shores of the Onega lake, well, in fact, thousands of years earlier, so the region has enough to show and tell about its indigenous people and their culture, the Karelians. The language is very close to the Finnish language and – if not widely spoken – it is still preserved in the region. Petrozavodsk is Petroskoi in Karelian and that’s what you read written on top of the Stalinist railway station building when you arrive from St Petersburg.

Karelia for me is all about forests and stones. It’s a pity in this time of the year you don’t see much when travelling with an overnight train. When we arrived in Petrozavodsk it was so early in the morning we had to wait at the station (which had free wifi and actually there’s wifi all over the city for free!) till it got less dark and we could go have breakfast on the 4th floor of an ex- mica factory (dating back to 1930 but now shut down) with a view over the old roofs of the city. We were the first customers but I must say that Na Kryshe (On the Roof) cafe proved to be ready with tasty buttermilk oladyi (pancakes) served with oblepikhovoye varenye ( sea buckthorn jam) and a pot of milk Oolong tea. And that was a very economical breakfast!

Out of all the cities I visited so far this autumn I think I liked the haunted Kaliningrad with its ever present past the most. Whereas Chelyabinsk left very negative feeling and it was not for nothing that I kept coughing each time I went outside there, Petrozavodsk left a rather positive impression on me. It’s a small very low rising (unless you visit one of the suburbs) provincial town with some preserved old houses and an embankment where you can catch a hydrofoil to get you to the famous Kizhi island which has become an open-air museum for wooden structures. We arrived too late in the year to get there but I hope I will see Kizhi soon. At least I don’t mind seeing Petrozavodsk in a better weather!

Petrozavodsk itself is an open-air museum for old houses, be it wooden barracks or Stalinist imposing buildings along the main arteries of the city. It used to be a very St Pete-like city, I mean the houses were really old, both built in stone and those in wood. Like this hospital building which can be seen from the Onega Lake embankment:

Well, the war swept away most of the old city and there came the 1950s when the new rationalizing plans which brought new buildings for the better future of the Soviet Petrozavodsk. And oh boy what houses!

This is the house where the central office of Post of Russia is (no postcards!). Actually sometimes the buildings housing Post of Russia are one of the best in the cities I’ve visited (like in Vologda). But then it rarely affect the quality and the swiftness of the service…

Another grand Stalinist house forming the ensemble of the central square:

With these Stalinist buildings you just have to remember to look up from time to time – to discover all those details and (decaying) balconies which I actually try to avoid these days 🙂

And then – in stark contrast – there is this type of houses – we saw several of them:

or these barracks – people still live there, mind you…

the same house from the other side – and with the wood for the long winter…

and this is the entrance to one of the wooden houses opposite those barracks

and how about this one?

the wall is just oh so decadent!

However the city has a number of 19th and early 20th century wooden houses all gathered together near Onega embankment that form a separate district of historical and architectural value. Take a walk along the Onega Lake embankment starting from the square in front of the Theatre and then turning left. But do not walk fast however windy the day might be!

The embankment is yet another open-air museum (and how does one fit in all this in such a small town?!) – this time of various successful and not that very successful sculptures and statues. The one from the beginning of the post called the Statue of Fishermen (a gift from Minnesota) looks really nice against the colourful sunset sky and the lake while the tall figure of Peter the Great (19th century) has actually been removed from its original place twice throughout the Soviet period. And guess who stands in Peter’s place now in the middle of the central square? You’ll find it out later in the post.

And with this small stone house begins the district full of old wooden houses, in one of which we entered to warm ourselves up a bit and from which we went out with some embroidered souvenirs. They also have some natural products like shampoo and soap, made without any preservatives and all that stuff.

This is the hospital church:

And this is one of the most expensive hotels in the city spoiling the view on the old town. ‘Spoiling’ because as I said the city has very small amount of high-rises in its historical center, so this weird construction can be seen from far away.

On the last day of our stay we left our hotel and went for a walk in the sun, heading towards the local history museum where we wanted to spend some quality time. It was sunny but rather frosty and we had quite a lot of time before the train back to St Pete – that was not an overnight but a rather fast Siemens train with comfortable seats which takes 5 hours.

When we came to the end of this wall we realized that was the Industrial Museum (which we skipped) occupying the old factory buildings. We thoroughly enjoyed this urban art on the walls!

So in the end we spent an unusual for an average visitor lot of time at the local history museum . Recommended by the way! There’s even a chance to listen to some Karelian folk songs and incantations or get a copy of Karelian recipes (will try some of them for sure!). Karelian cuisine is based on what the wild nature gives you and so some of the exhibits at the museum were dedicated to it.

And yep, here’s your Lenin right in the middle of Lenin Square (apparently), where Peter the Great used to stand until the 1930s came. And the Square itself has a very curious story to tell – it changed its name so many times I got lost when counting them. Well, they definitely embellished the look of the square whatever name you call it in the recent years. But as soon as you go into the back yard of the museum, you find yourself staring at this wrack of the “state-preserved” building:

The museum will also tell you about the brief period of the Finnish occupation of the city (1941-44) when the same Square which used to be Round Square (:) was renamed into Administrative Square. And oh, remember those Karelian forests that go on and on and on? Well, with the forests you have a strong culture of gathering or foraging and that means you have all the tools for berry picking or hunting for mushrooms 🙂 Here’s what you can see at display at the museum:

This thingy with spikes is to pick berries in a fast and efficient way. Everything made from wood and bark of the trees… Perfect! Just as this proto-rucksack for carrying all the treasure the forests can give:

After that we just could not have missed the local food! So we headed to the same restaurant opposite one of the best known symbols of Petrozavodsk (hotel Severnaya where I stayed last time – definitely NOT recommended, if only to see the inside of that super-red Stalinist buildings with white columns) where I ate 2 years ago . The restaurant is called Karelskaya Gornitsa and is although quite pricey and tourist-oriented is a nice place to imagine yourself travelling back in time.

But you see, last time we went to the Finnish part of the restaurant and this time we entered the Karelian part, which I found out when we were already leaving the place. All the time we were there I was wondering why I cannot recognize the place at all =) And then they explained to me there are two entrances leading to two parts of the restaurant. So we’ve made a better choice this time entering the Karelian cuisine part!

There I sampled thew most fluffy and almost yogurt-like thing called tolokno (oat flour which contains all the bran usually removed when making the regular flour) mixed with blueberries (hence the colour) and also a rye blin (pancake) filled with millet. This type of rye or barley pancake is called skantsy or sulchiny and is traditionally filled with porridge (they are either baked or fried, sweet or sour) . We drank cowberry mors (juice) which is almost always the best choice when it comes to traditional non-alcoholic drinks in Russia.  

For some Karelian recipes , see my post on kalitka , traditional Karelian rye boat-like pie which is also enjoyed in Finland and in the North of Russia.

So, to wrap up Petrozavodsk, here are my checklist points:

• decent postcards – failed
• post office – found
• market – failed
• local history museum – done
• dairy products and baked stuff – sampled
• local specialit é s – as far as the vegetarian stuff is concerned – tasty! And my Mom said that her fried fish and rich mushroom soup were really good!
• old town – seen and admired

Here you can hear the official hymn of the Republic of Karelia (actually a song from 1963). It was played on the train when we were leaving Petrozavodsk without unfortunately seeing all the beauty of the Karelian woods and lakes…

By the way, I am going to the dark-dark Arkhangelsk in two weeks! Hope this time I will get hold of the authentic sochni of Arkhangelsk…

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4 thoughts on “ Petroskoi or Petrozavodsk, Capital of Karelian Republic ”

Great atmospheric pics!

I love this kind of posts and pictures. Amazing!

Thank you, Abel! Now I will have to get back to some cooking posts as well 🙂

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