Where you can swim, and where - just sunbathe
Photo: Timur Khanov
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RELAXING IN PETERSBURG
Immediately make a reservation, swim in the city Rospotrebnadzor does not recommend. The water is not clean enough for this. Although, in good weather people still neglect these rules and plunge into the water. But even if you do not plan to swim, then on the beaches you can relax, sunbathe and admire: Neva, bay, lakes.
BEACH OF THE PETER AND PAUL FORTRESS
How to get there: walk from the metro station "Gorkovskaya" through the Alexander Garden, fifteen minutes on foot.
What is there: several changing cabins. There are cafes and toilets on the territory of the museum.
What is good: both the beach and excellent Observation deck. The wall of the Ioannovsky ravelin, which protects the sandy shore from the wind, is a kind of indicator: there are people in bathing suits (and sometimes without them), which means the sun is already warming up. While sunbathing, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city center. True, do not be surprised if tourists admire you at the same time.
BEACH IN THE PARK OF THE 300TH ANNIVERSARY OF PETERSBURG
How to get there: from the Staraya Derevnya metro station - minibus No. 232, tram 19, bus 93, from the Komendantsky Prospekt metro station - bus No. 134, from the metro. "Chernaya Rechka" - tram number 48, minibus number 132, from the metro station "Pionerskaya" - bus number 93
What to eat: Volleyball net, trash cans, dry closets, snack and drink outlets. Nearby is a shopping complex with a water park, as well as bike rental.
What is good: a very spacious area, which is looked after. Bathe here, despite the prohibitions, regularly. If you are tired of basking on the beach, you can move to the park itself. On weekends there are often various cultural events, so you can take part.
BEACH OF PRIMORSKY PARK VICTORY
How to get there: from the metro station "Krestovsky Ostrov" to the left, at the intersection of Ryukhina Street with Krestovsky Prospekt, turn right.
What to eat: beach volleyball, cafes, cabins.
What is good: a cozy beach with a beautiful view - on the sailboats of yacht clubs. Nearby is a small zoo, actually a park where you can take a walk. Only here you definitely don’t need to climb into the water: not even because of the mud, but because of the serious depth and strong current.
OLGINSKY POND
How to get there: the beach is located on Svetlanovsky Prospekt, opposite Sosnovka Park. From the metro station "Polytechnicheskaya" or "Akademicheskaya" about twenty minutes on foot, you can also get by trolleybuses No. 40 and 50 from Svetlanovskaya Square.
What is there: changing cabins, trash cans, a restaurant, a cafe.
What is good: small, cozy and very picturesque. Some may not like the proximity to residential buildings, but the locals are happy that in a few minutes you can get to the reservoir. In addition, although you can’t swim, there are lifeguards on the beach.
SUZDAL LAKES (UPPER AND MIDDLE)
How to get there: from the Ozerki metro station. Cross the Vyborg highway and go down the path. The upper one is a little closer to the metro, the middle one is a little further.
What is there: changing cabins, toilets, trash cans, cafes. On the Sredne Lake rental of ATVs, water skis.
What is good: Sandy beaches are located on the banks of the 1st Suzdal and 2nd Suzdal lakes. There is a forest nearby. Quite clean, there are many who want to sunbathe here on a sunny day. Rescuers are responsible for safety. Upper Lake is considered more popular and better equipped. Wakeboard competitions and all sorts of events are often held on the Middle Lake. But on weekends, it's probably not worth going here, it's too crowded.
SEA OAKS
How to get there: the beach is located in the village "Lisy Nos". You can get there from the metro station "Chernaya Rechka" by minibuses No. 305, 425.
What is there: changing cabins, toilets, beach umbrellas, benches. But with food it is more difficult, it is better to take a snack with you.
What is good: Fox Nose - iconic place. Due to circumstances, Sea Oaks is the only public beach in the village and it is very good here in summer. Nature, fresh air... the smell spoils the impression a little - it is not the most pleasant here. And mosquitoes, which by the evening are ready to "eat" anyone in their path.
KRONSTADTSKY BEACH
How to get there: by minibus to Kronstadt from the Chernaya Rechka and Prospekt Prosveshcheniya metro stations. True, you won’t get to the beach itself - from the Gostiny Dvor stop (it’s the final one), you still need to walk for about 15 minutes.
What is there: Parking for bicycles, changing cabins, sun loungers, benches with "canopies", children's and sports grounds, volleyball court, parking for bicycles, first-aid post, boat rental, cafe.
What is good: located in historical center cities. You will have a rest with views of the dilapidated fort. The beach is quite clean and well-groomed, there is a rescue station. There is a bookcase with books that are freely available. You can read it and then return it.
BEACH ON NAMELESS LAKE (KRASNOE VILLAGE)
How to get there: take the train from the Baltic railway station to the Krasnoe Selo station. Minibuses and buses run from the Kirovsky Zavod metro station: No. K-245, K-546, from Prospekt Veteranov - No. K-145, K-650b, K-445v, K-650v, from Moskovskaya - No. K -449, K-403, K-431. To the stop "Svoboda Street" in Krasnoe Selo, we cross the road and go down the path through the park.
What is there: changing cabins, awnings, sun loungers, dry closets, children's entertainment, a cafe near the beach. Rescue station.
What is good: from time to time (we emphasize, not always) it is even officially allowed to swim here. And in recent years, this is the only beach in the city that manages to obtain such permission from Rospotrebnadzor. Sandy beach, gentle entry into the water. Cleanliness is monitored. And a lot of people. Beach equipment on weekends may not be enough for everyone.
CHILDREN'S BEACH (RED STREET, KOLPINO)
How to get there: minibus No. K-201 runs from the Zvezdnaya metro station, and No. K-220 from Rybatsky.
What is: changing cabins, dry closet, trash cans. Rescue station.
What is good: Not the most crowded beach in the city. Suitable for lovers a relaxing holiday. It is clean on the Izhora coast, the beach looks well-groomed. Only here there is nowhere to eat: maximum, buy water and ice cream. Things can be hung under the "fungi" that are on the beach. You can rent sun loungers and awnings, and in the evenings they play volleyball here.
BEACH IN KOMAROVO
How to get there: train from the Finlyandsky railway station to the Komarovo station
What is there: rescue station, parking, changing cabins, toilets, playground, benches, trash cans
What is good: “For a week before the second ...” - this is exactly about this village in resort area Petersburg. This is one of the oldest beaches north coast. There are two zones: sandy and
rocky. As they say, for an amateur. It is good to come here with tents to spend a couple of days in nature. But there is no real entertainment. There is a High-Dive beach and entertainment complex nearby, but it is most often closed for various events.
PIKE LAKE
How to get there: by train from the Finlyandsky railway station to the Komarovo station. Then walk or drive another four kilometers along Ozernaya Street.
What is there: Benches, changing cabins, a dry closet, gazebos for companies, trash cans are placed everywhere
What is good: This lake is loved by fishermen for the diversity and richness of its inhabitants. But in recent years, they have been pushed back by ordinary vacationers. Since 2011, a reserve has been operating here. Around the lake there is a forest with good paths: they have long been chosen by cyclists. The lake is very beautiful. Convenient entrance to the water, well-groomed beach, although there are those who litter. But on weekends people are here, as on Nevsky.
COLONIST BEACH (PUSHKIN)
How to get there: from the metro station "Kupchino" there is a minibus number K286 or bus number 186. Go to the stop "Moscow Gates". By train to railway station"Tsarskoye Selo - Pushkin", then on any minibus to the same stop.
What is there: changing cabins, urns, dry closet. But with food - it is problematic, there are no "grocery" places.
What is good: a small fenced beach. You can lie on a large green lawn, it is even more pleasant to sunbathe on the grass. Kolonistsky Pond remains a popular recreation area for citizens, and Epiphany bathing is held in it in winter. Rospotrebnadzor does not allow swimming, but the townspeople periodically still go into the water.
SESTORETSKY BEACH
How to get there: By minibus 417 from the Chernaya Rechka metro station or by train from the Finland Station or the Staraya Derevnya platform. Get off at the station "Kurort".
What to eat: changing cabins, bins, small cafes, umbrellas
What is good: It is good to come here in the evening and admire the sunsets. Sand dunes surrounded by pine forests are soothing. But during the day on the beach is not bad. Sandy sloping bottom, decently warming water. The beach is very large and, although Petersburgers call it one of the most popular, there is enough space for everyone.
GREEN MOUNTAIN BEACH (SESTRORETSK)
How to get there: by train from the Finlyandsky railway station to the station "Razliv" or "Tarkhovka". By minibuses: from the Staraya Derevnya metro station No. 305, from the Chernaya Rechka metro station No. 425, 417, from the Lenin Square metro station No. 400. Stop "Spill".
What is there: changing cabins, toilets, rescue station, places for sports games. Near a pine forest. The beach has its own parking. Cafe - no.
What is good: It is called one of the most comfortable. Vacationers say the water is clear and you can see the bottom. But swimming, as we remember, is still impossible.
RELAXING IN THE LENON REGION
Swimming is better to go to the neighbors. The Leningrad region is rich in beaches and, although Rospotrebnadzor is just as picky there, there are still places where you can take a dip. True, we note that the quality of water is such a changeable thing: today it is possible, tomorrow it is impossible.
KORKINSKOM LAKE
How to get there: along the Koltushskoye highway to the crossroads to Vsevolozhsk. At the crossroads - straight ahead (along the Voyikovsky highway) about 800-900 meters. Turn to Kirpolye, Korkino. Drive approximately 4.5 km.
What is there: parking, beach volleyball, toilets, cafe, rental point, gazebos.
What is good: here you can go into the water! It is clean and warms up well. In the pavilions you can fry barbecue, and fishing is also allowed here, however, with a license. But there are special places for fishing and even fishing competitions are held. There is a recreation center on the shore, you can come with a company, arrange a corporate event.
DONZO (KURLEVSKY QUARRY)
How to get there: By car, turn right from Vyra towards Volosovo and right again behind the bridge over Oredezh. But public transport does not go here, alas.
What is: there is no special infrastructure. But there is beautiful views And pure water.
What is good: If you are looking for a comfortable relaxing holiday, you are here. Water at first glance may not seem transparent, but this is a misleading impression. In fact, it is clean, of an azure hue, and the sand on the beach is snow-white. Why not the Maldives. Due to the shallow depth, the lake warms up well, so it is comfortable to relax here with children. It is worth moving away from the coast a little, and it immediately becomes clear why the place is popularly called "Blue Lakes".
OSINOVETS BEACH
How to get there: after driving along the Road of Life (A 128) a monument to the broken ring of the blockade, turn right at the Osinovetsky lighthouse.
What is there: parking, beach volleyball, toilets, cafe, hotel, restaurant, rental office, sports ground, gazebos.
What is good: A picturesque place, with the main attraction - the Osinovetsky lighthouse. You can ride on Ladoga on a boat or catamaran. White sand, pure water. True, be prepared to be admired Chinese tourists. According to local residents, there are now unrealistically many of them. Recently, concerts with live music are often held on the beach.
KOLTUSHSKOE LAKE
How to get there: there are several fixed-route taxis: K-429, K-453, K-531, K-532 or K-533.
What is: toilets, locker rooms, rental and rental, children's and sports grounds, cafes and restaurants.
What is good: There are several beaches on the shore of the lake, which are fully landscaped and adapted for recreation. There is fishing, however, paid. Here you can also rent a brazier and fry the catch yourself. Or ask to cook fish in one of the restaurants. In addition, a warm pavilion or tent is rented. Swimming this year, however, is not very good: the water does not meet the standards for sanitary-chemical and microbiological indicators.
LAKE gratifying
How to get there: by train from the Finlyandsky railway station to the Otradnoye station, Sosnovskoye direction
What is there: “wild” beaches, a recreation center where you can rent a house and go boating, as well as go fishing.
What's good: Otradnoye is considered one of the most beautiful lakes of the Karelian Isthmus. sandy shores and no sharp breaks. Both "savages" and guests of the recreation center spend their time comfortably here.
BEACH OF THE VILLAGE OF KUZNECHNOE (LAKE OF THE ARMOR)
How to get there: by train from the Finlyandsky railway station to the village of Kuznechnoye, Priozerskoye direction.
What is there: changing rooms, parking on the territory of the village
What is good: this is a beach on the shore of Lake Ratnoe, which is also called "Small Travkino" or "Small Okunevoe". In fact, the only convenient area for swimming in this reservoir. Here, a gentle entrance to the water and the shore are covered with fine light sand, and in other places there is a heap of stones. Not far from the lake, rock climbers train, orienteering tournaments are held. The popular Ho Chi Minh Hiking Trail starts from Kuznechny and leads to the Big Rocks.
BEACH OF THE VILLAGE OF KOKKOREVO (LADOGA LAKE)
How to get there: along the Road of Life to the monument "Broken Ring", then to the right 2-3 kilometers. Public transport almost never go there.
What is: to be honest, almost nothing. Parking, from which the lake is literally 20 meters. Toilet. Extremely poor infrastructure.
What is good: very clean water, shallow enough, so families with children come here with pleasure. The beach is sandy and quite wide.
LAKE MIRROR
How to get there: by train from Finlyandsky railway station to Zerkalny station (86 km)
What is there: changing cabins, toilets. You can rent boats, catamarans.
What's good: there are uncomfortable beaches and recreation centers. And from the station to them is very close. The water in the lake is very clean and transparent, not without reason it is so called. Surrounded by a pine forest. There are sandy beaches with a very comfortable and gentle approach to the water, suitable for swimming. The lake itself is very deep.
SYASSTROY CITY BEACH (RIVER SYAS)
How to get there: by bus from the bus station on Obvodny Canal or Northern bus station St. Petersburg (Murino) to bus station Syasstroy. By car, move east along the Murmansk highway and then along the M18 highway.
What is there: changing cabins, urns, toilets
What's Good: Sandy bottom, with some silt and occasional flat rocks. The water is clear, but has a slightly reddish tint. On the shore there is clean quartz sand.
ON A NOTE
Where is it allowed to swim in the Leningrad region (Rospotrebnadzor data as of July 2017)
Boksitogorsk district
Lake Loshevo (settlement Somino); Lake Pavlovskoe (Boksitogorsk)
Volosovsky district
Lake Dontso (village Dontso), river Luga (village B. Sabsk);
Vsevolozhsky district
Lake Ladoga (near the village of Kokkarevo), Lake Zhdanovskoe (Vsevolozhsk); lake Korkinskoe (village Voeykovo), lake Kurgolovskoe (village Toksovo);
Vyborgsky district
Roshchinka River (n. Roshchino);
Kingiseppsky district
Gulf of Finland (village Vybie); river Luga (Kingisepp);
Kirishi district
Lake Svetloe, Lake Avdetovo; lake Cheremukhovoe (village Budogoshch);
Lodeynopolsky district
Lake Ozerko and the Svir River (Lodeynoye Pole);
Luzhsky district
Lake Toloni (Luga), Lake Green (Shalovo village);
Priozersky district
Krugloye Lake (Larionovo village), Okunevo Lake (Kuznechnoye village), Razdolinskoye Lake (Sosnovo village), Otradnoye Lake (Plodovoe village); river Vuoksa (Priozersk);
Slantsevsky district
Kushelka River, Plyussa River (Slates);
Tikhvinsky district
Lake Tsaritsyno (Tsaritsyno village);
Tosnensky district
Lake Nesterovskoye, quarry in the village of Shapki, Lake Dolgoe (village Nadino).
IMPORTANT
Water safety rules for adults and children
Swim only at organized beaches.
Do not dive in unfamiliar areas.
Don't swim behind the buoys.
Do not swim out into the ship's passage and do not approach ships.
Do not play games in the water involving grabs or where you have to drown others
Don't swim while intoxicated.
Children should swim only under the supervision of their parents.
Children should not swim with fever and malaise.
Babies should not be in the water for more than 30 minutes, and if the water is cool - 5-7 minutes.
You can not swim immediately after a heavy meal. It is necessary to wait 30-45 minutes.
Even if the baby knows how to swim well, he should not swim in deep places.
You can not jump into the water from elevations unsuitable for this.
On hot sunny days, you need to swim in hats.
You can not swim in a storm and with a big wave.
IN Vyborgsky district Petersburg there is a wonderful corner of nature - Olginsky pond. It would probably be more correct to say that this is a piece of a huge natural massif, Sosnovka Park.
This place is loved by many residents of the city who come here to relax. Everyone can find something to their taste here, whether it is a seeker of loneliness, a family with children or a group of friends. Rest in St. Petersburg in the bosom of nature and not far from the city is a success.
Story
In 1941, the city needed quartz sand and clay, which were the material for making molds used in the manufacture of shells and mines. The city was surrounded by the enemy, it became impossible to import them from the region, and then, having previously carried out reconnaissance in different parts of St. Petersburg, they decided to build a mining quarry here. So a foundation pit appeared on the outskirts of the city. Quartz sand was mined here.
Sand was loaded with shovels, taken out on gas-generating machines. Later, they were brought here and extended as the quarry was developed. Then they arranged it, which helped the workers a lot. The quarry was called the "nutrition point" of the casters. Sand was mined here in the post-war years. In addition to foundry, builders began to use sand.
The present
Subsequently, in the early 70s, this quarry was filled with water, it was cultivated. Rest in St. Petersburg on the banks of the Olginsky quarry has become popular.
The water here is clean, despite the fact that vacationers often leave dirt behind. The water here is purified every year, samples are taken for analysis. So the state of the reservoir is controlled. There are more than ten springs in the pond, enriching it with clean water.
Arranged on the shore sand beach where in hot weather they gather for sunbathing and water procedures vacationers.
Among representatives of energy practices, this place is known as a place of power. They come here to pump energy, put their thoughts in order through meditation.
The beach on the Olginsky pond has been popular since April, from the first warm days, when the water still seems to have not warmed up, and the first bathers are already appearing here. It is not empty even in winter. This place is popular among walruses who have organized a winter swimming club. For lovers beach holiday dressing rooms are located on the beach. Vacationers complain that there is only one toilet on the beach, but someday this problem will be solved. After all, the city authorities take care of this wonderful natural area.
Animal world
Olginsky pond is famous among fishermen. There are whole legends about what crayfish were caught here. They say that crayfish are still found, and the fish are found. Fishing in St. Petersburg attracts many, so here you can often see vacationers with fishing rods.
Flocks of birds gather near the water. Ducks, seagulls, pigeons. Who catches fish, who begs for food from vacationers. Pigeons are so tame that if you stretch out your hand, they will stick around it in the hope of a treat.
And in the park, on the outskirts of which the Olginsky pond is located, Korean squirrels are found. They, too, can easily take food from the hands of vacationers, which delights everyone, especially the kids.
Sport
These places have long been chosen by athletes. On the water you can often see swimmers and kayakers. By the way, there is a rental of catamarans for vacationers, who can also join lovers of water travel.
Sosnovka Park has sports grounds for playing football and volleyball. Here is the shooting range of the club "Olympian", various competitions are often held. There is a motorcycle riding school in the park, there is a real motorcycle track.
There are platforms with horizontal bars, bars and other devices for physical exercises.
For lovers of various wheeled vehicles - a real expanse. Lots of trails for skiing. Transport, in the absence of your own, can be rented here. Bicycles are very popular. There are also electric cars, tandems for traveling around the park with the family, and scooters.
In winter, skate rentals are available. On the paths of the park you can meet many skiers.
For children
Olginsky Pond is a great place for family vacation. Children are happy to swim, feed birds, squirrels. In the park for them there are playgrounds and an amusement park. For older children, children's voices are heard from the sports grounds, where children and adults play together.
Sosnovka Park
Sosnovka Park is a historical place. In the old days, these places attracted duelists here. Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov also fought duels here, for which he was sent into exile in the Caucasus.
Not far from the park were the dachas of Vissarion Grigoryevich Belinsky and Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev. They loved to walk along the paths of the park. The place here is fertile for walking and healing. The name of the park says that pines predominate here, so valued for their healing properties.
During the war years, the city's airfield was located here. Now in that part of the park there is a memorial to fallen soldiers and a cemetery of dead pilots.
Along the well-groomed alleys of the park, there are a large number of benches, so there is always a place to sit down and take a break from an intense walk.
It is also remarkable that mushrooms and berries grow in the park, because if you turn away from the beaten path, you can get into a real forest. And besides the Olginsky pond, there are a couple of smaller reservoirs there. Fishing in St. Petersburg becomes possible not far from the city and at the same time practically in the forest.
Concerts, folk festivals, various festivals are often held in the park, which attracts even more visitors. Amateur groups and famous artists perform at several open venues during the holidays.
It is remarkable that ecological landings are often held in the park to clean up the territory. Activists hang garbage bags around its territory, which helps in maintaining order.
How to get there?
Olginsky pond in the Vyborgsky district of St. Petersburg is located closest to the Politekhnicheskaya and Akademicheskaya metro stations. You can walk from them. The distance is approximately 2-2.5 km. Tram number 61 from "Polytechnic" will bring you closer to the goal or bus number 93 "from Akademicheskaya". You need to go to the stop "Tikhoretsky Prospekt" / "Svetlanovsky Prospekt".
You can also take the trolley bus number 40 from to the street and walk.
Travel time from the city center to the desired location (Olginsky Pond, St. Petersburg) will take about an hour.
There are vacationers who come here on bicycles.
Where to eat?
On the territory of the park there are a couple of cafes and a large restaurant, also in the season there is a mobile kiosk with hot dogs. So you won't go hungry. Although many come here with their supplies, or even settle down in some clearing for frying shish kebabs, although this is prohibited here.
DREAM VACANCY
“Everything is new on Tolbukhin now: both the lighthouse itself and the lighthouses,” the head of the Tolbukhin lighthouse of the hydrographic service of the Leningrad Naval Base, Peter Efimov, whom colleagues call simply Uncle Petya, conducts an educational program on the shore.
The previous keepers of the country's oldest lighthouse, a husband and wife, quit this summer.
“They lived on it for three years and, apparently, got tired,” says Uncle Petya, getting into an inflatable motorboat. - Not everyone is able to live on the island: in addition to desire, you need to understand diesels, electrics, and construction. A good uncle will not fly in a blue helicopter and nail a board to you.
All summer long, repairs were underway for the tercentenary of the lighthouse. And in August, a dream job appeared on the network. For three weeks now, new owners have settled on Tolbukhino - captain of the second rank Dmitry Masko and his wife Yulia.
- Well, how is Petersburg? What is going on in the world? – the caretakers meet the “guest” boat with a smile.
Next to them are a couple of dogs. The dog Fran, or, affectionately, Funtik, is an old-timer, left from the former lighthouses. But the couple bought a four-month-old Malamute girl on the eve of moving to the island. Named Maya.
The whole island, from the pier to the doors of the lighthouse, is littered with feathers. Tonight, together with Fran, Maya tore apart an old pillow, which was taken outside to be burned (there are no garbage chutes at the lighthouse, so everything is sent to the furnace). While she does not know how to guard, only indulge.
IGNITE AND PROTECT
First of all, the hosts invite you to the "tower".
“This is the only lighthouse in the world where the stairs are not spiral, but floor-by-story,” Dmitry proudly notes. - My main task is to wipe the lantern. Of course, not every time. But I get up twice a day at least: I see if everything is fine.
On the oldest lighthouse, fires, of course, have not been lit for a long time: Tolbukhin’s “stuffing” is quite young - LED blocks and automation. It flashes immediately in all directions in three rows, three more are spare.
“The heart of the lighthouse is a diesel generator,” Dmitry continues. - We also have wood-burning heating, but we are going to cook on gas: we brought a stove with us.
Dmitry's duties include not only the maintenance of the lighthouse, but also its ... protection. In the summer, the “maize” circles over the lighthouses of Kronstadt, and in the winter, on sledges, skis and bicycles, strings of curious people rush to them on the ice.
“The empty lighthouses remain looted by the spring,” Uncle Petya explains. - For example, both lighthouses of the St. Petersburg Sea Canal are hacked every winter for the sake of beautiful photos. Even metal bolts do not stop!
The only ones who are always welcome at a strategic facility, without the consent of the military, are the rescuers. From the lighthouses, security guards learn the situation in the district. Dmitry also watches the neighboring lighthouses - Shepelevsky, Krasnaya Gorka and Stirsudden. If at night the light of one of them is not visible, then he reports to the duty officer by radio.
“I'm ashamed to admit it, but I've only gone upstairs twice so far,” Yulia admits. - High, the ladder is narrow. In general, it's scary.
WATERMELONS FOR THE NEW YEAR
The "Tower" grows from a two-story building, which accommodates office space and two apartments - the master's and the guest's. No matter what window you look into from the home of the lighthouses, a breathtaking view opens up.
- They brought a plasma with them, I thought I would watch films. I set a condition for Dima: I won’t go without a TV and a dishwasher. Naive! Julia throws up her hands. - Until now, the TV is still packed. Once. We get up at five in the morning, go to bed at eight in the evening, together with the sun. I do so many things in a day that I am amazed at myself. But so far I like everything: life should consist of difficulties, even everyday ones, otherwise it will be just laziness to live.
While the lighthouse keeper Dmitry looks after the lighthouse, his subordinate "technician" manages the kitchen. Products are delivered to the islands every six months. You can order what you like, but within the limits of the norms: some choose frozen meat, others choose canned food. There are no problems with food, thanks to refrigerators. In the corridors - boxes of canned food. Nearby are two watermelons. They should be the decoration of the New Year's table.
But sometimes there are problems with water.
- In the harsh winter, the well froze over here, the caretakers were left without drinking water, - notes Pyotr Yefimov. - Then we delivered water on an air cushion together with rescuers. Otherwise you can't get there.
SEA, TWO BEACHES, ZOO
Together with Captain Masko we go around his new possessions. There is a garden in the courtyard: a pine tree and a bench under it. On the other side of the island, behind the woodshed, there is a garden of two greenhouses. Tomatoes, turnips, parsley with dill and sorrel, strawberries, wild strawberries, currants, gooseberries, even tobacco. So far, all this is the fruit of the work of the previous caretakers, but next spring, Masko will rebuild the greenhouses and sow their crops.
Nearby is a compost pit where worms are "bred" for fishing. It is impossible to leave the lighthouse without agreement or urgent need, but it is not forbidden to sail a little from the shore in a boat to throw a float. But, although the spouses are avid fishermen, and there is a whole sea around, there is still no catch. The reason is all the same household chores.
There are two private beaches on the Baltic hacienda. On "beach number one" they walk dogs, "beach number two" - for romantic evenings and sunbathing. Dmitry and Yulia meet sunrises with a cup of coffee on the "terrace" - a bench on the shore.
“This is the only place where it doesn’t blow,” the couple clarify. And that's without a storm. And if there is a storm, then bricks fly around the yard.
Life is also available. Funtik and Maya share the island with four cats - Mura, Murzik, Sonya and Mishka. All rescued: someone was picked up on the street, someone was taken from a shelter.
“A long time ago we had a cat, but she was pinched by the door,” Yulia sighs. - They gave a lot of money, but nothing could be done. I went to the vet to have her cremated. And there I was offered to take Moura. The hostess brought her to be vaccinated, but never returned: she died in a car accident ... She took it. I go joyful with Moura, I call Dima. And he: “And I took it!”. Picked up Murzik on the street.
Dmitry says that the living creatures at the lighthouse are countless. There are birds that the caretaker feeds with biscuits. There are two flies - Olya and Masha. And then there is the ferret Igorek, who has been living under the roof for many years. How he got to the island is a mystery, but, most likely, he ran with mainland By winter ice. The lighthouse treats him too, puts a cookie on the ledge.
THE LAST CLOVE
The couple plan to live at the lighthouse for at least five years.
- This step is not for half a year: we turned our whole life upside down, in which there was almost everything - parents, an apartment, a summer house, a car, - Yulia argues. “But we didn’t have such a house!”
“She was more happy than me,” Dmitry smiles, looking at his wife. - In the city every day you get up and run to work, jostling in transport, in traffic jams. And here in the morning I woke up, my feet were in slippers. And that's it, you're at work.
Dmitry is a captain of the second rank. He himself does not say that somewhere among his things his uniform, medals and dagger are hidden: our wife proudly whispers about this in private. The only child in a military family, Dmitry graduated from the Frunze Naval School and, by distribution, went to serve on Sakhalin, in Korsakov.
At that time, Yulia studied to be a doctor at a school and went to preparatory courses to enter Mechnikov.
- First lieutenant's leave. February 23, - the captain recalls. - My girlfriend refused to go with me to Korsakov. I bought a bunch of carnations, approached every girl on the street, handed a flower and asked: “Will you go with me to Sakhalin?” The girls shied away from me. The carnations are gone. When the last one was left, at the bus stop on the Black River, I saw this miracle with huge eyelashes. She was at Malikov's concert, but she didn't sit through to the end: for some reason her friends didn't come, she was in a bad mood. She was sixteen, I was 24. She replied: “If I fell in love, I would go.”
Two weeks later, Dmitry left for Korsakov. Came back a year later. We met again.
- When Yulia turned eighteen and I came to ask her father for her hand in marriage - and he, by the way, was a retired FSB officer, ate in the same dining room with Vladimir Vladimirovich - I received the “good”. But on the condition that I won’t take Yulia to Sakhalin, Dmitry shares. We got married on January 31st. I left. And on April 2, she herself flew to me.
- She ran secretly: dad did not let her, - Yulia smiles. “He wanted me to become a doctor. But life decreed otherwise. And I don't regret. If there was a second chance, I would do everything exactly the same.
"EVERYTHING COME TRUE"
On Sakhalin, Dmitry served five years at a weather station, Yulia stayed there with him for two and a half years. Both spouses call this time the best in life: the harsh climate, everyday difficulties - everything was nothing to the young lovers.
In 2000, Dmitry was transferred to St. Petersburg, to the Central Cartographic Production of the Navy. The wife got a job there, reached the editor. Her husband has been her boss for the last four years. When the military was reduced, Dmitry remained at the enterprise as a civilian.
“I want to organize a museum at the lighthouse,” Dmitry says, showing copies of old maps with Tolbukhin. Just in time for the tercentenary.
All friends knew that the Masko couple was not averse to moving to the lighthouse. Dmitry was informed about the vacancy on the eve of his birthday. Julia agreed immediately. For a long time, they did not dare to tell Dmitry's mother about the decision: after all, seventy years old, the only son. Yulia herself left her mother and brother on the shore.
“In August, it was six years since we got married in St. Nicholas Cathedral, Dima was in uniform,” the captain’s wife admits. Since then we have seen positive changes.
“Just when I promise something…” Dmitry begins.
- ... everything always comes true! Julia finishes.
- He promised that we would live in his house on the lake ...
- ... and it came true ... It so happened that we do not have children: there was a baby, but he died ... Maybe God will give more, who knows. If you believe.
REFERENCE "KP":
Tolbukhin lighthouse stands on an artificial stone island in Gulf of Finland about five kilometers from Kotlin. It was erected in 1719 by decree of Peter the Great himself. Then the lighthouse "on the Kotlinskaya spit" was wooden. In 1736 he was given the name of Colonel Fedot Tolbukhin, the first commandant of Kronstadt, who distinguished himself in the Northern War.
Only under Alexander the First was the temporary wooden lighthouse replaced according to the project of the architect Andrey Zakharov with a stone one.
In 1990, the oldest lighthouse in Russia was included in the World Heritage Sites.
Height - 29 meters
Height above sea level - 30 meters
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Visibility range - 19 miles (more than 30 kilometers)
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“We had everything, except for such a house!” How to live on the oldest lighthouse in Russia. Artem KILKIN
In the Vyborgsky district of St. Petersburg there is a wonderful corner of nature - the Olginsky pond. It would probably be more correct to say that this is a piece of a huge natural massif, Sosnovka Park.
This place is loved by many residents of the city who come here to relax. Everyone can find something to their taste here, whether it is a seeker of loneliness, a family with children or a group of friends. Rest in St. Petersburg in the bosom of nature and not far from the city is a success.
Story
In 1941, the city needed quartz sand and clay, which were the material for making molds used in the manufacture of shells and mines. The city was surrounded by the enemy, it became impossible to import them from the region, and then, having previously carried out reconnaissance in different parts of St. Petersburg, they decided to build a mining quarry here. So a foundation pit appeared on the outskirts of the city. Quartz sand was mined here.
Sand was loaded with shovels, taken out on gas-generating machines. Later, tram tracks were brought here, they were extended as the quarry was developed. Then they arranged belt conveyors, which helped the workers a lot. The quarry was called the "nutrition point" of the casters. Sand was mined here in the post-war years. In addition to foundry, builders began to use sand.
The present
Subsequently, in the early 70s, this quarry was filled with water, it was cultivated. Rest in St. Petersburg on the banks of the Olginsky quarry has become popular.
The water here is clean, despite the fact that vacationers often leave dirt behind. The water here is purified every year, samples are taken for analysis. So the state of the reservoir is controlled. There are more than ten springs in the pond, enriching it with clean water.
There is a sandy beach on the shore, where vacationers gather for sunbathing and water procedures in hot weather.
Among representatives of energy practices, this place is known as a place of power. They come here to pump energy, put their thoughts in order through meditation.
The beach on the Olginsky pond has been popular since April, from the first warm days, when the water still seems to have not warmed up, and the first bathers are already appearing here. It is not empty even in winter. This place is popular among walruses who have organized a winter swimming club. For lovers of a beach holiday, there are changing rooms on the shore. Vacationers complain that there is only one toilet on the beach, but someday this problem will be solved. After all, the city authorities take care of this wonderful natural area.
Animal world
Olginsky pond is famous among fishermen. There are whole legends about what crayfish were caught here. They say that crayfish are still found, and the fish are found. Fishing in St. Petersburg attracts many, so here you can often see vacationers with fishing rods.
Flocks of birds gather near the water. Ducks, seagulls, pigeons. Who catches fish, who begs for food from vacationers. Pigeons are so tame that if you stretch out your hand, they will stick around it in the hope of a treat.
And in the park, on the outskirts of which the Olginsky pond is located, Korean squirrels are found. They, too, can easily take food from the hands of vacationers, which delights everyone, especially the kids. 
Sport
These places have long been chosen by athletes. On the water you can often see swimmers and kayakers. By the way, there is a rental of catamarans for vacationers, who can also join lovers of water travel.
Sosnovka Park has sports grounds for playing football and volleyball. Here is the shooting range of the club "Olympian", various competitions are often held. There is a motorcycle riding school in the park, there is a real motorcycle track.
There are platforms with horizontal bars, bars and other devices for physical exercises.
For lovers of various wheeled vehicles, Sosnovka Park is a real expanse. Lots of trails for skiing. Transport, in the absence of your own, can be rented here. Bicycles are very popular. There are also electric cars, tandems for traveling around the park with the family, and scooters.
In winter, skate rentals are available. On the paths of the park you can meet many skiers.
For children
Olginsky Pond is a great place for a family vacation. Children are happy to swim, feed birds, squirrels. In the park for them there are playgrounds and an amusement park. For older children, sports competitions are arranged. Children's voices are heard from the sports grounds where children and adults play together.
Sosnovka Park
Sosnovka Park is a historical place. In the old days, these places attracted duelists here. Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov also fought duels here, for which he was sent into exile in the Caucasus.
Not far from the park were the dachas of Vissarion Grigoryevich Belinsky and Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev. They loved to walk along the paths of the park. The place here is fertile for walking and healing. The name of the park says that pines predominate here, so valued for their healing properties.
During the war years, the city's airfield was located here. Now in that part of the park there is a memorial to fallen soldiers and a cemetery of dead pilots. 
Along the well-groomed alleys of the park, there are a large number of benches, so there is always a place to sit down and take a break from an intense walk.
It is also remarkable that mushrooms and berries grow in the park, because if you turn away from the beaten path, you can get into a real forest. And besides the Olginsky pond, there are a couple of smaller reservoirs there. Fishing in St. Petersburg becomes possible not far from the city and at the same time practically in the forest.
Concerts, folk festivals, various festivals are often held in the park, which attracts even more visitors. Amateur groups and famous artists perform at several open venues during the holidays.
It is remarkable that ecological landings are often held in the park to clean up the territory. Activists hang garbage bags around its territory, which helps in maintaining order.
How to get there?
Olginsky pond in the Vyborgsky district of St. Petersburg is located closest to the Politekhnicheskaya and Akademicheskaya metro stations. You can walk from them. The distance is approximately 2-2.5 km. Tram number 61 from "Polytechnic" will bring you closer to the goal or bus number 93 "from Akademicheskaya". You need to go to the stop "Tikhoretsky Prospekt" / "Svetlanovsky Prospekt".
You can also take the trolley bus number 40 from Svetlanovskaya Square to Jacques Duclos Street and walk.
Travel time from the city center to the desired location (Olginsky Pond, St. Petersburg) will take about an hour.
There are vacationers who come here on bicycles.
Where to eat?
On the territory of the park there are a couple of cafes and a large restaurant, also in the season there is a mobile kiosk with hot dogs. So you won't go hungry. Although many come here with their supplies, or even settle down in some clearing for frying shish kebabs, although this is prohibited here.
