Zaozersky circuit to the Great Spruce via Onega’s shore and Devil’s Chair: hiking in Karelia
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Zaozersky circuit to the Great Spruce via Onega’s shore and Devil’s Chair

Distance
11.1 km
Time
3 h 29 min
Elevation gain
135 m
Difficulty
Moderate
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Route description

This Zaozersky woodland circuit starts outside Petrozavodsk State University’s Botanical Garden. Its northern branch leads through coniferous forest to Fennoscandia’s Great Spruce; the southern return introduces Lake Onega’s shoreline. Near the end, the walk reaches Devil’s Chair, a rocky ledge overlooking Petrozavodsk Bay and the city. It offers two perspectives on Onega: from the shore path and from a stone platform above the water. The walk returns to its starting place. This is an extended woodland circuit with a side approach to the spruce; the short improved nature trail from another road does not describe conditions throughout this journey.

Route status

Проверяем свежесть данных по треку и учитываем сообщения сообщества

Запретов на посещение и пожаров рядом нет

Проверяем спутниковые данные о пожарах и предупреждения по региону.

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Подробнее о состоянии маршрута No recent trail condition reports
Data source Information prepared

The description, logistics and points of interest were prepared using maps and open sources. Trail conditions may change.

Route data was imported from GPX and has not been field-verified.

Last updated 12.10.2026

Before travelling, check trail access, restrictions and the weather forecast.

Current conditions No recent trail condition reports

Conditions may have changed. Share a report after completing the route.

Community experience

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Elevation profile

gentle climb steep

Before you go

Всё важное о маршруте

Route at a glance

Главное за минуту
Combine an old spruce, a walk beside Onega and a view of the city from Devil’s Chair. Returning through shoreline and rocky sections gives the day more variety than a separate short walk to the tree.
Length
11.1 km
Elevation gain
135 m
Surface
Нет данных
Zaozersky circuit to the Great Spruce via Onega’s shore and Devil’s Chair: route photo 3 in Karelia

Route suitability

Кому будет комфортно
Suitable for children accustomed to extended forest walking. Keep dogs controlled and confirm reserve rules beforehand. Roots, hillside paths and the rocky edge require attentive supervision.

Nearby

Visit Petrozavodsk State University’s Botanical Garden collections separately: this circuit stays outside their enclosed grounds. The reserve’s giant pine and springs are not promised stops on this version. Bring drinking water and arrange any garden visit with its staff.

Getting there

Варианты и важные моменты Show on map
Without a car
Regular services to the exact external start are unconfirmed. Arrange the approach from the inhabited side separately; the circuit finishes where it starts.
By car
The start is outside the Botanical Garden. Confirm the precise permitted road approach and meeting place before travelling. Driving along forest branches or entering the paid collections is outside this walking circuit.
Parking
Parking is unconfirmed. Check vehicle arrangements on the external road side separately. Admission to the Botanical Garden’s collections does not establish a parking service for this route.

Электрички туда и обратно

Расписание на дату и время, до которого нужно выйти на маршрут

What to expect

Places
Fennoscandia’s Great Spruce The old tree at the eastern turnaround. Observe it from the established approach while protecting its roots and the forest floor.
Lake Onega shore The southern branch’s lakeside section overlooking open water. Watch the shoreline stones in wet weather.
Devil’s Chair The rocky lookout above the lake on the final western section. It overlooks Lake Onega and Petrozavodsk; approach the ledge cautiously.

Difficult sections and safety

На что обратить внимание
Elevation gainСуммарный набор высоты — 135 м.
SurfaceТип покрытия пока не определён.
Риски Forest ground can be wet after rain, with slippery roots and stones. Take care beside the water on the southern branch and remain clear of the edge at Devil’s Chair. Do not seek a shortcut between the lake and upper platform across the rocky ledge. The return after the spruce still includes the shore and western sections.

How much time to allow

Оцените свой темп
Расчётное время в пути 3 h 29 min
С запасом на остановки + 30–60 мин
Allow a separate day for the whole woodland circuit. Exact duration with stops is not established. Reserve time for the northern branch, spruce approach, shoreline return and Devil’s Chair; the short external nature trail is an unsuitable timing reference. In October, finish the forest return before dark.

Best time to go

Сезонность и рекомендации
Dry, snow-free conditions are easier for the full circuit. Waterproof footwear and an early start are particularly useful in autumn. January’s announcement about the short improved spruce approach does not establish winter preparation throughout the shoreline and hillside branches.

What to bring

Базовый список для комфортного похода
Footwear with reliable grip on roots and shoreline stones.
Rain protection, drinking water, food and first aid.
Map of the entire circuit, light and spare power.
In warm weather, insect protection; in autumn, an extra layer for the exposed rocky lookout.
Protect the old tree’s roots and carry out your litter.

FAQ

Questions before the trip

Can I do this route without a car?

Regular services to the exact external start are unconfirmed. Arrange the approach from the inhabited side separately; the circuit finishes where it starts

Is this route suitable for children?

Possible with caution: review the surface, difficult sections, and extra time for stops in advance.

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes, GPX and KML are available on the route page. Open the map, download the file, and use it in a navigator before your trip; key route facts: 11.1 km, moderate.

Discussion

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