Okulovsky District: Lakes, Culture and Excursions
Accommodation in Okulovsky District
Around 200 lakes of various sizes define Okulovsky District. They are bordered by pine forests, lie among dense woodlands, or stretch across open terrain. The landscape therefore ranges from wooded lakes to bodies of water in open surroundings. Cultural sites and excursions provide additional themes to consider when planning a trip.
Lakes and Cultural Heritage
The Borovno hydroelectric power station is a valuable natural, hydraulic engineering and industrial monument in Okulovsky District, as well as a cultural heritage site in Novgorod Oblast. Its designation brings together natural and industrial heritage as two aspects of this monument.
The Okulovsky Local History Museum also focuses on cultural history: its main exhibition is dedicated to the traveler Nikolay Miklukho-Maklay, who was born in this area. The museum's theme thus links an exhibition about an individual with a local connection.
Bus Excursions and Walking Tours
The one-day bus excursions “Okulovskimi tropami istorii” are organized for groups of 15 to 25 people aged ten and older; their routes pass through Okulovka and other places in Okulovsky District. One route goes from Okulovka via Likhaya Krucha and the “Baldazary” hills, then back to Okulovka. Another runs from Okulovka via the hydroelectric power station, Pogost, Gorneshno and Gory, then back. If you plan to take one of these trips, confirm the current arrangements with the organizer in advance.
Other listed museum excursions include “Puteshestvie po Biankovskim mestam,” on the Okulovka–Borovno–Okulovka route. The Okulovsky Local History Museum also lists a bus excursion on a circular route to “Strana Div,” as well as a local history trip via Okulovka, Kulotino, Boevo and Opechek, returning to Okulovka. It also offers a walking tour called “Nash gorod, nam dorog.” The Okulovsky District Museum also lists an excursion to the spring of Saint Seraphim of Sarov at the holy well “Kresty.” For current dates and availability for these museum excursions, please contact the relevant museum in advance.
Canoe Slalom in the District
The Okulovsky canoe slalom course has a children's section, a training section and a main section with a difficulty rating of five. All-Russian competitions are held on the main section. The three sections and competitive sport offer another specific activity alongside bus excursions and cultural attractions.
More Places to Explore in Novgorod Oblast
In the broader destination of Novgorod Oblast, the circular trail in the Bor area passes through typical taiga forests on hilly terrain and a variety of marshes in hollows between the hills. Also in Novgorod Oblast, Mount Ryzhokha is the highest point in Valdai National Park. A 25-meter-high observation tower stands on the mountain, offering views of the taiga, Lake Velyo and other bodies of water.
The Bell Museum Center in Valday, also in Novgorod Oblast, displays bells from around the world. The collection ranges from bell shapes dating back to the 3rd century BC through the Middle Ages to modern souvenir bells. Staff demonstrate bell-ringing techniques that visitors can try for themselves. Valday therefore offers a distinct regional cultural attraction alongside the museums and excursions in Okulovsky District.
Discover more destinations: Sukhoye, Krestetskiy rayon, Soletskiy rayon, Lyubytinsky District, Marevskiy rayon, Chudovsky District, Novgorodskiy rayon, Soletsky District.
Return to the broader travel overview: Novgorod Oblast.
