Sortavala

Sortavala is a small town having a rich old history. The modern town is situated on the territory which in the course of many centuries continued to be subject of claim in the wars between Russia and Sweden. The town was founded in 1632. Over the years of its existence Sortavala was part of Sweden, Finland and Russia. The modern Sortavala has much to tell about its history: both about Russian, Finnish and Swedish historical figures, the times when it belonged to Sweden and Finland and about the events of the First World War.

It is not only the history of the land but it is also its nature that attracts the guests. The boundless expanses of the Ladoga Lake, enchanting dark-blue cliffs, the numerous wood water cascades. But to get a full notion of this land you should pay a visit to the Valaam island.