Sortavala Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
town in the Republic of Karelia, Russia
About Sortavala
Stolbovo belonged to Sweden 1617–1721 and became a charted town in 1632. It was devastated in the war in the early 18th century, was ceded toRussiaand lost its importance. It was united with the Grand Duchy of Finland in 1812, and thus became part of independent Finland in 1917. From the late 19th century Sortavala developed as the cultural centre of Ladogan Karelia. It was the seat of the orthodox arch bishop from 1925. It also had significant industry for such a small town. The area was evacuated and ceded to theSoviet Unionafter the Winter War 1940 and again after the Continuation War 1944. Until 1940, the Ladoga shore southwest of Sortavala had been one of the very few relatively densely populated areas north of the Karelian Isthmus populated by Karelians.
Top Attractions in Sortavala
Explore the best things to see and do in Sortavala:
- ★Atelier of Gogolev
- ★Lagoda Skerries National Park
- ★Ruskeala Church
- ★Ruskeala Express
- ★Ruskeala marble canyon
- ★Saint Nicholas Church
- ★Statue of the folk poetry singer
Where to Stay in Sortavala
- 🏨Dacha Wintera
- 🏨Hotel Kaunis
- 🏨Hotel Sortavala
- 🏨Tsar Gory
- 🏨Wild Chocolate
Sortavala Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: