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Vyborg: Getting to Know the City
"Any trip is a holiday that will forever remain in your memory" — someone
Spring in Vyborg is a time of awakening—not just for nature, but for the city’s unique architecture and historical charm. This remarkable corner of the Leningrad Region feels like it’s been lifted straight out of medieval chronicles. Our journey began aboard a vintage bus, setting the tone for an adventure back in time.
The retro bus from the 1950s, with its soft seats and faint scent of history, was the perfect introduction. As we traveled along winding streets, we passed wooden houses with intricate carvings, stern stone buildings in the Nordic Art Nouveau style, and lush parks coming back to life after winter. The driver, a true history enthusiast, didn’t just steer the bus but also shared fascinating stories about each district we passed.
Our next stop was the heart of Vyborg’s history—a museum housed in one of the city’s old buildings. We were greeted by Bair, the museum’s director, a man with a deep passion for his work and a magnetic personality. He started the tour with a brief talk, highlighting Vyborg’s unique position as a city shaped by various cultures over the centuries.
Bair introduced us to a detailed model of the city, crafted from historical maps and old drawings. It showed Vyborg as it looked during different periods—from a 13th-century fortress to its modern appearance. He paid special attention to Suvorov Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, which we would soon explore in person.
After the museum visit, we had the pleasure of a half-hour walk along Suvorov Street. Bair accompanied us, pointing out buildings and sharing stories you’d never find in a guidebook. The street is a fascinating blend of eras: medieval stone structures stand next to the elegant designs of the Art Nouveau period. The soft spring light highlighted the intricate details of the facades, while the air carried the scent of budding trees and fresh bread from local bakeries.
One of the most charming aspects of Vyborg is its cozy shops and cafés designed in a retro style. Many of them seem frozen in time, with vintage décor, wooden shelves filled with handmade goods, and counters displaying local sweets and pastries. Stopping for a coffee in one of these cafés feels like stepping into another era, where time slows down, and every detail invites you to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Whether you’re sipping tea from a porcelain cup or browsing through shelves of antiques and souvenirs, these spots add a special warmth to the city’s historic charm.
One highlight was the Merchant Burdakov House, a stunning example of early 20th-century architecture. Nearby, the iconic Clock Tower—one of Vyborg’s symbols—seemed to shine with a special charm in the springtime.
This trip to Vyborg was a true journey through history and culture. In spring, the city transforms, filling with warmth, light, and fresh colors. The vintage bus, Bair’s inspiring stories, the intricate city model, and our leisurely stroll down Suvorov Street made the experience unforgettable.
Vyborg in spring is a must-visit destination where you can feel the living connection between eras and soak up the atmosphere of a northern town where every corner tells a story.
An unexpected highlight of the trip was a visit to the Finnish bunkers of the Mannerheim Line, a stark reminder of the region's wartime past. These fortified structures, hidden among the pines and mossy rocks, tell the story of a turbulent chapter in history. Walking through the bunkers, you can imagine the lives of soldiers stationed here, defending their positions during the Winter War. Bair’s commentary brought these places to life, connecting the dots between the history of the city and its strategic importance. The peacefulness of the spring forest added a poignant contrast to the starkness of the concrete walls and gun emplacements.
That,s all for today.
Stand by
Sincerely yours
