The Nizhniy Novgorod region

For those of you who love nature or are attracted by long journeys, new adventures, unexpected discoveries, that is by everything that is secret and mysterious, we have some fascinating waterborne, overland and underground expeditions waiting for you in our region.

If you’d like to see southern taiga changing into fur trees and birch forests with picturesque meadows, we recommend to go kayaking or rafting on the river Vetluga, Piana, Lukh, Kerzhenets, Serazha and Usta.

Quiet mysterious backwaters, banks with fur trees, the endless curves of the river-bed, peaceful tranquility make the Kerzhenets enchanting. While kayaking on the river the tourists will admire the beauty of the Kerzhenets natural reserve, the villages of old believers and will be able to visit the Makariyev Monastery.

The picturesque poetical Vetluga, the largest left tributary of the Volga, is one of the most beautiful rivers of Zavolzhje. It was sung by V.Korolenko in his short story “The River Plays”. You’ll discover a lot of amazing picturesque places and get acquainted with old legends and stories (like the love Story of Beautiful Luga). On the banks of the river there are a lot of interesting historical settlements and towns: the town of Vetluga, Varnavino, the village of Troitskoye, the village of Galibikha, Voskresenskoye. Nearby there is Lake Svetloyar. You’ll be attracted by numerous beaches on the river.

If you like active rest and are interested in geological places of interest go down the river Piana. It got its name because the river is a winding stream. It’s very beautiful. Throughout the whole of Russia it would be hard to find another river like the Piana. At the same time, it’s wily beast: at certain points along its course, there are small waterfalls and some rapids. Close to the village of Bornukovo, a renowned local centre of stonemasonry there is a rare geological phenomenon: the “marble” cave of Bornukovo, and in the area around the village of Itchalki you’ll have the opportunity to go on an expedition around the beautiful Itchalki forest. Further downstream, next to the village of Vad, for those who are interestedin diving, the opportunity to dive to the bottom of an unusual lake Vadskoye.

Smoke from the campfire, the smell of summer evening bathing in crystal waters of the rivers, winter and summer extreme sports, sport games in the open air, unforgettable tourist festivals, fishing, songs near the campfire- the romantic adventure of your holidays is yours to experience.