Author of materials about St. Petersburg, travel, excursions, and city routes.
Accredited guide for St. Petersburg, its suburbs and excursions for families with children.
Kronstadt is a unique fortress city on Kotlin Island near St. Petersburg. If you are wondering what to see in Kronstadt, you will find sea forts, a majestic cathedral and atmospheric embankments.
Imagine a place where the sea wind sings in the rigging of warships and the golden domes of cathedrals meet stern granite forts. A trip here is not just an outing to the suburbs, but a true immersion in the history of the Russian navy and the atmosphere of maritime romance.
History of Kronstadt
Kronstadt was born from the bold dream of Peter the Great. In the winter of 1704, while the Swedish fleet had gone into winter quarters, Russian soldiers achieved the impossible: right on the ice of the Gulf of Finland they laid the foundation of the future Kronshlot Fort. For this, "ryazhi" were used – huge log frames filled with stones and lowered through ice holes to the bottom. When the Swedes returned in spring, they were amazed to find an impregnable fortress where only open water had recently been.
For three centuries, no conqueror's foot has set foot on this land – Kronstadt became a reliable shield blocking the way to Petersburg.
The great navigators Kruzenshtern and Bellingshausen lived here, 28 expeditions set off from here on round-the-world voyages, and it is here that the "navel of the Earth" is located – the famous tide gauge from which all heights and depths in Russia are measured.
What to see in Kronstadt
If you're wondering what to see in Kronstadt, get ready – the city is full of unique places.
Naval Cathedral of St. Nicholas
The Naval Cathedral of St. Nicholas is the main attraction and the heart of Kronstadt, a must-see. The naval cathedral, built by architect Vasily Kosyakov, was conceived as a monument to all fallen sailors. Inside, on black marble plaques, the names of naval heroes are engraved in gold. The cathedral impresses with its scale: its huge dome, almost 27 meters in diameter, can be seen from afar, and the interior decoration with mosaics and stained-glass windows resembles the Byzantine Hagia Sophia.
The cathedral was named after St. Nicholas the Wonderworker – the patron saint of sailors.
Kronstadt History Museum
If you're looking for where to go in Kronstadt to better understand its history, head boldly to the main city museum. Kronstadt History Museum is located in two buildings: the local history exhibition on Anchor Square will tell you about the construction of the forts and the daily life of sailors, while in the building on Leningradskaya Street you will see unique finds by underwater archaeologists raised from sunken ships.
Fort Island
Fort Island is one of the most popular places among tourists who come to Kronstadt on an excursion. This is a new modern space that is definitely worth visiting if you are here with children. On 9 hectares of coastline stretches a park with the Alley of Heroes of the Russian Navy, panoramic swings offering views of the bay, and excellent children's playgrounds in a nautical style.
Forts of Kronstadt
Forts of Kronstadt are unique defensive structures that everyone planning a trip to Kronstadt should see. Around the island there are about twenty such ancient forts, which covered the fairways with their fire and prevented enemy ships from entering the Neva.
The most mysterious of them is Fort "Emperor Alexander I", better known as the "Plague Fort". At the end of the 19th century, a secret laboratory for creating plague medicines was located here, and it was only one of three such laboratories in the world. Today many forts, such as "Konstantin", "Rif" or "Shants", are open to visitors.
Anchor Square
This is the main square of the city, which is a work of art in itself. It is paved with a unique pattern in the shape of a huge anchor, which is best seen from a bird's-eye view. Here you can also find a rare cast-iron pavement – a "lace" surface that has been preserved in the city center since the mid-19th century.
Petrovsky Park
Here, among the shady alleys, there is a monument to Peter the Great. They say that this is the monument where Peter is depicted at his real height. In the park you want to take a break from the hustle of St. Petersburg, sit on a bench, listen to the cries of seagulls, watch the sunbeams reflecting in the waves and drink coffee from a nearby cafe. Be sure to take a couple of chestnuts with you as a souvenir, which are scattered all over the park.
From the embankment there is a stunning view of Petrovskaya Pier – the ceremonial sea gate of Kronstadt, decorated with ancient cannons and cast-iron vases. It is worth stopping by to soak up the atmosphere of a sea fortress and see the powerful warships of the Baltic Fleet in the Middle Harbor. In addition, it is here that a unique "lace" cast-iron pavement has been preserved, laid along the walls of the Petrovsky Admiralty back in the 19th century.
Kronstadt in 1 day – a ready-made itinerary
We have prepared a route for you that is perfect for those who want to understand what to see in Kronstadt in 1 day on their own:
- Start your morning at Anchor Square and visit the Naval Cathedral.
- Cross the ornate Makarovsky Bridge, built especially for the visit of Nicholas II.
- Take a walk through Petrovsky Park to Petrovskaya Pier, where you can admire the might of the warships of the Baltic Fleet.
- Stop by the Blue Bridge to see the famous tide gauge.
- End the day in Fort Island Park, enjoying the sunset on the shore of the Gulf of Finland.
When is the best time to go
The best time to travel to Kronstadt is from late spring to early autumn. The city is surrounded by water, so winds are frequent here, but it is during the warm season that a sea trip to the forts will be most comfortable.
How to get to Kronstadt from Saint Petersburg
The island is located not far from St. Petersburg and is connected to the city by convenient transport links. Here are several ways to get to Kronstadt from St. Petersburg:
By bus
The most budget-friendly option is bus No. 101 from the «Staraya Derevnya» metro station (runs every 10 minutes) or minibuses from the «Prospekt Prosveshcheniya» and «Chernaya Rechka» metro stations. The ride along the famous dam will take about an hour.
By car
By car, you will drive along the flood protection complex, enjoying views of the sea canals and forts right from your window.
By hydrofoil
For those seeking maximum romance, high-speed Meteors depart from the Senate Pier during the season. The water journey takes 1 hour 20 minutes and offers unforgettable views of the gulf. The cost of a tour to Kronstadt by hydrofoil typically ranges from 1500 to 2200 rubles.
Tips for tourists
- Be sure to wear comfortable shoes: you'll be walking a lot.
- Bring a windbreaker, even if it's hot in St. Petersburg – the island is always windy.
- Don't forget your camera and charge your phones well: the views of the cathedral, ships, and lighthouses will make you take many memorable photos!
A tour to Kronstadt
For those who want to see all the sights of Kronstadt without any hassle, Leningrad Tour invites you on a tour to Kronstadt from St. Petersburg. The program includes a drive along the dam, where you'll see the forts, a guided walk, and visits to the city's main attractions from the Naval Cathedral to the «Island of Forts» park. Allow yourself to fall in love with this maritime city – we'll take care of your comfort and interesting stories.
A tour to Kronstadt
Go to the tour →
