Peterhof and fountains

Peterhof is the main suburban residence of Russian emperors and one of the most famous palace and park ensembles near St. Petersburg. It is located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Peterhof is often called the "capital of fountains": more than 150 fountains and cascades operate here. It is one of the most popular places to visit from St. Petersburg, especially for a first introduction to the suburbs.

The Grand Cascade in Peterhof – fountains, Samson, history of creation and what to see

The Grand Cascade in Peterhof: the main fountain, Samson, grottoes and statues. Where it is located and how to get there. A complete guide for tourists. Excursions to the fountains of Peterhof.

Открытие фонтанов в Петергофе в 2026 году

Opening of fountains in Peterhof in 2026

Opening of fountains in Peterhof 2026: when the fountains will be turned on, the date of the holiday May 16, the show program, ticket prices and how to get there. Excursion to Peterhof from St. Petersburg

Grand Peterhof Palace: history, secrets, and legends

Grand Peterhof Palace: history of creation, architecture, famous halls, and curious details that make it the main gem of Peterhof.

Peterhof – its history, how to get there, fountains and parks of Peterhof

Peterhof (Petrodvorets) — what it is, how to get there on your own, how the park and fountains operate. Is it worth visiting in winter, how Peterhof is arranged.

How Peterhof fountains work

How the fountains of Peterhof work: fountains, cascades, canals, and grottoes of Peterhof that operate without a single pump

History of Peterhof:

Peterhof was founded by Peter the Great in the early 18th century as the ceremonial residence of the new capital. In the following years, the ensemble actively developed: palaces were built, parks expanded, and new fountains and pavilions created. In the 19th century, Peterhof became an important imperial center where receptions and official events were held.

What to see in Peterhof?

The Grand Peterhof Palace

The main palace of Peterhof, a sparkling "pedestal" of gold and silks, soaring above the park on a 16-meter terrace. In its 300-meter enfilades, you can walk through the centuries, see the legendary Oak Study of Peter the Great, and feel the true brilliance and scale of imperial Russia.

The Lower Park of Peterhof

The Lower Park is the main attraction of Peterhof and the most visited part of the complex. On its territory are the Grand Cascade, the Samson Fountain, the Sea Canal, and the main walking alleys. The strict geometry of the ray-alleys leads to water perspectives, where the Sea Canal opens the way directly to the waves of the Gulf of Finland.

The Fountains of Peterhof

A true engineering miracle, where 150 fountains operate without a single pump, obeying only the laws of physics. The trick fountains and the central Samson Fountain, whose jet reaches over 20 meters, are especially popular.

The Marly Palace

A small palace in the depths of the Lower Park, originally used as a guest house. Today it is a museum with an exposition related to Peter the Great.

The Monplaisir Palace

"My pleasure" — that is how Peter the Great affectionately called this cozy house on the very shore of the Gulf of Finland. It has an intimate atmosphere and contains collections of paintings, porcelain, and personal items of the emperor.

The Hermitage Pavilion

A pavilion for private meetings, built according to Peter the Great's design. The main secret of the Hermitage is the unique table-lifting mechanism, which allowed noble guests to feast in absolute silence, without the presence of servants.

Opening hours and useful information

The Lower Park and Fountains

You can visit the famous Lower Park on any day of the week — it is open to guests all year round without days off.

Winter season (from October 18 to April 22): the park welcomes visitors daily from 9:00 to 18:00. During this period, admission is free, but note that the fountains of Peterhof do not operate at this time, and some decorative statues are covered with protective cases.

Summer season (from April 23 to October 17): opening hours are extended from 9:00 to 20:00. This is the most popular period for excursions to Peterhof, when you can see all the water cascades in action (ticket offices are open until 19:30).

The Grand Peterhof Palace

When planning a visit to the Grand Palace, it is important to remember that it is closed on Mondays. The schedule also includes a sanitary day — the last Tuesday of each month. At other times, the state rooms are accessible from 10:30 to 18:00; ticket offices and visitor entrance close an hour earlier, at 17:00. For a more comfortable acquaintance with the interiors, we recommend choosing morning hours or booking tickets in advance.

Go on your own or choose an excursion?

For a first acquaintance with Peterhof, it is more convenient to choose an excursion from St. Petersburg. It includes transfer, tickets, and a guide.

An excursion by bus or hydrofoil allows you to see all the main attractions in one trip and not waste time on organization.

The price for excursions starts at approximately 2600–3000 rubles.

👉 See tours to Peterhof

Frequently asked questions

What is Peterhof?

It is a grand project of Peter the Great, conceived as a seaside residence of St. Petersburg. Today Peterhof is a huge palace and park complex covering 414 hectares, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and uniting dozens of museums, unique gardens and a fountain system famous throughout the world.

Where is Peterhof located?

The residence is located about 29–30 km from St. Petersburg on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland.

How many fountains are there in Peterhof?

The parks feature more than 150 fountains and water cascades, adorned with 255 gilded sculptures.

When are the fountains turned on?

The fountain season usually lasts from late April to mid-October, depending on weather conditions. On weekdays they delight guests from 10:00 to 18:00, on weekends — until 19:00. In 2026, the grand opening of the fountains is scheduled for May 16.

How much is admission?

In the summer season, a ticket to the Lower Park costs about 600 rubles for Russian citizens, and a visit to the Grand Palace will cost 600–750 rubles. However, in winter, admission to the park becomes free.

How to get to Peterhof?

There are several options for getting to Peterhof on your own: the Meteor hydrofoil — the fastest and most scenic route from the city center right to the pier of the Lower Park. A bus or minibus — an economical option from the metro stations Avtovo, Prospekt Veteranov or Leninsky Prospekt. The commuter train runs from the Baltiysky railway station to the Novy Peterhof station.

How much time do you need for Peterhof?

Even a quick look at the Lower Park will take at least 3 hours; for a full experience, it is better to set aside about 5 hours. This will allow you to see the fountains and visit the small palaces such as Monplaisir and Marly.

Which is better: the Meteor or the bus?

The choice depends on your goals: the Meteor offers an unforgettable view of the gulf and the Admiralty, letting you arrive at the park in style and without traffic jams, but it costs significantly more. The bus is a practical and budget-friendly choice, convenient if you want to start your visit from the Upper Garden or are planning a trip in the off-season.