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Oranienbaum
Tour to Oranienbaum (Menshikov Palace)
Discount: -200 rub. per ticket
6 - 7 h.
Vosstaniya St. 1
Oranienbaum is a unique palace and park ensemble on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see the Grand Menshikov Palace in the early Baroque style, the Chinese Palace, and the Rolling Hill Pavilion with authentic 18th-century interiors.
Why choose Leningrad-Tour
Tours for groups
You can book a trip for a large group, family, school class, corporate event or celebration. We will match the format and the number of seats you need.
Discounted tickets
Seniors, students, schoolchildren and preschoolers get discounted rates on a number of tours.
Tours across Russia
Besides Saint Petersburg and its suburbs, we offer multi-day tours to cities and regions across Russia.
A wide choice of routes
Sightseeing, bus, boat, evening, walking and school tours, plus suburban trips — we will find a program for any kind of visit.
Comfortable transport
We operate clean, comfortable tourist coaches. A spacious cabin matters most on longer routes.
Menshikov Palace • Chinese Palace • park • Lomonosov • Gulf of Finland
Oranienbaum: palaces, park and routes from Saint Petersburg
Oranienbaum is a palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland. People come here for the old park, the Menshikov Palace, the Chinese Palace, 18th-century pavilions and the calm atmosphere of an imperial residence.
History of Oranienbaum
The history of Oranienbaum began in the early 18th century, when Alexander Menshikov, Peter I's closest associate, began building a country residence opposite Kronstadt. The location on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland was not accidental: the palace and park were to become part of the ceremonial sea panorama of the new capital.
The first center of the ensemble was the Grand Menshikov Palace. Later Oranienbaum was associated with Peter III and Catherine II: in the Upper Park appeared the Palace of Peter III, the Chinese Palace, the Rolling Hill Pavilion and other buildings that made the residence a reflection of several imperial eras at once.
Today Oranienbaum is seen as a more intimate alternative to Peterhof and Pushkin. There is no such fuss around one main symbol here: the impression is made up of palaces, the park, pavilions, old alleys and the proximity of the Gulf of Finland.
Oranienbaum and Lomonosov: important to know
Lomonosov is the modern name of the town, while Oranienbaum is the historical name of the palace and park ensemble. That is why both variants can be found in search and on maps: “Oranienbaum”, “Lomonosov”, “Oranienbaum Lomonosov” or “Oranienbaum Palace”.
Weather in Oranienbaum by season
Spring
approximately +1…+13 °C
In spring the park gradually opens up after winter: more light, the first green shades and quiet paths by the palaces.
Summer
approximately +18…+22 °C
Summer is the most convenient season for a long walk through the park, the Lower Garden, the Upper Park and the pavilions.
Autumn
approximately +15…+5 °C
In autumn Oranienbaum looks especially soft: old alleys, palaces, the damp air of the gulf and the golden shades of the park.
Winter
approximately -3…-7 °C
In winter it is better to take a short route through the park and pay more attention to the palaces, museum sites and architecture.
Routes around Oranienbaum
| Format | Route | What to see | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2–3 hours | A short walk in the park | The Lower Garden, views of the Grand Menshikov Palace, the central alleys, ponds and the nearest park spots. | Suitable for a first introduction, a short trip from St Petersburg or a walk without visiting all the palaces. |
| Half a day | The Grand Menshikov Palace and the park | The Grand Menshikov Palace, the Lower Garden, the Upper Park, ponds, the Palace of Peter III and a walk to the main pavilions. | A good main route when you want to see the palace, the park and understand the structure of the ensemble. |
| Day 1 | Oranienbaum in full | The Grand Menshikov Palace, the Chinese Palace, the Roller Coaster Pavilion, the Upper Park, the Lower Garden, and a walk around Lomonosov. | Suitable for a full trip when you have time for the palaces, the park, photos, and a leisurely lunch. |
| Extended route | Oranienbaum and the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland | Oranienbaum, Lomonosov, a walk to the Gulf of Finland, Peterhof or Strelna along the way. | Convenient for a car trip or a busy day with several nearby suburbs. |
What to see in Oranienbaum
The main palace
The Grand Menshikov Palace
The ceremonial residence of Alexander Menshikov and the main architectural highlight of the ensemble. The palace stands on an elevation, facing the park and the Gulf of Finland, and its galleries give Oranienbaum its stately appearance.
Park
Oranienbaum Park
A large park with the Lower Garden, the Upper Park, ponds, alleys, and pavilions. It is a pleasant place for an unhurried stroll: the route gradually leads from the Menshikov Palace to the quieter parts of the ensemble.
Catherine II
The Chinese Palace
The intimate residence of Catherine II in the Upper Park. The Chinese Palace is prized for its elegant interiors, oriental motifs, decorative details, and the feeling of a private palace space.
A rare pavilion
The Roller Coaster Pavilion
One of the most unusual sights of Oranienbaum. In the 18th century, there was a court entertainment here with rides on special carriages, and today the pavilion recalls the light and festive side of imperial residences.
How to get to Oranienbaum from Saint Petersburg
Most often, people travel to Oranienbaum on their own by suburban train from Baltiysky railway station to Oranienbaum-1 station. From the station, you can walk to the palace and park ensemble in about 15 minutes.
- suburban train from Baltiysky railway station to Oranienbaum-1 station
- walking route from the station to the museum area
- buses and minibuses from south-western metro stations
- a ready-made tour from St. Petersburg with transport, a guide and a programme
When is the best time to go and who is it for
In spring and summer, Oranienbaum is especially good for a walk in the park: more light, greenery and time for a leisurely route. In autumn, the ensemble looks intimate and calm, while in winter it is better to focus on the palace interiors.
This destination will suit those who have already seen Peterhof and Pushkin, love 18th-century palaces and parks, or want to choose a suburb without the feeling of tourist bustle.
Oranienbaum in detail
Frequently asked questions about Oranienbaum
Are Oranienbaum and Lomonosov the same thing?
Lomonosov is the modern name of the town, while Oranienbaum is the historical name of the palace and park ensemble. Therefore, a trip to Oranienbaum usually means visiting the palaces and park in the town of Lomonosov.
What to see in Oranienbaum in one day?
For a first visit, it is better to choose the Grand Menshikov Palace, a walk in the park, the Chinese Palace or the Rolling Hill Pavilion. If you have little time, you should not try to cover all the ensemble's sites at once.
How to get to Oranienbaum from St. Petersburg on your own?
The clearest option is the suburban train from Baltiysky railway station to Oranienbaum-1 station. From the station, you can walk to the museum area in about 15 minutes. Public transport also runs from Avtovo and Prospekt Veteranov metro stations.
How does Oranienbaum differ from Peterhof?
Peterhof is known for its fountains and grand scale. Oranienbaum is calmer and more intimate: what matters here is the old park, the Menshikov Palace, the Chinese Palace, the history of Peter III and Catherine II, as well as the atmosphere of a residence by the Gulf of Finland.
What is the Chinese Palace in Oranienbaum?
The Chinese Palace is part of Catherine II's Own Dacha. It is associated with the architect Antonio Rinaldi and is known for its intimate scale, decorative interiors, oriental motifs and the rare atmosphere of a private imperial residence.
Is it worth going to Oranienbaum if you have already been to Pushkin and Peterhof?
Yes, Oranienbaum is well suited for a repeat trip to the suburbs of St. Petersburg. It differs from the more famous residences with its quiet park, less bustle, and an unusual set of palaces and pavilions.
How much time is needed to visit Oranienbaum?
For a short introduction to the park and one palace, it is better to allow a few hours. For a trip from St. Petersburg with travel, a tour, and free time, it is usually more convenient to plan for most of the day.
Can you go to Oranienbaum on a tour from St. Petersburg?
Yes, on the Leningrad-Tour website you can choose a tour to Oranienbaum from St. Petersburg. This format is convenient because the travel, guide, route, and visit program are already combined into one trip, and you do not need to plan anything yourself.
What is the weather like in Oranienbaum in summer?
In summer in Lomonosov it is usually comfortable for walking: average daytime temperatures stay around +18…+22 °C. It can be windy by the Gulf of Finland, so a light jacket or sweater is often useful even on a warm day.
How long does it take to get to Oranienbaum by commuter train?
The commuter train from Baltiysky Station to Oranienbaum-1 station usually takes about 46–60 minutes. From the station to the palace and park ensemble you can walk in about 15–20 minutes.
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