Village Kinerma

If you're looking for a place to experience the living history and authentic culture of Karelia, the village of Kinerma is the perfect choice. It is a special landmark in the Republic of Karelia and has been a member of the Association of Beautiful Villages of Russia since 2016.

Brief History
Kinerma is an ancient Karelian village that will soon celebrate its 500th anniversary. The first mention of the settlement, whose name translates as "precious land," dates back to 1496 in the "Cadastre Book of the Obonezhskaya Pyatina." The village was first mentioned in census books in 1563.
Over the centuries, Kinerma has endured many hardships, being destroyed and burned twice as a result of various wars. However, in the 17th century, the settlement was restored by a descendant of one of the first residents, and since then, the village has preserved its historical appearance and the spirit of Karelian culture. Kinerma is a unique historical monument of the traditional wooden architecture of the Livvi Karelians.

Sights
Kinerma is a living, open-air museum. The village is small, and you can walk around it for a photo walk in about 15 minutes.
Architecture. Kinerma's buildings are arranged in a circular pattern, which is its main calling card. The village has 17 houses, 10 of which are listed as architectural monuments of federal significance. The houses are built with their facades facing inward, toward the central grove. The architecture reflects the regional features of Livvi Karelian wooden architecture, with characteristic elements such as continuous openwork balcony railings and carved corner posts. Among the buildings, the Ershov House stands out—it is the oldest structure in Kinerma, over 260 years old (265 years).
Chapel of Our Lady of Smolensk. The central part of the village is adorned with the Chapel of Our Lady of Smolensk, built in the second half of the 18th century. Remarkably, this wooden chapel was never used for any purpose other than religious services. For approximately 300 years, it housed the miraculous icon of the Hodegetria of Smolensk, now housed in the Museum of Fine Arts of the Republic of Karelia. A unique carved iconostasis has been preserved inside the chapel. A visit to the chapel is included in the tour program. Services are held there only once a year, on the village's patronal feast day.
Kinerma is surrounded by pine and spruce forests. Peace and tranquility reign here, and the picturesque forested areas create a wonderfully secluded atmosphere.

Food
The village has a small village café, open by reservation only. It offers traditional Karelian cuisine. The main dish is kalitki, traditional rye flour pies with fillings such as porridge and potatoes. Kinerma kalitki, baked according to old family recipes, are considered the best in the Republic of Karelia. Historically, Karelians lacked sweet pastries, as there was a long-standing shortage of sugar and honey in the region.
Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or simply tea with pies and local herbal teas. Nadezhda, the hostess, also conducts fascinating culinary master classes on traditional Karelian pastries. All meals must be booked in advance.

Accommodation
An overnight stay in Kinerma is a true adventure. Guests are offered accommodation in a guesthouse—a traditional Karelian peasant dwelling from the early 20th century. The houses have an authentic rustic style with traditional interiors. They are furnished with beds and basic furniture, and are heated by a stove. Breakfast is served in the morning. Guests can also enjoy a traditional Karelian "smoky" sauna. It is important to remember that all the houses in the village are privately owned, passed down through families, and represent the ancestral homes of Karelian families.
Getting there
Public transportation does not serve the village itself. The best way to get to us is by private transportation. Some Petrozavodsk travel agencies organize day trips to us. If you decide to take the plunge, you can travel from Petrozavodsk or Sortavala to the village of Vedlozero. It's a 7-kilometer walk from the village to us. The closest taxi is in Petrozavodsk. If you arrive by taxi, it should be waiting for you so you can return.

Museums
Several museum spaces operate in Kinerma to welcome guests and preserve cultural heritage. The village has a public museum that explores the history and traditions of the Livvi Karelian people. The only building specially restored for tourists and functioning as a museum center is the Vokulov House, a traditional home of a poor Karelian peasant. Its outbuildings house two exhibitions:
1. "Life in Kinerma" is an exhibition about the culture of the Livvi Karelians, presented in the Livvi dialect of the Karelian language, Russian, Finnish, and English. The exhibition features materials from the archives of Petrozavodsk, the Olonets National Museum, historical photographs from Finnish collections, and village utensils.
2. "Kinerma Today" is a photo exhibition about contemporary village life.
The residential part of the Vokulov House is used for tours and culinary master classes.

How to get there
By car: This is the most convenient way to visit the village.
From Petrozavodsk: The distance is approximately 100–103 km, and travel time by car is approximately 1.5 hours.
From St. Petersburg: The distance is 430 km (along the Murmansk Highway). If you are coming from St. Petersburg, it is recommended to drive to the village of Pryazha and then turn off towards Kinerma. Avoid the road leading up from the village of Vidlitsy, as it is unpaved, poorly maintained, and time-consuming.
From Sortavala: Take the A-121 highway.
Public Transportation and Tours
Take train or bus to Petrozavodsk.
Take advantage of organized excursions offered by many tour companies in Petrozavodsk.
Book a taxi from Petrozavodsk, but the driver will have to wait for you in the village for the return trip.
Drive to the village of Vedlozero (7 km from Kinerma) and walk the remaining distance.

Calendar
The main annual event in Kinerma is the Patronal Feast in honor of the chapel icon of the Hodegetria of Smolensk. It is held on August 10th each year. On this day, services are held in the chapel (usually, services are held only once a year on this date). The feast attracts tourists and is the center of cultural events.

Useful links and information
https://vk.com/kinnermaki
http://kinerma.com

Photo by Leonid Nikolaev