Stella Polyarnyy Krug, Kareliya Republic, Russia
Over the centuries the border has shuffled back and forth, and the South Karelian trade town of Vyborg and the Karelian Isthmus reaching to St Petersburg are now part of Russia, accessible from the former garrison town of Lappeenranta. The area was a favourite with Russian aristocracy, particularly Lappeenranta and the famous rapids at Imatra.
Epic Russia Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound