Valdaysky National Park, Protected biosphere reserve in Novgorod Oblast, Russia.
Valdaysky National Park covers a hilly region with mixed forests, clear lakes, and gentle slopes shaped by glaciers from the last ice age. The park encompasses numerous water bodies and diverse vegetation zones ranging from pines and spruces to rare oak forests.
The territory belonged to the medieval Novgorod Republic, a region of ancient importance in Russian history. The location of Ignach is linked to a legendary event when Mongol forces halted their expansion there.
The Valday Iversky Monastery, a 17th-century sanctuary within the park, draws visitors seeking spiritual sites and traditions. The region has developed as a pilgrimage destination where religious practice shapes how people relate to this landscape.
The park has several entry points and offers hiking and outdoor recreation, especially near the larger lakes. Those exploring the terrain should expect varied paths and conditions since the park sprawls across a large, uneven area.
The park shelters northern oak forests at the edge of their natural range, a botanical feature that sets it apart from other protected areas. These oaks form a tiny portion of the forest cover but grow under conditions they would normally avoid.
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