Lebyazhye

Lebyazhye is an urban settlement on the Gulf of Finland coast in northwestern Russia, positioned approximately 25 kilometers west of Lomonosov and 30 kilometers east of Sosnovy Bor. The settlement features a railway station and is located within a border security zone.

The settlement originated around 1500 under the name Karkila, and later took its current name from the nearby Lebyazhya river, which means swan in Russian. During the Second World War, the region lay in strategic proximity to defensive installations that protected Leningrad.

The settlement attracted notable writers and scientists during the 20th century, including author Mikhail Saltykov-Shchedrin and naturalist Valentin Bianki, who made their homes here. Their presence shaped the intellectual character of this area.

Visitors should be aware that the location within a border security zone requires special permits for entry. Access is available via the railway station, which provides connections to major surrounding cities.

The nearby Krasnaya Gorka fort served as part of the Oranienbaum Bridgehead defense system during wartime and played a key role in protecting the area around Saint Petersburg. This fortification remains visible today and reflects the region's strategic importance.