Oreshek Fortress

Oreshek Fortress stands on the small island of Orekhovy where the Neva River begins its flow from Lake Ladoga. Seven towers surround a central courtyard, and the thick stone walls still carry marks from past sieges and battles.

The Novgorod Republic built an initial wooden fortification here in 1323 to secure northern trade routes. Swedish forces later captured the site before Peter the Great retook it, ensuring Russia permanent access to the Baltic Sea.

The name Shlisselburg comes from the German word for key, reflecting how this site once controlled access to the Baltic Sea. Visitors today walk through the dark casemates where political prisoners lived under harsh conditions during the tsarist era.

A ferry brings visitors from the shore near Petrokrepost across to the island, since the fortress sits on the water. The walk takes you over uneven paths and sometimes steep stairs, so sturdy shoes are helpful.

During the Siege of Leningrad, Soviet soldiers held this strategic point for over 500 days while German artillery fire continuously pounded the walls. The defenders survived on minimal supplies and relied on the protection of the thick fortress walls.

Location: Shlisselburg

Inception: 1323

Founders: Novgorod Republic

Part of: Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments

Website: http://spbmuseum.ru/themuseum/museum_complex/oreshek_fortress

GPS coordinates: 59.95383,31.03887

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:40