Valday

Valday stands on the southwestern shore of Lake Valdayskoye, surrounded by forested hills and shallow valleys in northwestern Russia. The town extends along the waterfront, where houses, public buildings and smaller streets form a compact settlement area.

The settlement is first documented in 1495, when the connecting road between Novgorod and central Russia gained importance. In the 18th century, Valday developed into a trading point and stop for travelers.

The name of the town refers to the Valdayskoye lake and to the Valdai Hills, which have shaped this region for centuries. Visitors find metal bells here that were once produced in local workshops and now belong to the area's identity.

The M10 highway passes through the town and connects it with Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Visitors have access to the museum and some waterfront areas for walking.

The local museum displays bells that were cast here in earlier times and now serve as examples of local craftsmanship. An exhibition shows how production methods changed over several generations.

Location: Valdajsko mestno naselje

Elevation above the sea: 210 m

Website: http://valday-gorod.ru

GPS coordinates: 57.96667,33.25000

Latest update: December 15, 2025 01:47