Izhora Plateau

The Izhora Plateau is an upland in Leningrad Oblast that rises about 150 m above the surrounding lowland and was shaped by glaciers. The landscape consists of rolling hills, valleys, and numerous lakes that define the area's character.

The region was used strategically during the founding of Saint Petersburg in the early 18th century for timber and other building materials. The area later became an important part of the urban landscape surrounding the new capital.

The plateau has long served as a settlement area for different peoples who left their mark on the land. The landscape continues to shape how people in the region understand themselves and shows signs of centuries of habitation.

The area offers walking trails of varying difficulty that wind through forests, valleys, and lakeshores. The best time to explore is spring through autumn when the paths are most accessible and nature is most diverse.

The plateau is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and thus connects natural landscapes directly with the city's historic monuments. This link shows how closely nature and urban history are woven together in this region.

Elevation above the sea: 1,759 m

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

GPS coordinates: 59.50000,29.58333

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:45