Luga is a venerable old city in the Leningrad Oblast. Far removed from the bustle of Moscow, it’s surrounded by beautiful countryside, and is a short distance from Saint Petersburg.
An idyllic blend of country and city
Weary travellers can rest in the comfortable confines of Luga, the city where Russian composer N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov wrote operas like ‘The Night Before Christmas’. You’ll enjoy traditional Leningrad Oblast cuisine in friendly restaurants on the city’s streets. From mushroom julienne to homemade kvass, there’s a taste to suit everyone, and you can sip chilled vodka in the spirit’s homeland.
There’s also plenty for families to do. Visit fascinating museums and archaic ruins to get a real sense of the history of ‘Hero City’, or keep to the inner-city, where there are plenty of activities for children. With regular buses to Saint Petersburg and Pskov, and the Luga train station conveniently positioned, you can take day-trips to the surrounding areas.
Top 5 things to do in Luga
Relish every moment of your time in Luga with this list of our favourite things to do:
- Get inspiration from two museums dedicated to N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov
- Dine on regional cuisine in the city’s many restaurants
- Explore the ancient ruins of buildings destroyed during World War Two
- Take the three-hour bus trip to Saint Petersburg
- Visit the revered Resurrection of Christ Cathedral
Top 5 historical facts about Luga
For a small and often quiet city, Luga has an illustrious history. Here are some interesting facts to bear in mind when you travel:
- It was founded on the bank of the River Luga by Catherine the Great in 1777
- In 1918 the Leningrad Oblast was the setting for the Russian Civil War, as the White Army failed to conquer Petrograd
- During World War Two the German advance was halted in the Luga area by seven militia groups, delaying the Siege of Leningrad by a month. Luga was awarded the title ‘Hero City’ to commemorate the achievement
- The Russian composer N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov spent many summers writing music in Luga, and fans from around the world visit the two museums set up in his honour
- Luga is now the town of district significance in Leningrad Oblast