Unusual Attractions: Duderhof Heights

St. Petersburg and its surroundings are famous for their suburbs to the whole world. The extraordinary beauty of the local ancient architecture is combined with natural landscapes and artificial parks. But few people know that along with well-known cultural monuments in the vicinity of the city, you can find many less popular, but unique phenomena.

One of these places can be called the Duderhof heights, which are located in the Krasnoselsky district. It is a unique natural monument, which is formed by two hills more than 100 meters high. The history of their origin begins in the distant past, when the ice age formed a new relief of this territory. One mountain was named Orekhova, its height is 176 meters. The second is Crow Mountain, 147 meters high. They are shared by Sovetskaya street in Mozhaiskoye village. Both hills are covered with forests, in which broad-leaved species predominate. The diversity of vegetation and its uncharacteristic for this latitude is explained by the unusual composition of the soil and the predominance of limestone.

Dudergofsky heights began to master from the middle of the XIX century. The imperial family decided that there would be a park, after which the territory was broken by paths. Also bushes and ornamental trees were planted, benches were installed. On Orekhova Hill was built a Swiss house, which has not survived to this day. Gradually, the Duderhof hills became popular among the urban population. Many came here for the beauty of nature, picturesque species or botanical research.

The Duderhof heights played a large role in the battles with the German troops during the Great Patriotic War. The park's architecture and vegetation were practically destroyed by tanks and combat vehicles. Due to their height, the hills became important points in many battles and were used to observe the movements of the enemy, and also as defensive positions.

After the war, the vegetation on the hills gradually recovered. During the Soviet era, the park was renamed Nagorny and began to be protected as a cultural and natural monument. Later, in 1990, the Duderhof heights, along with many other suburbs of St. Petersburg, were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city authorities also recognized the park as a nature reserve, which is subject to protection.

For fans of outdoor activities and outdoor walks, a great plan for a day off can be a trip to the Duderhof heights. How to get to the place and find it on the territory of Krasnoselsky district?

If you go your own way, then the easiest way to choose a trip on the train. From the Baltic station trains run to Gatchina. In order to get to the heights, it is necessary to go to the Mozhaiskaya station.

By car, take the ring road until you turn onto Tallinn Highway. On it you need to drive to Krasnoe Selo, then turn off from the main road onto the street of May Day. Next, you should overcome the prospectus of the Red Commanders and the prospectus on October 25. In the village Mozhayskoe you need to turn to the Soviet street.