Vyborg is a small historic city in the Leningrad Oblast, close to the Finnish border. It is famous for its medieval streets, old fortifications, and a special mix of Swedish, Finnish, and Russian history. You can see many interesting places in just one day. Here is my route through the city!

Photo courtesy of the author

Vyborg Castle

Start your day with the main symbol of Vyborg — Vyborg Castle. It was founded by the Swedes in 1293 on a small island. The most famous part of the castle is the Tower of St. Olaf. If you climb to the top, you can see the historic centre and the surrounding area from above.

The castle is also home to a museum with exhibitions about the history of Vyborg and the region. The castle island is open every day, so it is a good place to start your trip.

The Old Town

After the castle, walk through the Old Town. Take your time and look at the old stone buildings, narrow streets, and small courtyards.

One of the most interesting streets is Krepostnaya Street. It goes through the historic centre and connects the castle area with the eastern part of the old city. You can also see the Clock Tower, one of the most recognizable historical buildings in Vyborg.

Don't forget to stop at the Market Square and see the Round Tower. It was built in 1547−1550 as part of the city's defensive system. Today it is one of the best-known medieval buildings in Vyborg.

Monrepos Park

Finish your day with a walk in Monrepos Park. It is a historic landscape park near Vyborg, and it is a great place to slow down after walking around the city.

Here you can enjoy the forests, rocks, and views of the water. The park feels very different from the medieval centre, so it is a nice final stop for the day.

And, of course, don't leave Vyborg without trying a traditional Vyborg pretzel. It is one of the city's best-known food symbols!

This route gives you a little bit of everything: medieval history, architecture, beautiful streets, and nature. One day is enough to get your first impression of Vyborg, but you will probably want to come back and explore it more.