Nature Destinations: Paddling Down the Oredezh River

Located some 60 kilometers (an hour train ride) from St. Petersburg, Oredezh is a long narrow river that twines its way across the south of the Leningrad Oblast, passing the Mshinskoye Boloto natural reserve and finally flowing into another major river, Luga. What makes it really stand out are its banks – in many places along its basin, they are very steep and red in color due to the exposure of Devonian sandstone, with one of the most picturesque routes conveniently located near Siversky, a major settlement. Naturally, this part of Oredezh has always been popular with visitors and locals alike.

Even a simple walk along Oredezh’s banks makes for a great short trip, and I’ve frequented these parts since I was a child. Still, I’ve always wanted to explore these banks more closely, especially since they have tiny caves that you can see from the opposite side of the river (one bank is usually flat). When I learned that it became a popular paddleboarding destination, I just knew I had to try it – and I’m really glad that I did.

The route itself spans from a former hydro dam located just a few minutes’ walk from the nearby Siverskaya train station, and ends at a different hydro dam some five and a half kilometers downstream. In my experience, it may well be perfect for someone who’s a total newbie or has just recently taken up paddleboarding. And it’s not just because of the short distance and great scenery.

The first reason is entirely practical: infrastructure. There’s a rental station at the beginning of the route, so you don’t have to go through the trouble of bringing a paddleboard yourself or going with an organized group. Even if you have a paddleboard of your own, it’s still good to have some people paddling the same way, just in case. What’s more, the route ends near a bus station, and there are buses that go back towards the Siverskaya train station. Getting a taxi is also an option – actually, there’s even a taxi ad at the end of the route, the first one I’ve seen in a long while.

Secondly, the route is quite diverse. It begins at an opening where you can get your bearings and try out your paddleboard; next, there’s quite a narrow, shallow part with a few good spots to stop at in case you need to repack, or just want to take a picture. This part of the route is also seemingly tough, with more than a few underwater rocks that aren’t really a hindrance – but really add to the feeling of adventure. The small caves that I’ve mentioned are also here, so this part of the route is a good place to explore a bit. After a couple of turns, as the route leaves the settlement (or at least you stop seeing any buildings), Oredezh becomes broader and calmer, and you can just sit back (or lie down) while the current steadily brings you towards the end of the route, with a few good swimming spots and another big opening before the next hydro dam.

Finally, Siversky, the settlement where the route begins, is quite well-developed, and there are things to do if the paddling trip wasn’t enough for you, or you simply missed your train back. If you’re not tired and enjoy hiking, walking back along the river to the train station is quite a good idea, especially since there’s a short eco-path and a few picturesque camping spots on the way. And there’s also a couple of shawarma places and bakeries not far from the train station if you feel tired and hungry, which you well might be.

Now, some advice that might be helpful:

• Pack accordingly: don’t forget a spare set of clothes, suitable footwear, and a waterproof (dry) bag. Even if you’re confident with the paddle board, the weather in the Leningrad Oblast can be tricky, and you wouldn't want to risk catching a cold just because you got drenched. Also note that much like in most narrow rivers, the water in Oredezh is colder than usual.

• Consider paying a visit to the rental station, even if you bring your own paddle board. At the time of my visit, they offered not just paddleboard rentals, but also showers, toilets, and lockers for a small fee – as well as inflating your paddleboard. And if you rent a paddleboard with them, you can return the paddleboard at the end of the route without having to carry it back.

• Plan your trip, time-wise. Although the breaks between trains are quite short, buses are an entirely different thing, and taxi wait times in the countryside can be quite long, as well.

Good luck on your trip! And if you’re interested in other things to do in and near St. Petersburg, be sure to check our other articles on the topic!