Olonets
Olonets is an old town. The first written mention of it was made in 1137. In the year 1649 in the middle of the pogost (parish) a castle was built and Olonets became a town. The castle of Olonets was an outpost of the Russian kingdom in defense against Sweden. During the Nordic War, the area of Olonets became an important base when the Russian navy was founded.
The museum of local history and culture in Olonets is one of the best museums in Karelia. In the art gallery of the museum, one can find paintings by Olonetsian and Karelian artists.
The folk theaters of Olonets feature shows in Finnish and Karelian.
Fishing and hunting trips are arranged for tourists.

HOTEL "OLONIYA"
Location: at the crossroads of the streets to St. Petersburg, Petrozavodsk and Sortavala, 200 m from the bus station and 1 km from the railway station. This is a new hotel, built in 1991. It houses 109 rooms on three floors, no elevator. Amenities in each room: warm water, toilet, shower and radio. Some of the rooms have a television and a refrigerator.
Services: Restaurant, festival room and bar, Mini cafe for breakfast (small groups), kiosk, sauna, massage services and a money exchange. Hotel personnel speak Finnish. Guide and interpreter services available (Finnish, German, English).