Snowy Landscapes of Russian Karelia's Ruskeala Express Retro Train Route

The Ruskeala Express is the only regular passenger steam train in Russia operating for tourists. The train consists of five cars, including the restaurant carriage, designed in the aesthetics of Tsarist Russia. The train route was launched in 2019, while the last regular passenger steam train was running in Russia in the late 1980s.
Sputnik
Winter in Russia is a time of magical transformation of nature. The entire landscape is covered with sparkling snow, creating the impression of a fairy-tale world.
Russia's northern republic of Karelia becomes especially picturesque in winter, where endless forests and thousands of crystal-clear lakes acquire a special charm. Quiet winter evenings in Karelia fill the air with the ringing of light snow and the glare of the distant northern lights. This beauty takes your breath away and fills your heart with peace.
Traveling through the snowy expanses of Russia's North on a luxurious steam locomotive stylized to late 19th century's Russian Emperor Nicholas II's train setting is a special experience. In cozy compartments with richly decorated interiors, gold and velvet details, passengers can really feel like heroes of novels of that era.
The steam locomotive, with a hum and rhythmic clatter, easily glides along the rails, revealing picturesque winter views from the wide windows. The warm light of the lamps and the noise of tea drinking and heartfelt conversations turn the trip into a charming journey through time.
This unique experience provides not just moving from one point to another, but a whole immersion in the romantic atmosphere of the past, which leaves unforgettable impressions of winter Russia.
Check out this Sputnik's photo gallery of the stunningly beautiful train in winter wonderlands of Russia!
1 / 6

Retro train "Ruskeala Express," running in the Republic of Karelia between the city of Sortavala and the main attraction of the Northern Priladozhye - the Ruskeala mountain park.

2 / 6

Retro train "Ruskeala Express," running in the Republic of Karelia between the city of Sortavala and the main attraction of the Northern Priladozhye - the Ruskeala mountain park.

3 / 6

Retro train "Ruskeala Express," running in the Republic of Karelia between the city of Sortavala and the main attraction of the Northern Priladozhye - the Ruskeala mountain park.

4 / 6

Retro train "Ruskeala Express," running in the Republic of Karelia between the city of Sortavala and the main attraction of the Northern Priladozhye - the Ruskeala mountain park.

5 / 6

Retro train "Ruskeala Express," running in the Republic of Karelia between the city of Sortavala and the main attraction of the Northern Priladozhye - the Ruskeala mountain park.

6 / 6

Retro train "Ruskeala Express," running in the Republic of Karelia between the city of Sortavala and the main attraction of the Northern Priladozhye - the Ruskeala mountain park.