There is a beautiful place not far from the capital - the town of Zapadnaya Dvina in the Tver region. The population density here is low, around protected forests and lakes. Hunting for a hare, muskrat, duck. Silent mushroom hunting. Horse rides. Now this ecologically clean place in Russia is waiting for guests - the infrastructure of the city is prepared for tourists.
A unique corner of Russia
According to environmental standards, the Western Dvina in the Tver region is recognized as a clean area and has a corresponding medal as the winner of the All-Russian competition. There are a hundred lakes here. Rarely where on the planet you can find such a number of reservoirs in a small area. There are so many fish in them that no one is left without a catch.
The forests here are called the "Berendeev Kingdom" for their natural resources: wild boars, bears, elk, black grouse are common hunting objects. Beautiful landscapes are pleasing to the eye.
Horse riding is a favorite pastime for equestrian experts. But also for beginnersit is available. There are a lot of mushrooms, berries too. You can kayak along the river. Amazing nature and comfortable conditions at the recreation centers make hiking a pleasure.
The Western Dvina River
Since ancient times, people settled along the banks of the river. Scientists believe that the beginning of settlement occurred in the Mesolithic era. What names in its history it did not wear! Dina, Vina, Rodan, Eridan… In the fifteenth century it was called Samegalzara (Semigals-Ara), because the Semigals considered it their water. Literally - "water of the Semigallians". The path "from the Varangians to the Greeks", again, passed exactly here.
The name "Dvina" is mentioned in Nestor's manuscript. The source of the Western Dvina in Lake Koryakino (Penovsky district of the Tver region). Not far away are the sources of the Volga and the Dnieper. Therefore, the waterway can be continued to the Caspian or the Black Sea. The town is also named after the river. The Western Dvina flows through Russia, Belarus and Latvia. There its name is Daugava, it is a large navigable river.
It is believed that the modern name of the reservoir was given by Finnish-speaking tribes. It translates as "quiet". It's actually very calm here.
River rafting
Fans of water tourism can take the route along the Western Dvina, designed for two walking days on the May water. The current is fast at this time. The detachment can be dropped up to Lake Coverage. The width of the river here is from fifteen meters. Wooded shores with beautiful boulders. The bed is rocky, with rifts and rapids, which will be easy to pass on a kayak.
Gradually approaching the city of the same name, the Western Dvina River expands, in some places reaching fifty meters. After Andreapol, it winds strongly and flows through marshy terrain. There are also stretches and rifts. Here you can see blue birds flying over the water - kingfishers.
This area is sparsely populated. Get a break from the bustle of the city.
Fishing
The Western Dvina in the Tver region is an ideal place for fishing. The nature here is such that almost unlimited opportunities are open for all lovers of fishing, regardless of its methods and types. All reservoirs are exceptionally clean. There used to be a chemical plant near Andreapol, but now, fortunately, it is abandoned.
Wuling Lake (eight kilometers from the city) has a depth of up to forty meters. A fish farm is organized here, specializing in rainbow trout. In addition to it, burbot, pike, tench are found in the lake. The lake species of smelt, called smelt, smells like cucumber. There are a lot of ruffs, there are roach, bream, crucian carp. More than sixty species of fish are found in the area. In the rivers you can catch grayling, trout. There are catfish and pike perch. In addition, Lake Savinskoe is very beautiful.
You can fish on your own, you can contact ROOiR for advice so that fishing is sure to succeed. The Western Dvina will delight not only with fish, but also with landscapes. The blue waters of the rivers flowing among the forests, the fire and the fish soup are a great rest.
District center
The district center - the city of Zapadnaya Dvina - is small, but forlovers of an active lifestyle there is a gym and a sports bar, a fitness center. You can visit the cultural center and attractions. Guests staying at hotels are provided with additional entertainment. So in bad weather it will definitely not be boring. This city lives its rich life, organizes performances by creative teams, art exhibitions. There are seventeen equestrian clubs and sections for beginners and experienced riders, for girls, boys, adults.
There are six hotels in Zapadnaya Dvina where you can book a room in advance by phone. Then you don't have to worry about accommodation. In addition, there are seven recreation centers built on the territory of various hunting farms in the region. There are three of them in the city itself.
In the town of Andreapol there is a guest house from the Society of hunters and fishermen. You can park your car for free on its territory. Each room has a private bathroom, kettle, TV and DVD player.
In winter there is a ski resort here, slopes for skiing right there. After skiing, it's good to visit the sauna and sit on the terrace, sipping tea while watching the next TV series.
Features of the national hunt
The hunting base "Diana" in the Western Dvina was built taking into account the picturesque landscape near the lake. The air is healing from the aroma of the forest, the singing of birds delights the ear. The goal of the organizers was to create conditions for fishing, hunting and hiking. You can admire nature while riding the bike trails. Boat trip on the lakewill create a romantic atmosphere. Here you can practice various summer sports, including horseback riding. After a walk or hike, it is good to visit the bathhouse.
For those who don't like to kill animals, there is a shooting stand. Walking around the surroundings can be done not only on a horse or bicycle, but also on a quad bike. In winter, visitors will find a ski track laid through protected areas. On the trail you can meet animals that are so numerous in the forests.
You can hunt on your own or with a huntsman. How can you not remember the famous movie! Bear, wild boar, elk, fox, hare, woodcock, drake, black grouse, capercaillie - all these types of hunting are allowed and practiced.
Derbovezh
In the park-hotel "Derbovezh", wooden houses were fundamentally designed to accommodate tourists. The special air and microclimate created in the original Russian hut not only beckons with color, but is also good for he alth. At the same time, the needs of a modern person are taken into account: shower cabins and bathrooms, a bathhouse. Interior in the style of a rustic hut. No wallpaper, only lining and logs.
The house is equipped with a kitchen for self-catering. There is a fridge, kettle and stove. Mushrooms picked in the afternoon, fish caught in the morning and hunting trophies can be cooked in the evening while chatting with friends.
After a busy day, the bedroom with a wide bed will give you a deep, refreshing sleep.
Reviews from hunters
Hunting in the area is rich. This is facilitated by rough terrain, swamps,dried clearings and forest blockages. All this, along with a low population density, creates excellent conditions for the reproduction of animal and game populations.
Hound hunters appreciate that the season starts two weeks earlier for them. They rejoice in a successful hunt for a hare and a fox. In winter, a roundup of wild boar and elk is organized by qualified rangers. Groups are being formed. You can also go for a bear.
Lovers of independent hunting and fishing are advised to visit the village of Khlebanikha. It can be reached through Velikiye Luki or down the Western Dvina. In the spring, you can bring home woodcock and drake.
Winter holidays are skiing
Mukhino sports base is located not far from the regional center. Here low prices and excellent beauty of nature. According to reviews, the service is good, you can come with children. There is an inexpensive ski rental. One hundred rubles per person to ride without restrictions - it's convenient.
On the slopes there are various slides and slopes, steep ski slopes. And a very beautiful area! Lacy trees in hoarfrost, firs dressed in snow coats and hats - all this pleases the eye. Many people come here from different parts of the country. You can stay in winter houses. A bathhouse and full hot meals are always ready here.
International sports competitions are held on the track. Even Olympic athletes train here. But it will not be difficult for beginners to pass the route because of the unusually beautiful nature, birds and animals. They can be found in the forest.
Weather conditions
On vacation in WesternDvina weather has almost no effect. Hunters will not be afraid of rain, and skiers will not be afraid of frost. If a family with children has arrived, then they will find something to do under the roof: a full range of entertainment is provided for this occasion. In the end, baths, saunas, gyms and fitness are very he althy activities. Weather information is constantly updated on the city's website. This is enough for a weekend getaway.
Come to this wonderful place with family or friends at any time of the year, in any weather. Zapadnaya Dvina will be glad to see you!