WELCOME TO ST. PETERSBURG
St. Petersburg is the ‘Northern Capital’ of Russia, a treasure of world culture, and one of the most beautiful cities in the world, attracting millions of tourists every year. St. Petersburg was originally conceived as a centre for the development of international trade. Today it is the second largest city in Russia, with a population of almost five million, and an academic and economic centre of the Russian Federation.
Founded by Peter the Great on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, St. Petersburg is still considered Russia’s ‘Window to Europe’. It is Russia’s largest rail, sea, road, and air transportation hub, located close to the countries of the European Union.
A number of well-known industrial enterprises and academic and research institutions are concentrated within the city. St. Petersburg is also Russia’s main hub for power engineering, radio electronics, equipment manufacturing and optics, military and civil shipbuilding and ship repair, engineering, and metalworking. The past 10 years has seen the creation and expansion of the local automotive sector to become the city's leading industry. The pharmaceutical industry is also growing rapidly.
HOW TO GET TO ST. PETERSBURG
By plane
Pulkovo Airport serves a wide variety of destinations both international and domestic. In 2013 roughly 12.85 million passengers travelled through Pulkovo airport, making it the 3rd busiest airport in Russia and Post-Soviet states. The airport is located approximately 17 kilometers south from the center.
By train
Saint Petersburg is a major rail hub. The 3.5-hour train ride from Helsinki (Finland) is one of the most comfortable ways to reach the city. Trains also connect to destinations in the Baltics and Central Europe. Alternatively, you can head inland to Moscow.
There are five principal stations:
· Moskovskii Station (Московский вокзал)
· Vitebskii Station (Витебский вокзал)
· Baltiskii Station (Балтийский вокзал)
· Ladozhskii Station (Ладожский вокзал)
· Finliandskii Station (Финляндский вокзал)
St. Petersburg and its magnificent treasures await your visit !
