Because St Petersburg is located so far north it is strongly affected by the seasonal shift in the earth’s axis.
In winter this means the days are short and the nights interminably long. However, in summer it means that there is no darkness and a state of twilight reigns from eleven in the evening until two in the morning, a phenomenon known as the White Nights.
During the White Nights an enormous change comes over St Petersburg. Its taciturn and dour residents become relaxed and charming, a festival atmosphere takes over the city and visitors flock in from around Russia and the rest of the world.
The deliciously soft quality of the midnight sunlight is perfect for enjoying the beauty of St Petersburg’s architecture and many people stroll through the streets until morning. Others prefer to sit in the many parks, usually with some beer, and chat with friends.
In fact, so many of the residents of the city are out socialising at night that St Petersburg begins to have the same lethargic and unhurried air of Paris in the summer, with tourists making up a sizable proportion of the people on the streets.
The White Nights are thought to be the most romantic festival of Russia, and so many couples can be seen walking arm in arm through the night. The city’s tourism authorities are now trying to spread this custom abroad in the hope of bringing in more visitors. It must be said that sharing the beautiful experience is very moving and I would recommend any couple looking for an unusual summer holiday to try experiencing the White Nights.
Visitors should be aware that the city can get so full during the White Nights that it can be difficult to find a hotel in St Petersburg at the last minute. It is advisable that you book well in advance. The hotel rooms available are also much more expensive during the summer period, this is not unusual but it does mean that the rates for moderate or low standard rooms are much high than they should be.
Independent travel to Russia can be quite difficult because of the need for visas and the fact that most people do not speak English. This can put many first time visitors off. However, these days there are many tour companies specialising in trip to St Petersburg during the White Nights and they will handle everything from flight booking, airport transfers and, of course, booking a hotel.
The White Nights is also a popular time for cruise ships to put in to St Petersburg. If you are planning a Baltic or northern cruise then it is certainly worth investigating if this is possible for you.
A useful tip is to realise that although the strict White Nights period straddles the summer solstice, a similar effect is felt several weeks either side of this. Visitors wishing to avoid the mad tourist crush of the actual solstice and increase their chances of getting a hotel room may wish to bear this in mind.
Romantic Hotels in St Petersburg
Photo of St Petersburg White Night, Russia, by Incandenzafied
Topic: Tips and Ideas |
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Tags: nightlife, romance, Saint Peterburg
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