Things to Do at Peterhof Palace

Peterhof Palace, often called the 'Russian Versailles,' is a magnificent imperial estate located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, about 30 kilometers west of Saint Petersburg. Built by Peter the Great in the early 18th century as a summer residence, this UNESCO World Heritage site showcases the grandeur of Russian imperial architecture and garden design. The palace complex was conceived to rival the great European palaces and demonstrate Russia's emergence as a major European power. The estate is renowned worldwide for its spectacular system of fountains and water cascades, featuring over 150 fountains powered entirely by natural water pressure without the use of pumps. The centerpiece is the Grand Cascade, a breathtaking ensemble of 64 fountains, 255 bronze sculptures, and bas-reliefs that descends from the Great Palace to the sea. The palace itself houses opulent state rooms with intricate parquet floors, gilded decorations, and priceless artworks, while the surrounding Lower and Upper Parks contain numerous pavilions, additional palaces, and meticulously maintained gardens that exemplify 18th-century landscape architecture.

From Saint Petersburg, take the suburban train (elektrichka) from Baltic Station to Oranienbaum-1 station, then bus K-424 or K-424A to Peterhof (total journey 1 hour). Alternatively, take metro to Avtovo station, then bus K-224, K-300, or marshrutka K-424A (45 minutes). During summer, high-speed hydrofoils operate from Hermitage and Palace Embankment directly to Peterhof's pier (35 minutes), offering scenic Gulf of Finland views. Taxis and organized tours are also available, though road traffic can be heavy during peak times.