Koltushsky Heights is one of the most picturesque places in the Leningrad region, attracting motorists not only with panoramic views, but also with fascinating serpentines. You can get here by car all year round, but in winter the route requires special preparation due to possible snow drifts and ice. In this article we will look at 5 optimal routes from St. Petersburg and the surrounding area, we will take into account the nuances of the road surface, tell you about free and paid parking, and also give tips on safe driving on mountain roads.
Features of the Koltush Heights - height difference up to 200 meters on a relatively short section, which makes the path interesting for lovers of dynamic driving, but can cause difficulties for beginners. If you are planning a trip to low profile tires or a car with clearance <150 mm, it is worth assessing the condition of the roads in advance - some sections have potholes and gravel inserts. Also
1. Classic route from St. Petersburg: via Koltushskoye Highway
The most popular and shortest way is through Koltushskoye Highway (A120). This route is suitable for most cars, including low-slung sedans, as the main route is paved and regularly maintained. The distance from the Ring Road to the top will be about 35–40 km, travel time - 40–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Route instructions:
- 🚗 Leave the ring road towards Vyborg (exit to
Ekateringofkaorst. Podvoisky). - 🛣️ Move along Priozerskoye Highway (A121) to the pointer to Koltushi.
- 🔄 At the fork, turn to
Koltushskoye Highway (A120)— the ascent begins here. - 🏔️ Follow the signs to Koltush Heights (about 10 km of serpentine).
Advantages of the route:
- ✅ Good asphalt covering 90% of the way.
- ✅ Lots of gas stations and cafes along the road (Lukoil, Gazpromneft, McDonald’s in Koltushi).
- ✅ Navigators (Yandex.Maps, Google Maps) definitely lead to the top.
⚠️ Attention: On the serpentine section there are sharp turns with radius <20 m and intersections without traffic lights. In winter it often forms ice on the slopes - use winter tires with studs or Velcro.
2. Alternative route through Vsevolozhsk: for those coming from the north
If you are moving from Vsevolozhsk, Toksovo or Lakhty, it is more convenient to choose the path through Vsevolozhskoe highway and road to Koltushi. This option is 5–7 km longer, but allows you to avoid traffic jams on Priozerskoye Highway during rush hours. Total distance - ~45 km, travel time - 50–70 minutes.
Step by step instructions:
- From the Ring Road go to Vsevolozhsk (exit to
st. Central). - Move along Vsevolozhskoe highway before turning to Koltushi (sign next to Shopping center "Mega-Dybenko").
- At the intersection, turn to
Koltushskoye Highwayand follow until the rise.
Route details:
- 🚧 The section from Vsevolozhsk to Koltushi has several holes - recommended speed
<50 km/h. - 🛒 On the way there is Pyaterochka stores and "Magnet" to replenish supplies.
- 🚔 There are often speed cameras on descents (limit
60 km/h).
Check tire pressure (recommended: 2.2–2.4 atm)
Fill your tank full (the nearest gas station at the summit is 15 km away)
Take a rope and a first aid kit with you
Make sure the brakes are working (especially if you are driving an automatic)
-->
3. Off-road route: through forest roads and gravel
For owners crossovers and SUVs (for example, Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail, UAZ Patriot) interesting route through forest roads from the outside Kuzmolovsky village. This path passes through gravel and dirt sections, but rewards with a complete absence of traffic jams and secluded views.
Directions:
- 🗺️ From the Ring Road follow Priozerskoye Highway to the pointer to Kuzmolovsky.
- 🌲 After the turn to Kuzmolovsky, take the first dirt road to the right (coordinates:
60.0123°N, 30.4567°E). - 🚙 Follow the forest road ~8 km until you reach
Koltushskoye Highway(landmark - Lake Lamskoye).
| Section of road | Coverage type | Length, km | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priozerskoe highway → Kuzmolovsky | Asphalt | 12 | Light |
| Dirt road to Lake Lamskoye | Gravel/soil | 5 | Average (potholes) |
| Forest road to Koltushskoe highway | Soil with roots | 3 | High (requires all-wheel drive) |
⚠️ Attention: Forest roads not cleaned in winter - travel is only possible on SUVs with high ground clearance or tractors. In summer, check the road for Yandex.Maps — after rains, areas may be washed away.
If you are driving a crossover, turn on the mode 4WD Lock or Snow/Mud on the climbs. This will help avoid slipping on gravel areas.
4. Winter route: how to get there safely in snow and ice
A winter trip to the Koltush Heights requires special preparation. Main risks - ice on serpentines and drifts on inclines. We recommend traveling only in vehicles with winter tires (spikes or Velcro) and a full tank of fuel. Best time to visit: morning, when the road had not yet covered with ice after the night frost.
Checklist for a winter trip:
- ❄️ Check it out tire treads (remaining depth
>4 mm). - 🔋 Charge your phone and take powerbank - the connection may be lost.
- 🧊 Put it in the trunk sand or salt (in case of skidding).
- 🚘 Use
downshifton descents (on mechanics -2nd or 3rd).
Recommended route in winter:
Use classic path through Koltushskoe highway, but with a mandatory detour around the site from km 15 to km 18where ice most often forms. An alternative is to go through Vsevolozhsk (see section 2) as there are fewer steep descents.
What to do if the car skidded on a descent?
Don't brake suddenly! Smoothly release the gas and adjust the steering direction. Switch to automatic mode L or 2, on the mechanics - brake with the engine (low gear).
5. Parking lots at Koltush Heights: where to leave the car
At the top there is 3 main parking lots, each of which has its own pros and cons. Free places fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so it's best to arrive before 11:00. Paid parking costs 100–200 rubles per hour, but guarantee the safety of the car.
| Parking | Type | Cost | Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| At the foot of the TV tower | Free | — | Closest to the observation deck | Space for 20–30 cars, fills up quickly |
| Next to the cafe "Vershina" | Paid | 150 rub/hour | Video surveillance, toilet | Expensive for long-term parking |
| Forest glade (500 m from the top) | Free | — | Plenty of space, suitable for picnics | Ground cover, dirt after rain |
Parking tips:
- 🅿️ If you are going to low car, choose asphalt parking lots - unpaved ones may have holes.
- 🔒 Do not leave valuables in the car - despite patrolling, thefts occur.
- 📸 For photo shoots it is better to park on forest clearing — there are fewer people and an interesting background.
The safest parking is paid at the Vershina cafe. There are security and cameras, which is especially important for expensive cars.
6. Tips for driving on the serpentines of the Koltush Heights
The road to the top includes more than 30 turns with different radii, so it is important to choose the right speed and trajectory. Basic rules:
On the rise:
- 🚙 Hold on
engine speed in the range of 2000–3000(for gasoline internal combustion engines) to avoid overheating. - 🔄 On mechanics use
2nd or 3rd gear, on automatic - modeSorL.
On the descent:
- 🚗 Slow down enginerather than the brake pedal to avoid overheating the pads.
- 🛑 On sharp turns slow down before entering the turn, and not in it.
General recommendations:
- 👀 Follow road signs — some turns have restrictions
30 km/h. - 🚗 If you are going to long wheelbase car (for example, Mercedes V-Class), be careful in narrow areas.
⚠️ Attention: On the Koltush Heights Racing and drifting are prohibited — The traffic police regularly patrols. Fine for dangerous driving - 5000 rubles or deprivation of rights for 1–2 years.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the trip to the Koltush Heights
Do I need special preparation of the car for the trip?
For a summer trip just check tire pressure, oil level and braking system. Required in winter winter tires and full tank of fuel. If you have low profile tires, avoid dirt roads.
Is it possible to get to the Koltush Heights by motorcycle?
Yes, but only in the warm season. Serpentines are good for motorcycles, but be careful gravel areas and in fogs (visibility may drop to 10 meters). Recommended speed - <60 km/h.
Are there gas stations or service stations at the top?
No, the nearest gas stations and car services are in Koltushakh (10–15 km from the top). We advise you to refuel in advance and take it with you spare wheel, since tow truck stands on the mountain from 3000 rubles.
Is it possible to spend the night at Koltush Heights?
There are no official campsites, but many travelers stay overnight at tents in forest clearings. For motorists there is an option to spend the night in a car free parking at the TV tower, however please note that at night the temperature can drop to +5°C even in summer.
What attractions are nearby?
In addition to observation platforms, nearby are:
- 🏰 Estate "Koltushi" (12 km) - museum-estate of the 19th century.
- 🌲 Park "Leso-Koltushi" (5 km) - hiking and cycling routes.
- 🏞️ Lake Lamskoye (15 km) - a place for fishing and picnics.