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Hyrofoil to Peterhof – To get to Peterhof, in
summer take the hydrofoil that leaves from the Neva embankment in
front of the Hermitage. It's a 45 min. ride down the Neva River, past shipyards,
into the Gulf of Finland. Arriving at the dock, you get your first glimpse
of the Marine Canal and the Grand Cascade. |
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 To
the right of the dock, there's a sandy beach and grassy area. When
the water is calm, this is a great place to wade in the water or have a
picnic on the grass. (Close by, there is a café too.) |
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The Grand Cascade and Samson Fountain, a massive gilded
figure surrounded by pulsing jets of water, is the centerpiece of Peterhof.
The big hulking Samson, prying open the lion's mouth, symbolizes Russia's
victory over Sweden. From the Grand Cascade, you can head indoors to visit
the Great Palace or spend your time outdoors in the gardens. |
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Take a tour of the Grotto, where you can see pipes
and the waterworks that bring water from the underground springs to the
fountains. The highlight of the tour is a trick table, a stone table
that squirts water when you touch the fruit (everyone near the table gets
wet). You also get sprinkled by the cascade when you come out (so wear shoes
that can get wet). Buy tickets for the Grotto at the ticket booth next to
the ticket booth for the Great Palace. |
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The Fountains – The fountains were the
highlight of our visit, especially the trick fountains. Our favorites were
the Umbrella and Spruce Fountains. The Umbrella Fountain looks like
a big mushroom with jets of water pouring off the cap (it's supposed to
spray water when you sit on the seat, but it was going continuously). At
the Spruce Fountain, a stylized tree sprayed children lurking under
the branches, and two benches unexpectedly doused kids with sprays of water.
The Roman Fountains are shallow enough for kids to wade in them.
Other totally cool fountains are the Pyramid Fountain, the Chessboard Cascade
and the Lion Cascade. |
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Note: The fountains are only turned on in the summer. |
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The Gardens – Going from fountain to fountain,
there are plenty of shady, tree-lined paths and a fresh breeze off the water.
The gardens just go on and on. Once you've finished the Lower Park, you
can move onto the Upper Gardens. |
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If
you have little ones who are tired out, you can be pedaled around the extensive
grounds in a bicycle rickshaw. |
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Great Palace – Peter's Great
Palace was no small thing, but then Empress Elizabeth decided to re-decorate,
so she added more rooms, including a really big ballroom and gilded the
interiors. The giant size dining rooms and table settings can't fail to
impress, and don't miss the oak paneled study of Peter the Great. |
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Tip: Wear water shoes and bring extra clothes so you
can get soaked in the fountains. |
