Peterhof

Where it is & how to get there

• Hydrofoil: Meteor boats from the Palace Embankment by the Hermitage take about 40 minutes in summer.
• Bus or minibus: From Avtovo or Leninsky Prospekt metro stations, about 45 minutes.
• Train: Suburban trains from Baltiysky station to Novy Peterhof, then a short bus ride.

The story of Peterhof

Peter the Great wanted a "Russian Versailles" on the sea, and building began in 1714. The fountains need no pumps: water flows downhill by gravity from springs 20 km away, a clever system that still works today.

The Grand Cascade in front of the Grand Palace has 64 fountains and dozens of gilded statues, with Samson tearing open the jaws of a lion at its centre. The palace and parks were badly damaged in the Second World War and were carefully restored over many decades.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Go by hydrofoil from the Hermitage pier in summer.
• Buy a ticket for the Lower Park and add the Grand Palace if you want to see inside.
• Watch out for the trick fountains that splash visitors.
• Allow a full day; the parks are huge.

What's around Peterhof

• Lower ParkFountains, pavilions and sea views.
• MonplaisirPeter the Great's small seaside palace.
• Upper GardenFormal garden on the city side.
• Gulf of FinlandThe sea at the end of the canal.

Questions travellers ask