Gatchina geysers: photos, reviews and route

Leningrad region is famous for its sights. A lot of them are also in Gatchina, where there is a well-known museum-reserve with numerous palaces and pavilions surrounded by a magnificent park. However, few people know that in these places there are also a lot of unique natural objects. Among them are the Gatchina geysers. On the origin of these fountains, and to this day there is no consensus, but they deserve attention, especially since the surrounding forest is an excellent place for hiking.

Where are the geysers in the vicinity of St. Petersburg?

Those who first hear the name Gatchinsky geysers (photo below) come in amazement. After all, it is still known from the school bench that fountains of hot water that strike from under the ground can only appear in areas of volcanic activity, and it can not be observed in the suburbs of St. Petersburg in the course of the next millennia in principle. It turns out that the skeptics are right, since in reality the Gatchina geysers are not real. It would be more correct to call them natural fountains or ordinary springs. However, local residents two decades ago called them "geysers" and it was fixed to them.

Origin

As well as the result of which geysers appeared in the Gatchina district, it is still not known for certain. There are 2 most believable versions. In the first of these, in the 1980s, several wells were drilled in order to find additional sources of water supply on the Izhora Plateau. Later, the project was considered unpromising and closed. As for the wells, they were blocked with plugs. Apparently, it was done somehow, and some eventually turned into Gatchina geysers.

According to another version, the unexpected appearance of fountains was the result of the implementation of the Soviet project, which envisages the creation of reserve gas storage facilities using special technology in aquifers. As a result, increasing the gas pressure in the underground water bubble causes these fountains to be beaten.

Description

Gatchina geysers are six sources located near the village of Korpikovo. Of these, under the pressure emitted water columns in height from 1 to 1.5 m. They represent an amazing sight. Especially beautiful geysers look in the winter, when splashes and water stains create sparkling large domes of ice.

Each of the geysers, local residents have long given the names of people. In particular, the source number one resembles the "Water column". However, to fill a can, there is no need to pump it. The water from the geyser beats quite a powerful stream. It is very cold and changes the pressure during the day.

Source number 2 is known as the "Geyser Fountain". He hits directly from the ground to a different height and also very cold water.

3 and 4 sources are also called "Water columns". They are pipes protruding from the ground, which have lateral branches. Of them, with great pressure, water is beating.

5 geyser is called "Kid". It is a beautiful wide fountain, reminiscent of a waterfall.

6 source, judging by the reviews, is the most beautiful of all. "Geyser Pen" is a piece of a thick tube with holes. Of them, under a fairly strong pressure in all directions, the flow of water is spewed. The pipe itself is so covered with moss that it looks like a rather mossy stump.

Gatchina geysers: how to get there by car?

To reach this interesting sights on your motor transport you can, if you are well-oriented in unfamiliar terrain. For this, following through Gatchina, you need to go to the village of Korpikovo. Before the "bridge", which is an earthen embankment with a large diameter pipe, it is necessary to turn left, onto a dirt road. On it you need to get to Gardening, and at the first big fork, make a right turn. Then you need to reach the barrier, behind which is a small parking lot. Leaving her car on it, you have to go on a quest for geysers on foot. The reference point should be a lake, which can be seen from the car park.

Gatchina geysers: how to get to "Fontana"?

To see this most beautiful "water miracle" of the Leningrad region you need to go deeper into the forest.

To do this, first drive along a dirt road. Further, pass the circular platform with the store and continue the movement until the end of the gardening. There, at the crossroads, you will have to turn right and drive another 300 meters. A few meters to the river, on the right side, you need not miss a small path that will lead to the "Fountain".

How to get to the Penee geyser?

Quickly find this man-made fountain by driving along the main road of gardening to a clearing. There you need to decide whether to leave the car in the parking lot or go on it further. The fact is that the road that departs to the right is not of the best quality. You need to go 2 km. On a high car you can almost reach the geyser. For this, before reaching the river, where the fork is located, you should turn to the right. There it will be hard not to notice the geyser Pen.

Reviews

Those who have already seen the Gatchina geysers, as a rule, claim that they did not regret having spent several hours to see these natural objects. However, those who examined them repeatedly, note that year after year their condition worsens. The reason is the behavior of vandals, who not only leave rubbish right at the springs, but also try to plug them with stones and debris.

In addition, the locals say that the pressure of their streams is weakening from year to year. So, probably, in due course water from wells will cease to beat and Gatchinsky geysers and at all will cease to operate. Thus, it is worthwhile, without delay, to take advantage of the chance to see water poles, until they have turned into ordinary springs.

Walking route to the Gatchina geysers

In good weather, their visit can be turned into something like a walk in the fresh air with the elements of the quest. To do this, walk from the platform "Marienburg" to the station square and then along Kuprina Street, which is perpendicular to the railway. In 1.1 km there is a crossroads with the street of the 120th Gatchina Division. Crossing the other side of the pedestrian crossing, you need to turn right and walk another 150 m.

There begins an asphalted highway, which locals call the road to Electronstandard. It should pass 900 m and turn right at the bus stop. Further it is required to proceed another 30 meters to a place where on the left side you can see a narrow path with padding leading to the border of gardening. From this place to the geysers you have to go first to bypass the dachas and then, as described above, depending on which one you want to get to.

Since it is difficult to get lost there, an exact instruction is not required. For sure, you will even find it more interesting to organize a quest to find fountains.

Bus route

Geysers can also be reached by public transport. From the railway station Gatchina-Varshavskaya operates a bus route 525. It passes by the station Gatchina-Baltiyskaya and past the Marienburg platform. The final destination is New Uchkhoz and on the way it passes through the village of Korpikovo, almost next to the first source.

Now you know how to find the Gatchina geysers. Judging by the reviews of those who have already seen them, the best time to inspect these natural sites is winter. However, in summer, especially on a hot day, their visit will bring pleasure to adults and children alike.