Peterhof Palace and Fountains: How to Visit from St Petersburg

Peterhof is the summer residence that Peter the Great built on the Gulf of Finland, and it is often called the Russian Versailles. Its gilded Grand Palace, terraced gardens and more than 150 fountains make it the most popular day trip from St Petersburg.

The fountains run from late April or May to early October, starting and ending with fountain festivals. In winter the fountains are switched off and covered, but the park is open, quiet and beautiful under snow. The Grand Palace interiors can be visited for much of the year, with timed entry.

• The Grand Cascade: 64 fountains and gilded statues, with the Samson fountain at the centre
• The Grand Palace: Baroque halls, the Throne Room and the Chesme Hall
• The Lower Park: the Sea Channel to the Gulf of Finland, Monplaisir and the playful trick fountains
• The Upper Garden: formal gardens at the palace entrance

Peterhof is about 30 km west of St Petersburg. In summer you can take a hydrofoil from the Neva embankment near the Hermitage (about 40 minutes); otherwise it is about an hour by road. On our Moscow and St Petersburg tour, Peterhof is a guided half-day trip with private transport.

Arrive early in summer, when queues for the palace are long. Allow at least three to four hours for the park and palace, wear comfortable shoes and carry a light jacket, as it is breezy by the sea.