A coastal town on the Karelian Isthmus, Zelenogorsk sits on the Gulf of Finland northwest of Saint Petersburg, blending Soviet-era settlement with its earlier Finnish identity as Terijoki.
At a glance
Zelenogorsk is a municipal town in Kurortny District, roughly 50 kilometers northwest of central Saint Petersburg. The Gulf of Finland shoreline defines its character and geography. A railway station on the St. Petersburg–Vyborg line connects it to the broader region.
History
Originally known as Terijoki, the settlement retained its Finnish name until 1948, when it was renamed Zelenogorsk following the territorial changes of the post-war period. That earlier name remains in use in Finnish and Swedish contexts. The town developed as part of the Karelian Isthmus’s cultural and strategic significance in the Baltic region.
What you see
The town reflects layers of its past and present. The railway station marks its connection to Saint Petersburg’s transport network. Waterfront development along the Gulf of Finland shapes the landscape and local amenities.
Cultural significance
Zelenogorsk embodies the complex history of the Karelian Isthmus—a region whose borders, names, and identities shifted dramatically in the twentieth century. Its dual nomenclature preserves traces of Finnish heritage within contemporary Russian geography.
Key facts
- Country: Russia
- City: Saint Petersburg (Kurortny District)
- Coordinates: 60.2°N, 29.7°E
- Distance from central Saint Petersburg: approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) northwest
- Former name: Terijoki (used until 1948; still used in Finnish and Swedish)
- Population (2010 census): 14,958
- Transport: St. Petersburg–Vyborg railroad station
Practical information & getting there
You can reach Zelenogorsk by train via the St. Petersburg–Vyborg line. The town is situated on the Gulf of Finland shore, making it accessible as a day trip or short stay from Saint Petersburg. Check local transit schedules for current train times and service.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
See this place and what’s around it →📷 Diventa un fotografo di Cultural Heritage Online
Condividi le tue foto dei luoghi: restano pubblicate con la tua firma come autore. Più vengono viste, più ti fai conoscere — e presto un concorso premierà le foto più apprezzate.
Accedi o registrati gratis per aggiungere una fotoDo you manage this place?
This page is read by travellers and heritage enthusiasts who find it on Google. Keep it accurate — and make it work for you. Free for non-profit heritage institutions.