On a hot, sweltering August day there is no place better to cool off than the gardens around the Peterhof Palace. Set on the outskirts of St Petersburg. With three young children and having explored the Hermitage the day before we were feeling a little “palaced” out. However the Peterhof gardens and fountains are the perfect retreat from the relentless heat of a Russian summer. This is our review of the Peterhof St Petersburg.
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Table of Contents
Getting to Peterhof St Petersburg
We took the shuttle boat to the palaces which goes from close to the Hermitage. It takes around 40 minutes to speed over to the Peterhof.
Peterhof gardens and fountains
The Peterhof itself is beautiful and grand and perfectly framed by the fountains and waterways.
Peter the Great envisaged the gardens full of fountains and today they are a perfect display.
The Grand Cascade
The most spectacular is probably the Grand Cascade. This runs from the front of the Grand Palace to the Marine Canal.
With 64 different fountains, it is truly impressive.
At the centre stands Rastrelli’s iconic statue of Samson wrestling the jaws of a lion.
Grounds and other fountains – Peterhof St Petersburg
The grounds around the Grand Palace are filled with trees and forest walks. These provide welcome shade from the sun.
And there are water features all over the park including more traditional looking elegant fountains.
Through to strange and intriguing ones like these trees that rained.
Fountains on the walkways
We loved the walkways where people would excitedly gather and stand in a group and wait for the sudden turning on of the sprays.
The shrieking as everyone in its path was drenched was hilarious.
Joke fountains at Peterhof St Petersburg
A favourite for children were the joke fountains.
For example, benches where the water would suddenly be turned on and soak anyone sat there.
There were also walkways where you never knew quite when they would activate. There’s even one that sprays when you stand on a particular stepping stone.
Top tips for visiting Peterhof St Petersburg – Peterhof gardens and fountains
- The fountains at the Peterhof are officially turned on at the end of May in an all-day festival.
- They are activated one by one accompanied by music and fireworks.
- Don’t forget your towels.
- Definitely don’t forget your mosquito spray – the mosquitos here were absolutely ferocious and we saw many victims.
The Peterhof fountains work between May and October. Find out more here and read more of our travels across Russia with kids here.
Eating pyshki in St Petersburg at Pyshechnaya
A stay at the Corinthia Hotel, St Petersburg
Perfect for hot day! Some of the fountains remind me of the ones at Alnwick.
Your posts on Russia have really changed my perception of the country
I would absolutely LOVE to go there. I’ve always had a thing for fountains!
I have always wanted to visit Russia, you’re so lucky. The fountains are amazing, I like that they turn on randomly to give you a bit of a surprise!
Fabulous photos! It looks so beautiful x
What fun, my kiddies would love the fountain/spray surprises.
Looks outstanding, good pics as well.x
It’s never somewhere I have wanted to visit but the beautiful write up and pics are changing my mind
Ah thank you so much for the lovely comments, I’m so pleased you’re enjoying it. It’s a great country to visit.
It looks lovely! Fab pics. x
I love the idea of the joke fountains although I am not sure some of us Brits would see the funny side. I would love to visit!
The joke fountains look like a lot of fun x
haha… loving the idea of a joke fountain.
I wonder if we could have them in London.
Ooh looks lovely! I know nothing about Russia and thought it was always cold (sorry) hehe it looks gorgeous in these photo’s of this place, and the fact you have kids with you makes me see it in a whole new light
wow! looks like a beautiful place to have visited!
Russia is not on my list of places to visit but your pictures are amazing! I’m glad you enjoyed your stay 🙂
Beautiful, beautiful pictures. I’ve always heard about Peterhof and how beautiful it is. I really have to visit it myself one day.
Such a great day! I remember my first time in Peterhof. I was a little boy who saw a Fountain boat for the first time in my life. I thought that this was the most precious thing I had ever seen. I think that’s why I love sailing so much. Thank you for your article!
Ah what lovely memories! They are such wonderful fountains aren’t they? I would absolutely love to go back, it is such a special place. Thank you for sharing your memories of it.