Car & Van Hire - Luga

Luga is a small Estonian hub in the mystical Luzhsky District. The Luga River cuts straight through the middle of town, bringing a serene atmosphere to an intensely practical region. Luga is not without its charms. Leningrad is, after all, one of Russia’s must-see regions. Luga might not have the high-tech entertainment complexes of Leningrad Centre, but it’s a shining example of Russian heritage.

Discover the area's history at the fascinating Museum of Local Lore. Much of its floorspace is dedicated to the Great Patriotic War. Learn about Luga’s aesthetic values in the basement gallery or discuss regional history with the knowledgeable researcher who manages the property. If you’re travelling with children, they’ll be able to put their creative talents to good use at the master art classes on-site. Luga’s museum might be small, but history buffs travel all the way from St. Petersburg to see it. Memorial Partizandkaya Slava is the perfect way to complete your historical adventure. This complex celebrates the 13 partisan groups of the Second World War.

The Luga River sets the pace for the entire district, drawing in the majority of its tourists who visit the area. John the Theologian Monastery is in the southwest, and the River Oredezh is in the north. This important body of water flows into Luga Bay and turns to ice every December. It is, nonetheless, a perfect hiking opportunity throughout the year, so lace up those boots and pack a light lunch! An easy loop trail launches from the parking lot and will keep you occupied for an hour. The loop trail connects to a thrilling long-distance cycling trail, so avid bikers are sure to love the experience. Anglers shouldn’t miss the opportunity to do some fishing.

The Church of St. Nicholas lies at the centre of Luga. This Roman Catholic church is a key historic attraction and a stellar example of Gothic and Baroque architecture. It was designed by Dietrich in the early 1900s and once housed 460 Catholics. The church only takes an hour to explore, so why not head to a cafe afterwards to experience traditional Russian cuisine?

Various eateries serve authentic St. Petersburg dishes to the tunes of Russian songs. If you haven’t tried Borscht yet, this is your opportunity. If you have a sweet tooth, you can sample traditional blini and ice cream. For a more casual lunch, pack a picnic and while away the hours at City Garden or Patriot Park.

Luga’s closest highway is the E95, which cuts through the town’s eastern border, heading further east via the 41K-141. It continues north well beyond Luga’s borders, ultimately leading to Zheltsy. A train line runs from the south towards the city centre, but the public transport system offers poor coverage of the rest of town. Car or van hire in Luga is your best option if you want to explore.

Luga is relatively easy to navigate, with well-arranged roads and plenty of landmarks to guide your way. Bear in mind that the speed limits for large and small vehicles differ. Urban streets generally have a speed limit of 50 km/h, but larger vehicles must travel more slowly than passenger cars on expressways and other roads.

Russia punishes drunk driving with a prison term, so exercise extreme caution. Drivers are required to give a blood or saliva sample if they’re suspected of being intoxicated. Luga has several unique road signs that foreign visitors might not recognise. Signage lets you know about traffic restrictions and special regulations about modes of movement. Familiarise yourself with these signs and service marks before you leave for your holiday.

Drivers are required to carry warning triangles, first-aid kits, extinguishers, and headlight beam deflectors. You’ll also need your insurance paperwork and proof of vehicle ownership. You’re allowed to drive with an International Driving Permit for your first six months in the country, but it must be translated into Russian. The police issue spot fines to those without the right documents. It is worth asking Enterprise Rent-A-Car about such things before embarking on your trip.

Most of Luga’s commercial parking lots are situated in the centre of town, but you can access parking in the north at the Sto car park. Towards the east, you can make judicious use of the many parking lots at tourist attractions like the Luga River and Rodnik Nature Reserve.

Despite its moderate population numbers, Luga is surprisingly absent of traffic congestion. There are a few problem areas, though. The Ulitsa Svobody intersection often experiences traffic jams, as do the streets surrounding Bolshoy Rynok. Unsurprisingly, the Luga Museum of Local History tends to attract its fair share of traffic jams. You can save time by parking on one of the parallel streets when you visit.