Petroglyphs of Lake Onega and the White Sea
Russia · Europe · ✦ UNESCO World Heritage Site
Swans, elk and a lakeside demon — Neolithic myth carved along the waterline of the Russian North
Age
~4,000–7,000 yrs
Period
Neolithic (Fennoscandia)
Setting
Open-air
Art form
Petroglyphs
Discovered
1848
Status
Open to Visitors
On wave-polished granite capes of Lake Onega and the White Sea shore, Neolithic hunters carved some 4,600 figures: processions of swans, elk, crewed boats, and the two-metre 'Bes' of Besov Nos, whose outline monks later struck through with a cross. Inscribed by UNESCO in 2021, the two clusters form one of Europe's richest windows onto Stone Age myth and hunting life.
Gallery
Notable Features
- ◦ Besov Nos and the 'Bes' demon
- ◦ Swan processions of Onega
- ◦ Hunting scenes of Zalavruga
Depicted Subjects
SwansElkBoatsSpiritual BeingsHunting Scenes
Plan a Visit
AccessThis cave can be visited.
Sources & Further Reading
Hours & prices change — always confirm on the official site before travelling.
Photographs via Wikimedia Commons — image credits. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.