Kolonist Park and Olga Pond
A former hunting swamp that became a pond with two island villas.
South of the Upper Garden lies the quiet Colonist Park. It was named after the neighboring colony of German settlers. The center of the park is the large Olgin Pond. Previously, in its place was the Okhotnoye Swamp, from which water was taken for the fountains even under Peter the Great. In the mid-19th century, the swamp was turned into a pond with two islands, and the architect Stackenschneider placed two pavilions on them: the Tsaritsyn and Olgin Pavilions. From here opens one of the best views of Peterhof — the five-domed Cathedral of Peter and Paul reflected in the water. There are far fewer tourists here than in the Lower Park, and admission is free.
Walks in Peterhof / Day trips
🏝️ Island villas and the five-domed cathedral
The Upper Garden with the German "Neptune", the quiet Colonist Park, the Pompeian villa and the Neapolitan tower on the islands, and the cathedral reflected in the pond.
🥾 All of Peterhof in a day: from west to east
A big hike for those who love walking: from Sobstvennaya Dacha through the entire Lower Park, the Colonist Islands and the cathedral — to the Cottage Palace in Alexandria. Return by bus or taxi.