PETERHOF (Russian: Петергоф, pronounced petergof), also called Petrodvorets (Russian: Петродворец ), is an administrative district of St Petersburg that lies on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland (29 km off the city). It was founded in 1710 by Peter the Great himself. Known as “the Capital of Russian Fountains”, Peterhof boasts of over 150 fountains and 4 cascades. The fountain system is unique and requires no pumps!!! Water is supplied to the fountains with the help of a tricky gravity-fed water system. Russian royalty and nobility liked to spend time in “Seaside Paradise”, as Peter liked to call it. The fountains are usually in operation from April to October (10am to 5pm) but the hours for the fountains, as well as for the Peterhof palaces, vary along with the season. So make sure you ask Saint Petersburg Guide for more information before coming. Note that the Upper Park and the Alexandria Park require no admission fee but you have to pay various fees to see the Lower Park and the palaces. The most enjoyable but expensive way to get to Peterhof is by taking a hydrofoil. Those run from St Petersburg to Peterhof, starting from the pier outside the Winter Palace. For some ways to travel to Peterhof if you are on a budget, contact Saint Petersburg Guide site administrator.

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