(Source: https://pixabay.com/ru/photos/валдай-россия-монастырь-иверский-3675908)

Route

The tourist route around the city of Valdai is not long - it is really possible to pass it in 1.5-2 hours. The route starts at the Trinity Cathedral and continues along Narodnaya Street. From Narodnaya Street, it is better to go to the chapel of Jacob Borovichsky, a memorial sign in honor of the 500th anniversary of the founding of the city,  the Church of Catherine II, the House of Culture and Komsomolsky Prospect. The second half of the day can be devoted to a visit to the Iversky Monastery on the island or a walk along one of the eco-trails of the Valdai National Park.

There are a lot of leisure options here. You can rent a boat and   explore the lake.

Valdai museums in 1 day 

Expositions in Valdai museums are small, each one usually takes no more than 40 minutes or an hour to see.

County Town Museum

The county town museum appeared here  almost 100 years ago. It is located in a former noble mansion of the 19th century. The expositions occupy 5 halls. In the first hall, visitors will see antiquities found on the Valdai land, as well as learn the history of the founding of the city and the Iversky monastery. In the second hall, guests are introduced to the traditional crafts of the Novgorod region and the Valdai area, in particular; in the third -  to the significant state-level institutions that were located in Valdai at different times. The expositions of the fourth and fifth halls are dedicated to eminent personalities who  lived here or visited Valdai.

Bell museum

The only bell museum in Russia is located in Valdai. The city has long been famous for the production of bells, which was the prerequisite for the opening of the museum. According to legend, the special "sonority" of the Valdai bells was given by the fact that they were made from the fragments of the Novgorod veche bell. In the expositions you will see bells for various purposes: shepherd's and coachman's, firefighters and ship's bells, as well as musical instruments made of bells. Visitors are allowed to ring some of the bells themselves. There is a souvenir shop at the museum where you can buy branded Valdai bells. 

Museum bell center

A second museum dedicated to bells is also located in the city center. The exposition occupies 4 thematic rooms, where you can get acquainted with the history of bells from ancient times to the present. Visitors will see not only Russian bells, but also exhibits of past centuries from China, India, Vietnam and European countries.

Museum of the "Valdai National Park"

In several halls of the Visitor Center of the Valdai National Park there is an introductory exposition. Here, visitors can see photographs of animals living in the park, and learn more about the flora of the region.   Visitors will be told about the life and traditions of the local population,  and the history of the Valdai land. Go up to the 4th floor for a beautiful view of the city and the lake.