the island is too small for larger animals which are abundant in the area. Climate The climate on the island is typical of the area, but is cold for most parts of the world. Low temperatures suppress bacterial activity, which is one of the major factors behind the longevity of the wooden structures of Kizhi. Access Although Kizhi island is within a kilometer distance from major islands and peninsulas of Onega lake, there are no major cities and transport routes nearby. Access to Kizhi is provided by hydrofoil (several trips a day from Petrozavodsk during the summer months), cruise ship, helicopter and snowcat (in the winter). Transportation over the island is mostly on foot. During the winter, snowmobiles are also used. On nearby islands there are several guesthouses. There is an 8-room (20 beds) wooden guest house and a restaurant on the island. References External links Official homepage Official homepage in Russian Gallery of the Kizhi Museum Kizhi virtual tours Orthodox shrines in Kizhi Virtual visit to Kizhi Russian page on Kizhi Satellite picture by Google Maps The churches of Kizhi: Russia's sacred island Medvezhyegorsky District World Heritage Sites in Russia Lake islands of Europe Landforms of the Republic of Karelia Lake islands of Russia