Soltsy Old Town

Soltsy stands on the Sheloon in southwest Novgorod Oblast. Known since the 14th century on the westward route from Novgorod; the name reflects salt and trade, not modern spa springs. Compact historic core: 19th- and early 20th-century houses, churches, Sheloon bridge. Not a museum set — people live here, shops and schools operate; provincial calm without tourist pressure. Railway station on the Saint Petersburg–Veliky Novgorod line — a handy stop. Perebrody village and Solsky hillfort are nearby, but the town centre and embankment deserve time too. For travellers between Novgorod and Pskov who want an ordinary regional town with history, not only monasteries and Kremlin. Half a day suffices: centre, river, local church.