[11] Voskresensky Luchensky Pogost, which is located within the current boundaries of the town, was presumably founded in the 12th or 13th century.

[15] On July 25, 1952, it was transferred to newly established Boksitogorsky District,[15] and on December 9, 1954, it was granted town status.

In one infamous episode, in 2009, about three hundred inhabitants blocked the highway between St. Petersburg and Vologda to protest wage retardation.

Vladimir Putin, the then-Prime Minister of Russia, flew to Pikalyovo and, without going through any legal procedures, ordered Oleg Deripaska, the plant owner, to pay out the debts immediately.

[17] Within the framework of administrative divisions, it is incorporated within Boksitogorsky District as Pikalyovskoye Settlement Municipal Formation.

[20] The town's Delfin swimming pool was the location of seven Soviet and three Russian championships, where fifty-seven world and European records were set.

[12] The town's association football team, FC Metallurg Pikalyovo, plays in the Leningrad Oblast championships.