Ladoga lake. Where is it located on the map in Russia, source, photos, characteristics. Wonderful places in Russia - Ladoga. Where is Lake Ladoga Brief characteristics of Lake Ladoga

Basic moments

Ladoga lake- an important link of the Volga-Baltic route. During the navigation period, its waters plow passenger ships marine class, but shipping is limited due to sudden storms. The main shipping traffic passes through the Volga-Balt bypass canals.

Since ancient times, Christian righteous people settled in these remote regions. Small hermitages grew into monasteries, which became authoritative spiritual centers in Russia. During the dark period of repression of the 20-30s of the last century, the monasteries were liquidated, and prisoners were kept within their walls. In the 90s, justice was restored and the monasteries were returned to the Russian Orthodox Church.

Today Ladoga region is one of the most popular tourist regions countries. Nature reserves have been created here to protect Karelian nature. In cities and towns located around Lake Ladoga, tourist centers and hotels have been built. Infrastructure is actively developing in coastal cities - Shlisselburg, Priozersk, Novaya Ladoga, Sortavala, Pitkyaranta, from which the main excursion routes. Travelers get acquainted with the beauties of northern nature, original historical and cultural monuments.

History of Lake Ladoga

Lake Ladoga is a relic of the last glaciation, which covered the northern hemisphere of the planet by geological standards quite recently - about 10-12 thousand years ago. The vast valley, now the bottom of the lake, was filled with meltwater, and rivers and streams rushed into the lowland. Following the glacier retreating to the north, people came to the shores of the reservoir. Numerous traces of settlements were discovered during construction work, in archaeological science they were called Ladoga sites. Among the artifacts of prehistoric times are stone arrow and spear tips, fragments of pottery with ornaments, human burials and food remains. The diet of local Neolithic residents was dominated by lake fish; meat was obtained by hunting seals, forest game and waterfowl.

In the Scandinavian sagas and in the trade treaties of the merchants of the Hanseatic League, the lake is called Aldoga, which can mean “wavy”, but linguists offer other interpretations. These places were inhabited by Karelians, Vepsians, and Chuds. In the languages ​​of these peoples, more ancient names for Lake Ladoga have been preserved, one of them is Velikiy Nevo.

During the Middle Ages, Ladoga and large areas of Karelia were included in the sphere of influence of Veliky Novgorod. Novgorod trade and military sailing ships sailed on the lake. From time immemorial, Sweden has also laid claim to the Ladoga region. The Novgorod Chronicle reports about one of the episodes of this confrontation. At the beginning of the summer of 1164, the warships of the Swedish king entered the lake and headed for the walls of the coastal fortress of Ladoga, built at the mouth of the Volkhov River. The stronghold covered Novgorod from the north. In that battle, the Novgorod squad defeated the Swedes, retaining Karelia for Russia. But it was only at the beginning of the 18th century that Tsar Peter I managed to put an end to the dispute over the territory, ending the Russian-Swedish war with victory.

Storms often rage on Lake Ladoga, caused by strong gusty winds. It was this circumstance, which often led to shipwrecks, that forced Peter I to decide to build bypass canals to ensure safe transit navigation. The construction of canals continued in subsequent centuries. Thanks to these man-made waterways, today the lake is connected with the southern and northern regions of Russia through busy shipping along the modern route “from the Varangians to the Greeks” - from the Baltic to Azov and the shores of the Black Sea region.

Dramatic events during the Great Patriotic War took place on Ladoga. The famous Road of Life lay here, the only link from Mainland to Leningrad, besieged by Nazi troops. Major battles took place in this area, aimed at breaking the blockade of the Northern capital.

Geography and natural resources

The coastline of Lake Ladoga is picturesque and diverse. The northern coast is composed of rocky ridges, smoothed by a glacier, with huge boulders scattered among them. This part of the lake landscape is strewn with islands, cut up by narrow winding bays protruding deeply into the mainland, here they are called skerries. The islands and coasts are overgrown with birch, pine and spruce trees, the mossy undergrowth is dominated by shrubs, and berries and mushrooms grow in abundance. In the northern part, the water depth reaches 230 m.

The western coast is also rocky, but the slopes, decorated with mixed forests, are almost not indented by bays.

Characteristic eastern shore Lake Ladoga - wide sandy beaches, reclaimed at river mouths high dunes, overgrown with mast pines. Here is the island of Mantsinsaari, one of the largest on the lake.

The southern coast is low-lying and swampy, it is covered with dense thickets of reeds, and there are nesting sites for a variety of waterfowl. The coastal part is dangerous for navigation; rock reefs and sandbanks are hidden under shallow water.

Part of the lake coast is included in the northern and northeastern regions Leningrad region, the other part belongs to the territory of the Republic of Karelia.

35 rivers flow into Lake Ladoga, the largest of which are the Volkhov, Svir, and Vuoksa. And only one Neva flows out of it, preserving the ancient Karelian name of Lake Nevo. This is probably where the concept of seine - fishing net - comes from. Geologists managed to find out that this flow into the Baltic was formed quite recently, in the foreseeable historical times. Neva is about 2500 years old. Before the breakthrough of rocks by the Neva outflow appeared in The Gulf of Finland, the lake level was higher by about 12 meters, all modern coastal regions were under water.

To the east of Vyborg, geologists discovered traces of the bed of an older river that carried away excess Ladoga waters. This glacial channel existed about 10 thousand years ago. Over time, the land, freed from the weight of billions of tons of ice, seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, and the old riverbed gradually rose above the water level. Geologists note that the uplift of the granite shield on which Karelia is located continues to this day.

Historical and nature reserves. Since 2017, by decree of the Russian government, 650 rocky islets clustered near north coast reservoir Organized here national park“Ladoga Skerries” with a unique ecosystem - several thousand freshwater seals, listed in the Red Book, live here, they are known as Ladoga seals. Local waters populated rare species fish, also protected by Russian legislation. Colonies of gulls nest on the islands. The reserve is located on the territory of the Republic of Karelia, the park area exceeds 122 thousand hectares.

In the west the skerries are limited large island Kilpola, connected to the mainland by a bridge. The island has its own lake, Vitsalampi, as well as smaller bodies of water. Here are ancient Karelian settlements, tourist centers and cafes, campsites and guest houses. There is a whole fleet of sailing yawls for walking around the skerries.

Climate and weather

The climate on Ladoga is transitional from temperate continental to maritime. Cloudy weather prevails, sunny days are rare. But from the end of May to mid-July there are wonderful white nights here. In March and September there are periods of prolonged rains.

Hydrographers characterize Lake Ladoga as “cold-water”. In the very deep place the water temperature does not exceed +4...+5 °C.

The shallow southern part of Lake Ladoga warms up well in the summer. In this water area, the water temperature in June-August reaches +24 °C, and a short beach season opens here. But in most of the reservoir, even in the warmest season of the year, swimming is uncomfortable; water temperatures rarely exceed +14 °C. The warmest period occurs here in mid-August, when the air temperature reaches +22...+24 °C.

Lake Ladoga in winter

Sights of Lake Ladoga

The extensive list of attractions of Lake Ladoga is headed by the world famous ancient monastery on the island of Valaam. According to legend, the first cross was erected here by the Apostle Andrew. Historians date the founding of the monastery to the 11th century.

On neighboring island Putsaari, surrounded by a circle of small islands, is the secluded monastery of St. George. This quiet monastery belongs to the Valaam Monastery; tourists rarely come here.

20 km from the town of Lodeynoye Pole, on the wooded bank of the Svir River, is the Alexander-Svirsky Monastery. Beautiful examples of Moscow architecture of the 15th-17th centuries are worth seeing here. The interiors of the monastery buildings are decorated with ancient frescoes. Among the shrines kept here is a consecrated copy of the famous Shroud of Turin.

You can take an interesting walk along historical center the city of Sortavala, located on the northern shore of Lake Ladoga. Stone and wooden buildings from the century before last have been preserved here. In this region there are more than 60 historical and cultural heritage indigenous population of Karelia. Ancient settlements and necropolises date back to the 6th millennium BC. e.

The ruins of the Novgorod fortress can be viewed in ancient city Staraya Ladoga. Fragments of walls built from river boulders on a strong lime mortar have been preserved here. They can be seen near the Church of St. George.

A kilometer from the village of Kokkorevo, the “Broken Ring” monument was erected, dedicated to the Road of Life.

The natural reserves of Lake Ladoga also beckon. In a mountain park near the village of Ruskeala, the picturesque Ruskeala waterfalls foam. Key episodes of the touching film “The Dawns Here Are Quiet” (1972) were filmed here. The waterfalls have gazebos and a parking lot. In the store you can buy souvenirs and smoked fish.

"Broken Ring" monument

Beaches

The beaches are concentrated on south coast Lake Ladoga. It is shallow here, the water is quite warm in summer, but the bottom is almost everywhere muddy, although there are rocky and sandy areas. In other parts of the reservoir, the coast is much deeper, the water does not warm up well during the short summer, and it is also cooled by icy bottom springs. Rivers carry a lot of silt and peat into the lake, and therefore the water in Ladoga is cloudy. You won't be able to snorkel and watch the underwater inhabitants - visibility under water is almost zero.

One of the most popular beaches you will find in the village of Kokkorevo. During the swimming season it is crowded, although there is no sign of service on the beach. There are no sunbeds or changing cabins here, not to mention toilets. A bus runs from the Vaganovo railway station to the Broken Ring memorial, but it does not go to Kokkorevo. You will have to walk about half an hour to the beach. Vacationers come here by car, but there is no parking on the beach; cars stretch out in a long line along a narrow dirt forest road. Those who decide to swim here during the day have to park their car and walk a kilometer and a half to the beach.

The ideal option is to come to Kokkorevo by bicycle. In this case, you can go further along the coast, find a secluded beach in the reeds, where it will be nice to swim and have a picnic. Just don’t forget to pick up trash after yourself - environmentalists complain that during floods, plastic bottles and bags from natural landfills are carried even into nature reserves.

The city of Osinovets also has quite big beach. A noticeable landmark will lead to it - high tower lighthouse, painted in red and white stripes. Not far from the beach there is a cafe overlooking the lake. Snacks, hot dishes and drinks are offered.

Behind Osinovets is the village of Lake Ladoga. Here, at the foot of low hills covered with pine trees, you will find a sandy beach, rare for these parts. A hundred meters away - pretty railroad station, built in the form of a pointed Finnish house. There is an old steam locomotive nearby. It is better to come to this beach on weekdays; on weekends it is crowded.

Tourists praise the sandy beach on the lake cape near the village named after Morozov. You can walk to it from the railway station in half an hour. The beach is clean, equipped with changing rooms and a toilet. But even here you need to take bedding, sandwiches, drinking water and other supplies.

The sandy beaches on the eastern shore of Lake Ladoga are very picturesque, but they are not suitable for swimming; the water here is too cold even at the height of summer.

Panorama of Lake Ladoga

Leisure

The Ladoga region provides a lot of opportunities for sports and active rest– from river rafting to mountaineering. Popular in the area hiking on mushroom and berry places. In winter, they lay along the banks ski slopes, there are skating rinks on the ice. But the most popular hobby of travelers on Lake Ladoga is fishing, and you can successfully fish here at any time of the year.

The most fishing places in Ladoga are in the southern part of the lake. It is shallow here and the warm water has enough plant food for fish. Fishermen boast of significant catches. Among the trophies are large pike perch, burbot, catfish, and once, not far from Sortavala, a pike weighing half a centner was caught.

From December to early April, it’s time to reign on Lake Ladoga winter fishing and seasonal entertainment. At first, lake water freezes only in shallow coastal waters. Here, already in the first ten days of December, fishermen begin to drill holes in the ice for jigs, and tourists ride on the surface of Ladoga on skates and snowmobiles. However local residents they warn that it is still dangerous to get closer to the deep water in the center of the lake at this time. There, streams from bottom springs rise to the surface, stormy winds rage over the water, and therefore a sufficiently strong ice cover is formed only in mid-January, when Karelian frosts hit. The cold does not frighten extreme fishermen and winter sports lovers, because cozy camp sites with warm log cottages and hotly heated Finnish baths await them on the shores.

Coastal ice becomes fragile by mid-spring; the surface of the lake finally thaws only in May.

For more than 20 years, the international rally “Ladoga Trophy” has been held along the shore of the lake. Anyone can take part in the competition, which usually takes place in June, all you need to do is register. Athletes on standard and specially prepared off-road vehicles and ATVs take to the 1,200 km long ring track around Lake Ladoga. Motorcyclists compete in other categories, and since 2016, cyclists have also participated in the race. The start and finish of the competition is on St. Isaac's Square in St. Petersburg.

Experienced scuba divers can join the exciting project “Secrets of Sunken Ships”. During annual underwater expeditions, divers add to the register of objects discovered at the bottom of Lake Ladoga. Among them are vintage ships and airplanes from the Second World War.

Kayaking on Ladoga

What to buy

Residents of Ladoga villages masterfully prepare smoked fish. Smoked salmon is especially tasty, but these weighty fish are sold only whole at an average cost of 600 rubles/kg, so the price of a smoked treat can reach up to 6,000 rubles. On local markets They sell home-canned goods - salted and pickled mushrooms, dried fish. Here you can also buy wonderful lingonberry jam.

Popular souvenirs are crafts made by Karelian artisans made of wood and stone, embroidery. The healing “Karelian balsam” and bags of local medicinal herbs are in demand.

Where to stay

On the shores of Lake Ladoga, travelers will find modern recreation centers, cozy hunting lodges, inexpensive hostels, tourist centers, cheap guest houses.

Within the Leningrad region you can stay inexpensively at the Ladoga-Lake camp site

The recreation center "Krenitsy" is located nearby. There is a restaurant here and secure parking. The rooms are equipped with kitchenettes. Accommodation will cost from 2400 rubles, breakfast is included in the price.

In Priozersk, the Uyut Hotel, designed for budget tourists, is popular. You will have to prepare food in the shared kitchen. For a room you will need to pay from 1575 rubles.

In the Karelian city of Salmi you can stay at Mantiasaari Cottages. Guests have at their disposal a two-story log cabin with two to three bedrooms, a living room, an equipped kitchen and a private sauna. Fishing trips and snowmobile safaris in winter are offered. The cost of living is from 1,836 to 3,475 rubles per day.

Comfortable luxury hotel complexes have also been built in the vicinity of Lake Ladoga. One of them is the “Ladoga Estate”, which is in the Karelian city of Niemelyanhovi, standing on the shore of the Ladoga Bay of the same name. It offers warm cottages and townhouses, the interiors are made in the style of northern modernism. The complex has pleasure boats, piers, helipad. There are two restaurants, a lobby bar, a bath complex, a spa, billiards, slot machines, bowling alley. Offered excursion program, travel around the Ladoga skerries and islands, rental of boats and equipment for fishing and water sports. As the weather gets colder, winter activities are provided for guests. Accommodation at the Ladoga Estate will cost from 21,800 rubles per day. Breakfast ( Buffet) is included in the payment.

How to get there

The most convenient way to get from Russian cities to the northeastern shores of Lake Ladoga is through Petrozavodsk. The southwestern lake regions are accessible by transport coming from St. Petersburg. Buses regularly depart from St. Petersburg to Sortavala, Novaya Ladoga and Priozersk. Large tourist centers and holiday homes send their own transport to pick up their guests. IN remote corners travelers usually get there by own cars. An SUV is ideal for such trips.

During the summer navigation period, pleasure boats and Meteora depart daily from the pier in Priozersk to the island of Valaam. In others populated areas For a walk on Lake Ladoga and visiting the islands, you can hire a private boat.

Wealthy travelers can choose a multi-day boat cruise from St. Petersburg or Moscow. The cost of such a tour starts from 8,000 rubles; the trip program includes visits to picturesque protected islands.

Lake Ladoga: description, photo, video

The size of Lake Ladoga in the Leningrad region is amazing. It covers an area of ​​18 thousand square kilometers. Due to its glacial origin, the reservoir has low thermal conductivity - the water warms up slowly and also takes a long time to cool down. The low level of mineralization, in turn, ensures high transparency of the lake, which is especially noticeable in good weather.

Lake Ladoga has been formed over centuries, so its water area is devoid of monotony and boring. There are 650 islands on its territory. The largest of them is located 22 kilometers from the coast, and its area is 36 square kilometers. This island on Lake Ladoga is called Valaam. It is part of the archipelago of the same name and is famous for the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery.

The northern shores of the reservoir are rocky and high. They're cut up big amount small peninsulas and straits. In the south, the coastal zone is low-lying and marshy, and the coastline is more gradual. The reservoir has three large bays called lips. On east side The lakes grow shrubs, forests, mixed with stone deposits and sand beaches.

In the west you can see many stone ridges going deep into the reservoir. Visiting this shore of Lake Ladoga and taking a photo is the task of every tourist. Flows into Ladoga a large number of rec. The lake is home to 58 species of fish - from trout and perch to salmon and burbot. The main advantage of the reservoir is the Ladoga seal; it is slightly smaller and darker than the sea seal. It is also worth mentioning the dolphins, which quite often swim here and the Baltic.

Where is Lake Ladoga located?

Lake Ladoga is spread over the territory of two administrative regions of Russia - the Republic of Karelia and the Leningrad Region. Its length from north to south is 219 kilometers, and its width between the most distant points is 138 kilometers. The bottom of the reservoir has an uneven structure, so the depth in the north varies between 70-130 meters, and in the south – 20-70 meters. Anyone who wants to visit Lake Ladoga and find out where it is located should look for it near the settlements located on its shore:

• Priozersk, Shlisselburg and Novaya Ladoga - Leningrad region;
• Olonets, Sortavala, Lakhdenpokhya - Republic of Karelia.

The reservoir is the main source fresh water, feeding St. Petersburg. The distance from the Northern capital of Russia is only 47 kilometers. This is where the Neva has its source.

Coordinates of Lake Ladoga on the map:

• Latitude — 60°50′3″
• Longitude — 31°33′10″

Lake Ladoga on the map

How to get to Lake Ladoga

The region around Lake Ladoga has a well-developed transport infrastructure, which makes it accessible to tourism. You can get to the reservoir in various ways. Excursions are organized to Lake Ladoga, and ferries also go here. The last option is the most expensive, but allows you to completely immerse yourself in the wonderful atmosphere of Ladoga.

How to get to Lake Ladoga by car:

• It is best to start the movement from St. Petersburg;
• After leaving the city, you should take the Ryabovskoe Highway or the Road of Life.

How to get to Lake Ladoga by public transport:

• You can come to St. Petersburg by car, train or by plane;
• a minibus runs regularly to the reservoir from the Dybenko metro station;
• Electric trains constantly run from the Finlyandsky Station in the direction of the lake, and an electric train also runs in this direction from the Baltic Station; the exact schedule can be checked on the stations’ websites.

When is the best time to visit Lake Ladoga

The coastal zone of the reservoir freezes at the beginning of winter, and in the middle - in February. Moreover, the lake is covered with solid ice only in the coldest winters. Strong and prolonged cooling in winter means that even in summer, the water warms up well only on the surface and near the shore. The reservoir thaws completely in April-May.

The warmest water is in August. During this period, it can warm up to +24 degrees at the surface and +4 at the bottom. The most favorable weather on Lake Ladoga for water tourism– in June-July. With the onset of autumn, a stormy period begins, so you can only admire the power of the elements from the shore.

Peculiarities

Throughout the year, family hotels, guest houses and peasant estates operate on the territory of the reservoir. You can come here either alone or with a group. The cost of accommodation for 1 night varies from 1.5 thousand rubles in a budget double room to 25 thousand rubles for renting a cottage. However, you can also stay in the Ladoga area with tents.

At recreation centers and rental stations you can rent rowing boats, bicycles, and motorboats. In winter, skis and snowmobiles are available. Winter swimming enthusiasts are provided with equipped ice-holes. As for souvenirs, the St. Petersburg shore of the lake is not particularly rich in them - typical sets of postcards, wooden products and magnets. More interesting from this point of view is the Karelian coast.

In Sortavala, Pitkyaranta and Lakhdenpokhya you can buy bracelets, beads and cosmetics made of shungite. Karelia is rich in deposits of this mineral. They also sell such famous tinctures as “Karelian Collection” and “Karelian Balsam”. Those who go on a visit to Valaam should definitely bring with them local gingerbread cookies, candles, icons, and crosses from the monasteries. Of course, you shouldn’t forget about the goodies – herbs, various mushrooms, berries and smoked lake fish.

What to see in the area

There are a large number of museums on the territory of Ladoga. They talk about folk crafts, local prominent people, the history of their cities, etc. Separately, we can highlight the Kronid Gogolev Museum, located in Sortavala. Here you can see the works of various wood craftsmen. The Road of Life Museum is also a must-see. It is located in the village of Lake Ladoga and contains exhibitions military equipment various times. 5 kilometers from here there is a memorial called “The Broken Ring”.

One of the main places of pilgrimage to Ladoga is the island of Valaam. Its main attraction is the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery. You can get to the island by boat, which goes from Priozersk. In the city itself you can see the Korela fortress, built in the 13th century. Not far from Priozersk there is the island of Konevets. It is famous for the ensemble of religious buildings with the Konevsky Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery.

If you travel by car, you should allocate at least two weeks for vacation. We advise you to visit, as well as the beautiful one in Karelia.

In the south of Ladoga in Shlisselburg there is the majestic Oreshek fortress, which was built by the grandson of Alexander Nevsky. Co observation deck Indescribable views of the lake and the Neva River open up. A little to the east is Novaya Ladoga with a group memorable places and cathedrals.

Video: Karelia. Ladoga lake. Koyonsaari Island

– this is the sea in miniature. Even if it’s not as warm and sunny here as on, it is rich in scenic spots and suitable for amateurs varied recreation. Cozy beaches, clean air, churches, cathedrals and rich history will not let you get bored. It’s worth escaping here at least for a day to recharge with positive energy.

Lake Ladoga is located on the territory of Karelia and the Leningrad region and is considered the largest freshwater lake in Europe. It stretches from south to north for 219 km, the greatest width is 138 km. The depth varies unevenly: in the northern part it ranges from 70 to 230 m, in the southern part - from 20 to 70 m.

The famous Lake Ladoga, on the ice of which the Road of Life ran during the siege of Leningrad, today is a unique monument of Karelian nature, attracting thousands of tourists every year. Its shores and islands are amazingly picturesque. The most famous are, of course, Valaam and Konevets, where ancient unique monasteries are located. But every island, every rocky cape on Ladoga is something special.

On the shores of the lake are located Priozersk, Novaya Ladoga, Shlisselburg in the Leningrad region; Sortavala, Pitkyaranta, Olonets, Lakhdenpokhya - in Karelia. 32 rivers flow into the reservoir, but only one flows out - the Neva.

Every year, since 1997, the Ladoga Trophy takes place on the shores of the lake: an off-road rally along the perimeter, the route of which is approximately 1,200 km.

How to get to Lake Ladoga

First of all, you need to decide which side of the lake to “drop anchor” on. You can reach the north and east from Petrozavodsk, and the north, east, south and west from St. Petersburg.

From St. Petersburg, the most types of transport go to Priozersk. Every half hour from the Northern Bus Station and several times a day from the Parnas metro station - buses from the Piteravto company (office site), travel time is about 2.5 hours; daily trains of the North-Western Suburban Passenger Company (office website) from Finlyandsky Station take you to your destination in just 2 hours ( regular train goes almost 3). By car, getting to Priozersk is also about 2 hours from Piskarevsky Prospekt along the A-118 and A-121 highways (aka Priozerskoye Highway).

There is also a railway station in the village of Lake Ladoga; it takes just under 1.5 hours to reach it from St. Petersburg from Finlyandsky Station by daily train SZPPK, and by car - a little over an hour along the Road of Life highway.

To the “Karelian part” of the lake, to Sortavala, from the Ladozhsky station in St. Petersburg, it takes more than 5 hours to travel by train St. Petersburg - Kostomuksha from Russian Railways/FPK (office site). By bus from the Passenger Transportation company, which runs several times a day from the Northern Bus Station, it takes 5-6 hours (all flights going in this direction make a stop in another picturesque place - Lakhdenpokhya).

From St. Petersburg they go through the island cruise ships operator "Vodohod" (office site): the voyage takes a week, starts from the St. Petersburg pier "Utkina Zavod". From Priozersk from the Valaam pier the motor ship “Valaam” will deliver to the island of the same name in 3.5 hours, “Meteor” - in 1 hour 15 minutes, departure daily. From Moscow, from the North river station, multi-day tours with a visit to Valaam invites you to take “Mosturflot” (office site).

Bicycle rentals are available in Priozersk, Shlisselburg, Novaya Ladoga, and Lahdenpokhya. A bike can be found through a private classifieds website, but most often rental is included in the list of services of large tourist centers.

Ladoga lake

Lake Ladoga Hotels

Dozens of hotels, guest houses, family hotels and even peasant estates. They are ready to accept both single tourists and entire groups - by prior arrangement.

Price per night - from 1500 RUB for accommodation in a budget double room at the Starhouse mini-hotel in Shlisselburg on the street. Chekalova, 14 to 25,000 RUB for a cottage for 6 people in the “Ladoga Estate” on the Karelian coast of Lake Ladoga (Ozernaya St., 1, Niemelyanhovi village, not far from Sortavala). The house has its own sauna, fully equipped kitchen, three double bedrooms with private bathrooms and a barbecue area.

Price single room in a hotel or guest house- from 5000 RUB per day. However, numerous visitors are happy to save on this expense item and settle on the shores of Ladoga as savages, in tents.

What to bring

The St. Petersburg shore of Ladoga is not rich in exclusive gifts: a typical set of magnets, mugs, postcards, wood and birch bark items. On the Karelian coast of the lake, the assortment of souvenirs is more interesting.

Karelia is home to shungite deposits. Beads, bracelets made from this mineral and even cosmetics containing it can be found in Sortavala, Lakhdenpokhya, Pitkyaranta and other settlements in the Karelian part of Ladoga. The famous tinctures “Karelian Balsam” and “Karelian Collection” are also sold there.

Another one worthy of attention rare - products made from Karelian birch: spoons, boxes, plates. Tablecloths and napkins with Zaonezh embroidery will be an excellent addition to them.

It is impossible to leave Lake Ladoga without “tasty souvenirs” - raw and smoked fish, berries, mushrooms, herbs. Some will be lucky enough to collect and catch it on their own, while others will have a direct route to the markets.

From Ladoga churches and monasteries, especially from Valaam, guests bring icons, candles, and crosses. The island is also famous for its gingerbread.

Cuisine and restaurants of Lake Ladoga

There are a lot of catering establishments in the villages and towns of Lake Ladoga, of course, but you won’t die of hunger either. In restaurants and cafes, Russian, Caucasian and European cuisines are held in high esteem, there are pizzerias, and there are places to try sushi and rolls.

The main ingredient in most local dishes is fish, most often pike perch. It is used to make dumplings, cutlets, soups and snacks. Fish is also added to “wickets” - signature Karelian pies made from rye dough. They are also made with mushrooms and berries, of which there is an abundance in the local forests.

Cafes and restaurants are located mainly in hotels, camp sites, guest houses and near main attractions. The interior and service sometimes cause criticism, but the skill of the chefs, on the contrary, deserves praise.

The price range is small: in Sortavala, and in Shlisselburg, and somewhere in Vidlitsa, breakfast for two will cost 700 RUB, lunch - 1200 RUB, and dinner with alcohol will cost about 2500 RUB.

Entertainment and attractions

There is no point in listing all the museums located on the shores of the lake - their names are legion, the exhibitions are often similar: the history of the city, folk crafts, paintings by local artists. The museum of the private collection of Kronid Gogolev in Sortavala (Komsomolskaya St., 6) stands apart. Its founder is a skilled wood carver. In his own art space, he exhibits not only his own works, but also the creations of other Sortavala masters. Another almost pilgrimage place is the Road of Life Museum in the village of Lake Ladoga.

Among the museum's exhibits are steamships, an airplane, and military weapons that stand directly under open air. In the indoor halls there is an exhibition of cars that plied along the Road of Life, exhibitions dedicated to the Great Patriotic War and the famous highway. 5 km from the museum, to the south of the lake, there is the “Broken Ring” memorial.

One of the main “miracles” of Ladoga is the island of Valaam and the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery standing on it. People come here to feel a special peace and tranquility, to pray at the myrrh-streaming icon of the Mother of God painted by Hieromonk Alypius, to admire the landscapes that inspired Kuindzhi, Shishkin, and Roerich.

You can go to Valaam and back by boat from Priozersk, where the Kexholm fortress (Korela fortress) built in the 13th century stands: a small building is surprisingly harmoniously integrated into the landscape. Near Priozersk there is Konevets Island. A whole ensemble of religious buildings, crowned by the Konevsky Nativity of the Mother of God Monastery, brought him fame. Within its walls is displayed the miraculous icon of the Mother of God, brought from Athos by the founder of the monastery, Arseny Konevsky.

The south of Ladoga is Shlisselburg with the not so impregnable fortress Oreshek, built by the grandson of Alexander Nevsky. From its observation deck the views of the lake and the Neva flowing from it are especially good. East of Shlisselburg stands Novaya Ladoga, which boasts a group of wooden and stone churches and cathedrals and memorial sites associated with the Road of Life.

Fishing on Lake Ladoga

Lake Ladoga is home to 53 species of fish: Ladoga slingshot, salmon, trout, whitefish, vendace, smelt, bream, raw fish, bluefish, silver bream, rudd, asp, catfish, pike perch, roach, perch, pike, burbot and others. Human impact on the reservoir reduces the number of valuable fish - salmon, trout, palia, lake and river whitefish and others, and the Atlantic sturgeon and Volkhov whitefish are listed in the Red Book of Russia.

In the European part of Russia, in the Republic of Karelia and the Leningrad region.

The ancient name of the lake is Lake Nevo (Nestor's Chronicle of the 12th century), and in the old Scandinavian sagas and treaties with Hanseatic cities the lake is called Aldoga. Modern name The lake appeared at the beginning of the 13th century; there are several versions of its origin, but none of them is definitely confirmed.

Ladoga is the largest freshwater lake in Europe, the largest lake in Karelia and the Leningrad region and the 3rd lake in Russia (after the Caspian Sea and Baikal) in terms of water surface area. The area of ​​Lake Ladoga with islands is 18.3 thousand km 2, the water surface is 17.9 thousand km 2, the volume is 838 km 3, length 219 km, maximum width 125 km, coastline length 1570 km, maximum depth 230 m in the northern part basins between the Valaam and Western archipelagos of the islands, the height of the water surface above sea level is 5.1 m. Lake Ladoga was formed about 10 thousand years ago, after the filling of the basin stretched from northwest to southeast with water from the melting edge of the ice sheet. Its northern shores are composed of crystalline rocks, high and highly dissected; The peninsulas continue with chains of islands, forming a skerry type of coast. To the south, the coast becomes low and level, bordered by narrow beaches with boulders, and in small bays overgrown with semi-aquatic vegetation. The southern part of the coast consists of three large shallow bays: Svirskaya Bay and Volkhovskaya Bay, into which the largest tributaries flow, and Petrokrepost Bay with the source of the Neva. There are more than 660 islands in Lake Ladoga, the largest are Riekkalansari (55 km 2), Mantinsari (39 km 2), Kilpole (32 km 2), Tulolansari (30 km 2) and Valaam (28 km 2). Lake Ladoga is the main body of water in the European system of great lakes, which includes lakes Saimaa (Finland), Onega and Ilmen. The waters of this system flow down the Neva into the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea. The catchment area of ​​Lake Ladoga is 282.7 thousand km 2, including the catchments of these three lakes and many other small ones, with a small own catchment area equal to 48.3 thousand km 2 (17%).

Every year an average of 83 km 3 of water enters Lake Ladoga, 70% of which is lake water masses flowing along the river. Sviri from Lake Onega, along the river. Vuokse from lake. Saimaa and along the river Volkhov from lake. Ilmen. The flow of each of them is regulated by hydroelectric power stations and is about 20 km 3 /year. Another 16% comes from the influx of 16 small rivers and 14% from precipitation falling on the reservoir. 9% of the water in the discharge part of the water balance evaporates, the rest of the water is the river runoff. Not you. The water exchange time is about 10 years. The average range of intra-annual changes in water level in Lake Ladoga is 69 cm (from 21 in the low-water year 1940 to 126 cm in the high-water year 1962).

Main tributaries of Lake Ladoga (large and medium rivers)

Inflow	Length	Basin area (km 2)
Svir	220	83200
Volkhov	224	80200
Vuoksa	156	68700
Sitting	260	7330
Janisjoki	70	3900
Olonka	87	2620

In the spring, after the southern coastal bays are cleared of ice at the end of April - the first half of May, intensive heating of the coastal shallows occurs with warm air and solar radiation, as well as with the relatively warm water of the flood of small rivers. The water temperature in the southern area of ​​the water area usually becomes above 4°C by May 15, and on the surface of the deep-sea area it is 2.5–3°C. A thermal bar () appears between warm and cold water masses. With further heating of the water, the thermobar moves to the center slowly along the northern steep slope (0.05–0.1 km/day) and faster over the southern gentle slope at a speed of 1.3–1.5 km/day. It prevents the mixing of river water masses with the main water mass itself. Therefore, the Volkhov flood waters and Svir waters move north along the eastern shore, and the least mineralized Saimaa waters from the mouth of the river. Vuoksi along the western bank to the south and further to the Neva. The thermal bar disappears at the end of June - the first ten days of July near the Valaam archipelago, when the surface layer of water 20–40 m thick warms up to 10–15°C. Under the underlying temperature jump layer, water in summer from a depth of 30–40 m to the bottom heats up to only 5°C. During autumn cooling, its upper layer cools down, the temperature jump layer sinks until October, and then disappears at a temperature close to 4°C. The time of disappearance of the thermal bar is variable, because when windy weather sets in in summer, drift currents and waves mix river water masses and the main lake water mass in the upper layer, updating its chemical composition and leveling the distribution of plankton across the water area. In summer, this water mass dominates the Neva flow, and during the freeze-up period, the most mineralized Volkhov waters are added to it. With a wind of 18 m/s near the Valaam Islands, the wave height reached 5.8 m, surges on the windward sections of the coast raise the water by 0.2–0.5 m. Shallow waters freeze in October, and the edge of the ice cover gradually shifts to the deepest water central region until mid-January, when frosty winters cause complete freeze-up, lasting until the end of February. In winters with frequent thaws, the lake partially freezes, and 20–40% of its surface above the greatest depths remains open. In such winters, the heat reserve of the main water mass is minimal, and its spring-summer heating is longer.

The mineralization of the main water mass is low (64 mg/l), the Svirskaya is even less, the Vuoksinskaya is half as much, and the Volkhovskaya is 1.5 times more. Over the last 30 years of the 20th century. The salinity of the lake waters increased by 16% due to natural causes and wastewater pollution. The composition of the water is hydrocarbonate-sulfate-calcium, the water is transparent, due to which the development of plankton is possible to a depth of 8–12 m. In the Volkhov Bay, the transparency of polluted water is half as much. The oxygen content in Ladoga water is high, and in its surface layer there was even a supersaturation with oxygen released during the proliferation of microalgae. Self-purification of water masses is facilitated by coastal thickets of higher aquatic vegetation (more than 100 species), mainly reeds, occupying about 5% of the area of ​​shallow waters. In total, about 600 species of aquatic plants and 400 species of aquatic animals were found in Lake Ladoga, many of which feed on phytoplankton, bacteria and other organic particles that pollute the water. The ichthyofauna is very diverse (53 species and varieties), consisting of salmon, lake trout, lake whitefish, pike perch, vendace, etc., the total biomass is estimated at 140 kg/ha. Atlantic sturgeon and Volkhov whitefish are listed in the Red Book of Russia. The most fish-producing shallow waters to a depth of 10–15 m in the southern region, where fishing is carried out, and the least fish-producing northern skerries. There are no commercial aggregations of fish deeper than 40–50 m.

Lake Ladoga serves as a source of water supply for St. Petersburg, a waterway to the White Sea-Baltic and Volga-Baltic shipping canals. In 1976–1983 The anthropogenic impact on the lake has sharply increased due to the development of industry and agriculture in the territory of Lake Ladoga’s own catchment area and its coast. In order to reduce pollution of lake waters in 1986, north of the mouth of the river. In Vuoksi, the large Priozersk pulp and paper mill was closed, after which there was a tendency to reduce the content of polluting organic substances and phosphorus in the water, which causes water blooms - the proliferation of blue-green algae. Started in 1957, regular studies of the water regime, the chemical composition of water and the ecological state of lake water masses are ongoing.

On the shores of Lake Ladoga are the cities of Priozersk, Novaya Ladoga, Shlisselburg in the Leningrad region, Sortavala, Pitkyaranta, Lakhdenpokhya in the Republic of Karelia.

Lake Ladoga - the largest freshwater lake in Europe - is located in the north-west of Russia, in a harsh region with majestic nature and rich history. It was here that Russian statehood was born and the first Russian cities appeared.

The history of the lake, the unique and rich nature - all this makes Lake Ladoga a most valuable cultural object and a beautiful corner of Russia.

Origin of the lake

The lake was formed by the melting of a glacier, and this process lasted several thousand years. Repeatedly giant lake first it merged with the waters of the ancient ocean, then again it found itself surrounded by the firmament. Finally, about three thousand years ago, the pond, crowded by its banks, broke through to the Baltic Sea by the Neva River.

The gradual formation of the lake was reflected in the unique bottom topography: if in the northern part of the lake the depth reaches 230 m, then in the “shallow” southern part it is 20-70 m. The difference in landscape is also explained by the reservoir’s belonging to different natural zones. The Karelian (northern) coast lies on the Baltic crystalline shield, it is steep and rocky. The southern coast, located in the Leningrad region, consists of sedimentary rocks. The coast gently goes under the water, forming sandbanks and beaches.

Lake Ladoga on the map looks like the footprint of some giant beast. The length of the reservoir from north to south is 219 km, and from west to east – 138 km. The huge area of ​​the lake is over 18,000 square meters. km – holds about 900 cubic meters. km of water. More than 40 rivers and streams fill it with their waters, and only one - the deep Neva - flows out. Some rivers connect Lake Ladoga with other lakes - Onega, Ilmen, Saimaa.

There are many islands on the lake - more than 660. In the north of the lake are the famous Ladoga skerries - a magnificent necklace of a series of rocky islands separated by narrow straits. Main Diamond this stunning unique beauty natural phenomenon- the holy island of Valaam with the famous Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery.

History of the lake

Lake Ladoga occupies a special place in the history of our country. The name of the reservoir comes from the name of the ancient Russian city of Ladoga, but there is another version: on the contrary, the city is named after the lake. Until the 13th century, the lake was called “Great Lake Nevo.” In Finnish, the word “nevo” means “swamp”, “quagmire”.

Fateful events reflected in culture and history are associated with Lake Ladoga:

• the famous route from the Varangians to the Greeks passed through Ladoga;
• in the 14th century, Oreshek, the oldest Russian fortress, was built at the sources of the Neva;
• at the end of the 14th century, the largest Orthodox monasteries were built on the islands - Valaam and Konevsky, famous for their missionary activities;
• the Novgorodians kept a navy here;
• battles of the Northern War of 1701-1721 took place on the lake and its shores;
• The road of life during the Second World War.

Since 1721, the coast of Lake Ladoga became completely Russian. Even then, Peter I appreciated the harsh nature of the lake, its treachery: complete calm in a few tens of minutes can give way to a real storm, and the waves rise to a height of 4-5 meters. Such inconstancy of the lake forced the Russian emperor to say the famous words that only the one who walked on Ladoga can be considered a real sailor.

The road of life

The history of the lake has tragic pages that evoke tears of joy and grief at the same time - this is a heroic chronicle of the salvation of hundreds of thousands of human lives from besieged Leningrad during the Great Patriotic War.

The road of life across Lake Ladoga connected the dying city with the country and saved it from death. Between September 1941 and March 1944, 1,600 thousand tons of various cargo were transported across the water and ice of the lake and more than 1,300 thousand people were evacuated.

In winter, goods and people were transported on the famous “one and a half trucks” - GAZ-AA. With the melting of the ice, navigation by water began. In addition to 15 barges, metal ships took part in the navigation, the construction of which was carried out in Leningrad.

The road of life passed near the front line and needed protection. It was defended by anti-aircraft artillery divisions and fighter regiments, but thin ice and bombing destroyed about a thousand trucks.

In memory of the feat of the Soviet people on the Road of Life, 7 monuments, 112 memorial pillars along the highway and railway. The most famous of the monuments is “The Broken Ring” by architect V. G. Filippov.

Why you need to visit Lake Ladoga

Ladoga is one of the many water bodies in our country, visiting which will bring great pleasure. From year to year, in any season, thousands of fishermen, pilgrims and simply vacationers flock to the shores of the lake. Each of them has their own interests, but no one is left indifferent by the stunning beauty of the water surface, quaint islands, majestic shores and, of course, the harsh character of the lake. You need to make friends with him, and then your relationship with the lake will last for many years, bringing a lot of impressions.

So why is it worth visiting the shores? wonderful lake? Here are probably the main reasons:

1. . The lake is home to over 50 species of fish, the most famous of which are salmon, whitefish, Ladoga smelt, and pike perch. You can fish at any time of the year with consistently excellent results.
2. Rich flora and fauna. The nature of Lake Ladoga is unique and diverse: here you can find southern plant species and tundra flora; Hares, wolves, bears, moose and other species of animals live in the forests, and the Ladoga seal lives in the north of the lake.
3. Diving. Thanks to the fresh and clean water and its low temperature, the artifacts of bygone times lying on the bottom are perfectly preserved and are of scientific and research interest.
4. Curious natural phenomena: mirages, brontides (underground rumble).
5. Visiting holy places.
6. Developed tourist infrastructure.
7. Relax on sandy beaches.
8. Complete absence of mosquitoes.

Lake Ladoga - mysterious, majestic and beautiful, will always attract thousands of tourists eager to experience its harsh beauty. The wealth of waters and shores, the bizarre landscape and history of the lake stuns the imagination and fills hearts with love for Russia, its nature and culture.