Where does the good go. Ladoga lake

The basin of Lake Ladoga is of glacial-tectonic origin. In the Paleozoic 300 - 400 million years ago, the entire territory of the modern basin of Lake Ladoga was covered by the sea. Sedimentary deposits of that time are sandstones, sands, clays, limestones - they cover with a thick layer (over 200 m) a crystalline foundation consisting of granites, gneisses and diabases.

The modern relief was formed as a result of the activity of the ice sheet (the last, Valdai glaciation ended about 12 thousand years ago). The main factor was: the change in the level of the world ocean, the water of the glacier and its weight - the rise of the land began (and continues). After the retreat of the glacier about 12,600 years ago, a fresh Baltic glacial lake was formed with a level of 25 meters above the ocean. About 10-9.6 thousand years ago, the waters of the lake broke through in the region of central Sweden and the Yoldian Sea was formed, the level of which was 7-9 m higher than the modern level of the Baltic Sea.

Approximately 9500 years ago, the rise of the land blocked the strait in Central Sweden and formed Lake Ancylus. In the north of the Karelian Isthmus, it was connected by a wide strait to Lake Ladoga. The Mga River at that time flowed to the east and flowed into the lake in the area of ​​the modern source of the Neva.

Approximately 8500 years ago, tectonic processes open the Danish straits and the Litorin Sea is formed. Although the water level was much higher than the current one, it was lower than in Antsil Lake. This led to the formation of the Karelian Isthmus, and the formation of Lake Ladoga.

How long the lake was completely isolated is unknown - the water level in the lake rises faster than the land rises, and when the level of Ladoga exceeded the watershed level, the lake waters, flooding the Mga river valley, broke into the Tosna river valley.

Thus, about 4 thousand years ago, a new strait arose between Lake Ladoga and the Gulf of Finland, which became the valley of the Neva River. The old strait in the north of the Karelian Isthmus by this time was already above the level of the lake. The relief has not changed significantly for the last 2.5 thousand years.

The northern part of Lake Ladoga lies on the Baltic Crystalline Shield, the southern part lies on the East European Platform. In the areas closest to Ladoga, the southern border of the shield runs approximately along the line Vyborg - Priozersk - the mouth of the Vidlitsa River - the source of the Svir River.

The crystalline basement of the Northern Ladoga area belongs to the ancient primary basement of Fennoscandia and was formed about 2000 million years ago. These are the oldest geological formations on Earth. Over millions of years, the ancient mountains of Svekokarelida have flattened into picturesque hills, rocks and cliffs. The depression of Lake Ladoga was formed in the Tertiary period as a result of a powerful geological fault. At the same time, as a result of faults, the formation of the archipelago and the coastal part of the northwestern shore of Lake Ladoga took place. 12 thousand years ago, after the departure of the glacier, almost the entire surface of the Ladoga region was under the water of the ancient Baltic glacial lake. The climate, water level and salinity of the lake gradually changed. About 4000 - 3000 years ago the formation of the Neva took place and the level of Lake Ladoga dropped by 10 meters.

At the end of the 9th century AD. a change in the hydrography of the region (a decrease in the level of the Baltic and, accordingly, of Lake Ladoga), led to a simultaneous process of shallowing of the rivers of the Ladoga basin, including the Volkhov with tributaries.

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rice. 4 Antsyl Lake includes Ladoga 9500 years ago. The lake's outflow to the ocean is marked.

32 rivers flow directly into Lake Ladoga - more than 10 km long, the largest rivers flowing into Lake Ladoga include: r. Svir flowing from Lake Onega, r. Vuoksa, originating in Finland, r. Volkhov, flowing from Lake Ilmen, r. Syas and others.

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rice. 5 The Svir River - Podporozhsky district in the NE part of the Leningrad region.

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rice. 6 Svir River, rapids.

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rice. 7 Sandy banks of the Svir River.

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rice. 8 River Vuoksa.

The Vuoksa River is mentioned in the Novgorod chronicles. People lived in the vicinity of the river since prehistoric times - sites of the Stone Age period were found here, there is a mention of Vuoksa in the ancient epic "Kalevala". In the distant era of Tsar Ivan the Terrible, the Vuoksa River is mentioned as a place of congress for solving state issues.

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pic 9 Vuoksa near Melnikovo.

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rice. 10 A dam on the Vuoksa River in Imatra.

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rice. 11 Priozersk Vuoksa river.

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rice. 12 Upper reaches of the Volkhov River.

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rice. 13 The Volkhov River in the St. Ladogi and Lyubsha (Chernavino-5), mounds in the "tract of the hill".

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rice. 14 The Volkhov River - not far from the mouth.

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rice. 14 river Syas.

Lake Ladoga - Nevo.

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rice. 16 ladozhskoe lake.

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rice. 17 Landscapes of Lake Ladoga.

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rice. 18 Lake Ladoga - shores.

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rice. 19 Lake Ladoga - breaker.

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rice. 20 Lake Ladoga - forest.

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rice. 21 Lake Ladoga - silence.

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rice. 22 Lake Ladoga - autumn.

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rice. 23 Rocky shores of Lake Ladoga.

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rice. 24 Lynx rock, pos. Vartsila, Northern Ladoga.

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rice. 25 Ruskeala, former marble quarry. Height of rocks: 30 - 40 m, Northern Ladoga area.

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rice. 26 Lake Ladoga - stones.

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rice. 27 A boulder near Vidlitsa is a river in Karelia, near Ladoga.

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rice. 28 On the islands of Lake Ladoga.

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rice. 29 Cape Rahaniemi. Radiance August 18, 2003.

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rice. 30 Gorskii Staraya Ladoga canal photo 1909

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Figure 31 Korela Fortress in Priozersk.

Korela (Swedish Kexholm, Finnish Käkisalmi "Cuckoo Strait") is a stone fortress in the city of Priozersk, on the island of the Vuoksa River. Medieval Korela was the most northwestern city of Russia. The fortress was founded at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries. Novgorodians on the island of the river Uzerva(Vuokse)to protect the northwestern borders of the republic from the Swedes.

Priozersk - [Karelian. Kagoisalmi, Fin. Käkisalmi - "Cuckoo Strait", Swedish. Kexholm - "cuckoo island"] - the administrative center of the Priozersky district of the Leningrad region. The city is located on the Karelian Isthmus, along the banks of the northern branch of the Vuoksa River, between Lake Ladoga and Lake Vuoksa. Until the beginning of the 17th century, it was the center of the Korelsky land, the Korelsky district of the Vodskaya Pyatina. From the 14th century to 1611 the city was known as Korela. From 1580 to 1595 and from 1611 to 1918 the city was called Kexholm. Since 1918, the city, which was part of Finland that gained independence, began to be called Käkisalmi. In 1940, after the Soviet-Finnish war, the city went to the Soviet Union, the name Kexholm was returned. In 1941-1944, during the Soviet-Finnish war, the city was occupied by Finnish troops and was called Käkisalmi. In 1944, after the Moscow armistice, the city was ceded to the Soviet Union for the second time. In 1948 it was renamed Priozersk.)

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rice. 32 Fortress Oreshek - Orekhovy Island, (fin. Pähkinäsaari) - a small island at the source of the Neva. The main attraction is the ancient Novgorod fortress of the XIV century Oreshek.

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pic 33 Map of the encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron. Ladoga lake. (clickable)

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Ladoga lake is the largest freshwater lake on the European continent. For Russia, this lake is of great industrial, ecological and historical importance. Another version of the name - Ladoga.

If you look at the map, you can see that the shores of Lake Ladoga belong to two Russian regions: the Republic of Karelia and the Leningrad Region. That is, located in the European part of the country.
On the north side Ladoga the shores are high, rocky, their relief is quite indented, which explains the presence of a large number of peninsulas, bays, and small islands. From the south of Ladoga, the lake is surrounded by low, gently sloping, more even shores. The largest bays are also located here: Volkhovskaya, Svirskaya, Shlisselburgskaya bays. The eastern coast is also not very indented, there are sandy beaches here. In the west, the coastline is almost flat. Mixed forests, bushes grow here, near the water on land there are many large stones, which also cover the bottom under water for a rather long distance.
Bring their waters into Ladoga lake 35 rivers, and only one flows out. The largest river that brings water is the Svir. What river flows out of Lake Ladoga? This is the famous Neva, on which stands the second most important city of the Russian Federation - St. Petersburg. Some rivers bring water into Ladoga from other lakes, such as Onega or Ilmen.
There are a large number of islands on the lake - at least five hundred. The largest islands Ladoga together they form the Valaam archipelago. The largest single island is Riekkalansari. Also a large island is Konevets, where a famous monastery was built, just like on Valaam.

Dimensions, lengths and depth of Ladoga

The depth of Lake Ladoga is uneven throughout its territory - it increases from south to north. The maximum depth of Lake Ladoga is 233 m. The average figure is much lower - 50 m. In the north of Lake Ladoga, its depth varies from 70 to 230 m, and in the south - from 20 to 70.
The area of ​​Ladoga is 17.87 thousand square meters. km. The volume of water in Lake Ladoga is 838 cubic meters. km. The length from north to south of the lake is 219 km, at its widest point Ladoga stretches for 125 km.

Climatic features of the area

Lake Ladoga has a generally temperate climate. In the geographical area where Lake Ladoga is located, not so much sunlight penetrates during the year. Therefore, the evaporation of water from Ladoga is rather slow. Most of the days of the year it is cloudy and overcast.
Between the end of May and the middle of July, Lake Ladoga you can observe the famous phenomenon of "white nights", when at night the sun practically does not set below the horizon.
Throughout the year, western and southwestern winds blow on Ladoga. In winter, Lake Ladoga freezes until the end of spring, but is completely covered with ice only in the coldest winters. Such a long glaciation affects the water temperature throughout the rest of the year. The average water temperature here is low: at a depth it stays at 4 ° C, and on the surface Lake Ladoga depending on the time of year and site, it can be in the range from 2 ° C to 24 ° C. The water is not as clear as on Baikal, but this may be due to the fact that many species of algae, small plankton live in it, and constant storms disturb its surface, whipping foam.

History of Lake Ladoga

Lake Ladoga was formed as a result of the melting of glaciers and over the course of several thousand years its outlines were formed and changed.
Until the 13th century, the lake was called Nevo, which, apparently, was directly related to the name of the Neva River. Then it was named Lake Ladoga, taking over the name from the city of Ladoga located here. Many objects in this area have names originating from the Karelian language. But the most likely explanation for the name "Ladoga" is Finnish versions - from the ancient words for water or the concept of "lower", which are consonant with Ladoga. The name Nevo also has Finnish roots and can mean "swamp". It is possible that in those days the lake gave a reason to call itself that way, in this area there are many traces of swamps.
On Lake Ladoga, starting from the 9th century, from Scandinavia, across Europe to the country of Byzantium, the water part of the route “From the Varangians to the Greeks” passed. In the 8th century, the city of Ladoga was built here, and soon other cities and fortresses began to appear here. At the end of the 14th century, the famous Valaam Monastery was founded on the islands of the same name. Until now, its buildings are the pearl of wooden architecture.
For many years there was a war with the Swedish state for part of the land lying on the lake. Nevertheless, Peter I managed to achieve that Ladoga became Russian. In 1721, according to an agreement with the Swedes concluded after the war, the coast of Lake Ladoga was completely ceded to Russia.
To make navigation on Ladoga more accessible, a canal was built here.
During the difficult war years from 1939 to 1944. the Ladoga flotilla was based in Lake Ladoga, fighting in its waters. In 1941–1944 more than half of the coast of Lake Ladoga was occupied by enemy troops. From September 1941 to March 1943, the “Road of Life” passed along the ice of Ladoga - the only way along which it was possible to deliver provisions and necessary things to besieged Leningrad. The evacuation of people was also organized through it, in total, about 1.3 million people took advantage of the evacuation.
Thus, Ladoga is a lake that has a special significance for Russian history.

Ecology of Lake Ladoga

Basically, the waters of Ladoga are very clean, but there are problem areas. This is largely due to the development of industrial zones near Lake Ladoga as well as the aftermath of World War II. During the war, radioactive weapons were tested in this area and on some islands. Including studied the reaction of animals to the consequences of its use. In addition, a lot of sunken military ships, aircraft with ammunition create an unfavorable radiation background.
The number of contaminated sites is on the rise. Approximately 600 industrial enterprises operate on the banks of Ladoga, which pollute the air, dump production waste into the Ladoga River and others, which then bring them into the lake. By the way, the correct answer to the question - Ladoga - is it a river or a lake, that it is both. There is a river, and also a city with that name. At the same time, historians claim that at first the river got its name, then the city, and only after that Lake Nevo was renamed.
Pollution of Lake Ladoga today is considered to be at a moderate level. In some places, there is an excess of radiation standards - where supplies were previously tested, as well as those closest to nuclear and other industrial enterprises.

Nature and fauna of Lake Ladoga

The nature of Lake Ladoga is very beautiful, this place is very famous among tourists, travelers as a place for recreation and hiking. Majestic rocks, mountains, pine forests - all this creates a unique image of this place. Rare plants and animals are found in various reserves of Ladoga. Despite the difficult climate, even some southern plant species grow here, and in the north - typical representatives of the tundra (saxifrage). Forests on Lake Ladoga are not only coniferous, but also broad-leaved - with maples, elms.
Fauna Lake Ladoga includes representatives of the taiga: foxes, wolves, hares, bears, etc. There is also an original animal, which is found only here - the Ladoga seal. The animal, which is more characteristic of the seas, feels great in the fresh water of Ladoga.
Approximately 50 species of fish live in Lake Ladoga. The most popular among fishermen and industrialists can be called smelt, pike perch.

Rest on Lake Ladoga

Around Lake Ladoga you can find places for recreation for every taste and for any purpose: recreational, hiking, entertaining. Fishing enthusiasts can often be found here. Everything you need for such activities is located at the recreation centers, including almost every one of them has instructors who will teach you the intricacies of this or that type of pastime.
People like to go diving here because of the large number of finds that can be found at the bottom and simply beautiful underwater views. You can also choose to relax on the beach when the weather permits.
Excursions are also organized to the natural and historical sights of Ladoga, for example, structures left after the war, old fortresses or mountain peaks.

Attractions on Lake Ladoga

It is worth talking about the sights of Lake Ladoga separately. Here is, for example, an interesting Nizhnesvirsky Reserve with beautiful views of almost untouched nature. It is home to a huge number of bird species and many animals.
Valaam Island on Ladoga with the monastery of the same name is of historical, cultural and architectural value. Not to mention the fact that pilgrims come here from all over Russia and beyond.
The memorial complex dedicated to the Road of Life tells the story of the heroic feat of people who made trips on the ice of Lake Ladoga in the most dangerous conditions, risking falling through the ice or being fired upon by the enemy. Nevertheless, they went for it in order to save the lives of the inhabitants of the city, who survived the terrible blockade.
Also of historical and cultural interest on Lake Ladoga are the cities of Shlisselburg founded by Peter I, with the fortress Oreshek, Novaya Ladoga.

Lake Ladoga in works of art

Ladoga is a lake, which is reflected in folk legends and examples of folk art of various peoples who lived here. Basically, these are Karelian and Russian epics.
The famous Karelian folk composition "Kalevala", which was once passed from mouth to mouth, describes the events that took place in the north of Lake Ladoga.
Constantine Roerich in his youth made an expedition along the rivers flowing into Lake Ladoga and to the lake itself. Since 1916, he lived in this area for two years, created several paintings, sketches, poems and fairy tales here.
Due to its amazing nature, Lake Ladoga inspired, first of all, painters who admired the local colors and landscapes. Many painted the Valaam Monastery, as its buildings looked especially impressive and mysterious against the backdrop of majestic nature. The lake with the sonorous name Ladoga also evoked fairy tales. Here worked such masters of painting as F. A. Vasiliev, A. I. Kuindzhi, N. K. Roerich, I. I. Shishkin.

industry on the lake

The lake is used for the passage of ships, whose routes along it are segments of the Volga-Baltic route and the White Sea-Baltic Canal. The weather on the lake is very changeable and ships are often threatened by storms, high waves, so navigation is periodically suspended. Once upon a time, there was even a common expression that if a sailor did not sail on Ladoga, then he was not yet a real sailor. Such a phenomenon as complete calm is quite rare on this lake.
Various industrial cargoes and building materials are transported along Lake Ladoga. Passenger ships and cruise liners also go here, for the most part these are tourist routes.
On an industrial scale, about 10 species of fish are caught here, such as smelt, pike perch, and whitefish. Not far from the lake there are industrial enterprises: a paper and pulp plant, aluminum, oil and chemical industries, and so on.

Secrets and secrets that the bottom of Lake Ladoga keeps

At the bottom of the lake there are many interesting researchers and lovers of various mysteries and secrets of things. Of course, the greatest success is considered to find something very ancient, dating back to the Vikings. But most often find artifacts that have remained since the Second World War. They are better preserved and easier to find. For example, the sights of that time that attracted extreme tourists and divers include the so-called "Death Bay", the bottom of which is practically covered with shell casings, since a fierce battle took place here in 1941.
Amateur divers find sunken ships, wartime planes. Unlike sea water, fresh water does not destroy and spoil sunken things so much, which is why the finds of Lake Ladoga are so attractive.

The nature of the North-Western part of Russia is amazingly attractive. The discreet beauty of the taiga landscapes is replaced by vast swamps rich in cranberries and cloudberries. Elevated areas are decorated with small-leaved forests and spruce forests. But the unique charm of this region of Russian nature is given by the mirror-like surface of numerous lakes.

Ladoga lake- the largest in Europe, the length of which is 219 km with the greatest width - 138 km. The northern and eastern parts of the reservoir belong to Karelia. The western, southeastern and southern shores of Lake Ladoga are located in the Leningrad Region. Ladoga contains 908 km³ of water. Replenishment of water resources occurs at the expense of 35 flowing rivers. One river flows out of Lake Ladoga - the Neva.

The area of ​​Lake Ladoga is 18135 km², the length of the coastline is 1570 km. The bottom relief is characterized by sharp drops in the north and a more gentle character in the south. The values ​​of the depths of Lake Ladoga are very diverse: from 60–220 m in the northern part and from 15–70 m in the southern part. Usually, the steeper and higher the coast, the greater the depths observed near them. Near the Valaam archipelago, the maximum depth of Lake Ladoga was recorded - 233 meters.

Islands of Lake Ladoga

There are about five hundred large and small islands in the waters of Lake Ladoga. The largest of them make up the Valaam archipelago. Famous in the Orthodox world, the Konevets monastery on Lake Ladoga was erected on another large island - Konevets, about 600 years ago. Some islands are separated from each other by small straits - the famous skerries of Ladoga, which give this region a unique beauty.

History of Lake Ladoga - historical references, the "road of life", finds and artifacts

Ladoga is present on one of the first geographical maps of the Moscow state, compiled in 1544 by the German cartographer Sebastian Munster.

The first detailed map of Lake Ladoga was compiled by the Admiralty Department in 1812.

For Russia, Ladoga was of strategic importance: an important part of the waterway "from the Varangians to the Greeks" passed through its expanses in the 9th century. A documentary mention of the “great Lake Nevo” (as Lake Ladoga was called in the old days) is first found in the Old Russian chronicle of 1228. The first capital before Kievan Rus was located near the confluence of the Volkhov River into Lake Ladoga.

Novgorodians kept merchant ships and a military flotilla on Ladoga. Many pages of the Petrine era are closely connected with this lake. The local lands are witnesses of the glorious battles on Lake Ladoga during the Great Northern War.

"The road of life"

During World War II, from 1941 to 1944, most of the coast of Lake Ladoga was under German-Finnish occupation. Residents of cities and villages were actually cut off from the world. And only in the southwestern part of Ladoga there was communication with the Soviet troops. This "road of life" functioned from September 1941 to March 1943. The path connected the residents of besieged Leningrad with the rest of the country. The "Road of Life" began from the port of Osinovets on Lake Ladoga, and ended at the docks of Leningrad. In summer, by water, and in winter, along the ice road, food, medicines and essentials were transported to the city under a hail of enemy shells. In total, during the existence of the “road of life”, 1.6 million tons of various cargo were transported, which allowed the inhabitants of Leningrad to hold out until the blockade was lifted. But food was brought along this path and people were taken out. Approximately 1,400 people were evacuated in this way. At the place where the "road of life" ran, 7 monuments and 102 memorial pillars were installed. All of them are included in the Green Belt of Glory.

Finds at the bottom of Lake Ladoga

The bottom of Ladoga still keeps numerous interesting and valuable artifacts from different eras. The ancient Vikings, soldiers of the Northern and Great Patriotic Wars, left their mark. Of course, first of all, Lake Ladoga hides the traces of the Second World War. A vivid example of this is "Death Bay". In this place in August 1941 there was an urgent evacuation of rifle and motorized Soviet divisions. For two weeks, under fierce artillery and mortar fire, the ships were removed from the shore of the fighters. The small bay was literally bombarded with shells. Until now, the entire bottom of the lake is covered with a layer of shells, shell fragments and iron.

For more than ten years, the project "Secrets of sunken ships" has been carried out throughout the entire territory of Lake Ladoga. The participants in this project are compiling a register in which they enter a description of the sunken ships and aircraft found. Thanks to the fresh cold water of Ladoga, all objects are perfectly preserved at the bottom. They are of great interest to diving enthusiasts.

Lake Ladoga on the map of Russia and the depth map

The historical name of Lake Ladoga is Nevo. The reservoir is located on the border of two regions. The southwestern part is located in the Leningrad region, and the northeastern part is in the Republic of Karelia. The area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe reservoir is very large, therefore it is conventionally divided into parts. The northern Ladoga area belongs to southern Karelia, two districts of the Leningrad region are considered southern - Volkhovsky and Kirovsky. Lake Ladoga is also divided into the eastern and western Ladoga: the Olonets region of the Republic of Karelia and the Karelian Isthmus, respectively.

On the shores of Lake Ladoga in the Republic of Karelia are the cities of Sortavala, Lahdenpokhya, Pitkyaranta. From the side of the Leningrad region there are also large settlements - the cities of Priozersk, Shlisselburg and Novaya Ladoga. Many small and large tributaries flow into the lake, and only one river flows out of it - Velikaya Neva. In the southern part of the reservoir there are three beautiful large bays. These are the Shlisselburg, Svir and Volkhov bays.

Geographic map

Map of the depths of Lake Ladoga

The relief of the bottom of Lake Ladoga is heterogeneous. The depth gradually increases from south to north. In the northern part, the bottom surface is uneven, there are many depressions and underwater rocks. Depths of 100 meters or more prevail. In the north of Ladoga, the largest

the depth of the lake, which is 230 meters. The depth of the depression opposite the Kurkijoki skerries reaches 220 meters.

In the southern part of Ladoga, the bottom topography is smoothed. There are no deep depressions and sharp drops. Depths fluctuate between 25–50 meters. But this is not particularly noticeable, because the bottom relief is even, without rocks and pits. Closer to the center of the lake, the depth has an average value of 50 meters.

Climate and weather on Lake Ladoga

The climate on Ladoga is humid and mild, close to the sea. Winter, although cold, passes without severe frosts, summer is cool. Ice binds the lake at the end of October and stays until the beginning of May, and the central part of Ladoga does not freeze every winter. The greatest thickness of ice is observed in the bays - 30–60 cm.

The average annual water temperature in Lake Ladoga is 3.5 °C. This reservoir is characterized by the presence of a thermal front with warmer water in spring and autumn, gradually moving from coastal shallow areas to the center of the lake. On the warmer southern coast, the water in Lake Ladoga warms up to +20 °C, although at the same time, at depths, the thermometer does not show temperatures above +4 °C. The thermal front is detected by the formation of a strip of foam with floating debris and flocks of gulls that prey on small fish.

The weather is notable for its inconsistency - a complete calm in just half an hour is replaced by a real storm. On Ladoga, with strong winds, waves reach 4 meters in height, and near Valaam Island, a wave 7.5 meters high was recorded. numerous protruding cans and ridges, takes on the character of a disorderly crowd. The instability of weather conditions is associated with a sudden invasion of cold air masses from the Arctic. The insidious nature of the unrest on Lake Ladoga caused the death of a huge number of ships and small boats.

In 2002, they launched the expeditionary research project "Secrets of Sunken Ships", whose experts identified more than 10 thousand objects that sank in Ladoga and the Gulf of Finland. Most of the finds at the bottom of Lake Ladoga, thanks to fresh water and low temperatures, have been preserved in surprisingly good condition and are of great interest to scientists and treasure hunters.

Unusual natural phenomena on Ladoga

Some local places are characterized by unusual natural phenomena, which gave rise to many legends of Lake Ladoga. In clear warm weather, mirages can suddenly appear above the water surface - imaginary outlines of distant islands, coastal buildings, sailing ships.

Another unique phenomenon is brontides. A distinct rumble is heard from underground on the shore or directly from the lake, accompanied by a slight vibration of the earth or the seething of waters. More often this phenomenon is observed near about. Balaam. Scientists explain this interesting phenomenon by tectonic movements occurring at the bottom of the lake.

Nature of Lake Ladoga: animals, plants and fish

Many sites near Lake Ladoga have been preserved in their original beauty. In the picturesque faults of severe rocks, the ancient history of this region is visible. Islands, rocky shoals, mountain slopes covered with pine forests were once covered by the waters of a prehistoric sea that stretched north to the ocean.

Rare species of flora and fauna are found in the protected areas of Lake Ladoga. On the picturesque slopes of the reef mountains facing south, southern plant species unusual for these latitudes (linear onion, sand carnation) grow. The northern areas on the shores of Lake Ladoga are chosen by tundra plants: snow saxifrage and alpine saxifrage. At the foot of the mountains, representatives of broad-leaved forests feel good: Norway maple and elm (mountain elm). Numerous edges of spruce forests in June adorn purple aconites with their flowering.

Animals common to the taiga zone are found on Ladoga: foxes, elks, hares, wolves, bears, etc. The gently sloping rocks in the north are a rookery for a very rare species - the Ladoga seal. This marine mammal has adapted to the conditions of a freshwater lake. The Ladoga seal reaches 130 cm in length and 50–70 kg of weight. The skin of this animal is decorated with a pattern of pale rings (ringed is another name for the seal). In February-March, they prepare holes in the snow hummocks, where the female gives birth to one 4-kilogram cub. When the lake is freed from the ice cover, flocks of seals come to the shores of the Valaam archipelago.

Fish that live in the lake

The ichthyofauna of Lake Ladoga is represented by more than 50 species of fish, including whitefish and salmon. About half of the commercial production on Ladoga is accounted for by pike perch, whitefish and smelt. And also of commercial importance are: cyprinids (roach, bream, ide), perch, vendace, pike, trout, ruff. It is found in the local waters of lamprey (brook and river), silver bream, blue bream. The main commercial fish, zander, lives on Ladoga in the shallower southern half of the lake. Often it reaches here 8 kg of weight. Ladoga salmon prefers the northern depths of Ladoga, and for spawning it goes along the rivers flowing into Lake Ladoga (Burnaya, Vidlitsa, Svir). And also in the northern regions of the lake, the Baltic sturgeon, char, and occasionally sterlet are found.

Fishing on Lake Ladoga - winter ice and open water

You can return from Ladoga with significant catches all year round. The content of oxygen dissolved in Ladoga water approaches 100%, so the period of "deafness" is not observed here, and this Lake Ladoga compares favorably with most inland water bodies.

Winter ice fishing on Ladoga

Winter on this lake is the fishing season, but also quite dangerous. Strong winds can cause fast ice to break. Sometimes huge fields of ice in a squally wind crumble into small ice floes in a short time.

The distances here are long, so good fishing is impossible without a snowmobile or a car. Completely Ladoga is very rarely covered with ice, and usually strong ice forms along the perimeter of the coast no further than 10–15 km. But even this distance is quite enough for effective fishing. Perch and roach prefer to stay at a depth of 3–6 m in winter, and for this, most often it will be necessary to cut holes at an insignificant distance from the coast. Many anglers find pike on Ladoga in winter in shallow water overgrown with reeds, where the depth under the ice does not exceed 50 cm.

But the most interesting fishing on Ladoga in winter is perch fishing on a vertical lure. Perch lives here both small (up to 200 g) and quite decent sizes (up to 800 g). Fishermen usually use soldered hook baubles or baubles with jig hooks suspended on a chain.

Fishing on Lake Ladoga in open water

Trolling on Ladoga

Lake Ladoga is rich in fish. It is caught in different ways: both on a float and on spinning from the shore. But the most exciting is trolling fishing. Most of all, large pike and pike perch are caught on the bait, but if you're lucky, you can also fish out Ladoga salmon. If we talk about trolling, then this type of fishing is not only the most sporting, but also productive. All because it is possible to hold a wobbler or other bait over a large area of ​​the reservoir. You can change the level of penetration of the bait and thereby catch different depths. And the most important thing is that there is an opportunity to visit in search of a worthy trophy those parts of the lake where there is a regular bite, but there is no possibility of approach from the shore. You can troll on Ladoga day and night.

In the north of Ladoga in Karelia, salmon are caught at various depths, from 10 to 70 meters. It depends on the area of ​​the reservoir. The main thing is to constantly monitor the nature of the bottom and baits, since here in a matter of minutes the depth can change from 40 to 4 meters. Fishing is also complicated by the regular need to change the level of penetration of the wobbler, which is not required when fishing in the southern part of the lake.

When trolling for pike or zander, two to twelve spinning rods are used. The more baits, the better the bite. This is due to the fact that wobblers imitate the movement of a small flock. And this, of course, will arouse the interest of the predator. A trolling rod is different from a standard spinning rod. First, it must have a long and strong handle. Secondly, it is desirable to have a slightly larger number of guides, from 12 to 14. This will help to more evenly distribute the load on the rod. Thirdly, the length of the spinning is important. It is best to give preference to a rod with a length of 2.1 or 2.4 meters, this will be quite enough.

Accordingly, it is no less important and correct to choose the bait. Predators of Ladoga are very capricious. So you never know what they will choose. The stock of all kinds of wobblers, silicone twisters and vibrotails should not be small. But we can say with confidence that the most catchy baits are from 8 to 12 cm long. The true skill of a fisherman is not at all to pick up a wobbler that resembles a fish as much as possible, but to teach it correctly.

Fishing on Ladoga in spring

On Ladoga, however, as well as on other water bodies, fish come to the shore in droves for spawning. Large roach begins to be caught when blocks of ice are still floating on the water surface. In the catch of fishermen of the "first turn" of roach, there are specimens of 0.8-1.2 kg. Over time, there are more fish, but a trifle begins to predominate in the catch. They catch roach with a float rod for maggot or cut worm at the edge of reed beds at the shallowest depths. Feeding fish does not make sense - the fish is busy looking for a place to spawn and forgets about hunger. It is much more important to actively search for fish.

Following the roach, silver bream and bream go to spawn, but their size and quantity are not of particular interest for fishing. Here is the pike zhor that follows this promises very interesting fishing. During this period, the spotted predator is successfully caught “overhand” near the southern shore of Lake Ladoga, in reed beds. During this period, 3–6 kg specimens are sometimes found. Pike can be caught not only near the shore in reeds, but also in open water, within 30–40 meters from coastal vegetation. Used for catching pike on Lake Ladoga, most often large turntables or spinners-non-hooks.

Fishing on Lake Ladoga during the White Nights

The greatest interest during this period is the night fishing for zander. On Ladoga, trolling enthusiasts ply along rocky ridges 3-10 km from the coast. Pike perch actively moves in all layers of water, so they catch it at the same time with several spinning rods, equipping them with wobblers with different depths. Running wobblers for Ladoga are favorites for hunting zander. The most versatile colors are "acid" and "blue back". The main catch is zander 1.5-5 kg, but 10 kg trophies can be found.

Large pike live on the same rocky ridges, but you can catch them with larger baits (8-11 cm Shad will do).

Fishing on Ladoga in summer

Perch at this time begins to hunt for grown fry. Throwback fishing enthusiasts arm themselves with a light spinning rod and go in search of a schooling perch. The easiest way to detect fattening perches is by gulls. If a flock is found, then the size of the catch can only be affected by the speed of the haul. The flock may go deep, but usually it will soon appear somewhere nearby, and fishing can be resumed. In this way, perches weighing up to 700 g are mined. Larger trophies can be taken by trolling.

When fishing from the shore, you can only count on the capture of "laces". Larger fish prefer not to approach the shore closer than 2–5 km in summer.

Trophy pike is better caught not on the ridges, where the bottom of Lake Ladoga has a complex relief, but on the "runs". Therefore, in the summer, many fishermen simply plow the expanses of Ladoga, equipping their fishing rods with large spoons or wobblers.

Autumn fishing on Ladoga

With a cold snap, large fish begin to come closer to the shores. At this time, you can "cherish" at 2-meter depths. And before freezing, they fish effectively, as in spring, near the reeds. Good results are demonstrated by large oscillating ultra-light spinners or white rubber of large sizes with minimal loading and a pair of tees. In reed windows, various non-hooks are more suitable for catching pike.

Rest on the shore of Lake Ladoga

A distinctive feature of staying on Ladoga is a fairly developed tourist infrastructure. There are many bases around Ladoga offering their services. Here, fishermen can find not only a place to sleep, but also rent a boat, some gear, get expert advice, as well as have a delicious dinner, take a steam bath. In addition to fishing, here you can make organized excursions to the historical sights of Lake Ladoga, go on a cruise on Lake Ladoga or take a walk for mushrooms and berries, ride horses or bike.

Recreation centers

The recreation center "13th Cordon" is located in the village of Salmi. There are seven two-story comfortable cottages at the disposal of vacationers (from 5500 rubles per room). On the territory of the "13th Cordon" there are: a swimming pool, a cafe, two baths.5-hour rental

Grizli boats will cost 4 thousand rubles, a three-seater motor boat - 2 thousand rubles. Trolling on a boat accompanied by a huntsman - 3 thousand rubles / hour.

The Mikli-Olgino farm belongs to the village of Miinala, Lakhdenpokhsky district, in the immediate vicinity of the skerries of Ladoga. Two comfortable wooden cottages (from 900 rubles per person) and a separate eight-bed house on the shore of Lake Ladoga (8 thousand rubles for the whole house) were built on the farm. There is a sauna, a summer cafe, a billiard room at the base, a pier is equipped, and free parking is provided. You can rent equipment, a boat, an ATV, a bicycle. Holidays on the farm will especially appeal to lovers of secluded places.

"Stormy Ladoga" refers to the Priozersky district, located at the mouth of the Burnaya River. Here, tourists are provided with rooms in a guest house (from 1 thousand rubles per person). There is a sauna, a shooting range, a children's playground, a sports ground at the base. You can rent a rowing boat for 500 rubles per day, going to Ladoga on a motor will cost 900 rubles per day or 300 rubles per hour. Many vacationers visit this base specifically to play paintball among real bunkers and pillboxes on the Mannerheim Line. In winter, there are exciting snowmobile safaris.

How to get to Lake Ladoga

It is more convenient for Muscovites to get to Lake Ladoga through St. Petersburg. You can choose the most suitable mode of transportation.

By train:

From St. Petersburg to the Ladoga Lake station, electric trains run from Finland Station (8 flights are made in summer). The trip will take 1 hour 20 minutes. Electric trains depart from the Baltic Station to the same station.

By car:

• Route 1: we leave St. Petersburg along M-18 Kola and keep the direction to A120, drive along A 120 to A-128.
• Route 2: we leave St. Petersburg along the Ryabovsky highway, then continue along Borisov Griv until the turn near the village. Vaganova we leave on A-128.

Minibuses from the Dybenko metro station regularly leave for Lake Ladoga.

By train:

From St. Petersburg to the northern regions of Lake Ladoga can be reached from the Ladozhsky railway station by direct trains. Destinations: Sortavala or Ilya Uuksu.

Photo of Lake Ladoga

The blue surface of the lake stretching far beyond the horizon... Fanciful boulders guarding the approaches to the forest... A scattering of picturesque islands overgrown with forest... The walls of an ancient monastery approaching the very water... Winding bays shrouded in mist of fog. All this is majestic and unique Ladoga.

One of the most beautiful places in Russia, Lake Ladoga, is located on the border of Karelia and the Leningrad region. Domes of churches on the islands, reflected in the blue surface of the water; age-old pines, slender masts, striving for the boundless heights of the sky; mossy boulders, imposingly lounging on the shore; waves breaking on the rocks attract the eye, making Ladoga attractive for tourists.

Lake Ladoga is located 70 km from St. Petersburg. Popular places: Lake Ladoga Beach, resort villages of Lake Ladoga and Morozov.

Here are a few ways to get to your destination:

1. Bus or taxi. The beach is located an hour's walk from the stops "Settlement Priladozhsky" or "Sinyavskaya poultry farm", along the route "Metro station" Dybenko Street "-settlement Priladozhsky". The trip will take one and a half hours.
2. Train. Departure from Finland and Baltic railway stations. Follow to the final station "Settlement Ladoga Lake". Then, without crossing the railway tracks, you need to go down from the platform and go along the path to the road, turn right, and follow it to the lake. Distance approximately 5 km. The main landmark is the Broken Ring memorial.
3. Automobile. A trip by car will make the trip exciting, and the choice of places to stay more extensive. There are plenty of things to see along the way. Distances and time spent to overcome it depends on the desire and capabilities of the traveler.

Below are some of the routes:

Origin of Lake Ladoga and its names

Lake Ladoga was formed under the influence of the movement of glaciers and tectonic changes in the earth's crust. Lake Nevo, under this name, it was first mentioned in documents dating back to the 12th century. Some Scandinavian documents testify to the existence of the reservoir Aldoga, which means "open space covered with water."

Until now, scientists have not come to a consensus on the origin of the name and offer two versions:

1. According to the German version- the first name was given to the lake from the Scandinavian "Aldauga" or "old reservoir". Confirmation is the name of the river Ladoga or Ladozhka in the modern version, as opposed to the word "Neva" or "new" according to some German dialects.
2. According to the adherents of the Finnish-Scandinavian origin, the first name was given to the river, the name of one of the tributaries flowing into the Volkhov River - "Alode-jogi" or "lower river". The settlement, formed on its coast, received the Scandinavian name Aldeigja, which eventually transformed into the Old Russian version - the city of Ladoga. The lake, on the coast of which it is located, became Ladoga.

Study and development of Lake Ladoga

Merchants interested in delivering goods from Novgorod to the cities of the Volga region and beyond became its first explorers. Ladoga appeared on handwritten maps in the 16th century. At the beginning of the 17th century, the first map of the reservoir itself was drawn, where its boundaries and the direction of the sea routes were schematically displayed.

From that moment until the creation of the USSR, the years of the study of Lake Ladoga went at a slow pace. Only two expeditions worked in XVII-XIX. Based on the data they received, more modern maps have been created with reference to latitude and longitude.

In the thirties of XX, an inventory of Lake Ladoga was carried out. Based on its results, a set of maps was formed, both for the entire reservoir and for individual bays, on a large scale. After the war, the work was continued by the Baltic Hydrographic Expedition. In the course of which, with the help of modern navigation and radar equipment, the existing directions were corrected. Currently, the study of the lake continues.

History of Lake Ladoga

The formation of Lake Ladoga began more than 14 thousand years ago with the retreat of the Valdai glacier. Intensive melting of ice over time led to the emergence of an independent reservoir. As the level of the world's oceans rose, Ladoga became part of the Baltic glacial lake.

Four millennia later, with the release of ice from the Karelian Isthmus and the central part of Sweden, the formation of straits on their territory, the level of the Baltic Lake dropped sharply. From that moment and for a thousand years, Lake Ladoga remained an independent body of water.

This was followed by another unification of the basins of the two lakes, caused by the rise in the level of Lake Antsylovo. With the formation of the Dana River, about 9,000 years ago, the final separation of Lake Ladoga took place. The formation of its basin lasted for seven thousand years and ended with the formation of the bed of the Neva River about two thousand years ago.

Physical and geographical characteristics of Lake Ladoga

Lake Ladoga is located in the north-west of the European part of Russia, and contains one of the largest reserves of fresh water in Europe - 838 thousand cubic meters. m.

Geographic features

The area of ​​the water surface is 17.8 thousand square meters. m., taking into account the numerous islands - 18.1 thousand square meters. m. The length of the lake is 219 km. The width is 83 m. But, in the widest place, taking into account the skerries, it reaches 125 km. The average depth is 50 m and differs sharply throughout the lake. From 40-50 m in the south, up to 230-250 m in the northwestern part.

The relief of the coast also varies by region. The northern and northwestern shores abound with skerries and fjords. Their shallows are covered with ancient boulders. The west coast is covered with pine forests, among which sandy beaches are hidden. The most transparent water in the north, in the waters of the Valaam Islands and reaches 8-10 m depending on the season, the lowest near the southern coast - up to 1 m.

Climate

Lake Ladoga is located in two climatic zones: temperate continental to temperate maritime.

Since the lake has a large extent from south to north, the weather in different parts of it can vary greatly. For example, average data are given for two favorite places for tourists: the resort village of Lake Ladoga and Valaam Island.

The village of Lake Ladoga:

Valaam Island:

Ladoga is never calm. Winds constantly blow over it, causing disturbances on the lake. Moreover, they are extremely unstable and prone to sudden changes in direction and speed. The most common are Western and Severo-Western.

Summer white nights, lasting about 50 days, make the lake especially beautiful. In winter, the northern lights can be seen above the lake.

Basin and islands

The water intake basin covers an area of ​​259 thousand square meters. km and includes more than 50 thousand lakes, 3.5 thousand rivers and many swamps. The exact number of islands in the waters of Lake Ladoga is unknown. Approximate number - 660. Of which, three-quarters are located off the northern coast. Some of them are single, some are united in archipelagos.

Flora and fauna

Lake Ladoga, due to its size, is located in two natural subzones at once. The northern coast is covered with dark spruce forests, their foothills are densely overgrown with moss, along with blueberries and lingonberries.

To the south, the spruce forest parted, pine forests begin to predominate. Deciduous trees appear in places. Moss is gradually replaced by a high grassy cover. The islands are rich in berries: blueberries, lingonberries, cloudberries. Also, you can not complain about the lack of mushrooms.

The cattail-covered southern shores provide shelter for many birds. Here nests are made by river ducks, common cranes, red-headed divers, sandpipers. The rocky shores attract white-tailed eagles and ospreys. Eagle owls and owls seek solitude in the taiga forests. Sea gulls and arctic terns hide in skerries.

Lake Ladoga is on the way of bird migration. At times, a real bird market gathers here. There are many freshwater fish in the lake. Expanse for lovers of fishing. Spinners will be happy to hunt pike, asp or zander and whitefish. Fans of fly fishing can try to catch salmon or trout.

There is also a representative from the Red Book. The ringed seal is the only marine mammal in freshwater.

Inflowing rivers

More than 30 rivers carry their waters to Lake Ladoga.

The largest of them:

Ecological state

Until the seventies of the last century, Lake Ladoga was considered one of the cleanest not only in the USSR, but also in Europe. He was awarded the 1st class. With the development of industry, the situation has changed. Today, in general, it belongs to the III class of moderately polluted lakes.

In some areas, the situation is even worse. A number of industrial and agricultural enterprises operate on the coast, dumping untreated effluents into the lake. On the islands of Heinäsenmaa and Konevets, studies of military radioactive substances and testing of chemical weapons were carried out.

The main environmental problems today are pollution with salts of heavy metals, microbial damage. On some islands there is an increased level of radiation.

How Lake Ladoga is used

The lake is used for navigation, fishing and tourist services.

Shipping is carried out for the purpose of transporting goods and passengers within the Volga-Baltic and White Sea-Baltic canals. Among the main cargoes: oil, chemical raw materials, building materials. During the season there are irregular transportation of tourists to the islands. Shipping is hindered by strong storms, especially in the autumn-winter period.

Fishing is carried out from May to September. The main species for fishing: vendace and various types of lake whitefish. The network of tourism and services is well developed, there are many hotels and recreation centers. River and fishing tourism are not left without attention.

The lake played a huge role in the life of besieged Leningrad. It was on the ice of Ladoga that food was delivered to the besieged city, and children, wounded and sick residents were taken back.

Recreational resources of Lake Ladoga

There are many interesting places in the water area and on the coast of Lake Ladoga. These are National parks, Orthodox shrines, numerous historical monuments.

Nizhnesvirsky Reserve

The reserve is located in the floodplain of the Svir River. It was founded at the end of the 20th century in order to preserve the natural heritage. In addition to the beauty of nature, it is notable for the fact that up to 250 species of birds nest on its shores. The reserve can be visited only twice a year and exclusively as part of excursions.

Valaam archipelago

It can rightfully be considered the spiritual heart of the Russian land. It is believed that the first settlers appeared on it immediately after the baptism of Russia. Over time, the community grew, monasteries and temples were erected.
Now the islands attract not only pilgrims, but also tourists who want to see the monuments of Russian architecture, surrounded by the virgin nature of Ladoga.

1. The largest island of the Valaam archipelago. On the rocky shores, among the coniferous forests, there are such shrines as: the Valaam Monastery, the Resurrection or Red Skete, as well as the Gethsemane, Nikolsky, Konevsky and Ilyinsky sketes.
2. Saint Island, one of the most inaccessible islands. It is notable for the legend, for the fact that the Monk Alexander Svirsky, the founder of the Alexander-Svirsky Monastery, who was honored with the apparition of the Holy Trinity, lived here. Pilgrims and tourists can see the church of St. Alexander Svirsky, erected in the 18th century, and the cave, which, according to legend, the saint dug with his own hands during his seclusion.

Konevets Island

The island will allow you to find solitude on its shores covered with pine forests. Also here you can see the Konevsky Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery and learn about its dramatic history.

Interesting to visit is the wooden chapel, installed on the famous Horse-stone, and the chapel in the name of the Assumption of the Mother of God.

It should be remembered that the journey to the island and back in late spring and autumn can be hampered by strong storms, which in these places can develop in just a few hours.

Priozersk

City lost away from the roads. However, it attracts many tourists. In the city you can wander around the bastions of the Korella fortress, founded on an island in the waters of the Vuoksa River, visit the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Church
All Saints Compound of the Valaam Spaso-Preobrazhesky Monastery, made according to all the canons of Russian architecture.

Shlisselburg

Despite the fact that the city began its history in the 14th century with the construction of a fortress on Oreshek Island, it became most famous during the Great Patriotic War - the defenders of Leningrad held the line here for 500 long days.

Until the 17th century, the Oreshek fortress was the main gate to the city, but it lost its strategic importance with the beginning of the development of Kronstadt. Over time, the defensive structure was added to one of the most terrible political prisons in the history of Russia. The wife and sister of Peter I, princes Dolgorukov, Decembrists and Narodnaya Volya visited its gloomy walls.

Currently, there is a museum on the territory of the fortress. His compositions are dedicated to the history of the prison and the life of its famous prisoners.

In the city, the monuments to Peter I, his colleague Savva Ragozin, and the exposition of the Museum of the History of the City of Shlisselburg are noteworthy. Visitors to the city can also visit places forever associated with the life of the surrounded city. Today it is the Museum-Reserve "Breakthrough of the Siege of Leningrad".

Under the open sky there is a diorama dedicated to breaking the blockade ring in 1943, a museum of tank equipment and defensive structures. The museum building houses an exposition telling about the defenders of the Nevsky Piglet, who did not allow the city to be cut off from the mainland for three years.

"Dear Life"

In the winter of 1941, the blockade ring around the city practically closed. The question of communication with the outside world arose sharply. Then the movement along the "Road of Life" was organized. It started at the Finnish Station and went out to the lake in the area of ​​​​the village named after Morozov.

Further, depending on the season, the path ran through the water or ice of Lake Ladoga. Now "Dorosha Zhizn" is a reminder of how fragile life is and its whole history can be contained in 100 kilometer pillars that separated the besieged city from the mainland.

After passing through the memorial, you can see the following monuments:

All memorials and monuments of the "Road of Life" are part of the "Green Ring of Glory".

Novaya Ladoga

A tourist city located on the coast at the mouth of the Volkhov River. In the historical center there are memorial sites associated with the maritime, military and Orthodox history of the region.

1. During the Second World War, the headquarters of the Ladoga military flotilla was located in the city, today in its place there is a Memorial dedicated to the sailors and their participation in the protection of the "Road of Life".
2. The house of the officers' assembly and the barracks of the Suzdal infantry regiment, commanded at one time by Count A.V. Suvorov.
3. There are also monuments to A. V. Suvorov and St. George's "Suvorov Church".
4. It is worth paying attention to the territory of the former Nikolo-Medvedsky Monastery. It is located on one of the islands at the mouth of the Volkhov. Until our times, preserved: an earthen rampart with the remains of fortifications and the Church of St. John the Theologian.

The city has a well-developed tourist network. There are many hotels, recreation centers, cafes.

"Ladoga Trophy"

Off-road racing takes place along the coast. If earlier they were available only to trained crews and specially equipped vehicles.
Now the routes are broken down by difficulty levels and everyone can try their hand, the main thing is to register, get a route and safely get from one point to another, getting a lot of impressions from the route.

Lake Ladoga is shrouded in secrets and legends:

1. There is an opinion that the famous Sadko sank to the bottom of Lake Ladoga, where he met the beautiful Volkhova.
2. Someone believes that evil spirits live at the bottom of the lake and even find confirmation of this.
3. It is believed that countless treasures are hidden at the bottom, which is not surprising, if you remember how many years the lake has served as a trade route.

The places where Lake Ladoga is located are rich in beautiful landscapes and historical events. Pilgrims, history lovers, fishermen, and tourists will find something to their liking here.

Article formatting: Mila Fridan

Video about Lake Ladoga

Ladoga lake. Traveling around Karelia:

Lake Ladoga is one of the largest fresh water reservoirs in Europe. In our article, we want to talk about where nature and climate are located on its coast. It has some interesting features. Nature here is of particular beauty.

Location of the lake

Where is Lake Ladoga located? It is partially located in Karelia (eastern and northern coast) and in the Leningrad region (southern, southeastern, western). On its banks there are such cities as Novaya Ladoga, Priozersk, Shlisselburg, Sortavala, Lakhdenpokhya, Pitkyaranta.

Lake Ladoga on the map is located simultaneously in the Leningrad region and in Karelia. It is large enough. In addition, it also has islands. The area of ​​Lake Ladoga is 17.9 square kilometers, excluding island areas. It stretches from north to south for two hundred and nineteen kilometers. Its widest point is one hundred and thirty-eight kilometers. Agree, the size is impressive. These parameters can be used to estimate the area of ​​Lake Ladoga.

The depth of the reservoir in the northern region ranges from seventy to two hundred and thirty meters, and in the southern part from twenty to seventy meters. As you can see, the depth of Lake Ladoga is very heterogeneous, and is of the greatest importance in the northern part of the reservoir. And the volume of the mass of water is nine hundred and eight cubic meters.

Rivers of Lake Ladoga and islands

Thirty-five rivers flow into the reservoir. But only one originates from it - the Neva. There are three large bays on the southern coast of the lake: Volkhovskaya, Svirskaya and Shlisselburgskaya bays.

The largest river flowing into Ladoga is the Svir. She brings the waters of Lake Onega into it. Even such rivers as Avloga, Morie, Burnaya, Airajoki, Vidlitsa, Obzhanka, Syas, Olonka and others flow into the reservoir.

It must be said that in Lake Ladoga the water level is not a constant value. It constantly oscillates, and this is remarkably visible from the white stripes on the rocks that go under the water.

The islands of Lake Ladoga are quite numerous. There are about 660 of them. Their total area is four hundred and thirty-five square kilometers. I must say that more than five hundred islands are located in the northern part of the reservoir. This is the Skerry region.

The largest islands:

1. Riekkalansari - 55.3 km. sq.
2. Mantsinsaari - 39.4 km. sq.
3. Kilpola - 32.1 km. sq.
4. Tulolansari - 30.3 km. sq.
5. Vaalaam - 27.8 km. sq.

The most famous on the lake are the Valaam Islands. They are an archipelago of fifty islands with a total area of ​​about thirty-six square kilometers. They became famous thanks to the Valaam Monastery, located on the main island, and the Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery on the island of Konevets.

The history of the lake

Lake Ladoga is located in a basin, which has a glacial tectonic origin. Three hundred to four hundred million years ago, the entire territory of the lake and its basin was covered by the sea.

The modern relief was formed as a result of the activity of the glacier. The main factor was a change in the level of the ocean, there was a rise in land. After the glacier retreated, the Baltic fresh glacial lake was formed. Later, the waters of this reservoir went to the territory of modern Switzerland. And there the Yoldian Sea was formed.

Nine and a half thousand years ago, due to the rise of the land, Lake Ancylus appeared. On the Karelian Isthmus, it was connected by a strait to Lake Ladoga. And eight and a half thousand years ago, ongoing tectonic processes opened the Danish straits, and the Litorin Sea was formed. This, in turn, led to the emergence of the Karelian Isthmus and, in fact, the formation of Lake Ladoga. Over the past two and a half thousand years, the relief in these places has not changed much.

The northern part of the lake is located on the southern part - on the East European platform. It is at the junction of these surfaces that the greatest depth of Lake Ladoga is observed.

Climatic conditions

Lake Ladoga has a temperate climate, as if a transitional form from temperate maritime to temperate continental. Such climatic conditions are explained very simply. The geographical position of Lake Ladoga and the atmospheric circulation of this region determined such a climate.

I must say that in these places there are not so many sunny days a year. This means that the amount of solar heat entering the earth is not so great. Therefore, moisture evaporates extremely slowly. In 12 months there can be only sixty-two sunny days here. Most of the year in this region days with overcast, cloudy weather and diffused lighting prevail.

It is better to plan a vacation on Lake Ladoga from the twenty-fifth of May to the seventeenth of July, then white nights can be observed here. These days the sun does not fall below the horizon, morning and evening twilight merge into a single whole. In general, the white nights last about fifty days.

It should be noted that Lake Ladoga itself also affects the local climate, smoothing out extreme characteristics. Throughout the year, southwestern and western winds dominate here. Quiet and calm weather is extremely rare. Sometimes the winds have storm indicators.

Breezes are observed along the entire coast during summer days and nights. They start around 9 am and continue until 8 pm. The breezes penetrate inland for fifteen kilometers. Fogs are observed here most often in spring, autumn and summer.

Lake coastline

The coastline of Ladoga is more than a thousand kilometers. The northern shores are rocks, strongly indented, forming many peninsulas and narrow bays, as well as small islands separated by straits.

The southern coastline is low. It is less indented and is often flooded by waters. The coast is entirely rocky reefs, banks, shallows. Volkhovskaya, Svirskaya and Shlisselburgskaya bays are the largest bays of Lake Ladoga.

The eastern shores are very little indented. There are two bays here: Uksunlahti and Lunkulanlahti. It is in this part that wide beautiful beaches of sand are found.

The western shore of the reservoir is even less indented. It is completely overgrown with dense mixed forests and shrubs that come close to the water. The coast is strewn with boulders. Stone ridges sometimes go far into the depths of the lake from the cape, thus forming dangerous shoals.

Relief of the bottom of the lake

As we noted earlier, the topography of the lake bottom is heterogeneous and has a clear increase in depth from south to north. We can say that the average depth of the reservoir is about fifty meters, and the largest is two hundred and thirty-three meters (towards the north of the island of Valaam). Lake Ladoga in the northern part has a very uneven bottom. It is full of cavities. And in the southern region, the bottom is smoother and more even. Lake Ladoga is the eighth deepest lake in Russia.

The transparency of lake water is different for different shores. Its lowest indicators are observed in the Volkhov Bay, and the highest - in the western direction from the Valaam Islands.

During a strong storm, the water in the lake, as they say, boils and boils, it is completely covered with foam.

Only the central part of the reservoir can be covered with ice, and only in very severe winters. A long cold period leads to a strong cooling of the water, for this reason the water in the lake remains cold even in summer. It has time to warm up only in a thin upper layer and a narrow coastal strip. The maximum surface water temperature is in August, when it is twenty-four degrees. The water in the lake is fresh and, in principle, quite clean, except for those areas where there is runoff pollution from industrial waste.

Economic importance of the lake

The place where Lake Ladoga is located determined its serious economic importance for the country. The fact is that the lake is navigable, which is important for the region. It is considered one of the parts of the waterway that is part of the Volga-Baltic route, as well as the White Sea-Baltic Canal.

The most navigable is the southern part of Ladoga from the Neva to the Svir. Since the reservoir has a serious size, there are often storms here, especially in autumn. During such periods, all navigation stops for the safety of passenger ships.

Since the founding of St. Petersburg, the lake has become part of the unified water transport system of northern Russia. For safe navigation along the southern coast, the Staraya Ladoga Canal was laid. As soon as it became insufficient, the Novoladozhsky Canal was also laid, one hundred and sixty-nine kilometers long.

The Staraya Ladoga Canal is now almost completely dried up and overgrown. And the second channel is navigable to this day. Up to eight million tons of cargo is transported across the lake per year. Oil products, chemical raw materials, building materials, timber are transported to the Baltic from the Volga. In addition, tens of thousands of passengers are transported annually along Ladoga.

Cruises (tourist) to the islands of Konevets and Valaam are made from Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities. Vessels enter and pass through the central water area of ​​the lake, where the shores are not visible. And in strong winds, you can feel a significant pitching.

There are no regular passenger traffic on Ladoga. However, motor ships of a tourist destination go twice a day in certain directions during navigation periods.

Fish that live in the waters of the lake

The fish of Lake Ladoga is of industrial importance. Ten species are caught, among which the most popular are vendace, smelt, ripus. Quite a lot of pike perch and whitefish are found in the lake.

Rest on Ladoga

Despite the fact that the water in Lake Ladoga remains cold even in summer, it attracts a large number of tourists. As we said earlier, there are beautiful sandy beaches on the coast. The northern islands are especially popular among tourists. The best period for kayaking on the lake is June and July. A little closer to autumn, storms begin, in which the excitement of the water is like in the sea.

Here on the lake there is the Nizhnesvirsky nature reserve. It is located on the right bank of the Protected area - wetlands of international importance. They are interesting because they are a nesting place for water and migratory birds. 256 different bird species have been recorded in this area.

Of particular interest to tourists is the island of Valaam. It is completely covered with coniferous forest. There is an old monastery on the island, which was founded in the ninth-eleventh centuries.

Vacationers also like to visit Konevsky Island, where there is a monastery. The island got its name from the Horse-Stone boulder located here. Until the end of the nineteenth century, this stone was a place of sacrifice. The main attraction is the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin, located on the territory of the monastery.

Historical digression

Novgorodians for several centuries had a military and merchant fleet on Lake Ladoga. Geographical information fell to Western cartographers in those days. Lake Ladoga appeared on the map of the Moscow State as early as 1544. It was made by the German scientist Sebastian Munster.

And in 1600, a drawing of Russia was drawn up by Fyodor Godunov. On it, the lake was plotted with fairly high accuracy. In the middle of the eighteenth century, a map was made not only of Lake Ladoga itself, but also of an artificial canal.

Novaya Ladoga

Novaya Ladoga is one of the towns on the banks of Ladoga. It is located on the left side of the Volkhov River in the place where it flows into the lake. The city was founded in 1704 by Emperor Peter the Great himself. A large number of historical architectural monuments have been preserved here, which may be of interest to guests and tourists.

Shlisselburg

The city is located on the banks of Ladoga. It was founded by the Prince of Novgorod in 1323, who founded a wooden fortress on Oreshek Island. Later it was captured by the Swedes, who renamed it Noteburg. And in 1702 the fortress was recaptured by Peter the Great. He then gave it its current name. The city also has its sights: the Staraya Ladoga Canal, the Oreshek fortress, the monument to Peter the Great, the Cathedral of the Annunciation, the St. Nicholas Church.

Priozersk

In this place, the Karelian settlement lived already in the twelfth century. And in 1310, a capital fortress called Korela was built by the Novgorodians at the mouth. Later it was conquered by the Swedes. But in 1710 it again passed to the Russian Empire.

Lake Ladoga and its environs are quite interesting places for tourists. Here you can not only admire the beauties of nature, take boat trips, visit the islands, but also see historical monuments that have survived to our time.