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, to the most major rivers flowing into Lake Ladoga include: r. Swirl 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 shores Svir river.

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rice. 8 River Vuoksa.

The Vuoksa River is mentioned in the Novgorod chronicles. People have 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 Rus'. 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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Thanks to the beautiful unique natural views and rich history, the sights of Lake Ladoga attract tourists every year. a large number of tourists. Lake Ladoga is the largest in Europe. It was along it that the Road of Life passed, which saved the people of Leningrad during the blockade.

• The lake is located in two subjects at once - in the republic and the Leningrad region.
• Lake Ladoga is the second largest lake in Russia after Lake Baikal and the largest in Europe.
• The maximum depth of the lake is 220 meters.
• 35 rivers flow into Lake Ladoga, the largest of them are Svir, Vuoksa, Volkhov. Only one river flows out - the Neva.
• There are 660 islands on the lake, the most famous of them is Valaam, where monastery.
• Ladoga is a very turbulent lake, strong storms are frequent here, therefore, for navigation, first the Staraya Ladoga and later the Novoladozhsky canals were built, stretching from Shlisselburg to Novaya Ladoga.
• From September 12, 1941 to March 1943, the Road of Life passed along Lake Ladoga - the only transport highway connecting besieged Leningrad with the country.

Lake Ladoga on the map

Lake Ladoga is restless and stormy, huge and deep. On its banks there are cities: Shlisselburg, Priozersk, Novaya Ladoga (Leningrad region), Sortavala, Lahdenpokhya (Karelia). The sights of Lake Ladoga are beautiful nature, ancient fortified cities and monasteries, national natural parks, as well as the memorial "Road of Life" and the Green Belt of Glory.

It was once called the Venice of the North because of the canals built here for navigation, as an alternative to the capricious and stormy Lake Ladoga. Now the Staraya Ladoga Canal, created according to the plan of Peter I, is abandoned, dried up and overgrown, the locks are dilapidated. The Novoladozhsky Canal, built under Alexander II to replace the shallowed Staroladoga Canal, continues to be used.

Shlisselburg is surrounded by Lake Ladoga and the Neva River flowing from it. During the Great Patriotic War, it was captured by the Germans (September 8, 1941) - the front passed along the Neva River, Soviet troops were stationed on the opposite bank. The time of the occupation of Shlisselburg was the blockade of Leningrad, which was broken with the liberation of the city - Operation Iskra. Not far from Shlisselburg there is a museum-reserve "Breakthrough of the Siege of Leningrad", dedicated to this event. There is a diorama and a panorama here, plunging into the atmosphere of January 1943.

About 300 meters from the shore of Shlisselburg, Orekhovy Island is located, on which the heroic is located. Built back in 1323 by the Novgorodians, it has an important strategic location - at the source of the Neva, at the entrance to Ladoga. It was captured by the Swedes, but after 90 years it was returned by the army of Peter I, who named it Shlisselburg (the key city from German).

The Shlisselburg fortress was turned into a terrible prison for political prisoners. The fortress on the island, located not far from St. Petersburg, was a convenient dungeon for the enemies of the emperor or empress. Here the overthrown baby sovereign John Antonovich languished for 8 years, until he was stabbed to death by the jailers in an attempt to free him. Here, members of the Narodnaya Volya, participants in the assassination attempt on Alexander II and Alexander III and other high officials served their sentences.

Memorial "Oath" in the ruins of St. John's Cathedral

The military glory of the fortress-hero Oreshek again earned during the Great Patriotic War. For almost 500 days the fortress garrison heroically defended the Road of Life and the right bank of the Neva. The Germans subjected the ancient fortress to constant artillery and mortar shelling, but they could not capture it. Oreshek was almost completely destroyed, after the war only a small part of its buildings were restored. Now there is a branch of the Museum of the History of St. Petersburg.

A small Karelian town on the banks of Ladoga is located near the tourist town of Sortavala. Here you can go to the military museum "Filin Mountain", located in the rock and admire the Finnish churches.

It is located on the shore of Lake Ladoga and is divided into two parts by Lake Lyappäjärvi, connected by the Karelian Bridge. Sortavala is called a small architectural encyclopedia; about 200 buildings of various styles, built from the end of the 20th century to 1939 by Finnish architects, have been preserved here. The pride of the city is the Kronid Gogolev Museum, with its unique works - paintings carved from wood.

Near Sortavala there is a former marble quarry, and now the Ruskeala mountain park is one of the most popular places in the Republic of Karelia. Ruskeala waterfalls are also located here - low, but very picturesque. From the pier of Sortavala, motor ships go to the island of Valaam.

In the northern part of the lake is the Valaam archipelago, which includes 50 islands. The largest of them is . The sights of Lake Ladoga on the island of Valaam attract many travelers every year. These are the Valaam Monastery, Gethsemane, Nikolsky, Vladimirsky, Ilyinsky and other sketes. As well as the stunning northern nature of the island, sung by many famous artists.

The city of Novaya Ladoga is located at the mouth of the Volkhov River. In 1702, Peter the Great ordered to enclose the land of the Nikolsko-Medvedsky Monastery with a moat, and to create the Novoladozhskaya shipyard at the place where the Volkhov flows into Lake Ladoga. Two years later, Novaya Ladoga was founded on this site.

The city is rich in attractions, including objects cultural heritage. This is the ensemble of the Church of St. John the Evangelist, the Memorial to the Heroes of Ladoga, Gostiny Dvor and so on.

Priozersk is a city between Lake Ladoga and Lake Vuoksa. It is located 145 kilometers from St. Petersburg. The area has many cultural treasures that attract tourists from all over the world. For example, the Old Fortress, which has been stormed and attacked more than once. People interested in faith will find it interesting to visit the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary or the Lutheran Church. Also in the city are monuments to Mowgli and Peter the Great.

The Korela fortress is a stone fortress located in the city of Priozersk, it played a significant role for the Karelian Isthmus. In the Middle Ages, Korela was the most northwestern city of Rus'. At the end of the 13th - beginning of the 14th centuries, this fortress was built in order to defend the state from the Swedes. Initially it was wooden, but after a fire in 1310, stone buildings appeared.

For a century (1611-1710) the fortress belonged to Sweden and was named Kexholm. It was possible to return it during the Northern War. Now it is in a partially destroyed state.

During the Great Patriotic War, the Road of Life was the only highway to Leningrad. Food, medicines, weapons were transported to the city along it, people exhausted from hunger were evacuated from the city.

In winter, when Lake Ladoga froze, the road became icy, and cargo was transported to Leningrad on the famous lorries. Drivers, despite severe frosts, did not close the car door or even removed it in order to have time to jump out if the car went under the ice. This is clearly seen in the preserved photographs.

The monuments erected on the Road of Life are included in the Green Belt of Glory.

Green Belt of Glory

broken ring

The Green Belt of Glory is a memorial complex erected in 1965-1968 in memory of the people who defended Leningrad during its siege in 1941-1944. It was initiated by Mikhail Dudin, a Soviet poet, and designed by a group of architects led by G.N. Buldakov. The belt is located exactly at the place where the enemy was stopped in those dark days.

The complex was built using the folk method: with the help of residents and Leningrad organizations. 200 kilometers - this is the length of this attraction, which consists of two blockade rings - Small and Large.

The Konevsky Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery is an Orthodox male monastery located on the island of Konevets and founded by Arseniy Konevsky (Reverend) with the aim of converting the Karelians to Christianity. Often it is called the twin of the Valaam Monastery, located on the island of Valaam. Every year, tourists who are interested in culture and religion, and simply believers flock here.

The lake is surrounded by many cities of historical importance, but the sights of Lake Ladoga are not limited to culturally important cities. So, on the territory of Ladoga there is now the Nizhne-Svirsky State nature reserve for waterfowl as a place for their nesting. Refers to wetlands. 256 species of various birds have been recorded on the territory.

In addition to them, a variety of plants, reptiles and even large mammals live here: brown bears, elk. Birds listed in the Red Book also live here: osprey, black stork, howl and other birds.

The beaches of Lake Ladoga attract many tourists who are not indifferent to clean fresh waters and the harsh beauty of the northwestern region. Ladoga is one of the natural attractions of Russia, and relaxing on the lake is not only pleasant, but also very interesting.

Origin of Lake Ladoga

The basin of Lake Ladoga was formed on the East European Platform and the Baltic Shield over a very long time - the process began about 400 million years ago. The origin of the lake basin of Lake Ladoga is seismic-tectonic, and the crystalline foundation on which the reservoir is located consists of ancient granite, gneiss and diabase deposits. However, the age of the modern reservoir is much less - Lake Ladoga is about 12,000 years old, and it appeared along with the end of the Valdai glaciation. During the ice age, the place where the reservoir is now located was covered with an ice sheet about 3 km thick. When the glacier receded, water filled the outlines of the lake and the relief cut by the glacier.

The history of Lake Ladoga claims that in ancient times the reservoir was connected in the area of ​​the Karelian Isthmus with the Littorin Sea, and the Mga River flowed into the lake. Over time, the land in the area of ​​the lake rose, due to which the strait in the area of ​​the isthmus disappeared, and the reservoir became a closed system. But the waters continued to rise into the basin, and after some time the lake rose above the level of the banks and rushed into the valley of the Mga River and the Tosna River. This is how the strait between Ladoga and the Gulf of Finland, or the modern Neva River, was formed.

Description of Lake Ladoga

Ladoga reservoir has interesting geographical characteristics. Its outlines, as well as the depth and extent of the reservoir, deserve study.

Special features of Lake Ladoga

The shores of the Ladoga reservoir narrow both in the north and in the south. However, in the northern part, the narrowing is fast and ends with a bay called Hien-Selke, and in the south, the shores narrow more smoothly. Due to this, the Volkhov and Shlisselburg bays are formed with a wide area of ​​land between them.

Important! The reservoir is the largest fresh water reservoir in Europe, and among Russian lakes it ranks second after Baikal in size. Sometimes Lake Ladoga is even called the sea - it is so huge.

Shape of Lake Ladoga

Ladoga reservoir has an oval shape. However, the coasts are noticeably pointed towards the north, which can be easily seen on the map.

What rivers flow into Lake Ladoga

In total, more than 30 large and small rivers flow into the Ladoga reservoir. Among the largest waterways are the rivers Svir, Volkhov, Syas, Vuoksu and Naziya. At the same time, only one river flows out of Ladoga - the Neva.

Islands of Lake Ladoga

In the water area of ​​the reservoir there are about 600 islands of different sizes and shapes. The most famous of the islands of Ladoga are:

• Valaam Islands - an island archipelago with a famous landmark of the northwestern region, the Valaam Monastery of the same name;
• the islands of Kilpodan, Teposari and Korpan in the Kronober Bay in the northern part of the reservoir;
• the island of Kuko-sari at the mouth of the Vuoksa at the northern end of the lake;
• Salorin Island in the Yakimvar Bay;
• Western archipelago - a group of islands bearing the status nature reserve, protected by the state;
• the islands of Mantsinsaari - about 40 land areas in total.

The relief, geological composition and height of land areas depend on which of the coasts is nearby. In the northern part of the reservoir, rocky granite islands predominate, noticeably rising above the water level, and in the southern part - low, swampy islands surrounded by reefs and shoals.

Size of Lake Ladoga

Admiration is caused not only by the beauty of the Ladoga reservoir, but also by its size. The largest freshwater area in Europe is 2 times larger than Lake Onega and 5 times Lake Peipus, its size is much larger than the size of any of the Western European lakes.

Depth of Lake Ladoga

The average depth of the reservoir is 51 m - this is quite a lot. The maximum depth of Lake Ladoga is 230 m.

Lake Ladoga area

The total area of ​​the reservoir is 15923 sq. km, and at the same time the water area is located on the territory of two states at once. From total area 8881 sq. km belongs to Russia, and another 7041 sq. km. km is located on the territory of Finland - Ladoga is a joint property of neighboring countries.

Diameter of Lake Ladoga

In its widest part, almost exactly in the middle of its length, the reservoir spreads 124 km in diameter. This wide area is located between the mouths of the Olonka and Vuoksa rivers, at 61 degrees north latitude.

The length of Lake Ladoga

If you measure the coastline of the reservoir along the entire length, then the length of the coast will be 1071 km. It should be noted that only 410 km of them stretch across the territory of Russia - this is the entire southern coast, part of the western and part of the eastern coast. Another 610 km of the length of the reservoir belong to Finland.

Volume of Lake Ladoga

The huge reservoir contains about 980 cubic km. Depending on the season, the level and volume of water may vary slightly.

Is it possible to swim in Lake Ladoga

There are a number of environmental problems in the water area of ​​Ladoga, but in general, Ladoga remains a very clean natural reservoir. Swimming in Lake Ladoga is allowed almost everywhere where there are convenient approaches to the water.

The beaches of Lake Ladoga

There are a lot of wild and cultural beaches on Ladoga - some of them are famous, others are known only to local residents and experienced tourists. Among the largest and most comfortable beaches, there are several.

• Kokkorevsky beach in the village of the same name Kokkorevo near St. Petersburg - most people gather here on fine warm days, since the beach is not equipped with infrastructure, but it is very clean. The place is popular among windsurfers and kitesurfers of the northwestern region.
• The beach near the village of Vladimirovka, located opposite the island of Konevets, is a long sandbank with a convenient approach to the water. There is also no infrastructure on the beach, but it is very clean here, and in summer you can watch yoga festivals on the beach.
• A beach near the village of Lake Ladoga - this place attracts local residents and tourists not only with clean sand, but also with changing rooms and toilets. Sports equipment rental is available on the beach, in the immediate vicinity of the beach there are attractions - the Osinovetsky lighthouse and the museum of the siege of Leningrad.
• There is a good sandy beach near the village of Motornoye. The place is not landscaped, but it is very beautiful here, tall pines grow on the shore, there is where to stay with a tent for a few days.

In the northern part of the Ladoga reservoir, after the city of Priozersk, there are fewer beaches, since coastline more rocky. However, sometimes sandy bays with convenient approaches to the water are also found here. Especially among them it is worth noting the beaches on the island of Koyonsaari - there are few people here, but the nature is very beautiful.

Advice! If you wish, you can find a place for swimming almost along the entire length of the shore of the reservoir. But gentle sandy slopes to the water are the most convenient for recreation, especially if a trip to Ladoga is planned in a large company or a holiday with children is planned on Lake Ladoga.

What to see on Lake Ladoga

During a trip to Ladoga, you can enjoy not only the natural beauty and clear water of the reservoir. Around the lake there are many cultural and historical sights of Lake Ladoga. Namely:

• Nizhnesvirsky reserve, which is home to many rare animals and a huge species diversity of birds;
• the Valaam archipelago, on which the monastery of the same name is located, known not only in Russia, but throughout the world;
• the city of Shlisselburg and the Oreshek fortress, as well as Novaya Ladoga - the settlements were founded by Peter I, many architectural monuments and military structures have been preserved here.

Not far from the Ladoga reservoir there is a memorial complex telling about the Road of Life in besieged Leningrad. This monument is worth a visit for all connoisseurs of the history and culture of their native country.

Rest on the shore of Lake Ladoga

People come to the shores of the Ladoga reservoir not only to swim, especially when you consider that the water in the water area is quite cold. Ladoga offers quite a lot of options for vacation pastime.

• Fishing on Ladoga is widely known. IN clean water there are many species of freshwater fish, such as salmon and trout, bream and smelt, pike and burbot and many other fish.
• You can go diving in the water - the bottom of Ladoga is very beautiful, inhabited by a huge number of invertebrates and decorated with dozens of species of green, blue-green and diatoms. Scuba diving instructors can be found on site tourist bases on the banks of the reservoir.

You can enjoy any time of the year beautiful places Lake Ladoga - in spring and summer there are thick fogs, and in autumn the shores are painted in golden and crimson hues. There are many mushrooms and berries in the forests around the lake.

Summer holidays on Lake Ladoga

The summer months are considered the best for a trip to Ladoga, since the reservoir is located in the north, only in summer you can find pleasant warm weather here. It is worth going on a trip in July or August, when the air warms up to maximum values ​​above 20 ° C, in June it is usually cool in the reservoir in spring.

In summer, on the banks of the reservoir, you can enjoy all available types of recreation - swimming and relaxing holiday on the beach, fishing and sightseeing. In summer it is possible to go on any group tour of the surroundings, while in winter some interesting objects may be closed or unavailable.

Winter holidays on Lake Ladoga

Ladoga offers tourists and local residents a lot of entertainment and winter time of the year. First of all, here you can practice all kinds of winter sports - skiing and skating, snowkiting, and other entertainment.

It should be noted that the average winter temperature on Ladoga is quite mild - about -8 ° C. Therefore, even those who do not like severe frosts will be able to enjoy winter holidays here.

Where to relax on Lake Ladoga

Near the Ladoga reservoir there are many recreation centers equipped with all the necessary infrastructure, and in summer time along the banks you can stay at the campsites of Lake Ladoga. Among the comfortable and proven hotels and bases of Ladoga are:

• Piipun Piha and Khaapalampi hotels in Sortavala;
• inexpensive hostel Yarvi Hostel in Sortavala;
• recreation center Krenitsy;
• Camping Holiday Park Tri Ostrova, open during the summer months;
• recreation centers Horizon and Jolly Roger;
• camp site Ladoga.

There are many more campsites, tourist camps and mini-hotels on the banks of Ladoga - this is just a short list of them. On the territory of hotels and tourist centers there are cafes and canteens, baths and equipment rental, in hotels you can book places on excursions. Rest on Lake Ladoga in the Leningrad Region can be truly comfortable, and accommodation is relatively inexpensive.

Advice! In the warm summer months, anyone can organize a holiday on Lake Ladoga with a tent. However, it is better to do this if you have some hiking experience, since the nights on Ladoga are cold even in summer.

In addition to the geographical features of Ladoga, it is interesting to learn a few facts about this reservoir.

• Lake Ladoga is a water area with active navigation. The reservoir is part of the White Sea-Baltic Canal and the Volga-Baltic waterway, tens of millions of tons of cargo are annually transported through the water area. There is no regular passenger navigation in the Ladoga reservoir, but cruise ships regularly ply the water area, with their help, communication is carried out between the nearest cities on the coast and the islands of the Ladoga water area.
• At the bottom of the Ladoga reservoir, you can not only get acquainted with interesting fauna reservoir, but also to find real treasures - objects and equipment from the Second World War are buried here, shell casings and fragments of shells, small guns lie. There are legends that even the ancient treasures of the Vikings and Slavs can be found at the bottom of the reservoir.

From time to time, mysterious low-frequency sounds can be heard on Lake Ladoga, similar to distant thunder peals or the long sound of a bass string. These sounds are called brontides and are usually explained by seismic activity and the complex topography of the bottom of a deep reservoir. In ancient times, people believed that prehistoric monsters that emit these booming sounds live in the waters of the Ladoga water area, and even now one can hear such a version from the old-timers.

How to get to Lake Ladoga

The most convenient way to get to Ladoga from St. Petersburg is from major cities it is closest to the reservoir. There are several fast proven routes.

• By car. From St. Petersburg to Ladoga, you can drive along the A-121 highway to Sortavala or along the R-21 highway. Also on east coast Highway 86K-8 leads to the reservoir, you can turn onto it both from the A-121 highway and from the R-21 highway.
• By train. Electric trains run regularly from Finlyandsky Station in St. Petersburg to Priozersk and Shlisselburg. It is most convenient to get to the reservoir on them in the absence of personal transport, moreover, when traveling by train there is no risk of getting into a dense traffic jam.
• By bus. From the Obvodnoy Kanal metro station there is regular transport to Novaya Ladoga, Syasstroy and the city of Pitkyaranta.

In all options, the travel time from St. Petersburg to the water area takes about 1.5-3.5 hours, so you can go to the Ladoga reservoir even on weekends.

Photo of Lake Ladoga

Estimate natural beauty and the grandeur of the Ladoga reservoir is best helped by photography. You can find a lot of them on the Internet, tourists and professional photographers willingly share successful shots.

Conclusion

The beaches of Lake Ladoga attract tourists in the summer, and in winter, you can try a lot of active winter entertainment on the banks of the reservoir. The lake offers travelers to enjoy the peculiar beauty of the north-west of Russia and spend a calm and harmonious vacation in one of the recreation centers.

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 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 railways, 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 northwest of the European part of Russia, and contains one of the largest reserves fresh water 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. Average depth 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 they hide sandy beaches. The most transparent water in the north, in the water area Valaam Islands and reaches 8-10 m depending on the season, the lowest near south 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, the average data for two favorite places for tourists is given: resort village 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, you can watch over the lake northern lights.

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. north coast covered with dark spruce forests, their foothills are densely overgrown with moss, along with blueberries and lingonberries.

To the south, the spruce forest parted, they begin to dominate pine forests. 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.

Overgrown with cattail southern shores give shelter to 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.

Main ecological problems today it is 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 tourism 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 different kinds 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

In the water area and on the coast of Lake Ladoga there are many interesting places. This 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 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 Rus'. 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. largest island the Valaam archipelago. On rocky shores, among coniferous forests, there are such shrines as: the Valaam Monastery, the Resurrection or Red Skete, as well as Gethsemane, Nikolsky, Konevsky and Ilyinsky Skete.
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 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 separating 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

Tourist town located on the coast at the mouth of the Volkhov River. IN 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 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 maximum 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, which annually attracts thousands of tourists. 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, Lahdenpokhya - in Karelia. 32 rivers flow into the reservoir, and only one flows out - the Neva.

Every year, since 1997, the Ladoga Trophy has been held on the shores of the lake: a rally in off-road vehicles along the perimeter, the route of which is approximately 1200 km.

How to get to Lake Ladoga

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

From St. Petersburg, most types of transport go to Priozersk. Every half an hour from the Northern bus station and several times a day from the Parnas metro station - buses of the Piteravto company (off. site), travel time about 2.5 hours; daily electric trains of the North-Western Suburban Passenger Company (off site) from the Finland Station will reach their destination in just 2 hours (an ordinary train takes almost 3). By car to Priozersk - also about 2 hours from Piskarevsky Prospekt along the A-118 and A-121 highways (it is also Priozerskoye Highway).

There is also a railway station in the village of Lake Ladoga, it takes a little less than 1.5 hours from St. Petersburg from the Finlyandsky Station by a daily SZPPK train, and a little more than an hour by car along the Road of Life highway.

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

From St. Petersburg across the island go cruise ships operator "Vodokhod" (off. site): the voyage takes a week, starts from the St. Petersburg pier "Utkina Zavod". From Priozersk from the Valaam pier, the 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 Northern River Station, “Mosturflot” invites you to make multi-day tours with a visit to Valaam (off site).

Bicycle rental is available in Priozersk, Shlisselburg, Novaya Ladoga, Lahdenpokhya. The bike can be found through the site of private announcements, but most often the rental is listed in the list of services of large camp sites.

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 whole groups - by prior arrangement.

The price tag per night is from 1500 RUB for accommodation in a budget double room in 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, Niemelyankhovi settlement, not far from Sortavala). The house has its own sauna, a fully equipped kitchen, three double bedrooms with private bathrooms and a barbecue area.

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

What to bring

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

Karelia is a deposit of shungite. Beads, bracelets made from this mineral and even cosmetics with it can be found in Sortavala, Lahdenpokhya, Pitkyaranta and others. settlements Karelian part of Ladoga. They also sell the famous Karelian Balsam and Karelian Collection tinctures.

Another noteworthy rarity is products made from Karelian birch: spoons, caskets, plates. Tablecloths and napkins with Zaonezhsky embroidery will be an excellent addition to them.

It is impossible to leave Lake Ladoga without "delicious souvenirs" - raw and smoked fish, berries, mushrooms, herbs. Someone will be lucky to collect and catch on their own, the rest - a direct road to the markets.

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

Cuisine and restaurants of Lake Ladoga

Catering establishments in the villages and towns of Lake Ladoga are not a dime a dozen, 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, where you can taste sushi and rolls.

The main ingredient of most local dishes is fish, most often pike perch. Dumplings, meatballs, soups and snacks are made from it. Fish is also added to the "gates" - branded Karelian pies made from rye dough. They are also made with mushrooms and berries, which are abundant in the local forests.

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

The difference in prices is small: in Sortaval, 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

It makes no sense to list all the museums on the shores of the lake - their name is legion, the expositions 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 exhibits of the museum are steamships, an airplane, military guns, which stand right under the open sky. In the indoor halls there is an exhibition of cars that cruised along the Road of Life, expositions dedicated to the Great Patriotic War and the famous highway. 5 km from the museum, to the south of the lake - the memorial "Broken Ring".

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 special peace and tranquility, to pray at the myrrh-streaming icon of the Mother of God by Hieromonk Alipy, to admire the landscapes that inspired Kuindzhi, Shishkin, Roerich.

You can sail 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 inscribed in the landscape. Near Priozersk is the island of Konevets. A whole ensemble of religious buildings brought him fame, which is crowned by the Konevsky Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery. A miraculous icon of the Mother of God, brought from Athos by the founder of the monastery, Arseniy Konevsky, is exhibited within its walls.

The south of Ladoga is Shlisselburg with the not-so-impregnable Oreshek fortress, built by the grandson of Alexander Nevsky. With her observation deck views of the lake and the Neva flowing from it are especially good. East of Shlisselburg is 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

53 species of fish live in Lake Ladoga: Ladoga slingshot, salmon, trout, char, whitefish, vendace, smelt, bream, cheese, blue bream, 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, char, lake-river whitefish and others, and the Atlantic sturgeon and Volkhov whitefish are listed in the Red Book of Russia.