List, names, descriptions, maps and photos of the largest lakes in Russia. Lakes of Russia The deepest lakes of our country

If you look at the location of the largest lakes in Russia, you can see that most of them are located in the northern part of the country. This makes it difficult to attract tourists: even in summer the water does not warm up enough for a beach holiday. However, there are other factors that attract people to large bodies of water. Fishing comes to the fore. The species diversity of the ichthyofauna and good bite force fishermen to travel hundreds of kilometers.

The same goes for waterfowl hunters. Rafting, windsurfing, and trips on catamarans, for example on Khanka, are popular. Some lakes are navigable, which helps both economically and in tourism, as on Vygozero. Inspection of natural and architectural monuments in cities on the coast is a mandatory part of excursions. Baikal is one of the most popular natural sites in the country.

The largest lakes in Russia

List of the largest lakes in the country by area!

1. Caspian Sea

An endorheic lake, called a sea because of its size. In addition to Russia, it belongs to 4 more countries. The average depth is 208 meters, the maximum is 5 times more. There are explored oil deposits, industrial fishing is carried out, and shipping is developed. Many islands, of which about 50 are the largest. The presence of beaches, springs, and healing mud contribute to the development of tourism, but the process is slow.

Area – 390,000 km², depth – 1025 meters.

2. Baikal

Belongs to the territory of the Irkutsk region and Buryatia. The largest fresh water reservoir. There are dozens of natural attractions on Baikal itself and not far from it, including bays, capes, and islands. There are also man-made beauties, like the lighthouse operating in the “Baikal Harbor”. Among the representatives of flora and fauna there are many endemics. In terms of tourism, it is one of the main lakes in the country.

Area – 31722 km², depth – 1642 meters.

Belongs to the Leningrad region and Karelia. The total number of islands is more than 500. Recreation centers have been built on the coast, for example, “Horizon”, cottage complexes where you can stay, and so on. Sights: Valaam, ancient architecture of different centuries, Nizhnesvirsky reserve, memorials. In summer there are many kayakers. Trophy-raid “Ladoga” is being carried out.

Area – 17870 km², depth – 230 meters.

4. Onega

Belongs to the territory of Karelia, Vologda and Leningrad regions. The average depth is 30 meters. The coast is built up in places, including Petrozavodsk. The architectural, natural and cultural sites of Kizhi Island attract tourists. Onega petroglyphs can be found on the rocks of different capes and along the coast. Sailing regattas are held regularly.

Area – 9720 km², depth – 127 meters.

5. Taimyr

Located in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Since it is located beyond the Arctic Circle, the climate is harsh. Among the tundra there are many areas of permafrost. The species diversity of fish is poor, although Arctic representatives of the ichthyofauna are found. Birds nest on the islands of the lake. Tourists are interested in the Taimyr Nature Reserve, reindeer herders' festivals, and the northern lights.

Area – 4560 km², depth – 26 meters.

6. Khanka

The lake belongs to Russia and China. The water is quite muddy, but it warms up well even earlier than in the Sea of ​​Japan. This has a positive effect on the flow of tourists. At the junction of spring and summer, strong winds arise, so windsurfing enthusiasts flock to the reservoir. There are no designated beaches, but you can find a place to relax. Wild beaches, both sandy and pebble.

Area – 4190 km², depth – 6.5 meters.

7. Chudsko-Pskovskoe

Lake complex on the border of Russia and Estonia. It includes lakes: Chudskoye, Tyoploye, Pskovskoye. The tourism industry relies on coastal cities, as well as those nearby, such as Pskov. The Battle of the Ice plays an important role in excursion tours. Despite the active use of reservoirs, there are no environmental problems in the region, which is rare for such popular places.

Area – 3555 km², depth – 15 meters.

8. Uvsu-Nur

Belongs to Russia and Mongolia. It is believed that people began to settle near the reservoir thousands of years ago. The district has a wide species diversity of birds and animals. The water tastes more like sea water. In summer it warms up well, even at the bottom. The length of the coastline on the territory of Tyva is about 10 km. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Area – 3350 km², depth – 15 meters.

9. Vats

Located in the Novosibirsk region. The lake is a system of reaches. There are many islands, shallow areas, and channels of different sizes. The abundance of fish and waterfowl attracts hunters and anglers. You can stay at one of the recreation centers. You need to be careful, there are high waves in Chany. The north of the reservoir is part of the Kirzinsky nature reserve.

Area – 1990 km², depth – 12 meters.

10. White

Belongs to the territory of the Vologda region. Part of the Sheksninsky reservoir. The name is derived from the presence of white clay at the bottom. There are several tourist centers, there are sites and the opportunity to set up a tent camp. Sights in the area: partially flooded ruins of the Church of the Nativity, Russian North National Park, Cook's Spring.

Area – 1290 km², depth – 20 meters.

11. Topozero (Louhi district)

Lake of the Republic of Karelia, which is part of the Kuma reservoir. Most of the 144 islands are located in the southwestern part. The coastline is indented, and the bottom has elevation changes. Kayakers and lovers of catamaran trips come here. The water remains cool even in summer. Nearby is Paanajärvi National Park. There are hiking routes around the lake.

Area – 986 km², depth – 56 meters.

12. Ilmen

Located in the Novgorod region. The color of the water is yellowish, the reason for this phenomenon is the high content of organic matter. Waves up to two meters can rise. Fishing cooperatives have been working here for decades. There are several sandy beaches. Encampments of ancient people have been found in the surrounding area. People often come to the lake as part of excursions to Veliky Novgorod.

Area – 982 km², depth – 10 meters.

13. Khantaiskoe

Belongs to the territory of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Also called Khutarmo or Big Khantaiskoye. It is connected to Maly Khantaysky by a short channel. There are few settlements nearby, only one on the coast. There is tundra and forest-tundra all around, the basin is partially covered with ice and permafrost. Main tourist destinations: fishing and ecotourism.

Area – 822 km², depth – 420 meters.

14. Segozero

Territorially belongs to the Republic of Karelia. Through Segezha it is connected with Vygozer. The coastline is rugged, with bays and capes formed. There are many legends about anomalous events that took place near the reservoir. Two tourist destinations are fishing and rafting on the lake and surrounding rivers. There is a camp site of the same name and a trout farm.

Area – 815 km², depth – 103 meters.

15. Imandra

The lake in the Murmansk region was turned into a reservoir in the 50s of the last century during the construction of the Nivsky hydroelectric power station cascade. The largest of more than 140 islands is Erm. Every year in mid-spring a marathon race is held under winter sails. The lake is also used for other sports and training. A nearby attraction is the Lapland Nature Reserve.

Area – 812 km², depth – 67 meters.

16. Pyasino

Location – Krasnoyarsk region. For most of the year the surface is covered with water. Fishermen come here, avoiding difficulties: in the summer there are swampy areas, in the winter there is thick snow cover. The fishing enterprise of the same name with the lake organizes fishing tours. The company provides transfers and also prepares gear and so on.

Area – 735 km², depth – 10 meters.

17. Kulundinskoe

The largest lake in the Altai Territory. Formed as a result of shallowing of a larger lake basin. The eastern part of the reservoir is a group of islands, bays, and an indented coastline. There are beaches, as well as convenient places to relax. It is connected through a channel to Lake Kuchuk. It does not freeze in the winter, and in the summer it warms up well and quickly, since the depth is relatively shallow.

Area – 728 km², depth – 4 meters.

18. Pyaozero

Located in the north of Karelia. The lake is part of the Kum reservoir. After the construction of the dam in 1966, the water level rose significantly. On the largest of the 66 islands there are buildings, including for fishermen, and these areas of land are also rich in berries. In the past there were passenger lines and shipping was active.

Area – 659 km², depth – 49 meters.

19. Vygozero

Belongs to the territory of Karelia. The name is derived from the river. It is a reservoir created in 1933 during the construction of the White Sea-Baltic Canal. In the north the rocky shores are higher than in the south. There are more than 500 islands. Navigation is active, the lake is used for both cargo transportation and tourism. Travelers can stay at local hotels, such as Topaz-Cola.

Area – 560 km², depth – 24 meters

20. Nerpichye

Salty lake in Kamchatka region. In the distant past it was a sea bay. About 100 rivers flow into it. Connects to the Pacific Ocean through the bay. The islands are Kirun, Stivuchy, etc. On the shore you can see seal rookeries, and in the fall - a population of swans. For fishermen, Nerpichye is attractive due to its good bite and variety of species. There are home hotels in Ust-Kamchatsky.

Area – 552 km², depth – 12 meters.

21. Labaz

Freshwater lake in Krasnoyarsk region. The reservoir basin is rich in coal, oil and gas deposits. There is little vegetation, dominated by low-growing shrubs. The forest area can only be found in the northeast. There are many waterfowl during the warmest periods of the year. Ecotourism has potential, but is not yet in demand. But fishermen gather near Labaz, both in summer and winter.

Area – 470 km².

22. Red

Located in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. The name is derived from the color of the coast, which is made of igneous rocks. During the formation of the basin, volcanic activity was increased. Getting to the lake is not easy; cold weather also affects tourist attendance at these places. But nature has remained relatively untouched. It has the status of a natural monument.

Area – 458 km², depth – 4 meters.

23. Chum salmon

Located on the Putorana Plateau in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Rafting and regattas are held on the lake, and the rivers flowing into it are also involved. Attractions in the area include waterfalls and caves. There are hunting grounds and camp sites, and fishing tours are organized. Underwater fishing and catamaran rides are popular. The water warms up slightly, up to a maximum of +17 °C.

Area – 452 km², depth – 180 meters.

24. Ubinskoe

Endorheic lake with fresh water in the Novosibirsk region. The translation of the name is “swampy place”, swamps all around, reeds and sedges near the shore. The decrease in water level had a negative impact on the ichthyofauna. Both the number of fish and its species diversity have decreased. Attraction: Zarechno-Ubinsky burial ground - more than 150 mounds of different centuries, starting from the 6th century.

Area – 436 km², depth – 4 meters.

25. Pekulneyskoe

Location – Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. Alluvial spits separate the lake from the Bering Sea. The shores vary greatly in relief, the southern one being the flattest and lowest. Tundra vegetation predominates. The reservoir is of interest to fishermen due to the large population of sockeye salmon. The abundance of fish also attracts white-headed gulls, which are not afraid of low temperatures.

Area – 435 km², depth – 10 meters.

26. Umbozero

Located in the Murmansk region. There are mountain ranges around, including the Khibiny Mountains. For this reason, the name was received, translated as “closed lake”. There are several islands, including Sarvanovsky, Bolshoi, Moroshkin. Fishing does not stop even in winter, when the surface is covered with ice. Tourists come for kayaking and mountain climbing.

Area – 422 km², depth – 115 meters.

27. Vozzhe

Lake in the Vologda region. In the western part there are sections of the coast that resemble beaches, but otherwise the area is swampy, with reeds everywhere. Fishing is widespread, and sport fishing is also allowed. Small settlements do not have tourist infrastructure. On Spassky Island there are remains of the walls of a 17th-century monastery.

Area – 422 km², depth – 4 meters.

28. Kubenskoye

Belongs to the territory of the Vologda region. The area around is marshy. About 30 rivers flow into it. On the outflowing Sukhona there is a dam with a navigation lock, thanks to which the water level in Kubenskoye is regulated. For this reason, the area of ​​the lake is variable. The main attraction is the Spaso-Kamenny Monastery on Kamenny Island.

Area – 407 km², depth – 13 meters.

29. Chukchagirskoe

Located in the Khabarovsk Territory. 3 islands divide the freshwater lake into three reaches. There are also smaller areas of land in the central part of the reservoir, as well as floating islands. The coastline is rugged, with marshy areas found in the north. He founded the village of Chukchagir in the northeast. It is fed by snow and groundwater.

Area – 366 km², depth – 6 meters.

30. Portnyagino

Freshwater lake in Krasnoyarsk region. There is no exact data on the depth. Ice lies on the surface from early autumn to mid-summer, and in especially cold years it does not melt completely. In the center of the reservoir there is a rocky island with many feathered inhabitants. Bird colonies are also found on the coast. The lake attracts anglers, including for winter fishing.

Area – 360 km².

If Finland is called “the country of thousands of lakes,” then Russia can be called “the country of millions of lakes.” After all, in our country there are over 2 million lakes, from tiny ones to those whose size is comparable to a small sea.

10. White Lake, area - 1,290 km²

There are many white lakes in Russia, but the largest of them is located in the Vologda region, near Cherepovets. It got its name because of the fine white clay, which in bad weather mixes with lake water and gives it a white color.

Intensive shipping also does not contribute to water transparency and causes severe pollution of the White Lake with oil products. The shores of the lake are densely populated, which only increases the amount of waste and runoff entering the water. Because of this, fish often die en masse in White Lake.

9. Chany - 1,708-2,269 km²

Between Omsk and Novosibirsk lies one of the largest lakes in Russia. If it seemed to you that its name is consonant with the word “chan,” then in fact it is so. Translated from Turkic, a vat means a large vessel. The area of ​​the lake is variable and is still not precisely known.

According to local legends, near Lake Chany there is an entrance to Shambhala - a mystical land of spiritual harmony and enlightenment. But local fishermen do not need to look for Shambhala to achieve harmony, because they still have at their disposal the lake’s rich (albeit depleting year by year) fish stocks, including roach, perch, bream, pike, ide, silver carp, carp and zander.

8. Uvsu-Nur - 3,350 km²

The largest lake in Mongolia, part of its northern coast and water area touches the territory of the Republic of Tuva, so it can be considered the brainchild of two countries.

The water of Uvs-Nur tastes bitter-salty, resembles sea water and approximately corresponds in salinity to Black Sea water.

Once upon a time, the Xiongnu, Mongols and Yenisei Kyrgyz tribes roamed the shores of the lake. They left behind runic inscriptions, mounds and petroglyphs. But today the coast of Uvs-Nur is practically uninhabited, which has saved the local ecosystem from human influence. The only fish species in Uvs-Nur that has commercial value is the Altai osman.

7. Lake Peipus-Pskov - 3,555 km²

A picturesque place, perfect for relaxing away from the noisy metropolis. It is located on the border between Estonia and the Pskov and Leningrad regions. And part of the name Chudsko-Pskov just came from the ethnonym “Chud”, which in Rus' was used to designate the ancient Estonians (because of their “wonderful” language).

Thanks to the beauty of the lake, numerous recreation centers with enticing names have grown up on its shores: “Far Away Kingdom”, “Teremok”, “Lukomorye” and “Chudskoe Compound”. The Estonian side does not lag behind the Russian side, and has built on its side recreational establishments with names that are not so sweet to the Russian ear: “Kauksi”, “Uusküla” and “Suvi”.

6. Khanka - 4,070 km²

One of the largest lakes in Russia and the largest freshwater body of water in the Far East generously shares its wealth with both the Russian and Chinese sides. Lake Khanka is very rich in fish, and back in the Middle Ages, Chinese emperors feasted on fish caught in its waters.

It was in the vicinity of this lake that Akira Kurosawa filmed his famous film Dersu Uzala. Indirectly, Hanka is also present in the anime series “Full Alarm”, which features the state of the same name, located within the borders of a real lake.

5. Taimyr - 4,560 km²

The northernmost lake in the world is located in the permafrost zone. Not surprisingly, it is covered with ice most of the year.

But harsh conditions are not an obstacle for many lake inhabitants, such as omul, burbot, grayling, char, muksun and whitefish. Red-breasted geese, geese, ducks, peregrine falcons and other migratory birds build their nests on the islands of Taimyr.

This region is also known for the largest population of reindeer in Russia. In addition to them, in Taimyr you can find wolves, arctic foxes and even musk oxen, which were introduced into the region in the 70s of the last century.

4. Lake Onega - 9,720 km²

One of the largest freshwater reservoirs in Europe absorbs over 1000 watercourses, but only allows one to escape - the Svir River. And there are even more islands on Lake Onega than watercourses - 1650.

The most famous of them is the island of Kizhi, which contains the best examples of Russian wooden temple architecture. These buildings date back to various centuries (the oldest being from the 14th century) and were brought to the island for the purpose of preservation and accessibility to the public.

3. Lake Ladoga - 17,870 km²

This Karelian beauty is a zealous housewife. Following the example of its brother, Lake Onega, it collects many rivers and streams (over 40 of them flow into the lake), and releases only one river from its embrace - the Neva. And in the Neva delta there is the “Venice of the north” - the majestic St. Petersburg (formerly Leningrad), which is.

During World War II, the famous Road of Life ran along Lake Ladoga - the only transport artery connecting Leningrad, besieged by the Germans and Finns, with the rest of the country. To deliver supplies to the city, trucks drove across a frozen lake in winter, and during navigation periods, cargo transportation was carried out by water. During the existence of the Road of Life (from September 12, 1941 to March 1943), 1 million 615 thousand tons were transported along it and 1 million 376 thousand people were evacuated.

2. Baikal - 31,722 km²

One of them still holds the title of the cleanest lake in Russia. At first, you may experience a shock when you swim to the depths and find that the boat seems to be floating in the air. And if you visit Baikal in winter, you will be greeted by the most transparent ice, the thickness of which reaches 50 centimeters.

Some European states, such as Malta (316 km²), Montenegro (13812 km²) and Albania (28748 km²), can be located entirely on the territory of Lake Baikal.

1. Caspian Sea - 371,000 km²

The list of the largest lakes in Russia is crowned by the largest enclosed body of water on Earth. The ancient Romans called it the sea because of its brackish water. In fact, the salinity of Caspian water is 1.2%, which is about 1/3 of the salinity of most sea waters.

And the word “Caspian” appeared in the name in honor of the Caspian tribes who lived on the southwestern coast of the sea in the first millennium Don. e. However, different peoples gave the Caspian their own name, and there were as many as 70 of them near the sea-lake.

Like the Aral, Azov and Black Seas, the Caspian is a relic of the ancient Sarmatian Sea, along whose shores elephants, rhinoceroses, giraffes and mastodons once roamed. It became landlocked about 5.5 million years ago due to tectonic rise and fall of sea levels.

The Caspian Sea is home to about 850 species of animals, more than 500 species of plants and 115 species of fish. Some of the most valuable species of commercial fish living in the Caspian Sea are sturgeon, Caspian bream and Caspian salmon.

Several animal species are named after the region, such as the Caspian gull, Caspian tern and the Caspian seal, which is endemic to the lake.

List of largest lakes in Russia

Reservoirs occupy a larger surface area of ​​the planet than land. And if you look at the Earth from space from the Pacific Ocean, you may not see land at all. However, the bulk of the water that exists in nature is salty; fresh water occupies only a small share in the overall ratio.

Most lakes on the planet are fresh, although there are also salty ones. And the list of the deepest of them will clearly demonstrate that in our country the nature is diverse, and there are both completely fresh lakes, with crystal clear water, and salty ones no less than the seas.

Fifth place - Lake Taimyr

This lake is located on the peninsula of the same name, and its depth is actually relatively small - only 26 meters. It is from such a small point that the demonstration of the unimaginably diverse resources that Russia possesses will begin. This lake is also unique in other respects - there are a lot of fish here, including valuable species. The inhabitants and the flora itself, as well as the fauna, are comparable to Lake Baikal and other nearby large bodies of water.

Fourth place – Lake Onega

This large lake is located on the territory of the Leningrad and adjacent regions, one of the largest lakes in Europe and Russia, and, moreover, it ranks fourth in depth. Depth indicators here reach 127 meters, although on average it is only 30 meters. Dozens of rivers flow into the lake, and only the Svir comes out of it, which heads into Lake Ladoga, another large and deep body of water.

Third place – Lake Ladoga

This lake is also located on the territory of the Leningrad region, and its depth turns out to be more significant than the previous one, reaching 230 meters. More than 30 rivers flow into it, and only one flows out, the Neva. This lake has its own harsh character and there are often strong waves that create problems for ships and vacationers. There are islands here - environmental protection zones, and in general, these places have enormous historical value, just like the surroundings of Lake Onega.

Second place – Caspian

Many will be indignant and say that the Caspian is not a lake at all, but a sea. But it is not so. The Caspian Sea is a full-fledged lake that has salty water, like the sea, and even has an oceanic lithospheric plate underneath it. However, it has no communication with the ocean, either direct or through other seas, and therefore it is a lake. It is located behind the Caucasus Ridge, which separates the reservoir from the Black Sea, although scientists do not deny that in the past it was a single system. The only controversy lies in the period in which the Caspian Sea separated from the Black Sea - relatively recently, in historical times, or several million years ago.

Be that as it may, the depth of this reservoir is 1025 meters, and when compared with previous lakes, it is in the lead by a strong margin. It has no drainage, but is filled by more than 130 rivers and streams. It is worth noting that the Caspian Sea is rich in commercial fish, and there are also significant deposits of oil and gas underneath it.

The deepest lake in Russia

The deepest lake in Russia is Baikal. Moreover, it is the undoubted leader in both depth and volume of fresh water reserves, and it is the leader not only in Russia, but all over the world. Maximum mark by the depth for this reservoir is 1642 meters. This is a lake of tectonic origin, which was formed by a crack in the earth’s crust - like, for example, Tanganyika in Africa, but it is at least 200 meters shallower than Baikal.

Baikal is also one of the most ancient lakes, since the period of its appearance is dated in the range of 20-30 million years ago. The lake is also a record holder for cleanliness.– the water here is clear, practically untouched by human activity, since it contains microscopic crustaceans, which, in fact, ensure its purification. The inhabitants of this reservoir are also unique; many of them live only here and are not found anywhere else in the world. A lot of tourists come here - and I want to believe that this factor will not spoil the ecology of the area.

These are the deepest lakes in the country, each of which is unique and inimitable. One of them is generally considered to be a sea - this is, of course, the Caspian Sea, and the other claims to be the future ocean. At the site of Lake Baikal, tectonic activity continues, the plates here are moving apart - not quickly, by millimeters per year, but steadily. The reservoir will expand and deepen, and it is obvious that at this point the continent will one day be torn into two parts, and salty ocean water will pour into its bosom. Zero will become the sea, and then the ocean - this is his expected evolution. But the Caspian Sea, on the contrary, will most likely disappear from the face of the earth in a few million years. This is exactly what many scientists believe, but only life will show what will actually happen.

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Fresh water is Russia's main wealth. This is something our children and grandchildren should be proud of. It is in the Russian Federation that the world has the most clean water. Below is a ranking of the ten largest Russian lakes by area, which are considered among the cleanest and deepest in the world. Well, are you ready? Go…

Lake Ilmen is located in the Novgorod region. Its area is 982 sq. km. The greatest depth is up to 10 meters.

This lake has a very winding coastline. Its area is 986 sq. km. The maximum depth is up to 56 meters. This place is very popular with kayakers and fishermen.

White Lake is located in the Vologda region. Its area is approximately 1284 sq. km. The average depth is 5–7 m. Approximately 29 species of different fish live here.

Lake Chany is located in the Novosibirsk region. Its water is salty. The area varies according to various estimates from 1400 to 2000 sq. km. The greatest depth is 7 m. According to ancient legends, a huge snake lives in this lake, which devours people and livestock.

Lake Khanka is located in the Russian Far East. Its maximum depth is about 11 m, area - 4,070 sq. km.

Lake Taimyr is located on the peninsula of the same name in the Krasnoyarsk Territory and is considered the northernmost in the world. Almost always covered with ice. Due to fluctuations in water level, its area may change and reach 4,560 sq. km. Max. depth - up to 26 m.

Lake Onega is located on the territory of Karelia, Leningrad and Vologda regions. Its Area is approx. 9,700 sq. km. The greatest depth is 127 m.

Lake Ladoga is located on the territory of Karelia and the Leningrad region. It is the largest freshwater lake in Europe. Its area is more than 17.6 thousand sq. km. Maximum depth - 230 meters. 35 rivers flow into it.

Baikal

Baikal is the deepest freshwater lake on the planet (1640 meters). Located in eastern Siberia. Its area is more than 31,700 sq. km.

The Caspian Sea is the largest lake on the planet. Located on the border of Europe and Asia. Its waters wash the shores of 5 countries (Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, Iran, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan). Square - 371,000 sq. km, max depth - 1025 meters. The water in the lake is salty.

The nature of Russia, the largest state on the planet, is amazing and multifaceted. Freshwater and salty lakes in Russia are located throughout the country, in all its natural zones and climatic zones. Today there are 2 million reservoirs with a total area of ​​350 thousand square kilometers.

Caspian Sea

The Caspian Sea is the largest enclosed body of water on Earth and the largest lake in our country. Formally, this is an endorheic lake, which the ancient Romans called the sea - they were so amazed when they saw its size and noticed that the water was salty. And it is called Caspian in honor of the tribes of the Caspian Sea, who in those days lived on the shore of the reservoir. The area of ​​the reservoir is 390 thousand square meters. km.

In fact, it can be classified both as a large endorheic lake and as a full-fledged sea due to its impressive size and the oceanic crust on which it is located. More than a hundred rivers flow into the Caspian Sea, the largest and most important of which is the Volga. It is this that is the main source of power for a reservoir with a drain of 220-225 cubic meters. km. In addition to it, the volume of water in the lake is provided by the rivers Ural, Terek, Emba and Sulak, which together make up 85-90% of the water flowing into the sea.

The Caspian Sea borders with the following countries:

• Kazakhstan.
• Iran.
• Russia.
• Turkmenistan.
• Azerbaijan.

The total coastline of all countries is almost 7.5 thousand km, the main share of which is occupied by Kazakhstan with 2320 km. The water in the sea is really slightly salty. More than 150 species of fish live in the reservoir and the rivers flowing into it.

Deep-sea Baikal

Baikal is considered the deepest lake not only in Russia, but also in the world, with its lowest point at 1642 m. This great lake is the most famous among Russians. Everyone who has been able to visit here speaks about its greatness and beauty. Foreigners often call it not only Baikal, but Great Lakes because of its impressive size. Today, Baikal contains approximately 20% of the planet's fresh water - this is the largest figure on Earth, comparable only to the Amazon River basin. It is part of Buryatia and Irkutsk region.

The volume of Baikal exceeds 23.5 thousand cubic meters. km, and the length of the largest section is 612 km. However, in winter, between January and May, it freezes almost completely. The only exception is a small section of the reservoir about 20 km long. By the end of winter, the ice reaches a depth of a meter, or even two in the bays. There are 27 islands on the lake, the length of one of which exceeds 70 km.

The fauna around the reservoir is unique and has more than 1,500 species, 80% of which cannot be found anywhere on the planet, so many of them are included in the Red Book. Baikal is considered the most environmentally friendly area in the country.

European record holder - Ladoga

Lake Ladoga is considered the largest lake in the European part of Russia and the second largest in the Russian Federation itself after Lake Baikal. It is also the largest lake in Europe, with an area of ​​17,870 square meters. km. The depth of the reservoir is uneven: in the north it is 70−230 meters, and in the south only 20−70. The territory of Ladoga includes more than 500 islands.

The lake is notable for the fact that more than 40 rivers flow into it, and only one flows out - the Neva. Ladoga serves as an important stopping point for birds flying along the North Atlantic route, thereby marking the approach of spring.

For tourists and vacationers, many recreation centers and cottage complexes have been built along the coastline, e kayaking races are held annually and pro-raid “Ladoga”.

Lake Onega

If you look at the lakes of Russia in detail on a map with names, then the largest of them are located relatively close to each other. Thus, Onego is the second largest lake in Europe, located near Ladoga. The average depth is 30 meters, but in some places it reaches 127 meters. The area is almost 9,700 square meters. km. This is enough to fit small countries like Liechtenstein on it. It belongs to the territory of Karelia (80%), as well as two regions (20%) - Leningrad and Vologda.

Onego was formed as a result of the movement of the Earth's crust and glaciers. Its shores in the northern part are high and rocky, mainly consisting of steely granite covered with forest. In the south, the shores are narrow and sandy, but marshy areas are not uncommon here. There are two ports on the shores - Medvezhyegorsk and Petrozavodsk, as well as 5 marinas and several stopping points. There are about 1,600 small islands on the reservoir with a total area of ​​260 square meters. km.

40 species of fish live here, including trout, smelt, lake salmon, Onega slingshot and others. Some of them are of industrial importance.

Taimyr - the pearl of the north

Among the lakes located in the Asian part of Russia, Taimyr is second in size only to Baikal. The reservoir is located in the Krasnodar Territory, in the central regions of the Taimyr Peninsula. It is the northernmost of the truly large lakes in the world.

The area of ​​the Taimyr basin is 104,300 km2, but despite its size, it is covered with ice from the end of September to July, the ice-free period is an average of 73 days a year. Due to the harsh climate and average annual temperature of -13.4 °C, there is not a single populated area on Taimyr, but now there is an inactive meteorological station there.

Taimyr is one of the cleanest reservoirs in Russia. Many rivers and streams flow into the lake, some of which are mountainous, but only one river flows out - the Lower Taimyr.

Taimyr is famous for the largest population of deer in Eurasia. Other species of animals live here:

• arctic fox;
• wolf;
• argali;
• lemmings.

The northern lights can be observed on the reservoir, and tourists are also attracted to the reindeer herders' celebrations and the reserve.

Beautiful Hanka

About 97% of the lake is located in Russia, the rest of it falls in the Chinese province of Heilongjiang. Khanka is the largest freshwater body of water in the Far East. Its area, depending on the time of year and changes in water level, ranges from 394,000 to 500,000 hectares, and its volume - from 12.0 to 22.6 km3.

24 rivers flow into Khanka, including the Komissarovka and Ilistaya, and the Sungacha and the Ussuri tributary flow out. The lake is almost 90 km long, and the width in some places reaches 67 km. Khanka is quite shallow, its average depth is 4.5 meters, and the largest is 10.6 meters.

On the Chinese side there is Lake Malaya Khanka, which is separated from the main body of water by a narrow sandy path. Water exchange occurs between the two lakes due to seepage, and then they are connected by a channel.

In 1996, the Russian and Chinese governments agreed to create the Lake Khanka International Nature Reserve. The flora and fauna here are diverse, and since 1976 the area has been designated a wetland of international importance. The banks of the reservoir are wetlands. The lake itself is home to 50 species of fish, including common carp and bluefin. And 327 species of birds were spotted on the shores.

Despite the fact that Hanka has muddy water, it, warming up before the Sea of ​​Japan, attracts many vacationers and those wishing to swim to its coast. Windsurfing competitions are also popular here in spring and summer.

Chudsko-Pskov complex

Lake Peipus-Pskov is the largest transboundary and fifth largest lake in Europe; it is located on the border of Estonia and the Russian Federation. The reservoir belongs to the Leningrad and Pskov regions. The area of ​​the lake is 3.5 thousand square km, and the volume is 25 cubic km. The deepest point is 15 m.

The lake complex includes:

• Northern Lake Peipsi (73%).
• South Pskov Lake (20%).
• Middle Warm Lake (7%).

30 rivers flow into the reservoir, and one flows out - the Narova. There are about 30 islands on Lake Peipus, and another 40 in the delta of the Velikaya River. Most of them rise only 1-2 m above the water level and are often subject to floods.

The main part of the Russian coast and a number of islands are included in the border zone. There is no border zone on the Estonia side and access to the reservoir does not cause problems.

The complex presents 54 species of coastal aquatic plants, among which the most common are reeds and reeds. The waters of the lake are home to 42 different species of fish. The wetlands are an important passage point for birds migrating towards the Baltic Sea. The region is inhabited by the largest colony of swallows in all of Estonia.

Uniquely blue Uvs-Nur

Uvsu-Nur is the largest lake in Mongolia by area and the saltiest in the country. The reservoir is located on the territory of two states - Russia and Mongolia. The origin of the Russian name was borrowed from the Mongolian "Uvs Nuur" (Lake "Uvs").

The type of reservoir is closed and drainless and is the remnant of a once large sea. The water in it has a high concentration of salt. The basin occupies about 70,000 sq. km. It is in this region that the northern desert and southern tundra meet.

There are approximately 220 species of birds living around Uvs-Nur, many of which use it as a resting and nesting site during migration. The fauna is also rich; the waters of the lake are home to 29 species of fish, only one of which is allowed for human consumption.

Since 2003, the reservoir has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage system. On the territory of the Russian Federation it is located in the Republic of Tyva. The region around it was inhabited several thousand years ago. As evidence of this, many mounds, runes, petroglyphs and other traces remained, proving the residence of once nomadic tribes - the Xiongnu, Kyrgyz and Mongols. The lake is famous for its unique beautiful blue color of water, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Pond Chany

Chany is a body of water constantly changing in size, located in the Novosibirsk region. Although it is little known outside of Siberia, it is one of the largest lakes in the country. It is shallow and its maximum depth reached only 10 m, and the average 2.2 meters. The maximum recorded diameter of Chana's description was 18 km.

The reservoir is located in a forest-steppe natural zone. Its banks are low and overgrown with reeds, reeds and bushes, the bottom is sandy and muddy. The lake is slightly saline, with the salinity level in the east being lower than in other places. On the territory of Chany there are about 70 islands, some of which are natural monuments of the region, since their unique natural landscapes are an excellent place for rare species of animals and plants to live. 16 species of fish live here, including perch, pike perch, golden carp and others.

Since 1994, Chany has been included in the list of wetlands of international importance.

Beloe in size is the second (after Onega) natural reservoir in the Vologda region and the third among all (after the Rybinsk reservoir). Moreover, it is included in the list of the ten largest natural European lakes. The average depth of the reservoir is 4 meters, and the greatest is 20. The coastline of White Lake is flat, and there are practically no bays and bays on it; the bottom is muddy and sandy. The contour outline of the lake resembles a shape close to a circle.

The smallest of the large lakes is 43 km in length, and up to 32 in width. The area of ​​the reservoir itself is 1,290 sq. km, and the basin is about 14,000 sq. km. During the year, the region receives quite a lot of precipitation, the average annual amount is 660 mm, with 430 of them falling in the warm season. The thickness of the snow by the end of winter reaches 40−60 cm. In the summer there are usually heavy rains, and in the fall there are long continuous rains.

The area between the artificial sea and the lake is a real treasure trove of interesting facts and unsolved mysteries. An example of this is the Ferapontov Monastery with its “miraculous” spring. Hundreds of people come to him and pray for healing from incurable diseases.

The list of lakes in Russia does not end with this top; there are many more interesting places. For example, Dzhukul is the highest lake in the country, located at an altitude of more than 2000 meters in the Altai Mountains.

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