The largest and most beautiful lakes in Russia. The deepest lakes in Russia. The height of the water level of Lake Baikal

The bulk of the world's lakes are not only a source of fresh water, but also represent fascinating places to visit for travelers. Here are some of them:

Atitlan lake in Guatemala

Large closed lake in Central America, located in the southwest of Guatemala, 145 km west of the country's capital. The area is 130.1 km². It occupies a valley dammed with volcanic ash. The name of the lake is translated from Mayan as "the place where the rainbow takes on colors."

Lake Atitlan is quite large, it is surrounded by three volcanoes: Atitlan, San Pedro and Toliman volcano. Lake Atitlan is drainless. A lot of small villages are concentrated around, which are inhabited by descendants of the Maya, they still wear traditional Mayan clothes to this day. There are also many Mayan archaeological sites that are located around the lake.

Annecy lake in France

Lake in France, located in Haute-Savoie. The second largest lake in France, after Lac du Bourget. Lake dimensions: 14.6 by 3.2 km. Max Depth is 82 m.

The lake was formed about 18,000 years ago during the melting of large alpine glaciers. It feeds on many small rivers originating in the nearby mountains: Ir, Haut-Mort, Lodon, Bornet, Biolon and a powerful underground source coming from under the lake itself - the Boubioz River, which breaks to the surface from a depth of 82 meters.

This is the heart of the French Alps. The place is suitable for absolutely all types of recreation: from romantic to extreme. Annecy is very popular with surfers and kayakers. Cozy cafes and restaurants are located on the shore of the reservoir, a little further you can see medieval castles.

Balaton - lake in Hungary

Freshwater lake in the west of Hungary, the largest in Central Europe. The coast of Balaton is the most important resort area in Hungary with mineral and thermal springs. The lake is located on the Middle Danube Plain, 100 km from Budapest. The area of ​​the lake is 600 sq. km., and the length of the coast is 195 km. The unique feature of Balaton is its shallow depth. The average depth of the lake is about 3 meters, the only relatively deep place lakes - Tikhany depression near the Tikhany peninsula - 12.4 meters. The depth profile is different for the north and south coasts. If in the northern part of the lake, at a distance of 20-30 meters from the shore, the depth already reaches two meters, then near the southern shore and at a distance of 200-300 meters from the shore, the depth is about a meter. The bottom of the lake, especially this one, is noticeable in the shallow water of the southern shore, covered with fine velvety sand.

Lake of tectonic origin in the southern part of Eastern Siberia, the deepest lake on the planet, the largest natural reservoir of fresh water.
The lake and coastal areas are distinguished by a unique variety of flora and fauna, most of the animal species are endemic. locals and many in Russia traditionally call Baikal the sea.
Baikal is one of the most beautiful and oldest lakes in the world. Baikal is among the ten most big lakes in the world. Its average depth is 730 meters, and the maximum depth is as much as 1637 meters. In 1996, Baikal was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The lake stretches from southwest to northeast for 620 km in the form of a giant crescent. The width of the reservoir ranges from 24 to 79 km. The bottom of Baikal is 1167 meters below the level of the World Ocean, and the mirror of its waters is 456 meters higher.
The water surface area of ​​Lake Baikal is 31,722 km² (excluding islands), which is approximately equal to the area of ​​countries such as Belgium or the Netherlands. In terms of water surface area, Baikal ranks seventh among the largest lakes in the world. The length of the coastline is 2100 km.
The lake is located in a kind of basin, surrounded on all sides by mountain ranges and hills. At the same time, the western coast is rocky and steep, the relief east coast- more gentle (in some places the mountains recede from the coast for tens of kilometers).

Bled lake in Slovenia

The most visited resort in Slovenia, is located in a deep depression surrounded by rocky, snow-covered Julian Alps, 50 km northwest of Ljubljana. The pearl of this idyllic place is the emerald green Lake Bled with a small island, a church and a mountain castle.

Lake Bled is named after the castle of the same name that towers over it. The castle is reflected in the perfectly clear waters of the lake, creating a landscape of unique beauty. This place is one of the most popular attractions in Slovenia.

Kliluk - spotted lake in Canada

The reservoir located in British Columbia, Canada. The second name - Kliluk - was given to the lake by the indigenous population of the Okanagan Indians.

Lake Kliluk looks like it is a landscape of some other planet. The uniqueness of Spotted Lake lies in the fact that many minerals are concentrated in its water. Kliluk contains the most a large number of in the world (among all lakes) magnesium sulfate, calcium and sodium sulfates, as well as many other substances such as silver and titanium.

Garda lake in Italy

The largest lake in Italy, located near southern foot Alps in a basin of glacial-tectonic origin.

Surface area - 370 km², depth - up to 346 m, the lake is navigable. The Mincio River flows out of the lake (the left tributary of the Po River), and the Aril River flows into it (considered the shortest river in Italy).

It is located between Milan and Venice. On the south side of the reservoir are cute hotels, houses and beaches. On the other side are mountain ranges.

Como - lake in Italy

This lake is located in Lobardia (Italy) 40 km north of Milan at an altitude of 199 m in the frame of limestone and granite mountains up to 600 m high from the south and 2400 m from the north. Como is the third largest lake in Italy (length 47 km, width - up to 4 km), and one of the deepest in Europe with a depth of 410 meters. It consists of three branches with a length of 26 km. It is fed by the river Adda. Takes its name from the coastal city of Como.

The beauty of the local nature and solitude have always attracted not only nature lovers, but also the richest people on the planet, many of whom built their villas on the shores of the lake.

Crater lake in USA

The lake is known for its deep blue color and clear water. The lake partially fills a 1,220 m deep caldera formed approximately 7,700 years ago after the destruction of the Mazama volcano.

Lake dimensions: 8 by 9.6 km, average depth 350 m. Maximum depth is 594 m, this is the deepest lake in the United States, the second deepest in North America (the deepest is the Great Slave Lake) and the eighth deepest in the world (Baikal - the deepest). The edge of the caldera is located at an altitude of 2130 - 2440 m.

This amazing lake surrounded by many cliffs and mountains. It is part of Crater National Park and is located in south-central Oregon. Unique fact also is that Crater Lake has no tributaries or sources. This is one of the cleanest lakes in the world due to the complete absence of pollutants.

Laguna Verde - a lake in Bolivia

Mineral lake, located near the border with Chile, in the southwestern part of Bolivia.

The translation of the name of this salty lake means "green lagoon". Indeed, the water in the lake shimmers green. This is due to the high content of magnesium minerals, calcium carbonate, lead and arsenic and other substances that contain copper.

The lake is located at an altitude of about 4300 meters above sea level.

On the shores of the neighboring lake Laguna Blanca, connected by the narrow Laguna Verde Strait, and on the top of the nearby Licancabur volcano, a record level of ultraviolet radiation was recorded on the Earth's surface in the entire history of observations.

Loch Ness lake in Scotland

big deep freshwater lake in Scotland, stretching 36 km southwest of Inverness.

Loch Ness is not only one of the most beautiful, but also one of the most famous lakes in the world thanks to the story of the Loch Ness monster that lives in the waters of this lake.

There are numerous commercial routes on the lake for tourists who want to enjoy the scenic nature and perhaps see the mythical monster.

Loch Ness is the largest body of water along the Great Glen Fault, running north to south from Inverness to Fort William. The lake is part of the Caledonian Canal, which connects the western and eastern coasts of Scotland.

Loch Ness, like many other lakes in this part of Scotland, glacial origin. The lake is quite long and deep, while its water is very muddy, due to the high content of peat in the soil.

Loch Ness is the second largest lake in Scotland in terms of water area: it is 56 km². At the same time, it ranks first in terms of water volume, since it is deeper than other lakes. The supply of fresh water in the lake is greater than the total volume of fresh water in England and Wales. The maximum depth of this lake is 230 m.

Loch Lomond lake in Scotland

Lake (loch) in Scotland, in the administrative regions of Stirling, Argyle and Bute and West Dunbartonshire. It is the largest fresh water lake in Scotland and is 24 miles long and 5 miles wide. In terms of mirror area (71 km²), Loch Lomond ranks first among the lakes of Scotland, in terms of volume (2.6 km³) - second after Loch Ness.

There are a huge number of islands on the lake, some of them are so small that they are hidden under water during high tides, and some are large enough and entire hotels are located on them.

Moraine lake in Canada

Another glacial lake in Canada is Moraine, located in the 10 Peaks Valley in Banff National Park. It is located in the valley of the Ten Peaks at an altitude of approximately 1885 m. The surface area of ​​​​the lake is 0.5 km².

The lake is fed by a glacier and reaches its full filling only from the middle to the end of June. When full, it reflects various shades of blue due to the refraction of light on the rocky bottom of the lake.

The main distinguishing feature of the lake is the incredibly blue water, which reflects the peaks of the surrounding mountains. This place can be called a corner of heaven on earth, the lake is surrounded by many walking trails, which are sometimes blocked due to the activity of grizzly bears.

Matheson lake in New Zealand

In another way, this lake is also called Mirror Lake - the surface of the water reflects the two highest points of New Zealand - the peaks of Cook and Tasman. It is best to admire this spectacle after dawn, when the surface of the water truly resembles a mirror plane.

One of the most photographed places in New Zealand. The walk to the lake is considered the most popular activity for visitors to the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. Lake Matheson was formed by glaciers approximately 14,000 years ago. The Fox Glacier retreated forward to the sea and left a depression that later filled with water. The lake is located at the bottom of a valley about 12 km from the current glacier, as well as the Tasman and Aoraki mountains.

Nakuru lake in Kenya

It is located in Central Kenya, 140 km northwest of Nairobi, in the Rift Valley province near the city of Nakuru. The park is located around Lake Nakuru and covers an area of ​​188 km². Lake Nakuru National Park was originally established as a bird sanctuary in 1960 and was designated a national park in 1968. The ecosystem of the park is centered around a lake surrounded by meadows and forest thickets. The park is home to about 56 various kinds mammals, including the white rhinoceros, as well as about 450 species of birds

Due to the huge amount of algae in the lake, millions of flamingos fly here. These pink birds are like pink islands that cover the surface of the reservoir. Remarkably, flamingos are one of the few animal species that can safely be found in Nakuru. The thing is that lake water contains a high amount of sodium carbonate, which can burn.

Peyto lake in Canada

Lake in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, Canada. The lake is fed by a glacier.

There are a number of tourist bases in the lake area.

Peyto is Canada's most famous and beautiful lake. It is located in Banff National Park at an altitude of 1860 meters. It was named after the explorer and traveler Bill Peyto, who first discovered this natural wonder. The lake owes its popularity to a strange shape (it resembles the head of a huge wolf), as well as to an unusual “tropical” color. The reason is that the glaciers that feed Peyto carry mountain glacial flour, which turns the water into thick turquoise diluted with milk.

This lake is almost the most photographed in the world.

Plitvice lakes in Croatia

A national park in Croatia, located in the central part of the country, in Lick-Senj (90.7%) and Karlovac counties (9.3%). The waters of the Korana River, flowing through the limestone, over the course of thousands of years, have inflicted barriers of travertine, forming natural dams, which in turn have created a series of picturesque lakes, waterfalls and caves. 16 blue-green lakes are separated by natural dams. Well, they are connected by waterfalls, the highest of which reaches 70 meters in height.

The area around Plitvice Lakes is rich in diverse representatives of flora and fauna; hiking trails and tourist routes. There are three hotels in the park where you can comfortably stay or set up your own tent camp.

Five flowers lake in China

The ancient water of Wuhua Hai, or Lake of the Five Flowers, is the pride of the Zhuzhaigou National Park in China (Chinese 九寨沟; translated. “Valley of the Nine Villages”; Tib. Zitsa Degu). The lake is so called because of the constantly changing color of the water, depending on the temperature and the rays of the sun.

The park is known for its multi-level waterfalls and colored lakes and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992. Belongs to category V ( reserved landscapes) by systematization protected areas IUCN.

Resia lake in Italy

Located in northern Italy in the Alto Adige region, 2 km from the border with Austria and 5 km from the border with Switzerland. By its origin, the lake belongs to the group of artificial lakes.

South Tyrolean Lake Resia was created artificially - during the construction of a dam in 1950 local authorities decided to flood several villages located here. All of them completely went under water - only the bell tower of the XIV century church rises above the surface of the lake. According to legend, at night in the vicinity of the lake you can hear the bell ringing, although the bells were removed from the tower many years ago.

Tahoe - lake in the USA

A freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, located on the border of the states of California and Nevada.

Approximately two-thirds of the lake's shoreline belongs to California. Lake Tahoe is located at an altitude of 1897 meters, in the lake area there are a number of alpine ski resorts and recreation areas. The lake is the second deepest lake in the United States, the eleventh deepest in the world, and the fourth deepest in terms of average depth.

This is the largest alpine sea in North America, as well as one of the most popular natural attractions not only in Nevada, but also in California.

Taal Lake in the Philippines

If you go to Paris, you will certainly photograph the Eiffel Tower, London - Big Ben, New York - the Statue of Liberty. And the most photographed place in the Philippines is considered volcanic lake Taal, in the center of which there is a skeleton, and on the island there is another, very tiny, lake. This unique place formed as a result of a volcanic eruption.

The freshwater lake is located on the island of Luzon, in the province of Batangas. The lake fills the large Taal volcanic caldera, formed by a very large eruption approximately 500,000 to 100,000 years ago. It is the third largest lake in the country after Laguna de Bai and Lanao. The volcanic island of Taal, the site of a former eruption, is located near the center of the lake. In the crater itself volcanic island there is another lake which is the world's largest lake on an island (volcanic) in a lake (Lake Taal) on another island (Luzon). This Main Crater Lake, in turn, has its own small island, Vulcan Point.

Turgoyak (Bashk. Түrғәяҡ) is a large freshwater lake in the Chelyabinsk region. Lake Turgoyak is one of unique creations nature in the Chelyabinsk region (age 15 million years). The lake lies at an altitude of 320 m, at the foot of the Ilmensky ridge on Southern Urals. Nearby lakes: Inyshko, Kysykul, Polikarpov Pond, Ilmen, Big Miassovo, Small Miassovo.
Turgoyak is a lake of tectonic origin. The name has several translations: Russified - "sparrow's foot", "stop foot" and native Bashkir - "revered lake" (from the name "Turgoyak Kul").

The mountains around Turgoyak shelter the lake from the outside world, creating unique landscape. Surprise and amaze with the beauty of the Big Stone River. There is no water in this river, they named it for the placers of transparent, shining in the sun, aventurine stones of delicate light shades of pink and brown. Behind this "river" is Far Taganay, they say it served as a kind of "stand" for the moon and for this received such a name. Further on, Itzyl is a mountain on which ancient virgin fir trees grow, which are almost unmatched in the whole world.
According to archaeologists, ancient settlements could appear on Turgoyak about 100 thousand years ago. To this day, archaeological excavations are underway on the territory of the lake. The Island of the Holy Faith, located near the western shore of Lake Turgoyak, can be called an "Open Air Museum".

Havasu lake in USA

Located on the border of the states of Arizona and California.

This is one of the most remote points in all of America. It is worth going a long way in order to enjoy the colorful waterfalls and pools that are presented here in abundance. A large number of minerals that have precipitated at the bottom give the waters unique shades.

After the release of the film "Piranha 3D", the most traditional question here was "what piranhas still live in Havasu." The question invariably brings a smile to the locals when answered. But questions and fears from this only multiply. Now the piranha in 3D is also feared by hoteliers, who are threatened by it to bring down their business. Lake Havasu is considered one of the most wonderful resorts for spring holidays. It even has its own “London Bridge”, similar to the famous first-born that adorns the British capital.

Hillier lake in Australia

Lake in the southwest of Australia, on the island of Middle Island. Notable for the pink color of the waters. The lake is surrounded by sand and eucalyptus forest along the edges.

The island and the lake were discovered during the expedition of the British navigator Matthew Flinders in 1802. Captain Flinders is said to have spotted the lake by climbing to the top of the island.

At the beginning of the 20th century, salt mining began in Lake Hillier, but it was stopped six years later.

The color of the lake water is constant and does not change when water is taken into a separate container. It was assumed that the reason for the pink color of the water is salinity and specific microorganisms that live in the lake, but tests conducted in 1950 did not confirm these assumptions. In 2016, as part of the Extreme Microbiome Project, metagenomic studies of the lake’s water were carried out, which revealed that the presence of Dunaliella salina, as well as Salinibacter ruber, Dechloromonas aromatica, and some other archaea species, really gives a pink tint to the water.

For tourists, Lake Hillier is not the most convenient object. Due to the lack of water navigation in the area, the most convenient way to get there is by air, which is beyond the means of most people who want to see an unusual body of water.

Zeller - lake in Astria

The lake is located in Pinzgau (Salzburg territory). The date of its occurrence is considered late glacial period, somewhere 10-16 thousand years ago. The lake has a maximum depth of 68 meters. The middle of the 19th century was a turning point for him: it was from that time that Europeans began to pull here, who loved to actively relax. The conditions at Lake Zeller were favorable, which is why more than 40 varieties of sports entertainment and entertainment developed here. active species leisure.

On this moment, the length of Lake Zeller is a little less than four kilometers, and the width is one and a half. Once it Northern part covered the territory up to Saalden, and the southern one partially flooded the Salza valley, but now it is much smaller. Lake water is diverted to Saltsy by means of a two-kilometer canal. And just the same size valley does not allow it to connect with the Salach, which flows along its northern side, and beyond Salzburg connects with the Salza. The very beautiful Zeller Lake is a real blue pearl of this region. It has clear crystal waters, therefore it is not surprising that it is so pleasant to swim in them, doing sports. In summer, the water temperature reaches 23 degrees, so you can swim without fear. You will have the opportunity to choose the most attractive beach for you: with sand or with pebbles, whichever you prefer. In winter, the lake is covered with thick ice, which makes it possible to play hockey or skate.

Abraham lake in Canada

This is a large artificial reservoir created in 1972 during the construction of a dam on the North Saskatchewan River in western Alberta. This reservoir with an area of ​​53.7 km², located at an altitude of 1340 meters and has a maximum length of 32 km and a width of up to 3.3 km, is the largest reservoir in the Kootenay Plain.

The reservoir is designed to collect spring waters with their subsequent use in hydropower. The rapidly changing water level does not contribute to the development of water recreation, but the lake itself and its surroundings are an excellent place for lovers active rest and ecotourism.

You should definitely come to see the artificial Abraham Lake in winter - it is at this time of the year that an unusual natural phenomenon is observed here: methane bubbles rising from the bottom freeze and form an unusual pattern in the thickness of the bottom that attracts tourists and photographers from all over the world. True, to enjoy the spectacle, you need to be prepared for a thirty-degree frost, strong winds and an incredibly slippery surface of the reservoir - walking without a local guide can be a very risky adventure.

Yucatan - cave lakes in Mexico

Several thousand karst lakes, both open and closed, have been discovered on the territory, while less than half are well studied and only a few are open to the public. The most famous karst lakes in Mexico, open to amateur tourists, include Ik-Kil.

Perhaps the largest and one of the deepest well-maintained karst lakes is located in the cenote of Ik-kil - the hallmark of Mexico. Its diameter is 60 meters, while the lake natural origin has a perfectly round shape.

Once upon a time, Ik-Kil was underground cave with fresh water, one of many in these parts. As a result of heavy rains, the upper wall of the cave collapsed, and it turned into a karst lake with a depth of more than 40 meters.

It is three kilometers to the cenote, or ten minutes drive from the complex of architectural monuments of the old pre-Spanish city of Chichen Itza. It attracts tourists from all over the world: the water in the well of a striking deep blue color, thanks to the high content of limestone and plankton, is inhabited - small black carps live in it. The water temperature is comfortable for swimming, and stays in the range from 22 to 25 degrees above zero all year round.

In order to descend 25 meters below ground level, to the water, stone stairs were made in the Ik-Kil cenote inside the tunnel, descending along the wall, like a spiral. From several specially arranged balconies, admiring spectators enjoy beautiful views of the cave. The walls of the well are specially reinforced and to give a cosmic atmosphere, they are decorated with stalactites and waterfalls. Magic fringe, the roots of trees descend to the water.

Cenotes ("zonodes") for the ancient Mayan tribes had a cult significance. Sacred wells, considered the gates to the world of ancestors - the kingdom of the dead, were sacred places making sacrifices to the gods and sources of fresh drinking water. The Maya called the well the "eye" or "mouth" of the earth. The name Ik-Kil is translated from the language of the Indians as follows: "the place where the wind is born."

From the surface of the earth, like an amazing fringe, long tree roots descend into the lake. Inside the well, in addition to stairs and viewing balconies, there are several platforms for jumping into the water, and next to it - good cafe and hotel. It is a must to see Ik-kil as part of a tour of Mexico: this place will give you unforgettable impressions and emotions.

There are many beautiful places on our planet that attract tourists like a magnet. Most often they are located near water bodies, rivers and seas. But perhaps the most interesting and mysterious of them are the lakes. They come in completely different shapes and sizes, differ in the depth and color of the water. Each lake is a separate ecosystem with its own unique flora and fauna.

The nature near these reservoirs is absolutely unique. still waters lakes very often hide many secrets and mysteries. They are surrounded by all sorts of legends and superstitions. Therefore, the lakes are of genuine interest to those who wish to touch something mysterious. But be that as it may, these places are worth visiting only because you can see with your own eyes the perfect beauty that nature has created.

We offer you the Top 10 most popular among tourists, and the most famous lakes in the world for their beauty:

1. Lake Melissani, Greece

This is one of the most beautiful cave lakes in the world. It is located on the island of Kefalonia. Initially, this lake was completely underground, but 4 thousand years ago, the dome of the cave collapsed as a result of a strong earthquake. But the beauty of this place remained unnoticed for a very long time, until a local shepherd accidentally discovered the cave. The main feature of Melissani is impeccably pure water.

At a depth of 14 meters, you can fully examine each pebble. Due to such transparency of the water, it seems that the boats that float on the lake are simply hanging in the air. Best time to visit Melissani it is noon, since it is at this time that the sun's rays completely illuminate the cave and reach the bottom of the lake.

Depending on the angle of illumination, the color of the water also changes: from turquoise to almost black. In addition, the vaults of the cave in which the lake is located are covered with lush greenery, which makes it even more charming and mysterious. No wonder the ancient Greeks believed that nymphs lived in Melissani, as well as the god Pan (patron of forests, hunters and shepherds).

1. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

This is one of the most beautiful places in Europe. Plitvice Lakes are located on the territory of the largest national park in Croatia and represent a cascade of 16 lakes. Water from each lake flows into the lake below. Thanks to this, many waterfalls appear, which no one undertakes to count, since every year their number becomes more and more.

This is due to calcephiles - plants that, when dying, turn into solid rock, and become a natural dam, breaking through which water forms new waterfalls. All lakes have their own color depending on the minerals that are in the water. The Plitvice Lakes are surrounded by an ancient forest, and the nature of these places is striking in its pristine nature.

1. Lake Kelimutu, Indonesia

This is a complex of 3 lakes, which are located in the craters of one volcano at an altitude of 1639 meters. The main distinguishing feature of these crater lakes is the variability of their colors. Each lake has its own unique color, which can change dramatically in just a few years. Most often, Kelimutu are blue, green and black, but they can also be white, red and brown.

This is due to the fact that the rainwater that has accumulated in the craters dissolves the minerals that are in them. In addition, gases escaping from the depths of the volcano are involved in the formation of the color of the water. Therefore, visiting Kelimuta several times, you will see completely different lakes.

But the locals believe that the color of the water depends on the mood of the souls of the dead. Each lake has its own name - the Lake of the Elderly, the Lake of the Young and the Enchanted Lake. In the first one, the souls of old people find their rest, in the second - the innocent souls of young people, and the third lake is the last refuge for the souls of evil people and criminals. It is most often blood red.

1. Lake Nakuru, Kenya

The area of ​​this lake is almost 40 km², but the depth does not even reach 3 meters. Nakuru is one of the supersaline lakes. This makes its water unfavorable for the development of living organisms. However, about 6 species of phytoplankton, 1 species of fish, several species of zooplankton and small crustaceans live in this lake.

But most of all it contains blue-green algae Spirulina platensis, which colors Nakuru dark green. It is she who attracts up to 400 species of birds to the lake. But calling card Nakuru are pink flamingos. There are a lot of them, different types and sizes. They filled the whole lake with themselves, and there is not a single place where they would not be.

1. Crater Lake, Oregon, USA

This very beautiful lake is located in the crater of the extinct Mazama volcano at an altitude of 2130-2440 meters. Its main feature is very clear water of bright blue color. In addition, the depth of this lake reaches 594 meters, which puts it in eighth place among the deepest lakes in the world.

Native Indians hid the existence of this lake for a long time, as they considered it sacred. For the first time, the "white man" saw Crater only in 1853. Another distinguishing feature of the lake is a small island that looks like a small volcano. It's called Witch Island. In addition, a log has been floating in the lake for more than 100 years. Its length is 9 meters and 60 cm in diameter. But it floats vertically!

1. Jiuzhaigou Lake, China

In fact, Jiuzhaigou is a national park with many lakes and waterfalls, each of which deserves your attention. But the most a nice place in this valley is the Five Flower Lake.

It comes in different colors: yellow, dark green, but most often diamond blue. Due to the crystal clear water at the bottom of the lake, fallen trees and vegetation are clearly visible, which gives it an extraordinary relief. But the main feature of the Five Flowers is that the water in it never freezes, and scientists still do not know the reason for this phenomenon.

1. Lake Baikal, Russia

This is the deepest lake in the world. Its depth reaches 1642 meters. Baikal is the largest freshwater lake and contains one fifth of all fresh water reserves on the planet. But first of all, Baikal is an amazing place where you can feel at one with nature, enjoying very clean air with the smell of pine needles.

Of course, there are not many people who want to swim in this lake, since even in summer the water temperature does not exceed 10ºС. Baikal is especially beautiful in autumn, when the taiga “puts on” a multi-colored dress, but this lake will not leave you indifferent at other times of the year.

1. Lake Matheson, New Zealand

This lake was formed by the sliding Fox Glacier 14 thousand years ago. Because of this, a lot of mineral sediments have accumulated at its bottom, which color the water dark. This increases its reflectivity and makes the lake look like a mirror. In it, you can clearly see the reflections of Mount Tasman and Cook, and in great detail.

1. Loch Ness, Scotland

This is one of the largest lakes in Scotland. It cannot boast clean water, as it has a lot of peat, or beautiful landscapes, but every year millions of tourists come here hoping to see Loch Ness monster, Nessie.

It was first mentioned by the ancient Romans. Since then, with each new era, this lake has become overgrown with new legends. Currently, there are many versions about the origin of this monster, but there are those who do not believe in it. Whatever it was, but there is something mysterious in this lake!

1. Peyto Lake, Canada

It is located on the territory of Banff National Park, and is completely fed by glacial waters, which give it a bright turquoise color, which is most often characteristic of tropical lakes, and therefore looks unusual against the backdrop of the mountain landscapes of Canada.

This is what attracts tourists. Photos with this lake flew around the world. In addition, if you photograph Peyto from a certain angle, the shape of the lake resembles the head of a large wolf.

There are a lot of lakes in the world, but among them there are those that are definitely worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. You will never regret seeing these beautiful wonders of nature with your own eyes!

The lakes of Russia are one of the national treasures of our Motherland. They can be large and small, freshwater and salty, deep and shallow. Let's figure out what the largest lakes in Russia and why!

1

The Caspian Sea is

Not only in Russia, but throughout the world. It is located on the border of Asia and Europe and washes the shores of 5 countries (Kazakhstan, Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan). The area of ​​the Caspian Sea is approximately 371,000 square kilometers, with a maximum depth of 1025 meters. The waters of this lake are salty. According to one theory, the Caspian Sea got its name due to the ancient tribes - the Caspians, who lived in the southwest of the coast.

2

This is the deepest (about 1640 meters) lake of our planet, located in Eastern Siberia. The area of ​​Baikal is more than 31,700 square kilometers and it is the largest reservoir of fresh water (90% of Russia's fresh water reserves). It is also worth noting that the waters of this lake are unusually clean and transparent, and in ancient times they were considered healing.

3

Lake Ladoga lies on the territory of the Leningrad region and Karelia. Its area is more than 17.6 thousand square kilometers, and the greatest depth is 230 meters, it is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Europe. 35 rivers flow into Lake Ladoga, and the Neva originates. It is home to about 60 species of fish, half of which are of industrial importance.

4

This lake is located on the territory of Karelia, Vologda and Leningrad regions. The area of ​​Lake Onega is about 9,700 square kilometers, with the greatest depth being 127 meters. "Onego-father" - this is how the people call this lake, famous for its clean water and many historical monuments located on its shores.

Taimyr Lake is located in the Krasnoyarsk Territory on the Taimyr Peninsula and is the northernmost lake in the world. Most of the year, this lake is covered with ice. Due to fluctuations in the water level, the area of ​​this lake can vary, and reach 4,560 square kilometers, and the maximum depth can reach 26 meters. The flora of Taimyr is represented by arctic fish species.

6

This lake is located on Far East Russia and borders on China. The greatest depth of Lake Khanka is about 11 meters, and the area is 4,070 square kilometers. Due to its location, it attracts a large number of tourists who can get acquainted with the culture and customs of the two countries at once. About 75 species of fish live in the waters of this lake, and even some of them are listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation.

7

Chany is a salt lake located in the Novosibirsk region. The area of ​​the lake, according to various sources, varies from 1400 to 2000 square kilometers, and its greatest depth is 7 meters. There have been legends about this lake for a long time, one of which says that a huge snake lives in it, devouring people and cattle. Of course, there is no scientific evidence and information for this, perhaps this is just a legend created to attract tourists.

8

This lake is located in the Vologda region. The area of ​​this lake can fluctuate, mainly due to low banks, and amount to about 1,284 square kilometers. The average depth of the White Lake is about 5-7 meters, but due to underwater pits it can reach up to 10-12 meters. This lake is home to about 29 species of fish, making it a "paradise" for fishermen.

9

Topozero is located in the north of Karelia, in the Loukhsky district. The lake has a winding coastline, and its area is 986 square kilometers, with a maximum depth of up to 56 meters. Topozero is a favorite place for kayakers, and especially fishermen.

10

This lake is in Novgorod region Russia. The area of ​​Lake Ilmen is 982 square kilometers, but depending on the water level - may vary. Its maximum depth can reach up to 10 meters. Many legends are associated with the name of this lake, among which there is a myth about the Scythian princes Rus and Slovene, who named this lake in honor of their sister, Ilmera.

This is not the whole list of lakes located on the vast territory of our Motherland.

This list of 50 breathtakingly beautiful lakes will surely add to your knowledge and broaden your horizons! This is a list of the most famous lakes in the world, but some may not be familiar to you.

Lake Victoria - Lake Victoria
69485 km2 (26828 sq mi). The largest lake in Africa. It is a border lake, and.

Lake Tanganyika - Lake Tanganyika
32,893 km2 (12,700 sq mi). The lake is not only the 6th largest lake in the world, but it is also the second deepest lake in the world at 1,470 m (4,820 ft) and the longest lake in the world at 676 km (420 miles). Lake Tanganyika is divided between four countries - Tanzania, Democratic Republic Congo, Burundi, Zambia.

Moraine Lake, Canada - Moraine Lake

Lake Pinatubo, Philippines - Lake Pinatubo
Formed only recently (in 1991) after the monsoon, this crater lake sits atop Mount Pinatubo, active volcano in the Philippines.

Lake Annette, Canada - Lake Annette

Laguna Colorada, Bolivia - Wikiwand Laguna Colorada, Bolivia
Located 4,200 meters above sea level in southwestern Bolivia, Laguna Colorada gets its bright red color from pigment deposits and algae beneath its surface. This is an extremely shallow lake. medium depth 50 cm

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia /
Located in Croatia, the Plitvice Lakes are actually 16 separate bodies of water, and are divided into upper and lower basins of natural dams made up of moss and algae.

Spotted Lake or Kliluk (Spotted Lake), Canada
In Osoyoos, British Columbia, a 38-acre natural phenomenon is a lake that has one of the highest concentrations of minerals in the world.

Dead Sea, Jordan /
The name can be deceiving - in fact, this is the deepest hypermineralized lake in the world. It has a salt concentration 8 times that of the ocean, making it extremely difficult to drown.

Sheosar Lake, Pakistan
Lake of Deosai National Park, in the alpine steppe of the Tibetan Plateau.

Riffelsee, Switzerland
The Riffelsee is an incredible view of a mirrored surface with the Matterhorn in the background.

Peyto Lake, Canada
Peyto Lake is a glacial lake in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. Bill Peyto belongs to the category of colored lakes. The lake has a bright turquoise color, due to the large amount of icy mountain flour sliding into the lake.

Lake Solbjornvannet, Norway

Mirror Lake, California - Mirror Lake - small seasonal lake at Tenaya Creek Canyon in Yosemite National Park USA.

New Zealand also has Mirror Lake, which has amazing reflective properties, like a mirror. It is one of the great lakes of Asia: Issyk-Kul (Kyrgyzstan), Uhua-Khai (China), Inle (Myanmar), Biwa (Japan), Tonle Sap (Cambodia) and Lake Toba in Sumatra (Indonesia).

Horseshoe Lake, Canada - Horseshoe Lake

emerald lake, Canada - Emerald Lake

Lake Plastiras, Greece - Lake Plastira - Lake Plastiras, Greece
An artificial lake in Greece holds up to 400 million cubic liters of fresh water and is one of the highest in Europe.

Mystic Lake, Montana - Mystic Lake
The largest lake in the Beartooth Mountains of Montana offers several world-famous hiking trails and incredible views.

Yamdrok Tso Lake, Tibet - Yamdrok Tso Lake
This lake in Tibet has over 72 km of peaks and is surrounded by snowy mountains.

Lake Malawi, Tanzania - Lake Malawi / Malawi and Mozambique (Malawi and Mozambique) 30044 km2 (11600 square miles). The lake is divided between Tanzania, Mozambique and Malawi. Africa's second deepest lake, this tropical reservoir has more species fish than any other lake on Earth.

Lake Louise, Canada

Lake Isabella, Colorado - Lake Isabelle, Colorado
A popular tourist destination, Isabel Lake is an incredible view of the Navajo and Apache peaks.

Crater Lake, Oregon - Crater Lake, Oregon

Barclay Lake, Washington - Barclay Lake, Washinton

Mono Lake, California - Mono Lake
This shallow desert lake of California's Mono County was formed over 760,000 years ago, and has an ecosystem very similar to the Colorada Lagoon.

Ancient underground lake reed flute, China - Reed Flute Cave. This is a limestone cave in Guangxi, China. Age over 180 million years. Since the 1940s, it has become famous all over the world because of the colorful caves around the lake.

Loch Rea(Loch RI or Loch Ríbh) - the geographical center of Ireland, the middle mountains. Loch Ree is the second largest lake on the River Shannon after Loch Derg. The other two major lakes are Loch Allen to the north, and Loch Derg to the south. The province of Leinster in County Roscommon Lake is popular with Irish monster legends.

Loch Ness lake(Loch Ness, Scotland) Scotland. Loch Ness (Gaelic: Loch Nis) is the second largest Scottish lake in terms of surface area after Loch Lomond, but due to its great depth, it is the largest lake in Scotland by volume of water. The deep, freshwater Loch in Scotland is located about 23 miles (37 km) southwest of Inverness. The lake is known for its Loch Ness monster. Also of interest to tourists is Urquhart Castle east of Drumnadrochit, the lighthouses at Lochend (Bona Lighthouse) and Fort Augusta.

Lake Okanagan is a large, deep lake in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada. The lake is 135 km long and 4-5 km wide. Its interesting feature is the legend of the Lake Demon Ogopogo or Naitaka, and the famous terraces, which are formed by the periodic lowering of the predecessor, glacial lake Penticton. The maximum depth of the lake is 232 m in the area of ​​Grant Island (called "Whiskey Island" or "Seagull Island" by the locals)

Lake Labynkyr(Labynkyr Lake), Yakutia
This mystical lake is located near the Pole of Cold in the territory of Oymyakon uluss. Legends say that a monster lives deep in the water. It attacks dogs, deer and even humans. History tells how once a monster destroyed an Even caravan.

Lake Kanas(pinyin: Kanasi Hu) in the shape of a crescent is a lake in the Altai Prefecture of Xinjiang Province, China. The lake is located in a valley in the Altai mountains, on the border with, Mongolia and. The lake was formed 200,000 years ago, during the Quaternary period, as a result of the movement of a glacier. The Kanas River, flowing out of the lake, merges with the Hemu River, forming the Burkin River, which itself is a tributary of the Irtysh River. Ethnic Tuvans and Kazakhs live in the Kanas valley.

Lake Kok-Kol(Kok-Kol lake) Mysterious lake in Zhambyl region, Kazakhstan. Occasionally mysterious lake makes some strange sounds, and sometimes you can see signs of ripples, as if a huge creature is drifting inside the lake. Locals believe that the lake is bottomless. Indeed, when hydrographers measured its depth, they could not find the bottom. But, they discovered many channels. This explains the constant water level, despite the fact that nothing flows from the lake and does not flow into it.

Aral Sea(Kazakh: Aral Tenizі; Mongolian: Aral tengis; Tajik: Bahri Aral; Persian: دریای خوارزم Daryâ- you Khârazm) was a closed lake between Kazakhstan in the north and Uzbekistan in the south. The name translates roughly as "sea of ​​islands" (more than 1100 islands were scattered on its waters). The catchment covers parts of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
Formerly one of the four largest lakes in the world with an area of ​​68,000 km2 (26,300 sq mi), the Aral Sea has been steadily shrinking since the 1960s after the rivers that fed the lake were redirected based on Soviet irrigation projects. The drying up of the Aral Sea is called "one of the worst environmental disasters on the planet"

Lake Storshen(Swedish pronunciation: Storsjön, lit. "Great Lake") is the fifth largest lake in Sweden, located in the province of Jämtland (Jämtland). From Storsjön flows the river Indalsälven and the lake contains main island Froson. The city of Östersund lies on its eastern bank, opposite Frösön. Storsjön is considered to be the birthplace of the sea creatures Storsjöodjuret.

Lake Champlain— Lake Champlain lies directly on Burlington, the border between the US and Canada. At the northern end is the historically interesting Fort Ticonderoga. On Lake Champlain cruises and ferries to Vermont and New York.

Lake Natron is a saline and soda lake in the Arusha region of northern Tanzania. The lake is located near the Kenyan border in the eastern rift branch of the East African Wetlands of International Importance. Lake Natron is a basin in the Ramsar Valley, fed mainly by central Kenya's rivers and hot springs. The unusual color of the water is created by cyanobacteria. Because of the high evaporation rates, salt-loving microorganisms begin to thrive.

Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake North America known for its cobalt blue waters and surrounding snowy peaks. Lake Tahoe is the state border between the states of California and Nevada, and the popular resort of the Sierra Nevada.

Lake Lucerne- among the most beautiful lakes Switzerland, it stands out with its amazing panorama of the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, such as the Eiger and the Jungfrau. The lake is served by vintage steamboats that have been plying here since the 1800s. In spring, the Lake Lucerne basin is fed by Mineralbad streams from the top of Mount Rigi.

pigeon lake(Dove Lake) in Tasmania, Australia. Serene Dove Lake is a national park attraction near Cradle Mountain. This lake is the home of the legendary Tasmanian Devil.

Lake Como, Italy - Just 45 minutes from bustling Milan. Lake Como is one of the favorite vacation spots of the rich and famous.

Lake Bled- one of the most charming sights of the Old Continent. Lake Bled of the Julian Alps (Slovene: Bled, German: Veldes) is located in Slovenia, near the borders with Italy and Austria.

Lake Synevyr- the biggest and most famous lake Ukrainian Carpathians. The lake is located in the Gorgany mountain range, in the upper reaches of the Terebly River. The lake has its own beautiful legend about lovers.

In the list of the most famous lakes of the world, by right, the unnamed may enter:

• Lake Ohrid in the Balkan Mountains (located between the Republic of Macedonia and Albania)
• Lake Saimaa (Finland)
• Ladoga/Onega/Chudskoe (Russia)
• Balaton (Hungary)
• Annecy (France)
• Garda / Iseo (Italy)
• Wastwater (England)
• Sogne (Norway)
• Killarney (Ireland)
• Hallstattersee (Austria)
• Königsee / Obersi (Germany)
• Jokulsadlon (Iceland)
• Laguna Verde (Bolivia)
• Lençois Maranhenses (Brazil)
• Nakuru (Kenya)
• Tekapo (New Zealand)
• Lagunas Altiplánicas (Chile)
• Laguna Bacalar (Mexico) and many others.

There are more than two million freshwater and salt lakes in Russia. The largest lakes in the European part of the country include Ladoga (17.87 thousand km²) and Onega (9.72 thousand km²) in the northwest, Lake Peipsi (3.55 thousand km²) on the Estonian border, as well as the Rybinsk reservoir ( 4.58 thousand km²) on the Volga north of Moscow.

Narrow lakes from 160 to 320 km in length are located behind the dams on the Don, Volga and Kama. In Siberia, similar artificial lakes are located on the upper Yenisei and its tributary Angara, where Bratsk reservoir 570 km long is one of the largest in the world. But they are all insignificant compared to Lake Baikal, the largest reservoir of fresh water on the planet. With a length of 636 km and an average width of 50 km, the surface area of ​​Lake Baikal is 31.72 thousand km², and the maximum depth is 1642 m.

There are countless smaller lakes, located mainly in the poorly drained lowlands of the Russian and West Siberian Plains, especially in more northern regions. Some of them reach significant sizes, in particular, Lake Beloe (1.29 thousand km²), Topozero (0.98 thousand km²), Vygozero (0.56 thousand km²) and Lake Ilmen (0.98 thousand km²) on the territory of the European north-west of the country, and Lake Chany (1.4-2 thousand km²) in south-west Siberia.

List of the largest lakes in Russia

We present to your attention the 10 largest lakes of the Russian Federation with a description, photo and geographical location on the map of the country.

Caspian Sea

The Caspian Sea is the world's largest inland water body (area: 371 thousand km²). It is called a sea, not a lake, because the ancient Romans who arrived in this region discovered that its water was salty and named it the sea after the tribes of the Caspian who lived near the shores of the lake. The Caspian Sea borders the following five countries: Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Iran. The main river feeding the lake is the Volga, which provides about 80% of the inflow of the Caspian Sea, and the remaining 20% ​​falls on other smaller rivers.

The Caspian Sea is rich in oil and natural gas deposits, but these are under development. Also, the extraction process is hindered by the problem of dividing the natural resources of the lake between the five countries bordering it. About 160 species and subspecies of fish from 60 genera live in the Caspian Sea and the deltas of the rivers flowing into it. About 62% of the species are endemic.

Baikal

Baikal is the deepest (1642 m), the oldest (25-35 million years) and the most voluminous (23.6 thousand km³) of all lakes in the world, it is a superstar reservoir in the field of hydrology, geology, ecology and history. Today, Lake Baikal contains about 20 percent of the fresh water on the Earth's surface, which is comparable in volume to the entire Amazon River basin. Baikal has 27 islands, including one over 70 km long (Olkhon Island).

More than 1,500 species of animals live off the shores of the lake, 80% of which are found nowhere else on the planet. The most famous representative of the Baikal fauna is the seal, which lives exclusively in fresh water. According to some reports, the population of seals is about 100,000 individuals. Also near the lake there are such large predators as wolves, which occupy the top positions of the Siberian food chain, feeding on deer, birds, rodents and smaller predators.

Ladoga lake

Lake Ladoga is the largest freshwater lake in Europe, located in the north-west of Russia, 40 km east of St. Petersburg. The area of ​​the lake is 17.87 thousand km², the volume is 838 km³, and the maximum depth at a point to the west of Valaam Island it reaches 230 m.

The depression of the lake appeared under the influence of glaciers. northern shores mostly high and rocky, but also separated by deep, ice-covered bays. The southern shores have many sandy or rocky beaches, mostly low, slightly concave, overgrown with willow and alder. In some places there are ancient coastal embankments covered with pine trees. Most major tributaries are the rivers Volkhov, Svir and Vuoksa.

48 different species of fish were found in the lake, of which the most common are roach, carp, bream, pike perch, perch and smelt. Of the 48 species, 25 are of commercial importance and 11 are in the important food fish category.

Lake Ladoga also serves key point stops for migratory birds of the North Atlantic Flyway, which usually mark the arrival of spring.

Lake Onega

Lake Onega is the second largest lake in Europe, located in the northwest of the European part of Russia, between Lake Ladoga and the White Sea. It covers an area of ​​9.72 thousand km², 248 km long and up to 83 km wide. The greatest depth is about 127 m.

The basin of the lake was formed by the movement of the earth's crust and glaciers. The high rocky shores in the north and northwest are composed of layered granite and covered with forest. There are deep bays in Petrozavodsk, Kondopoga and Pevenets. The southern shores are narrow, sandy, often swampy or flooded. Lake Onega has about 1650 islands, covering a total of about 260 km², usually in the northern and northwestern bays.

The lake is home to over 40 species of fish, including vendace (a small member of the salmon family), smelt, burbot bream, pike, perch, roach and salmon. Many types of fish have significant economic value.

Taimyr

Taimyr is the second (after Baikal) largest lake in the Asian part of Russia, located in the central regions of the Taimyr Peninsula. It is located south of the Byrranga mountains, in the zone.

The lake and tundra zone is popular place for birds such as geese, swans, ducks, buzzards, peregrine falcons and snowy owls. Lake Taimyr is home to a large number of fish, including grayling, muksun, char and whitefish. Although the area is relatively remote, depletion of stocks of certain commercial fish species is still observed.

Taimyr is famous for the largest population of reindeer in Eurasia. Also in this region there are such animals as argali, arctic fox, wolf and lemmings. In 1975, the area was re-introduced.

The lake and its environs have been included in the Taimyr Nature Reserve since 1983. Scientists have discovered plutonium in the sediments of the lake, which allegedly entered Taimyr through wind-blown radioactive particles after nuclear testing held on Novaya Zemlya during the Cold War.

Khanka

Lake Khanka has an area of ​​4 thousand km², of which approximately 97% is located in Russia. The maximum depth of the lake is 10.6 m, and the average volume is 18.3 km². The lake is fed by 23 rivers, 8 of which are in China, and the rest in the territory of the Russian Federation. The only outflow is the Sungacha River, which flows east to the Ussuri River, which forms international border, and rush to the north, where it flows into the Amur River.

Khanka is famous for being home to the highest diversity of birds in the entire temperate zone of Eurasia. At least 327 species of nesting, wintering and migratory birds have been sighted in the lake area.

Chudsko-Pskovskoe Lake

Lake Peipus-Pskovskoye is the largest transboundary and fifth (after Ladoga, Onega, Swedish Venern and Finnish Saim) lake in Europe, located on the border between Estonia and Russia. It occupies 3.6% of the total area of ​​the Baltic Sea basin. A total of 30 islands are located on Lake Peipsi, and another 40 in the delta of the Velikaya River. Most of them rise only 1-2 m above the water level, and often suffer from floods.

About 54 species of coastal aquatic plants grow in the basin of Lake Peipus-Pskov, including reed, calamus, reeds and various herbs. 42 species of fish live in the waters of the lake, such as smelt, vendace, bream, perch, pike, roach and whitefish. Wetlands serve as important nesting and feeding grounds for migratory birds such as swans, geese and ducks that migrate from the White Sea to the Baltic Sea. The region is home to one of the largest swallow colonies in Estonia.

Ubsu-Nur

Ubsu-Nur is the largest lake in Mongolia in terms of surface area (3.35 thousand km²), as well as the largest salt Lake in the country. The Ubsu-Nur basin is one of the most important biodiversity poles of Eurasia. Although most of The lake is located in Mongolia, its northeastern shores are located in the Tyva Republic of the Russian Federation.

The lake is shallow, very salty, and is the remnant of a large sea that existed several thousand years ago. The basin covers an area of ​​about 70 thousand km² and is one of the best preserved natural steppe landscapes on the continent. It is here that the northernmost part of the desert and the most South part tundra.

Reed and freshwater river deltas serve as resting and nesting sites for numerous migratory birds. Over 220 species of birds can be found around the lake, including the black stork, osprey, white-tailed eagle, whooper, and black-headed gull. About 29 different species of fish live in the waters of the lake, one of which is suitable for human consumption. mountainous area serves as a home for Mongolian gerbils, wild sheep and Siberian ibex.

vats

Although Lake Chany is not well known outside of Siberia, it is one of the largest lakes in the country. Chany is a shallow lake with salty and constantly fluctuating water, the level of which can vary from season to season and from year to year. The lands of the lake basin serve as pastures for cattle.

Tanks play an important role in the region's fisheries. The most common species are silver carp, carp, ide, perch. Recently, there has been a trend of depletion of fish stocks of the lake.

Lake Beloe

By area, Beloe is the second (after Onega) natural lake Vologda region, and the third (after the Rybinsk reservoir). It is one of the ten largest natural lakes in Europe. The lake has a relatively round shape with a diameter of 46 km. Its area is 1.29 thousand km², and the basin area is about 14 thousand km².

The lake is famous for its fish stocks, the most famous delicacy is the Belozersky smelt. The forage base and high level of oxygen create favorable conditions for the life of many species. The following fish species are common in the waters of the lake: perch, pike, bream, ruff, sabrefish, roach, bleak, burbot, chub, rudd, whitefish, ide, tench, asp, dace and gudgeon).

Table of 10 largest lakes in Russia