The largest lake in Russia: list, names, description and features

Lakes are one of the national treasures of our homeland. By their number, Russia occupies a leading place in the world. Natural reservoirs can be small and large, salty and freshwater, shallow and deep, densely populated and deserted. We offer a rating of the largest lakes in Russia. It included water reservoirs, which deservedly occupy the first lines.

Caspian Sea

The Caspian Sea is the largest lake in Russia by area. It is so huge that it is called the sea. Especially since the water in the lake is salty throughout the territory, except for the northern ones. The area of the Caspian Sea is approximately four hundred thousand square kilometers, and the maximum depth is more than a thousand meters. That's why it tops the rating "The biggest lakes in the world". Russia can be proud of one of the most precious pearls of the planet. Thanks to magnificent landscapes and unforgettable beaches, the Caspian is gradually becoming one of the popular and favorite places for travelers.

Its name, according to one of the concepts, was the largest in terms of the area of the lake of Russia due to the Caspies - the ancient tribes that lived in the south-west coast. Confirmation is the remains, which archaeologists find to the present. But today the Caspian Sea is more famous for its unique reserves.

The reservoir, located on the border of Europe and Asia, belongs simultaneously to five countries and brings them a great profit. We are talking about Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Azerbaijan. Since the beginning of the XIX century, active extraction of natural gas and oil began. Currently, there are a large number of installations on the lake, with reserves estimated by authoritative experts to reach twenty billion tons.

Baikal

The largest freshwater lake in Russia is Baikal, with a total area of 31,500 square kilometers. However, it is a world record holder for one more parameter. The reservoir has the deepest point (up to 1640 m), compared to other lakes on the whole planet. Baikal is located in eastern Siberia between the Irkutsk region and Buryatia.

Baikal is a legendary lake, which can be conditionally divided into three parts: northern, southern and middle. Each of them is distinguished by its landscape, climate and unique vegetation. The largest lake in the area of Russia is the largest reservoir of freshwater, which includes about ninety percent of the reserves. It flows into 336 rivers of various sizes, and one follows - the Angara. Apparently, therefore, the waters of the lake are distinguished by their extraordinary purity, transparency and the presence of the richest fauna, half of which is a local exclusivity.

Onega and Ladoga lakes

These two reservoirs are very similar, and they are usually united not accidentally. They are located in the north-western part of Russia on the territory of the Vologda and Leningrad regions, in Karelia.

Therefore, the origin of water bodies are the same. On the area, Onega Lake is almost half the size of its "colleague" (9,700 and 17,600 km², respectively). On the banks of the reservoirs is a unique nature, the purest waters are rich in a variety of species of fish. This place of Russia is famous for its cultural, historical and religious monuments. We are talking about the Valaam archipelago, where for about a thousand years a men's monastery is functioning, about the island of Kizhi with a complex of famous wooden churches and belfries.

Taimyr

If we say which lake in Russia is the largest in terms of area, we have already indicated the answer earlier. This, of course, the Caspian, but the Taimyr Lake is the northern record holder. It is located on the peninsula of the same name in the Krasnoyarsk Territory.

Throughout the year, except for one and a half months, the reservoir is 80 percent covered by ice, under which arctic species of fish swim. If we talk about the size, then the exact figure is called quite difficult due to fluctuations in its level. Often the area reaches more than four and a half square kilometers.

Hanka

The lake is located on the border with China, in the Far East of our country. Due to this, it is the center of the tourist industry of the region, as travelers have the opportunity to get acquainted with the customs, traditions and culture of two unique and original countries. The area of the reservoir, compared with the Caspian, is small: about ten times less. But, despite this, the fauna of the lake is truly unique. Seventy-five species of fish live in the waters, some of which are listed in the Red Book.

Vans

If we consider the largest lake in Russia, then Chany occupies the seventh place. The pond is considered enchanted and unique. According to ancient legend, it is inhabited by a huge dragon, which eats people and pets. Naturally, nobody saw him and there is no scientific confirmation, but the tourists are obviously attracted by the history. The area of the pond reaches two thousand square kilometers, in the deepest place - seven meters.

Lake Beloe

This reservoir is located in the Vologda region and is famous for its rich fauna. The area of the lake is small: about 1300 square kilometers, it is relatively shallow (up to twelve meters). The nature in this place is unique: a complex of sandy beaches, birch and pine groves, clean air, beautiful sunsets. In connection with this pond we like tourists and fishermen who come to it from all over Russia.

Its name was not accidental. Despite the fact that its bottom is stony, then lies a clayey-light layer. Under calm weather conditions, the water is clear and clean. But with the slightest excitement, particles of clay rise from the bottom, and the picture completely changes. The lake acquires a whitish characteristic shade.

Topozero

The reservoir is located in the Louhi region, in the northern part of Karelia. The lake is characterized by a winding coastline, due to which it is a favorite place for kayakers. Part of the coast is decorated with sandy beaches, framed by rocky hills. The area of the reservoir is about a thousand square kilometers, and the maximum depth reaches fifty-six meters. Previously, it was navigable. Currently, the lake attracts fishermen: salmon, perch, bream and pike live in its waters.

There are many legends connected with Topozer. According to one of the ancient tales, monks lived on it, adhering to the old faith. On the shores of the lake, as traces of bloody battles of the Great Patriotic War, there are trenches, funnels from shells and abandoned villages.

Ilmen

If we consider the largest lake in Russia, then in the tenth place is the Ilmen lake, located in the Novgorod region. Its dimensions vary, depending on the time of year and on what the water level is. This lake is of glacial origin. The waters are distinguished by a yellowish tinge. This is due to the fact that they contain a large number of organic substances. But the water is replaced completely about six times a year, thanks to the tributaries and the special structure of the excavation. The name of the lake is associated with many legends. The most popular is the myth, which narrates about the life of the Scythian princes Slovene and Rousse. It was they who named the reservoir in honor of the sister of Ilmera.

We examined the largest and most beautiful lakes in Russia. Naturally, the list includes not all water bodies, only the most significant, which are on our vast territory. In this respect, Russia is a uniquely rich state.

At present, no one can say how many lakes are in the country. The number of small reservoirs in Russia is thousands. And they do not even have their own name. Most often they are called by the name of the settlement. According to the official version, the smallest lake in Russia is the unique gazebo of Erzo, which is located in South Ossetia.

Every three to five years it goes completely underground. There is a feeling that the lake has disappeared forever. But it again and again appears, surprising everyone with its unexpected return.