Where is Lake Seliger? Lake Seliger on the map of Russia

Lake Seliger is a quiet lake and forest land of untouched silence, the attractive power of which is better to feel not in words, but in reality. Tourists from all over the world come here to get an incredible energy boost and a bright, unforgettable experience. The region is also interesting with its unique history, traditions and customs. Where is Lake Seliger?

Protected area

The reserved water basin with the area of 2275 km² is located in the center of Russia between the Tver and Novgorod regions. Lake Seliger on the map of Russia stands out for its impressive size and bizarre shape, which it owes its glacial origin. The wide water area of the reaches, located among the ridges and spurs of the Valdai Upland, connects small narrow channels. On the lake there are 160 islands with different terrain. In Seliger, there are 110 tributaries, and only the Selizharivka River flows.
Among the 24 reaches, the largest are Ostashkovsky, Selizharovsky, Polnovsky, Troitsky, Kravotynsky and Sosnitsky. The largest and most beautiful island on the lake is Khachin. A special picturesqueness is given to the inner lakes, which stretch among the wooded hills. Quite impressive sizes are also distinguished by the islands of Klichen, Gorodomlya, Skrebel, the Great Kolodny.

History of the region

The first mention of the lake in the Russian chronicles date back to the 12th-13th centuries. Known at that time as Sereger, it was often a part of the rather lively Novgorod roads. The name Seliger Lake received from the ancient Finns, who are the first inhabitants of the region, and in translation from their language was interpreted as a "rugged lake", a "transparent lake".

There were preserved in the XVII century the mention of Seliger in the Book of the Great Drawing, which describes the largest non-preserved map of Russia. The description also says that the river Selizharivka originates from Lake Selizharova, it is mentioned about the source of the Volga, flowing "between Lake Selizharov and Lake Toropa". The maps of those times were marked by significant deviations. In outlines remotely reminiscent of the present, Lake Seliger on the map of Russia appears only in the XVIII century. A more accurate map can already be seen in the Atlas of 1745 .

The rivers and lakes played a significant role in the development of the Seliger region in ancient times. Slavic tribes gradually settled on their shores, settlements were built, along which the main trade routes passed.

Learning a unique land

It is known that projects were proposed for the union of Seliger with the Polaya River and Lake Ilmen under Peter I. Ya. E. Sivers, the Governor-General of Novgorod, wanted to start his practical implementation. An energetic administrator offered Catherine II all kinds of projects for new arrangements in the province, including the connection of the area where Lake Seliger, With Ilmen and the Baltic.

The beauty and uniqueness of the region attracted many famous scientists. In 1814 the first Russian geographer N. Ya. Ozeretskovsky visited here. Later, he wrote a book that arouses considerable interest among readers and today - "Journey to Lake Seliger."

The first scientific study of the Valdai Upland, where Lake Seliger is located, in 1894-1895. Was implemented by DN Anuchin, who is considered the father of Russian lake science (limnology). They did a tremendous amount of work. Measurements of the width and depth of local rivers and lakes were made, water temperature and flow velocity were determined. To compile a bathymetric map of the depths of the lake system, over 8,000 measurements were taken from the boat using a lot. It is worth noting that the researches of the scientist are still considered to be the most fundamental work on the Seliger region.

"Seliger World Tour"

The territory of the Seliger region extends for 80 km from north to south and more than 50 km from west to east. There are many beautiful places here. Once you have visited the edge of lakes, forests and marshes, you understand that you want to return here more than once. And each time you will discover uncharted places for yourself. Seliger enjoys great popularity among tourists, for whom a lot of interesting water treks have been developed along numerous bright lakes and shady rivers, wide stretches and narrow channels, with rest in calm picturesque bays and convenient bays. No wonder the pearl of the middle zone of Russia is called Lake Seliger. On the map with the presented water routes any person wishing to go to the "Seliger World Circle" is given the opportunity to independently choose the most interesting variants of the hike with all possible branches of it. Along the coastline, surrounded by beautiful spruce and pine forests, cozy hotels, boarding houses and tourist bases with developed infrastructure are located.

Especially popular is the Berezovsky Plis, it is considered one of the most beautiful places of the protected area. Here, to the south-west of the village of Cartun, is the Silver Lake. Seliger in its water system does not have a lake under that name. Its exact name is Troyan (it is often possible to hear and Shaking). The name Silver was received because of the white sand on the bottom and the increased content of silver ions in the water, due to which the medicinal properties are attributed to it. There is also a tradition that the lake was so called because of the chests with silver, which the rebellious Marfa Posadnitsa preferred to drown than to give to Ivan III after the deprivation of Novgorod land of the privileges of self-government in 1478.

Forests covering the shores of the Silver Lake are a natural monument.

Seliger Attractions

A lot of natural and historical sights will be discovered when traveling along the edge of Lake Seliger. Photos representing the area, clearly demonstrate the harmonious combination of architectural works of ancient architects with the nature of amazing beauty. On Stolobny Island in the middle of the lake is one of the main Christian shrines of the Nilova Pustyn region. The existing monastery is open for pilgrims and tourists. Here they can see the embankment, the Bishops' quay, the Cross Exaltation Church, the oldest structure on the island - the Church of All Saints, and visit the majestic Epiphany Cathedral and admire from its bell tower a magnificent panorama of the lake, its islands, temples along the banks.

Nilova Pustyn is a historically established hotbed of the Orthodox faith, but there are others Little-known historical monuments, which Russia is proud of. Lake Seliger also reveals such holy places as the Zhitenny Monastery and the Smolensk Cathedral, located deep in the dense forest .

The source of the Volga River

The cradle of the great river has long been considered a holy place. Here, in accordance with the decree of Alexei Mikhailovich, in 1649 the Spaso-Preobrazhenskaya Pustyn was opened. Nikolsky and Spaso-Preobrazhensky temples, located at the source, are the basis of the restored here Olginsky monastery.

Museums of Seliger region

In the village of Rogozha there is a Museum of Nature of the Seliger Territory, housed in the former Transfiguration Church. Here you can see colorful dioramas of natural landscapes, animal biogroups, incredibly rich underwater world of the lake and rare, endangered species of animals.

It is worthwhile and one of the rather original Russian cities - Ostashkov. The unique expositions of the local history museum will reveal the history of the Seliger region, familiarize them with tools of work, religious and everyday things, handicrafts and handicrafts, works of art and other rare items from archaeological excavations.

Seligerskaya pyramid

On the shore of the lake, not far from Ostashkov, one can see one of the modern landmarks of the region - the pyramid, set in 1997, 22 meters high. This architectural structure of the work of Alexander Golod, according to the author himself, is a source of ionizing radiation capable of influencing the thickness of the ozone layer of the atmosphere and activating the biocenosis processes in the environment.

Rest on the Lakes

Rest on the bosom of the primeval nature of the middle zone of Russia, where Lake Seliger is located, has always been popular. The modern infrastructure of tourist complexes, along with unusual landscapes, consisting of a water surface and quaint coastlines, picturesque bays and reaches, attract tourists from all over the world. The nature of the region is the greatest miracle created by the best architect, which is the Earth itself.