Lake Ladoga: description, depth, relief, fish. Lake Ladoga: description, depth, photo. Fishes of Lake Ladoga

Ladoga lake is located in the Republic of Karelia and Leningrad region RF. It is considered one of the largest freshwater lakes in Europe. Its area is about 18 thousand square meters. kilometers. The bottom is uneven: in one place the depth can be 20 meters, and in another - 70 meters, but the maximum is 230 meters. 35 rivers flow into this water area, and only the Neva flows out. The Ladoga region is divided into Northern and Southern, Eastern and Western.

Formation of the water area

Scientists say that Lake Ladoga is of glacial-tectonic origin. On the site of its basin, approximately 300-400 million years ago, there was a sea. The change in relief was influenced by glaciers, which led to the rise of the land. When the glacier began to retreat, a glacial lake with fresh water appeared, Ancylovoe Lake appeared, which connected with Ladoga. New tectonic processes took place 8.5 thousand years ago, due to which the Karelian Isthmus was formed and the lake became isolated. Over the past 2.5 thousand years, the relief has not changed.
In the Middle Ages in Rus' the lake was called “Nevo”, and in Scandinavia – “Aldoga”. However, its real name comes from Ladoga (city). Now this is the name not only of the city, but of the river and lake. It is difficult to determine which particular object was first named Ladoga.

Climatic features

In the area of Lake Ladoga, a temperate and transitional climate has formed: from continental to maritime. It depends on the circulation of air masses and on the location. The amount of solar radiation here is small, so moisture evaporates slowly. The average number of days per year is 62. The weather is mostly cloudy and cloudy. Length of daylight in different time year varies from 5 hours 51 minutes. until 18:50 From the end of May to mid-July there are “white nights”, when the sun sets below the horizon at about 9°, and the evening smoothly turns into morning.

The water resources of the lake are the main climate-forming factor in the Ladoga region. The water area helps smooth out some climate indicators. Thus, air masses from the continent, passing over the surface of the lake, become sea masses. The minimum atmospheric temperature drops to -8.8 degrees Celsius, and the maximum rises to +16.3 degrees, the average is +3.2 degrees. The average annual precipitation is 475 millimeters.

Recreational wealth

Despite the fact that even in summer the water in the lake is very cold, a large number of people come here on vacation every year, so there are beaches for tourists. Many vacationers go on catamarans and kayaks.

There are 660 islands on the lake, and they are mainly concentrated in the northern part of the reservoir. Among the largest are the Western and Valaam archipelagos, and largest islands– Riekkalansari, Valaam, Mantsinsaari, Tulolansari, Kilpola. On some islands, monasteries were built (Konevei, Valaam), where the relics of saints rest and sacred relics are located. There is also a memorial “Road of Life”.

On the territory of the Ladoga basin there is the Nizhnevirsky Nature Reserve, home to various species of fauna, including rare ones. The following types of flora grow here:

blueberry;
green mosses;
elm;
maple;
Linden;
mushrooms.

The nature of the North-Western part of Russia is amazingly attractive. The discreet beauty of taiga landscapes is replaced by vast swamps rich in cranberries and cloudberries. Elevated areas are decorated with small-leaved forests and spruce forests. But the mirror surface of numerous lakes gives this region of Russian nature a unique charm.

Ladoga lake- the largest in Europe, the length of which is 219 km with the greatest width - 138 km. The northern and eastern parts of the reservoir belong to Karelia. The western, southeastern and southern shores of Lake Ladoga are located in the Leningrad region. Ladoga contains 908 km³ of water. Replenishment water resources occurs due to 35 flowing rivers. One river flows out of Lake Ladoga - the Neva.

The area of Lake Ladoga is 18,135 km², the length of the coastline is 1,570 km. The bottom topography is characterized by sharp changes in the north and a flatter character in the south. The depths of Lake Ladoga are very diverse: from 60–220 m in the northern part and from 15–70 in the southern part. Usually, the steeper and higher the banks, the great depths are observed near them. The maximum depth of Lake Ladoga was recorded near the Valaam archipelago - 233 meters.

Islands of Lake Ladoga

There are about five hundred large and small islands in the waters of Lake Ladoga. The largest of them make up the Valaam archipelago. The famous Konevets Monastery on Lake Ladoga, famous in the Orthodox world, was erected on another large island - Konevets, about 600 years ago. Some islands are separated from each other by small straits - the famous skerries of Ladoga, which give this region a unique beauty.

History of Lake Ladoga - historical references, “the road of life”, finds and artifacts

Ladoga is present on one of the first geographical maps of the Moscow state, compiled in 1544 by the German cartographer Sebastian Munster.

The first detailed map of Lake Ladoga was compiled by the Admiralty Department in 1812.

For Russia, Ladoga was of strategic importance: in the 9th century, an important part of the waterway “from the Varangians to the Greeks” passed through its expanses. Documentary mention of the “great Lake Nevo” (as Lake Ladoga was called in the old days) was first found in the ancient Russian chronicle of 1228. The first capital before Kievan Rus was located near the confluence of the Volkhov River into Lake Ladoga.

The Novgorodians kept merchant ships and a military flotilla on Ladoga. Many pages of the Peter the Great era are closely connected with this lake. These regions are witnesses to the glorious battles on Lake Ladoga during the Northern War.

"The road of life"

During World War II, from 1941 to 1944, most of the coast of Lake Ladoga was under German-Finnish occupation. Residents of cities and villages were virtually cut off from the world. And only in the southwestern part of Ladoga there was communication with Soviet troops. This “road of life” functioned from September 1941 to March 1943. The path connected the inhabitants besieged Leningrad with the rest of the country. The “Road of Life” began from the port of Osinovets on Lake Ladoga and ended at the docks of Leningrad. In summer by water, and in winter by ice road, food, medicine and basic necessities were transported to the city under a hail of enemy shells. In total, during the existence of the “road of life”, 1.6 million tons of various cargo were transported, which allowed the residents of Leningrad to hold out until the blockade was lifted. But food was transported along this route and people were taken out. Approximately 1,400 people were evacuated this way. In the place where the “road of life” lay, 7 monuments and 102 memorial pillars were erected. All of them are included in the Green Belt of Fame.

Finds at the bottom of Lake Ladoga

The bottom of Ladoga to this day preserves numerous interesting and valuable artifacts from various eras. The ancient Vikings and soldiers of the Northern and Great Patriotic Wars left their mark. Of course, first of all, Lake Ladoga hides traces of the Second World War. A striking example of this is “Death Bay”. In this place in August 1941, an urgent evacuation of the Soviet rifle and motorized divisions took place. For two weeks, under fierce artillery and mortar fire, the ships removed the fighters from the shore. The small bay was literally bombarded with shells. Until now, the entire bottom of the lake is covered with a layer of shell casings, shell fragments and iron.

The “Secrets of Sunken Ships” project has been carried out throughout Lake Ladoga for more than ten years. Participants in this project compile a register in which they enter a description of the found sunken ships and aircraft. Thanks to the fresh cold water of Ladoga, all objects are perfectly preserved at the bottom. They are of great interest to diving enthusiasts.

Lake Ladoga on the map of Russia and depth map

The historical name of Lake Ladoga is Nevo. The reservoir is located on the border of two regions. The southwestern part is located in the Leningrad region, and the northeastern part is in the Republic of Karelia. The area of the reservoir is very large, so it is conventionally divided into parts. The northern Ladoga region belongs to southern Karelia, two districts of the Leningrad region are considered southern - Volkhovsky and Kirovsky. Lake Ladoga is also divided into eastern and western Ladoga regions: Olonets region of the Republic of Karelia and the Karelian Isthmus, respectively.

On the shores of Lake Ladoga in the Republic of Karelia there are the cities of Sortavala, Lakhdenpokhya, and Pitkyaranta. On the Leningrad region side there are also large settlements- the cities of Priozersk, Shlisselburg and Novaya Ladoga. Many small and large tributaries flow into the lake, and only one river flows out of it - the Great Neva. In the southern part of the reservoir there are three beautiful large bays. These are the Shlisselburg, Svir and Volkhov Bays.

Geographic map

Map of the depths of Lake Ladoga

The bottom topography of Lake Ladoga is heterogeneous. The depth gradually increases from south to north. In the northern part, the bottom surface is uneven, there are many depressions and underwater rocks. Depths of 100 meters or more prevail. In the north of Ladoga the largest

The depth of the lake is 230 meters. The depth of the depression opposite the Kurkijoki skerries reaches 220 meters.

In the southern part of Ladoga, the bottom topography is smoothed. No deep depressions and sudden changes. Depths fluctuate between 25–50 meters. But this is not particularly noticeable, because the bottom topography is flat, without rocks or holes. Closer to the center of the lake, the depth averages 50 meters.

Climate and weather on Lake Ladoga

The climate on Ladoga is humid and mild, close to the sea. Winter, although cold, passes without severe frosts, summer is cool. Ice covers the lake at the end of October and lasts until the beginning of May, and the central part of Ladoga does not freeze over every winter. The greatest thickness of ice is observed in the bays - 30–60 cm.

The average annual water temperature in Lake Ladoga is 3.5 °C. This reservoir is characterized by the spring and autumn presence of a thermal front with warmer water, gradually moving from the coastal shallow areas to the center of the lake. On a warmer south coast the water in Lake Ladoga warms up to +20 °C, although at the same time at depths the thermometer does not show a temperature above +4 °C. A thermal front is detected by the formation of a strip of foam with floating debris and flocks of seagulls that hunt small fish.

The weather is fickle - complete calm can be replaced by a real storm in just half an hour. On Ladoga, with strong winds, waves reach a height of 4 meters, and near the island of Valaam a wave with a height of 7.5 m was recorded. Alternating groups of waves different heights, characteristic of Ladoga, gives the impression of sailing on a bumpy road, and the excitement in the southern shallow part of the lake, due to the numerous protruding banks and ridges, takes on the character of a chaotic crush. Instability weather conditions associated with a sudden invasion of cold air masses from the Arctic. The insidious nature of the waves on Lake Ladoga caused the death of a huge number of ships and small boats.

In 2002, they launched the expeditionary research project “Secrets of Sunken Ships”, whose experts identified more than 10 thousand objects that sank in Ladoga and the Gulf of Finland. Most of the finds at the bottom of Lake Ladoga, thanks to fresh water and low temperatures, have been preserved in surprisingly good condition and are of great interest to scientists and treasure hunters.

Unusual natural phenomena on Ladoga

Some places here have unusual natural phenomena, which gave rise to many legends of Lake Ladoga. In clear, warm weather, mirages - imaginary outlines - may suddenly appear over the water surface. remote islands, coastal buildings, floating ships.

Other unique phenomenon– brontids. A distinct hum is heard from underground on the shore or directly from the lake, accompanied by a slight vibration of the earth or the turbulence of the waters. More often this phenomenon is observed near the island. Balaam. Scientists explain it interesting phenomenon tectonic movements occurring at the bottom of the lake.

Nature of Lake Ladoga: animals, plants and fish

Many areas near Lake Ladoga have been preserved in their pristine beauty. In the picturesque faults of the harsh rocks, the ancient history of this region is visible. Islands, rocky shoals, mountain slopes covered with pine wilds were once covered by the waters of a prehistoric sea that stretched in the north to the ocean.

Rare species of flora and fauna are found in the protected areas of Lake Ladoga. On the picturesque slopes of the reef mountains, facing south, southern plant species unusual for these latitudes grow (linear onion, sand clove). The northern areas on the shores of Lake Ladoga are favored by tundra plants: snow saxifrage and alpine saxifrage. At the foot of the mountains, representatives of broad-leaved forests feel good: Norway maple and elm (mountain elm). Numerous fir forest edges are decorated with purple aconites with their blooms in June.

On Ladoga there are animals common to the taiga zone: foxes, moose, hares, wolves, bears, etc. The gentle cliffs in the north are a rookery for a very rare species - the Ladoga seal. This marine mammal has adapted to the conditions of a freshwater lake. The Ladoga seal reaches 130 cm in length and 50–70 kg in weight. The skin of this animal is decorated with a pattern of pale rings (ringed is another name for seal). In February-March, they prepare burrows in snow hummocks, where the female gives birth to one 4-kilogram cub. When the lake is freed from the ice cover, flocks of seals come to the shores of the Valaam archipelago.

Fish living in the lake

The ichthyofauna of Lake Ladoga is represented by more than 50 species of fish, including whitefish and salmon. About half of the commercial catch on Ladoga comes from pike perch, whitefish and smelt. Also of commercial importance are: carp (roach, bream, ide), perch, vendace, pike, trout, ruff. Lamprey (brook and river), silver bream, and blue bream are found in these waters. The main commercial fish is pike perch, which lives on Ladoga in the shallower southern half of the lake. It often reaches 8 kg of weight here. Ladoga salmon prefers the northern depths of Ladoga, and for spawning it goes along the rivers flowing into Lake Ladoga (Burnaya, Vidlitsa, Svir). The northern regions of the lake are also inhabited by Baltic sturgeon, palia, and occasionally sterlet.

Fishing on Lake Ladoga - winter from ice and open water

You can return from Ladoga with significant catches all year round. The content of oxygen dissolved in Ladoga water is close to 100%, so the period of “dead winter” is not observed here, and this makes Lake Ladoga compare favorably with most inland reservoirs.

Winter ice fishing on Ladoga

Winter on this lake is a fishing season, but also quite dangerous. Strong winds can cause fast ice to break off. Sometimes huge fields ice in a squally wind crumbles into small ice floes within a short time.

The distances here are long, so good fishing Can't imagine without a snowmobile or car. Ladoga is completely covered with ice very rarely, and usually strong ice forms along the perimeter of the shores no further than 10–15 km. But this distance is quite enough for effective fishing. Perch and roach prefer to stay at a depth of 3–6 m in winter, and this most often requires cutting holes at a short distance from the shore. Many anglers find pike on Ladoga in winter in shallow water overgrown with reeds, where the depth under the ice does not exceed 50 cm.

But the most interesting fishing on Ladoga in winter is catching perch with a vertical spoon. Perch here lives both small (up to 200 g) and quite decent sizes (up to 800 g). Fishermen usually use spinners with a soldered hook or spinners with jig hooks suspended on a chain.

Fishing on Lake Ladoga in open water

Trolling on Ladoga

Lake Ladoga is rich in fish. It is caught in different ways: both with a float and with a spinning rod from the shore. But the most exciting thing is trolling fishing. Most often, large pike and pike perch are caught on bait, but if you are lucky, you can also catch Ladoga salmon. If we talk about trolling, this type of fishing is not only the most sporting, but also the most effective. This is because it is possible to move a wobbler or other bait across a large area of a reservoir. You can change the depth of the bait and thereby fish at different depths. And the most important thing is that you have the opportunity to visit, in search of a worthy trophy, those parts of the lake where there is a regular bite, but there is no possibility of approaching from the shore. You can troll on Ladoga day and night.

In the north of Ladoga in Karelia, salmon are caught at various depths, from 10 to 70 meters. It depends on the area of the reservoir. The main thing is to constantly monitor the nature of the bottom and the bait, since here the depth can change from 40 to 4 meters in a matter of minutes. Fishing is also complicated by the regular need to change the depth of the wobbler, which is not required when fishing in the southern part of the lake.

When trolling for pike or pike perch, from two to twelve spinning rods are used. The more baits, the better the bite. This is explained by the fact that wobblers imitate the movement of a small flock. And this will undoubtedly arouse the interest of the predator. A trolling rod is different from a standard spinning rod. Firstly, it must have a long and strong handle. Secondly, it is desirable to have a little more throughput rings, from 12 to 14. This will help distribute the load on the rod more evenly. Thirdly, the length of the spinning rod is important. It is best to give preference to a rod with a length of 2.1 or 2.4 meters, this will be quite enough.

Accordingly, it is no less important to choose the right bait. Predators of Ladoga are very capricious. So you never know what they will prefer. The supply of all kinds of wobblers, silicone twisters and vibrating tails should not be small. But we can say with confidence that the most catchable baits length from 8 to 12 cm. The true skill of a fisherman lies not in choosing a wobbler that most closely resembles a fish, but in teaching it correctly.

Fishing on Ladoga in spring

On Ladoga, however, as on other bodies of water, fish come en masse to the shore to spawn. Large roach begin to be caught when blocks of ice are still floating on the water surface. The fishermen’s catch of the “first move” of roach contains specimens of 0.8-1.2 kg. Over time, there are more fish, but small things begin to dominate the catch. Catching roaches float rod for maggots or cut worms at the edge of reed thickets at the shallowest depths. There is no point in feeding the fish - the fish is busy looking for a place to spawn and forgets about hunger. It is much more important to actively search for fish.

Following the roach, silver bream and bream go to spawn, but their size and quantity are not of particular interest for fishing. The pike feast that follows promises very interesting fishing. During this period, the spotted predator is successfully caught by casting south coast Lake Ladoga, in reed thickets. During this period, sometimes 3–6 kg specimens are caught. Pike can be caught not only near the shore in reeds, but also on open water, within 30–40 meters from coastal vegetation. Large spinners or spinners are most often used for catching pike on Lake Ladoga.

Fishing on Lake Ladoga during the white nights

The greatest interest during this period is night fishing for pike perch. On Ladoga, trolling enthusiasts ply along rocky ridges 3–10 km from the shore. Pike perch actively moves in all layers of water, so they catch it simultaneously with several spinning rods, equipping them with wobblers with different depths. Driven wobblers for Ladoga are favorites for hunting pike perch. The most universal colors are “acid” and “blue back”. The main catch is pike perch 1.5-5 kg, but 10 kg trophies can be found.

Large pike live on the same rocky ridges, but you can catch them with larger baits (8–11 cm Shad is suitable).

Fishing on Ladoga in summer

At this time, the perch begins to hunt for grown-up fry. Fans of cast-cast fishing arm themselves with a light spinning rod and go in search of schooling perch. The easiest way to spot fattening perches is by looking for seagulls. If a school is detected, then the size of the catch can only be affected by the speed of fishing. The school may go deeper, but usually it soon appears somewhere nearby, and fishing can be resumed. Perches weighing up to 700 g are caught in this way. Larger trophies can be taken by trolling.

When fishing from the shore, you can only count on catching “laces”. More big fish prefers not to come closer to the shore than 2–5 km in summer.

Trophy pike is better caught not on ridges, where the bottom of Lake Ladoga has complex terrain, but on “runs”. Therefore, in the summer, many fishermen simply plow the expanses of Ladoga, equipping their fishing rods with large spoons or wobblers.

Autumn fishing on Ladoga

As the weather gets colder, large fish begin to move closer and closer to the shores. At this time, you can “treasure” at 2-meter depths. And before the freeze-up they fish effectively, as in the spring, near the reeds. Good results are demonstrated by large, oscillating, ultra-light spoons or large-sized white rubber with minimal loading and a pair of tees. In reed windows, various non-hooking hooks are more suitable for catching pike.

Relaxation on the shores of Lake Ladoga

A distinctive feature of staying on Ladoga is the fairly developed tourism infrastructure. There are many bases around Ladoga offering their services. Here fishermen can find not only a place to stay for the night, but also rent a boat, some gear, get expert advice, as well as have a delicious dinner and a steam bath. In addition to fishing, here you can do organized excursions to the historical sights of Lake Ladoga, go on a cruise on Lake Ladoga or take a walking pick mushrooms and berries, ride horses or bike.

Recreation centers

The recreation center “13th Cordon” is located in the village of Salmi. Seven two-story comfortable cottages are available for vacationers (from 5,500 rubles per room). On the territory of the “13th Cordon” there are: a swimming pool, a cafe, two baths. 5-hour rental

A Grizli boat will cost 4 thousand rubles, a three-seater motor boat - 2 thousand rubles. Trolling on a boat accompanied by a ranger – 3 thousand rubles/hour.

The Mikli-Olgino farm belongs to the village of Miynala, Lakhdenpokhsky district, in close proximity to the skerries of Ladoga. On the farm there were built 2 wooden comfortable cottage(from 900 rubles per person) and a separate eight-bed house on the shores of Lake Ladoga (8 thousand rubles for the whole house). The base has a bathhouse, a summer cafe, a billiards room, a pier, and free parking. You can rent equipment, a boat, an ATV, a bicycle. Holidays on the farm will especially appeal to lovers of secluded places.

“Burnaya Ladoga” belongs to the Priozersky region, located at the mouth of the Burnaya River. Here tourists are provided with rooms in guest house(from 1 thousand rubles per person). The base has a bathhouse, a shooting range, a children's playground, and a sports ground. You can rent a rowing boat for 500 rubles/day; going to Ladoga by motor will cost 900 rubles/day or 300 rubles/hour. Many vacationers visit this base specifically to play paintball among real bunkers and pillboxes on the Mannerheim Line. In winter, exciting snowmobile safaris take place here.

How to get to Lake Ladoga

It is more convenient for Muscovites to get to Lake Ladoga through St. Petersburg. You can choose the most suitable method of transportation.

By train:

From St. Petersburg to the Ladoga Lake station, trains run from Finlyandsky station(in summer there are 8 flights). The trip will take 1 hour 20 minutes. Electric trains depart from the Baltic Station to the same station.

By car:

Route 1: we leave St. Petersburg along Kola M-18 and head towards A120, drive along A 120 to A-128.
Route 2: we leave St. Petersburg along the Ryabovskoye Highway, then continue along Borisov Griva until the turn near the village. Vaganova we leave on A-128.

Minibuses regularly go to Lake Ladoga from the Dybenko metro station.

By train:

From St. Petersburg you can get to the northern regions of Lake Ladoga from Ladozhsky Station by direct trains. Destination: Sortavala or Ilya Uuksu.

Photos of Lake Ladoga

The blue surface of the lake extending far beyond the horizon... Bizarre boulders guarding the approaches to the forest... A scattering of picturesque islands overgrown with forest... The walls of an ancient monastery approaching the water itself... Winding bays shrouded in mist. All this is majestic and unique Ladoga.

When we were just going there, we were very frightened by the fact that Ladoga was supposedly harsh and unpredictable, so if we suddenly got ready to go there, we needed to prepare a will in advance and we shouldn’t count on anything good. I don’t know where these horror stories come from, but in practice, more and more people walk around Ladoga every year, and if any problems happen, it’s either with ice fishermen or with people who are heavily drunk. In general, people walk there quietly until late autumn.

Tourists have nothing to fear there if they observe some kind of safety and do not go on the water in objectively bad weather.

Here I want to talk about Lake Ladoga and how we saw it. Of course, we weren’t everywhere - there are many islands there, but we visited the Priozersky, Lakhdenpokhsky, Sortavala and Pitkyaranta skerries, as well as the archipelagos.

For example, we visited:

Mykerikky Island
Yalayansari Island (Yalajansaari, Finnish Jalajansaari, Hungry Island), part of the Western Archipelago.
Heinäsenmaa Island, part of the Western Ladoga Archipelago.
Verkkosaari Island is part of the Western Archipelago.
The island of Vossinoisaari is part of the Western Archipelago.
The Bay Islands on Ladoga, which are part of the Valaam archipelago.
Cross Island (Ristisaari), which is part of the Eastern Archipelago.
Kheposari Island is a small island in the Ladoga skerries, located near the city of Sortavala.
The Palosaret Islands are located in the Priozersky skerries.

First, a little background information about Lake Ladoga

Lake Ladoga is located in two regions, the northern and eastern shores in the Republic of Karelia, and the western, southern and southeastern shores in the Leningrad region.

Ladoga is considered the largest freshwater lake in Europe. The area of the lake without islands is 17.9 thousand km². At least 40 rivers and large streams flow into Lake Ladoga, and one flows out - the Neva River. The water is clean, except in areas polluted by industrial waste.

On the shores of Lake Ladoga there are the cities of Priozersk, Novaya Ladoga, Shlisselburg, Sortavala, Pitkyaranta, Lakhdenpokhya.

There are about 660 islands on Lake Ladoga. Of these, about 500 are concentrated in the northern part of the lake, in the so-called skerry area, as well as in the Valaam (about 50 islands, including the Baievo Islands), Western archipelagos and the Mantsinsaari group of islands (about 40 islands). The largest islands are Riekkalansari, Mantsinsaari, Kilpola, Tulolansari and Valaam.

The most famous on Lake Ladoga are the Valaam Islands - an archipelago of about 50 islands with an area of about 36 km², due to the location of the Valaam Monastery on the main island of the archipelago. Also known is the island of Konevets, on which the monastery is located.

The islands of the lake are rocky, with high, up to 60-70 m, sometimes steep shores, covered with forest, sometimes almost bare or with sparse vegetation.

Southern and south- West Coast The lakes for 150 km are overgrown with reeds and cattails.

Here are shelters and nesting places for waterfowl. There are many nesting sites for seagulls on the islands; blueberries and lingonberries grow on them, and on the larger ones there are mushrooms.

The lake is rich in freshwater fish, which go into the rivers to spawn. Lake Ladoga is home to: Ladoga slingshot, salmon, trout, palia, whitefish, vendace, smelt, bream, raw fish, bluefish, silver bream, rudd, asp, catfish, pike perch, roach, perch, pike, burbot and others.

Lake Ladoga is home to the only representative of pinnipeds, the Ladoga ringed seal. The number of seals in the lake is estimated at 4000-5000 heads. You can meet them both in skerries and on archipelagos, but seals prefer low rocky islands for rest.

The lake freezes in December (coastal part) - February (central part), and opens in April - May. The central part is covered with solid ice only in very severe winters.

Due to the long and strong cooling in winter, the water in the lake is very cold in summer; it warms up only in the thin upper layer and in the coastal strip. The water temperature on the surface in August is up to 24 °C in the south, 18-20 °C in the center, at the bottom about 4 °C, in winter under the ice 0-2 °C.

There are an average of 62 sunny days per year. Therefore, for most of the year, days with cloudy, cloudy weather and diffuse lighting predominate.

The so-called “white nights” are observed over the lake, occurring on May 25-26, when the sun drops below the horizon by no more than 9°, and the evening twilight practically merges with the morning. The white nights end on July 16-17. In total, the duration of white nights is more than 50 days.

Calms are rare. In October, storm winds with a speed of more than 20 m/s are often observed on Lake Ladoga, the maximum wind speed reaches 34 m/s. Breezes are observed along the entire coast in summer on windless sunny days and clear nights. The lake breeze begins around 9 am and continues until 8 pm, its speed is 2-6 m/s; it extends 9-15 km inland. Fogs are observed most often in spring, late summer and autumn.

There is constant unrest on the lake. During strong storms, the water “boils” in it, and the waves are almost completely covered with foam. The water regime is characterized by surge phenomena (water level fluctuations by 50-70 cm annually, up to a maximum of 3 m), seiches (up to 3-4 m), wave heights during storms up to 6 m.

Seasonal fluctuations in the lake's water level are small due to the large area of the water surface of this reservoir and due to the relatively small annual variation in the amount of water entering it.

However, in Lake Ladoga, in any case, the water level changes regularly and this must be taken into account. In the Sortavala skerries we once passed a shallow channel between the islands and in one direction in August we passed calmly, and in September, returning, we began to cling to the bottom, which caused us some trouble.

In addition, not only can the water level vary throughout the year, but there are also thirty-year (Brickner) cycles in which the water level in the lake can vary by several meters.

Here in the photo, for example, you can see what the water level is now and what it was like 20-30 years ago. Where the water fluctuated, the color of the stone became lighter, and the structure became polished. Can you imagine how many islands then appear and disappear from the water during such cycles?

The northern shores, starting from Priozersk in the west to Pitkäranta in the east, are mostly high, rocky, heavily indented, forming numerous peninsulas and narrow bays (fjords and skerries), as well as small islands separated by straits.

The southern shores are low, slightly indented, flooded due to the neotectonic submeridional distortion of the lake. The coast here is replete with shoals, rocky reefs and banks. It is inconvenient to walk here with a motor - unlike the northern coast, algae constantly cling to it, which also does not add joy.

The eastern shore is slightly indented, two bays jut into it - Lunkulanlahti and Uksunlahti, fenced off from the lake by one of largest islands Ladoga - Mantsinsaari. There are wide sandy beaches here. The West Bank is even less rugged. It is overgrown with dense mixed forest and bushes, approaching close to the water's edge, along which there are scatterings of boulders. Ridges of stones often extend from capes far into the lake, forming dangerous underwater shoals.

Fortifications from the Second World War on Lake Ladoga

Heinäsenmaa, Verkkosaari, Vossinoisari, Mykkerikke, Rahmansari and several other small islands - this is the Western Archipelago. People call them Defense because during the Winter War of 39-40, all kinds of Finnish fortifications related to the Mannerheim Line were located on them. Also, very heavy fighting took place on Rahmansari Island in September 1941 - the Finns successfully drove our people out of there.

Heinäsenmaa Island on Lake Ladoga

Since the 50s, Soviet testing grounds were located on the islands of the Western and Eastern Archipelago where weapons of mass destruction were tested. In particular, there are several contaminated areas on Heinäsenmaa, fenced with barbed wire and radiation signs.

Verkkosaari Island

There is no training ground or burial ground on Verkkosaari, only old Finnish positions, a couple of rifle cells and a dugout inhabited by fishermen.

Rahmansari Island

There were active battles on Rakhmansari during the Second World War, but we did not see any artillery positions there. All that is interesting on the island is the lighthouse and the landing stage.

Mykerikky Island

I had already read somewhere that on Mykkerikky there were supposedly indeed zones with radioactive contamination, but even though we didn’t have a dosimeter, these zones seemed somewhat dubious. Turning our heads enthusiastically, we dragged the catamaran closer to the shore along flat underwater rocks, deciding first to see what was going on here, and then have a snack and decide whether to go further or stay here for the whole day.

Ristisaari Island

Hiking routes in Ladoga

I was once asked the following question:

Kayaks can be assembled right in Priozersk - opposite railway station- there is a convenient beach there, there is a boat station. In this case, from Priozersk along Vuoksa you can go straight to Ladoga through the Tikhaya River. The Tikhaya River is rapids (or rather, rippling) - well, under the bridge there is such a stormy place - you just have to go straight, as the current carries you, and you will pass calmly, but it is very fun to walk along it, and the river itself is pleasant and pretty.
In Priozersk you can call a taxi, it’s cheap there, and get there in half an hour to some Ladoga beach- the drivers know all these beaches and will take you straight to the lake. From there you can start in any direction - both to skerries and archipelagos.
By car or taxi (from Priozersk) you can get to Kilpola Island - there is a boat station there, where you can leave your cars. Well, go straight to Ladoga.

You can also land on the island of Kilpola or in the village of Tervu or the village of Khiitola (you need to go up the river to get there) or near the village of Burnevo, on the beach and call a taxi there. And, of course, you can leave cities like Sortavala or Pitkyaranta (if anyone ever gets there).

Many people go to the so-called “Kocherga” - you can google where it is, but there are usually a lot of tourists there. In that area of the islands there are large, flat beaches for large groups and easy berthing. True, most likely all these beaches will be occupied in July, so you will have to look for less comfortable places. Although, in July and August there will be people everywhere. I can't imagine where it isn't.

If we talk in isolation from the original question, then for a relaxing holiday it is better to go to the Priozersky, Lakhdenpokhsky, Sortavala or Pitkyaranta skerries. And if you want to climb all sorts of Finnish fortifications and look at the abandonment, then it is better to go to the archipelagos, for example, to the island of Ristisaari, Heinäsenmaa, Mykerikky, etc.

The weather in July-August is usually warm and calm, there are usually no storms (only in the fall), and if there are, there are just slight waves, with some exceptions. And in any case, in the summer it usually doesn’t storm for more than two days in a row. You can swim, sunbathe, and generally have fun.

Border guards on Lake Ladoga

I was asked this question:

We are now planning a short trip through the skerries of Lake Ladoga. Can you tell me what pick-up and drop-off points there are, from where I can get to St. Petersburg? Is it possible to throw yourself out halfway between Priozersk and Lakhdenpokhya?

We travel by train to St. Petersburg and from St. Petersburg, and there we rely on electric trains or taxis for pick-up and drop-off. Or maybe we should even choose one place for the beginning and end of the journey, and just paddle around different islands all days, without big transitions.

How is the weather there usually in the second half of July, and are there any interesting and calm routes for five days of kayaking for a group of beginners and not so kayakers? Are there beautiful wild places for this option or only crowded ones?

And further. Are there any problems with border guards on Ladoga? As we understand it, the border zone is nearby.

How to get to Lake Ladoga

1. Kayaks can be assembled right in Priozersk - opposite the railway station - there is a convenient beach there and a boat station. In this case, from Priozersk along Vuoksa you can go straight to Ladoga through the Tikhaya River. The Tikhaya River is rapids (or rather, rippling) - well, under the bridge there is such a stormy place - you just have to go straight as the current carries you, and you will pass calmly, but it is very fun to walk along it, and the river itself is pleasant and pretty.

2. In Priozersk you can call a taxi, it’s cheap there, and drive in half an hour to some Ladoga beach - the drivers know all these beaches - they’ll take you straight to the lake. From there you can start in any direction – both to skerries and archipelagos.

3. By your own car or taxi (from Priozersk) you can get to the island of Kilpola - there is a boat station there, you can leave your cars there. Well, go straight to Ladoga.

How to escape (leave) from Ladoga

As for ejection, the easiest way to leave, of course, is from Priozersk, Kuznechny or Lakhdenpokhya.

Where to go in Ladoga on kayaks or catamarans

In Ladoga you can go wherever you want just along the islands - they are all interesting and beautiful.

Many people go to the so-called “Kocherga” - you can google where it is, but there are usually a lot of tourists there. In that area of the islands there are large, flat beaches for large groups and easy berthing. True, most likely all these beaches will be busy in July, so you will have to look for less convenient places. Although, in July and August there will be people everywhere) I can’t imagine where they are not.

There will be almost no one on Verkkosaari or Mykerikky - more precisely, there will be, but less than in the skerries. But newcomers probably won’t dare to go to these islands. Yes, there is no need for this, since the nearest ones are also interesting. Good route(if not by your own car and you don’t have to return to it) from Priozersk to Lakhdenpokhya. You'll get there in about five days. Well, everything is along the coast, and along the islands it will work. From Lahdenpokhya you can go home by train.

You can also go to the archipelagos - for example, Heinäsenmaa or Verkkosaari or Vossinoisaari or Mykerikky. True, not everyone will agree to this, perhaps because they think that it is far and dangerous, although we calmly went along these routes in kayaks. And many even swam to Valaam.

Weather on Ladoga in summer (July and August)

The weather in July-August is usually warm and calm, there are usually no storms (only in autumn), and if there are, it’s just a slight disturbance. You can swim, sunbathe, and generally have fun.

Border guards on Ladoga

You can only meet border guards on the train to Lakhdenpokhya, and even then they will only check your passport and ask where you are going. You will say that there are no problems in Ladoga. But if you land in Priozersk, then most likely there won’t even be any border guards. In principle, no passes or anything like that are needed for Ladoga.

By the way, just in case, I’ll write about GIMS. There is no need to register kayaks now. And many catamarans too.

Karelia is a wonderful land of forests and lakes. An inexhaustible stream of tourists and fishermen travel to Karelian reservoirs. Largest lake Europe with clean waters, Ladoga, attracts numerous tourists and fishing enthusiasts. However, its complex terrain, coastline indented by skerries, and autumn storms can be very dangerous for an unprepared traveler. The depth map clearly demonstrates impressive indicators where dangerous areas and bottom changes.

About the largest freshwater body of Europe

Lake Ladoga was formed as a result of the movement of glaciers. Its water surface has an area of about 18 thousand square kilometers. Northern part The lake is distinguished by many rocky islands separated by countless channels. The most famous is the height of the rocks, which can reach 70 meters. Coastline is diverse - picturesque fjords and skerries in the north, smooth lines sandy beaches eastern part, swampy southern shores with shoals and banks, densely forested western shore with scatterings of boulders. Amazing shapes and unusual outlines will be remembered by everyone who visits Ladoga.

The Ladoga pit holds an impressive volume of water - 908 cubic kilometers. The depth map amazes with its solid numbers. The secrets hidden in its majestic abysses can still surprise researchers. The enormous size of the reservoir delights everyone who visits its vastness with its harsh beauty.

Depth and relief of Ladoga

The topography of the lake bottom differs throughout its water area, varying depending on the height of the surrounding shores. The formation of the reservoir bowl occurred as a result of the melting and advancement of glacial masses. The change in depth values occurs gradually from north to south. There is a natural relationship: the steeper the shores surrounding the lake, the deeper its bottom. In the northern part of the lake, as shown detailed map depths of Lake Ladoga, you can observe numerous bottom irregularities with indicators of up to 230 meters. The relief of the southern part is characterized by smoothness with depth changes in the range of 20-70 meters. Most impressive figure marked north of the island of Valaam.

Map - why is it needed?

The map of the depths of Lake Ladoga allows you to see all the unevenness of the relief hidden under the water column, the complexity of which is determined by the physical and geological features of the formation of the bottom. The map also notes the frequent predominance of critical depressions and gaps in the northwestern region, treacherous shoals and reefs. Particularly dangerous are the so-called luds - small smooth rocky islands that, due to changes in water level in the lake, can become completely invisible. The map also offers the ability to search for large shallows for successful trolling. In such shallow waters, shoals of valuable commercial fish such as whitefish, whitefish, and pike perch gather.

Southern part of the lake

Geographically, the lake is located in Karelia and the Leningrad region. One of the three large bays, the Volkhov Bay, juts into the southern shore of Ladoga. On east coast lips is the mouth of the Voronezhka River. This part of the lake is very interesting place For fishing. The bottom topography is uneven and in some places has pronounced sharp elevations. The bay's soil is hard, sandy, with rocky ridges and muddy areas. The range of depth indicators ranges from 1 meter to coastal zone up to 20 meters away from the shore, as the depth map of Lake Ladoga shows. Voronovo is a settlement on the shore of the bay, from which you can get to St. Petersburg.

Northern part of the lake

The northwestern shore of the lake is interesting for various types tourist recreation. The unique landscapes of this area of Ladoga differ from neighboring territories. The bays, deeply indented by skerries and fjords, especially attract vacationers on kayaks and small boats. In this part of the reservoir, sharp changes in the bottom from depressions to shallows are especially noticeable, which allows you to see the depth map of Lake Ladoga. Sortavala, the most Big City Northern Ladoga region, is part tourist route to the island of Valaam. The best assistant in moving around the labyrinth of skerries will be an experienced guide or map.

Numerous beliefs and legends shroud the history of ancient Ladoga. Mysterious phenomena, the beauty of white nights, picturesque shores and exciting fishing attract travelers and fishing connoisseurs. Do not be deluded by the apparent beauty of treacherous Ladoga - it can be very dangerous for inexperienced tourists. Thick fogs, which are not uncommon in these places, and strong storms, which amaze with their surprise and power, pose a serious threat. A map of the depths of Lake Ladoga marks treacherous gaps and shallows. To enjoy the surrounding beauty, it is better to use the services of experienced guides.

Lake Ladoga is located in northwestern Russia.

Lake Ladoga has ancient history, unique nature and rich natural world.

Its shores, islands and waters are important for the development of the economy and tourism of the region. This is the largest European freshwater lake.

How the lake came into being

It is believed that for hundreds of millions of years there was a sea on the site of modern Lake Ladoga. Its modern appearance is the result of the movement of the glacial cover.

Researchers believe that the basin on which the lake arose began to become free of ice about 14 thousand years ago. First, a periglacial lake arose, which drained into a glacial lake, on the site of which the Baltic Sea later arose.

Over the next several thousand years, the water level in the lake and its surface area changed repeatedly. Later, as a result of a change in the bottom profile, the lake basin was oriented to the south.

Gradually the channel of the Neva formed in its modern form. After the formation of this river, the water level in the reservoir, which belongs to the Baltic basin, decreased by 12-13 meters.

Historical events

On the southern part of its coast in the 8th century the city of Ladoga was founded, which gave the name to the lake. It played an important role in the Varangian waterway from Scandinavia to Byzantium, which was opened in the next century. In the 13th century, the name Lake Ladoga became commonly used. In 1617, after Russia was defeated in the war with the Swedes, most of the lake coast and coastal fortresses and settlements went to the Swedes.

At the beginning of the 18th century, as a result of the victory for Russia, the shores of the lake became completely Russian. After this, shipping canals were built. During this time, most of the Ladoga coast was occupied by German and Finnish troops. To maintain contact between Leningrad, blocked by the Nazis, and the unoccupied part of the Soviet state, "" was organized from the autumn of 1941 to the spring of 1943.

Navigating by ships and cars on strong ice, over one and a half million tons of food and other goods were delivered to the city, and over 1.3 million city residents were evacuated. The ships of the Ladoga military flotilla, created at the beginning of the Soviet-Finnish war, played an important role here.

Ladoga lake. road of life photo

The islands located on the lake left a big mark on the history of Ladoga. The island of Valaam with its foundation, founded in the 10th-11th centuries, gained worldwide fame. According to legend, the holy apostle covered the path from Kyiv and Novgorod. When he reached the island, he blessed it with a cross. Prominent Russian architects took part in the construction of the monastery buildings.

On small island In Konevets, the Nativity of the Mother of God Monastery was founded by the Monk Arseny in the 14th century.

Characteristics and natural conditions

Together with the islands, the area of Lake Ladoga is 18.3 thousand square meters. km. It stretches from north to south for 219 km, with a width of 125 km. The lake is located 4.84 m above sea level. The shores of the lake, stretching for more than a thousand kilometers, have a varied and rich topography. On the southern coast they are not high, have many shallows, interspersed with reefs of stones and small bays. On this side of the lake there are three large bays.

Lake Ladoga, Valaam Island, Valaam Monastery photo

His northern shores mostly rocky and high. There are many peninsulas, fjords and skerries, separated by straits of small islands. On the eastern side, two bays jut into the shore, fenced off big island. The coastal strip is relatively flat, with wide sand beaches. The western coast of Lake Ladoga is even more flat. It is distinguished by a dense forest approaching directly to the water, formed by coniferous and deciduous trees, and a variety of shrubs. Along the shore there are frequent accumulations of boulders, which can form ridges into the water, creating a hazard for navigation.

On the lake great amount islands, of which 660 have an area of more than a hectare and occupy about 435 square meters. km. More than half a thousand are located in the skerries area in the north of the lake. Dozens of islands form archipelagos, the largest of which is Valaam with 50 islands. Most islands are different high cliffs and steep banks. They may be covered with rich forest or have sparse vegetation.

The area of Lake Ladoga has a specific climate, which has characteristics of temperate continental and temperate maritime. This is due to the characteristics of the region, expressed in. relatively small amount of heat from the sun reaching the earth and into the atmosphere. Throughout the year, only two months in total are sunny. Cloudy days with clouds and diffused light predominate throughout the year.

The average annual air temperature here is + 3.3 degrees. In February it is -8.8, and in warm July +16.3. From December to February the lake freezes. Its middle becomes covered with ice only at extremely low temperatures. In April-May it is freed from ice. Due to constant unrest, Lake Ladoga is not considered calm. Storms are common here, characterized by foam-covered waves reaching six meters in height. Sometimes phenomena of water mass flow and surge occur, leading to changes in water level.

Flowing rivers, cities, ecology

The abundance of Lake Ladoga is ensured by the many rivers flowing into it, which provide about 85% of its water balance. Among them, the largest are the Svir, which flows from Lake Onega, the Volkhov, which originates in Lake Ilmen, and the Vuoksa, which connects Ladoga with Lake Saimaa. In total, 35 rivers and many streams carry their waters into the lake. Only the Neva, flowing from it, flows into the Baltic Sea. It accounts for about 92% of the lake's water flow.

city of Priozersk fortress Korela photo

On the shores of the lake there are the following cities with Russian and Karelian names:

Lahdenpokhya
Novaya Ladoga
Pitkäranta
Priozersk
Sortavala
Shlisselburg.

These settlements are the centers of coastal economic life. The activity of their industrial enterprises is largely supported by lake shipping. The waterway from the Volga to Baltic Sea. Millions of tons of cargo move across the lake every year. These are petroleum products and oil, building materials, chemical raw materials, etc. Tens of thousands of passengers are transported, including as part of tourist cruises.

Economic activities on the shores of the lake have led to environmental pollution. Many enterprises, instead of effectively treating industrial waste, dump it into the lake and rivers flowing into it. Near the lake there are radiation and nuclear hazardous enterprises and testing grounds for radioactive components. As a result, contaminated areas have formed on some islands.

Ladoga skerries photo

In some areas of the water area, the content of dissolved heavy metals is seriously exceeded. Some coastal places have high level toxicological and microbial contamination.

Animal world

Over 250 species of birds are found in the Lake Ladoga region. A fifth of them transit here every year in spring and autumn. According to ornithologists, Ladoga birds fly to Novaya Zemlya and Iceland, South Africa and India. Among them:

geese
ducks
swans
seagulls
waders
cranes and others.

Many other birds, including those belonging to rare species, arrange their nesting sites on the banks. On the southern coast, waterfowl nest in the reed thickets. There are a lot of freshwater fish in the lake. During the spawning period, she goes to spawn in the flowing rivers. In total, there are over fifty species of different fish, including the following:

trout
salmon
zander
perch
pike and others.

About ten fish species are caught, among which ripus, vendace and smelt predominate. The most effective fishing is in the south of the lake at depths of up to 20 m. Sturgeon comes from the Baltic to spawn in the Volkhov and other rivers flowing into the lake through Ladoga along the Neva. Here they catch pike perch off the southern coast. In Volkhov and near the coast of the lake there are fish breeders of Siberian sturgeon, whitefish, trout, and other valuable fish.

Lake Ladoga and seagulls photo

However, the negative impact on nature reduces the population of valuable commercial fish, such as whitefish, trout, salmon, etc. The Volkhov whitefish and Atlantic sturgeon are included in the Russian Red Book. In addition, this book contains a unique seal, which is called the Ladoga ringed seal. The number of these animals in the lake does not exceed five thousand individuals.

Every year on May 25-26 you can observe “white nights” over the lake, which last more than fifty days and end on July 16-17;
in 2002, with the participation of domestic and foreign experts, an atlas of Lake Ladoga was published;
the lake was first marked in 1544 on a map made by the German scientist S. Munster;
Since 2002, a state register of ships, aircraft and other underwater objects located at the bottom of the lake has been compiled;
after the war, experiments were carried out on some islands with chemical warfare agents and radioactive substances, and new types of weapons and explosives were developed
in the 1970s, according to the standards of that time, the lake’s waters were the cleanest and were classified as quality class I, while today the moderately polluted water of the lake is assigned only class III;
among the deepest Russian lakes Ladozhskoe ranks eighth.

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