Ladoga: The Largest Lake In Europe
Lake Ladoga is the largest in Europe and, how could it be otherwise, is in the largest country on the continent: Russia. It is located in the area closest to the Baltic Sea, a territory with countless tourist and cultural attractions, among which we must add this jewel of nature. It is not very well known, but it fascinates all who discover it.
Where is Lake Ladoga
We have already said that the Ladoga is in the vast Russia, but we are going to specify a little more. It is very close to one of the most incredible and stately Russian destinations. We are obviously referring to the city of Saint Petersburg, with its many canals, museums and palaces.
The lake is located almost on the shores of the Baltic Sea, already very close to the extensive forests of Karelia and a step away from the border between Russia and Finland. In fact, many overland commuters between St. Petersburg and the Finnish capital Helsinki can’t help stopping at Lake Ladoga.
A lake of glacial origin
Given the latitude where Ladoga is located, it seems clear that it is a lake formation of glacial origin. Of course, if we compare it with others that are discovered during trips through Scandinavia and the Baltic territory, in the case of this lake it must be said that it has a fairly circular shape and without excessive arms and narrowness.
In total, they are almost 18,000 km² of surface. However, this does not make it one of the largest lakes in the world, not even in Russia, where are the most gigantic of all, the Caspian Sea, or the great body of water in Siberia that is Lake Baikal, with an extension which doubles that of the Ladoga.
Surf the lake
However, although its dimensions are not comparable to those of the largest lakes in the world, that does not mean that it does not have a wide territory to explore. Something that can be done both by land and sailing in the boats that cross it in the months of good weather, when the waters are at a freezing temperature, but not frozen.
Thus, sailing is how its shores are best appreciated, in which the cut of live rock alternates with collected coves. And all this with the background of the nearby coniferous forests. In addition, thanks to these boats you can reach the islands of Valaam, in the northern area.
The Ladoga from land
Navigating this immense body of water is a pleasure that you cannot miss. In fact, one of the most pleasant sensations is to go to the central area of the Ladoga and look around. There is no land to be seen and one may seem to be in the sea and not in the middle of Russian territory. However, sooner or later we have to return to land, and there are some essential visits awaiting us.
One of them is the Oreshek fortress, which tells us about the border character that this area has had throughout history, today with Finland, but formerly with Sweden. This fortress has had an important military value and, however, it is beautifully preserved, so much so that it is declared a World Heritage Site.
The historical heritage of the lake does not end here. We must also mention two very interesting Orthodox monasteries: the one on the island of Novevets and the one of the Transfiguration in Valaam. Without forgetting the visit to the small fishing villages that live on its shores, such as the towns of Siastroi, Novaya Ladoga or Sortvala.
One last jewel of Lake Ladoga
We want to end this invitation to visit the largest lake in Europe by talking about an animal that only lives in this habitat. It is known as the ringed seal or Ladoga seal, whose sighting is undoubtedly one of the best memories of this trip.
