Lake Lacha

Lake Lacha, a serene freshwater gem, lies nestled in the south of Kargopolsky District, Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia. Its coordinates are 61°19′40″N 38°45′53″E. This expansive lake, positioned just 7 kilometers south of the town of Kargopol, holds the distinction of being the largest lake in Arkhangelsk Oblast, boasting a surface area of 334 square kilometers.

The lake’s primary inflows, the rivers Svid and Lyokshma, contribute to its vast catchment area of 12,600 square kilometers. Lake Lacha is notably the source of the Onega River, a significant waterway within the White Sea basin. Despite its geographical importance, the origins of the lake’s name remain shrouded in mystery.

The river basin encompassing Lake Lacha extends through the southern and western segments of Kargopolsky District and even reaches into the north-western parts of Vologda Oblast. This basin area includes two other significant lakes of the Arkhangelsk and Vologda Oblasts: Lake Vozhe and Lake Lyokshmozero. Additionally, the southern part of the Kenozersky National Park drains into Lake Lacha, highlighting its ecological significance.

The water route between Kargopol and Lake Lacha is navigable, offering scenic recreational boat trips. However, the Svid River upstream and the Onega River downstream present navigation challenges due to rapids, limiting their use for transportation. Despite these limitations, the lake’s serene beauty and accessibility make it a sought-after destination for leisure activities.

Several quaint villages dot the lake’s shores, adding to its rustic charm. Among these, Morshchikhinskaya, Tobolkino, and Filosofskaya are particularly notable. Tobolkino and Filosofskaya lie conveniently on the road that connects Kargopol with Lipin Bor via Sovza, offering easy access to the lake. Additionally, an unpaved road runs from Kargopol along the Onega River’s right bank to the lake, leading to the village of Bolshaya Kondratovskaya, situated a few kilometers from the lakeshore.