Lake Onega

Lake Onega, situated in the expansive northwestern region of Russia and covering territories in the Republic of Karelia, Leningrad Oblast, and Vologda Oblast, is a prominent freshwater body in Europe. As the second-largest lake on the continent, following Lake Ladoga, its size is slightly smaller than the country of Lebanon. This vast lake is replenished by approximately 50 rivers and its waters eventually flow into the Baltic Sea through the Svir River.

A Rich Tapestry of Islands and Cultural Heritage

The lake is distinguished by its approximately 1,650 islands, among which is Kizhi Island, a notable site hosting a historical ensemble of 89 Orthodox churches along with various wooden structures from the 15th to 20th centuries. This includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kizhi Pogost. Additionally, the eastern shores of Lake Onega are home to about 1,200 ancient petroglyphs, dating back to the 4th–2nd millennia BC, which have also gained UNESCO World Heritage recognition. Key urban settlements around the lake include Petrozavodsk, Kondopoga, and Medvezhyegorsk.

Geographical Characteristics and Hydrography

Lake Onega’s physical dimensions are impressive: it stretches approximately 245 km in length and about 90 km in width, covering a surface area of 9,891 km². Its volume is estimated at 291 km³. The southern banks of the lake are characterized by their low and continuous terrain, in contrast to the northern banks, which are more rugged and rocky. These northern shores feature numerous elongated bays, contributing to the lake’s crayfish-like shape. Significant geographical features include the Zaonezhye Peninsula and the Big Klimenetsky island in the northern part, as well as the deeper areas of Greater Onega to the west. The lake’s topography also includes various bays and sections, each with its own unique depth and characteristics.

Diverse Flora and Fauna

The ecological diversity of Lake Onega is remarkable. Its banks, often swampy due to fluctuating water levels, are rich in reeds and support various waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and swans. The surrounding region is blanketed in dense virgin forests, with a mix of coniferous trees and species like lime, elm, and European alder. The lake’s basin is a habitat for a variety of mammals, including elks, brown bears, wolves, and several species of hares and squirrels, alongside introduced species like American muskrats and minks.

Lake Onega’s avian population is extensive, with about 200 bird species from 15 families observed in the area. The aquatic life in the lake is equally diverse, featuring about 47 fish species from 13 families. This includes sturgeon, landlocked salmon, and brown trout, alongside several other species that are relics of the glacial period, like the lamprey.