On our beautiful planet there are thousands of reservoirs, each of which is interesting and significant in its own way. We will tell about Lake Onega - covered with legends, glorified by our famous ancestors, bewitching with pristine beauty. They say that in winter you can hear how the sun rises, such silence around. But in the summer, the shores of Lake Onega drown in the trills and twitter of hundreds of birds. Once here, it is as if you are in another dimension, where tangible and visible to the eye reality is intertwined with a story that you can touch with your hand.
Where is Onega Lake located
This body of water is located in Russia, in the north-west of its European part. About 80% of its area is located on the lands of Karelia, and the remaining 20% is divided among themselves by the Leningrad and Vologda regions.
To the Onega Bay, which belongs to the White Sea, the shortest distance from the lake (through forests and swamps) is 147 km. In 1933, the construction of the Belomorkanal with a length of 227 km was completed. It originates from the village of Povenets, which is spread on the shore of Lake Povenetskaya Bay, and ends near Belomorsk - a town with a population of about 10 thousand people located in the Soroksky Bay of the White Sea. Thus, an exit from Lake Onega to the seas of the Arctic Ocean was created. The closest neighbor to the described reservoir is Lake Ladoga. In a straight line to him 127 km. The river Svir connects Onega and Ladoga. If you move along its winding channel, you will have to overcome 224 km.
The reference points for the location of Lake Onega are the cities of Petrozavodsk, Medvezhyegorsk and Kondopoga, which grew on its shores. They are located in the northern part of the reservoir. Its southern shores are sparsely populated. But here the Onega Canal passes, on the path of which lies a small but fish lake Megorsky.
Historical facts
To study the native nature is extremely interesting. Now in the arsenal of scientists there are many latest technologies, for example, isotopic and radionuclide methods, spectral analysis. With their help, it was possible to establish that Lake Onega appeared on the site of the shelf sea 300-400 million years BC. e. (Paleozoic, period approximately Carbon-Devon). It washed the shores of the Baltic - the so-called continent that was then called. In those days, many protozoa that had shells inhabited sea waters. Dying, they sank to the bottom, forming a layer of limestone. In addition, many rivers flowed into the sea, carrying grains of sedimentary rocks. Now a layer of limestone, sandstone and clay forms a layer in the lake with a thickness of about 200 meters. It lies on a solid foundation of granite, gneiss and diabase, resulting from volcanic activity.
The origin of Lake Onega is associated with the Valdai glaciation. The height of the glacier then reached more than 3 km. Moving, huge white blocks easily plowed the earth’s firmness, thoroughly changing the relief. This is also characteristic of the Baltic Shield, on which Lake Onega is located. About 12 thousand years ago, the glacier retreated. The marks left by him were filled with water, forming large and small lakes. One of them received the name Onego. The exact etymology of the word is unknown; there are only unconfirmed theories. On the shores of this reservoir, people began to settle, as evidenced by numerous petrographs that have come down to our times.
Geographic characteristics
This is the second body of water after Lake Ladoga in Europe. Its total area (with all islands) is 9,720 km 2 , and the coastline stretches for 1,542 km. The depth of Lake Onega is different. There are places where it reaches 127 meters, but closer to the shores and in small backwaters it does not exceed 1.5–2 meters. Thus, the average depth of the reservoir is about 30 meters.
The famous lake does not have a regular geometric shape. We can only say that it is somewhat elongated from the northwest to the southeast. In the northern part there is Bolshoy Onego Bay, which deeply cuts into the land. With this in mind, the maximum length of the reservoir is 245 km, and the maximum width is 91.6 km.
The coast
Bypassing Lake Onega, you can see that its shores are indented with large and small bays, lips and capes. In addition to the Big Onego, there is a Small Onego, as well as the bays of Povenetsky and Zaonezhsky. Lips in the northern water area of the lake are Povenetskaya, Velikaya, Schepikha, Konda, Petrozavodsk, Bolshaya Lizhemskaya, Unitskaya, Kondopoga. In the southern water area there is only one lip - Svirskaya.
The appearance of the coast is also different. In the “wilder” south, forests are replaced by shoals that are sandy or rocky. Also in this part there are many impregnable rocks and picturesque, but dangerous swamps.
The northern shores are characterized by unusual geological ledges, called "ram's foreheads." They are rocks polished by a moving glacier (gneisses, granites), gentle on one side and steep on the other.
The islands
In the European part of Russia, Onega Lake is not only one of the largest, but also a reservoir with a huge number of islands. There are more than 1,500 of them here! These land areas, protruding above the water surface, are large and very tiny, famous all over the world and unknown to anyone, rocky and covered with dense forests.
The largest island is called Big Klimetsky. Its area is 147 km 2 . The natural attraction here is Mount Medvezhitsa, whose height is 82 meters. There are several villages on Bolshoy Klimitsky, there is a secondary school. There are no monuments of nature and history here. Communication with the mainland is carried out by ferry.
The second largest island is called Bolshoi Lelikovsky. It is about 6 times smaller than B. Klimetsky. People also live on this island, but there are no public buildings except a small shop.
If asked what is the most famous island on Lake Onega, any person will immediately call Kizhi. Its area is only 5 km 2 , length 5.5 km, and a width of 1.4 km. You can get around this piece of land in a couple of hours, but the glory of its borders does not know. Here is the museum of the same name, created on the basis of the Kizhi Pogost, as well as an architectural ensemble, included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is an ensemble of two churches (twelve-headed and seven-headed), and a bell tower. According to legend, the church "about 12 chapters" of the Transfiguration of the Lord was built by a local craftsman without a single nail. So that no one could repeat his creation, he threw an ax into the lake.
Another island that I want to mention is called Suisaari (or Suisari). It rises above the water in the Kondopoga Bay. The island is currently uninhabited, but there is an old village that has the status of a historical monument. Quartz and chalcedony were found on Suisaari; agates are also found here. Most of the land is occupied by forest, in which even bears live. The coast of the island is very boggy. There are many bird nests in the reeds.
Rivers of Onega Lake
More than 1,000 rivers and streams carry their waters into the reservoir we are describing, and only one river flows from it - the Svir. It is quite full-flowing, has a length of 224 km, connects Lake Ladoga and Onega. The width of Svir can vary from 100 meters to 12 km. The river is navigable. A cascade of hydroelectric power plants was built on it, the largest of which is Verkhnesvirskaya. Svir is interesting because here is the Storozhensky lighthouse (it is the second in Russia and the seventh in the world in height) and the Lower Svirsky Nature Reserve.
About 50 rivers flowing into Onega are over 10 km long. The most famous are Suna, Gimerka, Vodla, Losinka, Chebinka, Neglinka, Anga, Pyalma and others.
Climate
Weather in the area of Lake Onega is windy and changeable. Storms in the pond are so frequent that they even dug the Onega Canal in its southern part to ensure safer passage of ships into the Svir River.
Winters here in some years can be mild with temperatures not lower than -4 ° C, but quite noticeable frosts are often observed up to -15 ° C, and sometimes up to -30 ° C. Winter lasts 120 days. In November - December, ice forms in the bays and along the coast, and by mid-January it spreads to the entire lake, except for the deepest places. In some years, the water here remains open all winter.
Strong winds can crack the ice, forming cracks. Then the white blocks creep on one another. It turns out a kind of mountains several meters high.
Ice breaks open in May, but sometimes you can find ice floes in June.
The warmest and most suitable months for relaxation here are July and August. The water temperature in shallow water can warm up to +22 ° C, but more often reaches only +17 ° C. The ambient temperature rises to +30 ° C during the day, and the average values are around +20 ° C.
The weather in this area is not only windy, but also rainy. The water balance of the lake is replenished by 25% every year due to atmospheric precipitation. It rains steadily throughout the summer.
Flora
Lake Onega is unusually beautiful. Its shores froze in severe charm. They silently frame the expanse of water sparkling with golden glare in the sun. The water in the lake is so clean and transparent that the bottom can be seen at a depth of 4 meters or more. Some islands and parts of the coast cover dense virgin forests of conifers, but deciduous coppices are also found here. Fir, pine, fir, larch - the main higher plants that add Onega biome. Only occasionally glance catches a birch, alder and aspen. Bypassing the surroundings of Lake Onega, one can find spruce, honeysuckle, and currant in the undergrowth. Blueberry and lingonberry carpets spread underfoot, cranberries can be found in the swamps, and the mushroom season opens in the second half of summer.
On swampy shores and shallow waters, the banks are overgrown with reeds and cattail, which is very valuable for many birds. Some bays are decorated with lilies and water lilies, and on the banks green sour, greengreen, horsetail and other herbaceous plants turn green.
Fauna
The surroundings of Lake Onega are full of life. Geese, ducks, swans nest in the reeds. Cranes, terns, eagle owls, grebes, herbalists also come here. Woodpeckers, jays, tits, and many other small pichugs live in the forests.
The animal world is also widely represented. Local residents have repeatedly seen hares, squirrels, ermines, and roe deer in the surrounding forests. They say that bears are also found here, because they often find their litter.
In the expanses of water and on the shores you can observe seals. They swim here for food. There are a lot of fish in Lake Onega. About 54 species of fish live here, including whitefish, smelt, grayling, pike perch, perch, eel, sabrefish, silver bream, pike, bream and others.
Fishing on Lake Onega at any time of the year is effective. You can fish from the shore and from the water, which is more preferable. The depth of the bays of 40-100 meters allows the use of motorized vessels.
Settlements
The most famous and largest city that grew on the shoreline of Lake Onega is the capital of Karelia (Petrozavodsk). It is called the port of five seas, the city of labor and military glory, the historical and cultural center of the Prionezhsky region. People on this territory lived another 6,000 years BC. e., as evidenced by the numerous sites found. But the city itself was laid by Peter I, who founded an arms factory here. Petrozavodsk is interesting for its historical monuments, architectural ensembles and the fact that interesting festivals are held here - Hyperborea, Air, White Nights of Karelia, as well as a sailing regatta.
Kondopoga is another city on the banks of Onega, located 54 km from Petrozavodsk. In historical chronicles, it has been mentioned since 1495. Since the 18th century, marble began to be mined near it, which was used to erect the palaces of St. Petersburg. In recent years, city authorities have been actively developing tourism here. Of interest are the Assumption Church, built at the end of the XVIII century, but twice restored, two carillons of bells, as well as outdoor activities. The city stands on the banks of the Kondopoga Bay. The depth of Lake Onega is up to 80 meters here, which allows both amateur and industrial fishing. Its species composition in this section of the lake is incredibly rich, and the nibble is excellent.
Medvezhyegorsk. It is the northernmost and youngest city on Onega. Its history began in 1915 with the construction of the railway. station Bear Mountain. There are no unique attractions here, but this town is a great starting point for traveling on Onega.
On the shores of the lake there are many small towns and villages where tourists can find comfortable conditions for relaxation. Among them are Pyalma, Povenets, Pindushi, Shalsky and others.
Ecology
In the northern water area of the lake, environmental indicators are much worse than the southern. This is due to the fact that about 90% of industry and more than 80% of the population are concentrated here. Thousands of tons of waste are discharged into Lake Onega annually, including phenols, lead, sulfur oxides, waste reclamation water, and sewage.
sights
There are several dozens of interesting places in the vicinity of Lake Onega. All of them can be divided into monuments of nature and history. It is more convenient to get to both of them by water. Land routes in many areas are so broken that only an SUV can overcome them.
You can visit the lake not only the Kizhi island. Of great interest are the petroglyphs concentrated on the eastern shore of the reservoir. There are more than 800 drawings.
Tourists are always taken to Cape Besov nose. It is famous for its hooked shape, as well as the many cave paintings that adorn it.
Fucking chair. This is an unusual formation in a rock near the village of Solomennoye. The height of the "seat" is 80 meters above sea level, and the height of the "back" is 113 meters. Glaciers formed a bloody chair. They say that if you sit on its edge and make a wish, it will certainly come true.
Before the construction of the dam, Kivach waterfall on the Suna River was more powerful, but even now it is fascinating with its power and beauty. Here is the reserve of the same name.
Of the man-made monuments in the vicinity of Onega, there are dozens of old operating and already closed wooden churches. Each is interesting in its own way. You can highlight the Murom Monastery in the village of Pudozh, the Assumption Church in Kondopoga, the Museum of Martial Waters, the temple of the Great Martyr Barbara.
Relaxation
Tourists come to the lake to relax as a "savage", and in a civilized manner. In the first case, there are plenty of opportunities and suitable places for camping. It is advisable to take into account that the best weather here is in August, but in the same period there is a massive breeding of mosquitoes and hens.
You can stay in guest houses, which are now available in almost every coastal village. In mini-hotels, they will not only offer a berth, but also feed, rent a boat and fishing equipment.
Fishing on Lake Onega is the main attraction for men. Guest houses are ideal for a comfortable holiday for fishermen, because guests have the opportunity to take a steam bath in the Russian bathhouse, cook a catch on the grill, and sleep in a clean bed.
55 km from the city of Petrozavodsk operates the sanatorium "Marcial waters", which began its work in 1719. It treats allergies, skin diseases, cardiovascular system, lungs, joints, bone apparatus, nervous diseases, digestive organs. Vacationers are offered comfortable accommodation with amenities, delicious food. Medical and diagnostic procedures are carried out using modern technologies.
Legends and myths
Lake Onega attracts many mysterious phenomena occurring in its vicinity.
Local people and tourists often see wandering lights, dark figures. Some even hear the sound of bells and voices. These phenomena are most often observed in places of mass graves or where pagan shrines used to be.
There are also many documented cases that occurred in the vicinity of Lake Onega with people and giving rise to the assumption that there are temporary and energy faults.
The most sensational occurred in 1073 on the island of Bolshoy Klimetskiy with A.F. Pulkin, captain of the fleet, deviator. He grew up in these places, knows every path here. While fishing on the island, Pulkin went deep into the forest for firewood. The captain went ashore after 34 days. Pulkin could not explain where he had been all this time, and why rescue teams could not find him.
Another obscure story happened to students. They arrived on the island to rest. But only their boat approached the shore, the guys felt an incredible energy effect in the form of vibration and an unpleasant buzz that caused a headache. All this stopped as soon as the students set sail from the shore.
In 2009, an incredible incident occurred with the girl Anya (age 6 years). Her family arrived on Lake Onega to rest "savages". Dad pitched a tent, made a fire. Mom started lunch. Anya played nearby, but suddenly disappeared. Parents searched everything around. Father rushed into the forest, constantly loudly calling his daughter. Mom stayed near the tent. There was no girl anywhere. What was the amazement of the parents when they, having looked into the tent for the tenth time, saw a daughter sleeping peacefully there. This story ended happily, except for the fact that Ani's eye color changed, her curly hair straightened, old moles disappeared and new ones appeared. Also, parents are embarrassed that the girl often speaks in a dream in a language unknown to anyone.
There are many similar stories among local residents. Lake Onega, beautiful and majestic, holds many secrets and awaits their discoverers.