The Volkhov River, Veliky Novgorod, Lake Ilmen ... These geographical names, familiar to almost all Russians from their school days, are most closely associated with the emergence of Russian statehood, with the calling of King Rurik and the beginning of Kievan Rus. However, these places are remarkable not only in historical but also in aesthetic terms: it is here that the beauty of Russian nature and the mystery of the Russian soul are best felt.
The Volkhov River owes its existence to Lake Ilmen, from where the running of its rapid waters begins. The endpoint of its more than two hundred kilometer run is another reservoir of significance for this region - Lake Ladoga, the shores of which are shrouded in the heroism of ancient Russian heroes and Soviet soldiers during the Leningrad blockade.
The Volkhov River is an excellent waterway for both transport and passenger ships. Movement along it is carried out from early April to mid-October, after which this path is covered with ice. The main tributary assistants are the Oskuya, Vishera, Tigoda and Kerest rivers. Already from these names we can conclude that once upon a time both Slavic and Finno-Ugric tribes lived on this land.
The Volkhov River has a rich and interesting history. The name itself, as follows from the famous "Tale of Bygone Years," she received in honor of one of the sons of the legendary Sloven - Volkhov. Sloven himself, according to legend, was one of the Scythian princes, famous for his strength and courage, and it was he who gave the name to one of the local tribes - the so-called Novgorod Slovenes. The term "sorcerer" was quite common in those days. Translated from ancient Slavic, it means "wizard", "wise man", "stargazer".
The famous bridge over the Volkhov River in Veliky Novgorod is also known from history. He not only divided the city into almost equal parts, but also served as a kind of lists - a place where people proved their opinions with their fists. By the way, in addition to Novgorod, this river serves as the main waterway for such settlements as Kirishi, Staraya and Novaya Ladoga.
Already in the ancient Russian chronicles, an important feature was noted that the Volkhov River possesses: due to a very insignificant difference in altitude at its extreme points, it can flow back. In that case, if due to any cataclysms, Lake Ilmen is significantly shallow, then due to powerful tributaries, the flow in the river can take the opposite direction.
If we talk about the main statistical parameters, the maximum width of the Volkhov River is 220 meters (in the Novgorod region), the depth in some places reaches twelve meters. Almost throughout its entire length - and this is 224 kilometers! - This water artery is a great place for fishing.
However, the Volkhov River is famous not only for epic legends. In addition to the fact that today it is the most important transport artery of the North-West region of the country, here is located one of the most powerful hydroelectric power stations in this part of the country - Volkhovskaya.