This article is of a general developmental nature about the largest lakes in Russia. And starting this topic, let's start with the Caspian Sea.
The largest lake in Russia and in the world is Caspian Sea. This happens in geographical science - they call it a sea, but it is a lake, etc. The largest lake in Russia and the world is located on the border of Asia and Europe. The coastline is divided between five countries - Kazakhstan, Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.
The area of the Caspian Sea is about 371 thousand. square kilometers. The maximum depth is 1025 meters. The water is salty, as the sea should be. According to one theory, the Caspian got its name thanks to the ancient tribes - the Caspians, who lived in the southwest of the coast.
Well, now more expected - the story about the largest lakes in Russia continues. The deepest lake in the world. Located in the south of Eastern Siberia. The mark relative to sea level is 455 m. The area of Lake Baikal 31.5 thousand. km2, length 636 km, average width 48 km, maximum reach up to 81 km. The volume of water is 23 thousand km3, which is approximately 1/5 of the world's fresh water reserves (excluding glaciers). 
The depth of Lake Baikal reaches 1637 m, the average depth is 730 m. It is believed that the lake arose on the site of a tectonic depression, which was filled with water. From all sides the lake is bordered by mountain ranges up to 2800 m and more. The area remains highly seismic.
The shores of the lake are mountainous, covered with coniferous forests and extremely picturesque. It has large bays ( , ). There are 27 islands on Baikal, 5 of which are periodically flooded. The largest of the islands is Olkhon. Olkhon is visited by tourists so actively that gradually the local authorities began to restrict the movement of those around the island (perhaps rightly so).
More than 3 rivers flow into Baikal. The largest of them: Selenga, Barguzin, Upper Angara. But only one river flows out of Baikal - the Angara.
(function(w, d, n, s, t) ( w[n] = w[n] || ; w[n].push(function() ( Ya.Context.AdvManager.render(( blockId: "R-A -256054-1", renderTo: "yandex_rtb_R-A-256054-1", async: true )); )); t = d.getElementsByTagName("script"); s = d.createElement("script"); s .type = "text/javascript"; s.src = "//an.yandex.ru/system/context.js"; s.async = true; t.parentNode.insertBefore(s, t); ))(this , this.document, "yandexContextAsyncCallbacks");
The average temperature in January is -17°С, and in July +16°С, precipitation is from 200 mm in the north to 900 in the south. The water in the lake warms up slowly. In summer, only in the bays it reaches 22°C, rarely up to 24°C. A feature of Lake Baikal is that in the deep layers the water temperature is about 3.2–3.5 ° C all year round.
Lake Baikal has its own local wind names:
- northwestern - sarma,
- northeastern - barguzin
- southwestern-kultuk.
It can be noted that these names of winds have the same root as the names of Baikal bays. The waves raised by the winds can reach a height of 5 meters.
Baikal's water is distinguished by high transparency (up to 40 m), little mineralization and saturated with oxygen to the entire depth.
The flora and fauna of Lake Baikal includes 2600 species and varieties, of which 3/4 are endemic (Baikal seal, gobies, viviparous golomyanka fish, etc.). There are 50 species of fish. Of these, commercial species include omul, grayling, taimen, lake whitefish, perch, roach, burbot, pike, etc.
The lake is navigable. Baikal water is used for irrigation of adjacent lands.
The coast of the lake is a recreation and tourism area. The most visited tourist places are, the coast and. There are other tourist areas, but you need to understand that most of the Baikal coast is steep coasts, taiga without roads and settlements.
Several nature reserves have been established:
- Barguzinsky biosphere reserve on the east coast,
- Zabaikalsky National Park;
- on the western shores - the Baikal-Lena Reserve and the Pribaikalsky National Park;
- on the south coast.
Lake Baikal is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are also many cultural heritage sites on its shores and islands, because people have lived here since ancient times.
Ladoga lake
Lake Ladoga is also one of the largest lakes in Russia. It is located in the north-west of the East European Plain on the territory of Karelia and the Leningrad Region. The largest freshwater lake in Europe. Located at an altitude of 5 m above sea level. Before the name of the lake was different. In ancient Russian chronicles, it was called Nevo. 
Area 17.7 thousand km2; maximum depth 233 m, average depth 51 m; the volume of water is 908 km3. Formed in a basin of glacial-tectonic origin.
In the northern part of the lake, the shores of the lake are high, rocky, with numerous fjord-type bays and capes. Here, in the northern part, the greatest depths. The southern shores are low, swampy, the coastline is relatively smooth.
There are many islands on the lake - 650. Most of them are located in the northern part. These are the so-called Ladoga Skerries, a beautiful necklace of islands, which are separated from each other by a whimsical labyrinth of straits. Among the skerries, even archipelagos stand out. The most famous is the Valaam archipelago, on which stands the ancient Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery. Large northern islands include Lunkulansaari, Konevets, Mantinsaari, Vossinansaari and others. In the southern part of the lake, there are very few islands and they are all small in size. The islands are mostly rocky, of crystalline rocks.
35 rivers flow into Lake Ladoga, including the Volkhov, Svir, Vuoksa, and only one flows out - the Neva. The water level is not constant throughout the year and ranges from 20 to 100 cm.
It is covered with ice in November-January, opens in April-May.
The climate in the area of Lake Ladoga ranges from temperate maritime to temperate continental. The lake itself somewhat smooths out the climatic characteristics, making the climate in this area of the Northwestern Federal District milder.
The water temperature in summer is not very comfortable for swimming - in July it ranges from 14°C (in the northern part of the lake) to 20°C (in the southern part).
Water of hydrocarbonate class, slightly mineralized (60 mg/l); transparency reaches 7 m (in the northeast).
Lake Ladoga is rich in fish: salmon, trout, whitefish, pike perch, bream, vendace, perch, roach, pike, smelt, sturgeon, eel, etc.
Included in the system of the Volga-Baltic and White Sea-Baltic waterways. In the Middle Ages, the path "from the Varangians to the Greeks" passed here. During the Great Patriotic War, as I hope you know, the “Road of Life” was laid across the ice of Ladoga to the besieged Leningrad.
The lake is navigable, used for water supply to cities and other adjacent settlements, as well as for fishing.
Speaking about the tourist destination, this is the Nizhnesvirsky Reserve in the lower reaches of the Svir River; a climatic resort in the city of Sortalava and the ensemble of the Valaam (Savior Transfiguration) monastery, founded in the 14th century. on the island of Valaam.
Located in the northwest of the Valdai Hills between Moscow and St. Petersburg, at an altitude of 205 m above sea level. The area is 212 km2. There are also many islands on Seliger (160). The lake is elongated from north to south for 66 km, from west to east it has a width of up to 37 km. The average depth is 5.8 m, the greatest depth is 24 m. 
Lake of glacial origin. The coastline is highly indented. The shores are picturesque, covered with pine forests, there are many bays and bays. The largest island is Khachin.
The lake has a complex shape, in the form of several separate stretches connected by short channels. The largest reaches are: Ostashkovsky, Polnovsky, Berezovsky, Volokhovshchinsky, Kravotynsky, Sosnitsky and Vesetsky.
110 rivers flow into Seliger, the largest of them are the Seremukha, Soroga, and Krapivenka rivers. The Selizharovka River flows out, which is the left tributary of the Volga. The mineralization of water is less than 200 mg/l.
In summer, the water warms up to 19–25°С; transparency 1.0–1.5 m. It freezes from November to April. Fluctuations in the water level in the lake reach 1.5–2.0 m. There are a lot of fish, such as: smelt, bream, roach, pike perch, pike, etc.
The northern part of the lake entered the Valdai National Park. It is within easy reach to the source of the Volga itself - drive 19 km from the western bank to the village of Volgoverkhovye. On the island of Stolbny (south of the island of Khachin) you can see the former monastery of the Nil Desert (XVII-XIX centuries); in the village of Shirkovo - "Tver Kizhi" (a wooden church of the 17th century).
The beauty of these places attracts many tourists here. There is also a well-known youth platform for forums where the first persons of the state come. The infrastructure is developed and constantly expanding.
Lake Taimyr
Lake Taimyr is the largest lake in northern Siberia and one of the largest lakes in Russia. It is located in the east of the Taimyr Peninsula, in the Byrranga Mountains at an altitude of 5 m above sea level. Geographically, this is the Krasnoyarsk Territory of the Russian Federation. It is part of the Taimyr Reserve. The surroundings of the lake are endless tundra. 
The area of Lake Taimyr is very variable depending on the season. So in high water it is 4.6 thousand km2, and in winter 1.2 thousand km2. The depth is 26 m, but the average is only 2.8 m. The volume of water is 13 km 3. It is elongated from west to east for 190 km, and reaches a width of 15-20 km. There are several large bays: Nestor Kulik, Yamubaikura, Yukayama, Baikuraneru.
It was formed in a tectonic depression, over which ancient glaciers also worked. Soils in the catchment area are tundra, arctic, lying on permafrost. The largest of the rivers flowing into the lake is called Upper Taimyr; the Lower Taimyr River flows out. The water level during the flood rises to 6 m. Almost the whole year from the end of September to June, the lake is covered with ice.
Not suitable for swimming - in summer the water warms up to 7°C. In winter, the lake freezes almost to the bottom, the ice thickness reaches 2-3 m. The transparency of the water changes and is very strong: in spring it reaches 25 cm, by the end of summer it increases to 125–150 cm. The water is very soft, the mineral content is negligible - about 30 mg / l during the flood.
The lake is inhabited by such commercial fish as arctic char, whitefish, and muksun.
Lake Khanka
Khanka Lake is located on the border of Russia and Heilongjiang Province of China. It is located at an altitude of 68 m above sea level. The lake is the state border between Russia and China. The largest freshwater reservoir in the Far East. The area is 4.07 thousand km² (at an average water level), the length is 95 km, the depths are 1-3 m, the largest is 10.6 m. The volume of water is 18.5 km3. 
The lake is located in a tectonic depression. Rain food.
The lake is covered with ice in November, ice breaks in April. From fish found silver carp, carp, skygazer, rudd and other species. There are shallow shores where waterfowl nest. The southern coast of the lake and the site in the valley of the Sungach River are part of the Khankai Reserve.
The water in the lake is very muddy, but despite this, there are many who want to relax and swim here. The east coast is low. The depths here increase very smoothly. The soil is fine sand. The west coast, on the contrary, is hilly and there are rocky cliffs. The opposite side is not visible from the western shore and the water area of the lake resembles the sea. In late spring - early summer, strong winds blow along the lake, which is why even windsurfer competitions are held.
Russia is a country with rich and unique natural resources, it has something to surprise and amaze: forests, rivers, fields, and of course its lakes, which are also called “the blue eyes of our planet”, which is undoubtedly very beautiful and poetic. About two million lakes are located on its territory of the Russian Federation, their total area is 350 thousand km 2, the volume of water in all lakes is more than 26 thousand m 3. Most of the lakes are of glacial origin.
Large lakes of Russia
The largest lakes located in the European part of Russia are Onega, Ladoga, Chudsko-Pskovskoye, Ilmen, a huge number of lakes in the "lake region" of the Republic of Karelia.
The lakes of the Asian part of Russia are the Caspian Sea-Lake, Baikal, the northernmost lake in Russia, Taimyr, the Far Eastern Lake Khanka and the salt lake Chany in southwestern Siberia.
The Caspian Lake is the largest drainless, closed reservoir on Earth, its area is 371 thousand km 2, and the level is 28 meters below sea level (in Russia it is the Baltic Sea). Due to the large size and specific structure of the bed (it contains the earth's crust of the oceanic type), it is also called the sea. A conditional border between Europe and Asia passes along its surface, it washes the shores of Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran. The Russian Caspian Sea is the territory of the Republic of Dagestan, Kalmykia, Astrakhan region (northern and northwestern part of the Caspian Sea) ...
Lake Baikal is one of the most picturesque places in our country, it is the deepest lake on the planet, huge reserves of fresh water are stored here - 85% of all reserves in Russia and 22% of the world. Its area is 31.7 thousand km 2, length - 636 km, width 48 km, max gubina indicators - 1637 m. Baikal is the oldest lake, it is about 30 million years old, its basin is located in a rift basin, its water is especially clean and transparency, the area around the lake (mountains, hills, dense deciduous forests) - a unique picturesque...
The northern and eastern shores of Lake Ladoga are located on the territory of the Republic of Karelia, the southern and western - in the Leningrad region. Its area, together with the islands, is 18.3 thousand km 2, this is the largest freshwater lake in Europe. It has access to the Atlantic Ocean, more than 40 rivers and lakes flow into it, the Neva River flows out (it flows into the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea, which is part of the Atlantic). In the southern part there are three large bays, large cities on its coast - Priozersk, Shlisselburg, Novaya Ladoga (Leningrad region), Sortavala, Lahdenpokhya (Karelia) ...
Lake Onega is located in the north-west of Russia, 80% of it is located on the territory of the Republic of Karelia, 20% - in the Leningrad and Vologda regions. Its area, together with the islands, is 9.7 thousand km 2, it is the second largest freshwater lake in Europe. The lake basin is located at the junction of the Baltic Shield and the Russian Platform. About 50 rivers carry their waters into the lake, one flows out - the Svir. Kondopoga, Petrozavodsk, Medvezhyegorsk (Republic of Karelia) were built on its banks...
Lake Taimyr with an area of 4.5 thousand km 2 is called the “northern brother” of Baikal, because it is the second largest fresh lake in the Asian part of Russia. It is located on the Taimyr Peninsula in the Krasnoyarsk Territory of the Russian Federation. The lake is located beyond the Arctic Circle, its surface is covered with ice from September to July. The Upper Taimyr flows into it, the Lower Taimyr (Kara Sea basin) flows out ...
If Finland is called "the country of thousands of lakes", then Russia can be called "the country of millions of lakes". Indeed, in our country there are over 2 million lakes, from tiny ones to those that are comparable in size to a small sea.
10. White Lake, area - 1,290 km²
There are many white lakes in Russia, but the largest of them is located in the Vologda region, near Cherepovets. It got its name because of the fine white clay, which mixes with lake water in bad weather and gives it a white color.
And intensive navigation also does not contribute to the transparency of water and causes heavy pollution of the White Lake with oil products. The shores of the lake are densely populated, which only increases the amount of waste and runoff entering the water. Because of this, fish often die en masse in White Lake.
9. Chany - 1,708-2,269 km²
Between Omsk and Novosibirsk lies one of the largest lakes in Russia. If it seemed to you that its name is consonant with the word "chan", then in fact it is so. Translated from the Turkic chan - a vessel of large size. The area of the lake is not constant, and is still not exactly known.
According to local legends, there is an entrance to Shambhala near Lake Chany, a mystical land of spiritual harmony and enlightenment. But local fishermen do not need to look for Shambhala in order to achieve harmony, because they still have at their disposal the rich (although depleted from year to year) fish stocks of the lake, including roach, perch, bream, pike, ide, silver carp, carp and zander.
8. Ubsu-Nur - 3,350 km²
The largest lake in Mongolia touches the territory of the Republic of Tuva with part of the northern coast and water area, so it can be considered the brainchild of two countries.
Ubsu-Nur water tastes bitter-salty, reminiscent of sea water and approximately corresponds to the Black Sea water in salinity.
Once upon a time, the Xiongnu, Mongols and Yenisei Kyrgyz tribes roamed along the shores of the lake. They left behind runic inscriptions, burial mounds and petroglyphs. But today the coast of Ubsu-Nur is practically uninhabited, which saved the local ecosystem from human impact. The only type of fish in Ubsu-Nur that has commercial value is the Altai osman.
7. Lake Peipsi-Pskovskoye - 3,555 km²
A picturesque place, perfect for relaxing away from the noisy metropolis. It is located on the border between Estonia and the Pskov and Leningrad regions. And part of the name Chudsko-Pskovskoe just came from the ethnonym "chud", which in Rus' was used to refer to the ancient Estonians (because of their "wonderful" language).
Thanks to the beauty of the lake, numerous recreation centers with enticing names have grown on its shores: "Far Far Away Kingdom", "Teremok", "Lukomorye" and "Chudskoye Compound". The Estonian side does not lag behind the Russian side, and has built recreational establishments on its side with names that are not so sweet for the Russian ear: Kauksi, Uusküla and Suvi.
6. Khanka - 4,070 km²
One of the largest lakes in Russia and the largest freshwater reservoir in the Far East generously shares its wealth with both the Russian and Chinese sides. Lake Khanka is very rich in fish, and even in the Middle Ages, Chinese emperors ate fish caught in its waters.
It was in the vicinity of this lake that Akira Kurosawa filmed his famous film Dersu Uzala. Indirectly, Khanka is also present in the anime series "Full Panic", where the state of the same name appears, located within the borders of a real lake.
5. Taimyr - 4,560 km²
The northernmost lake in the world is located in the permafrost zone. Not surprisingly, most of the year it is covered with ice.
But harsh conditions are not a hindrance for many lake inhabitants, such as omul, burbot, grayling, char, muksun and whitefish. Red-breasted geese, geese, ducks, peregrine falcons and other migratory birds nest on the Taimyr Islands.
And this region is also known for the largest population of reindeer in Russia. In addition to them, in Taimyr you can meet wolves, arctic foxes and even musk oxen, which were introduced into the region in the 70s of the last century.
4. Lake Onega - 9,720 km²
One of the largest freshwater reservoirs in Europe absorbs over 1,000 watercourses, but it allows only one to go outside - the Svir River. And there are even more islands on Lake Onega than watercourses - 1650.
The most famous of them is the island of Kizhi, which contains the best examples of Russian wooden temple architecture. These buildings date back to various centuries (the oldest of them dates back to the 14th century) and they were moved to the island for the purpose of preservation and accessibility to the public.
3. Lake Ladoga - 17,870 km²
This Karelian beauty is a zealous hostess. Following the example of her brother, Lake Onega, she collects many rivers and streams (more than 40 of them flow into the lake), and releases only one river from her arms - the Neva. And in the Neva Delta is the "Venice of the North" - the majestic St. Petersburg (formerly Leningrad), which is.
During the Second World War, the famous Road of Life ran along Lake Ladoga - the only transport artery that connected Leningrad besieged by the Germans and Finns with the rest of the country. For deliveries to the city, trucks drove over the frozen lake in winter, and during periods of navigation, cargo was transported by water. During the existence of the Road of Life (from September 12, 1941 to March 1943), 1 million 615 thousand tons were transported along it and 1 million 376 thousand people were evacuated.
2. Baikal - 31,722 km²
One of them still holds the title of the cleanest lake in Russia. At first, you can experience a shock, swimming into the depths and finding that the boat seems to be floating in the air. And if you visit Baikal in winter, you will be met by the most transparent ice, the thickness of which reaches 50 centimeters.
Some European states, such as Malta (316 km²), Montenegro (13812 km²) and Albania (28748 km²), can be accommodated entirely on the territory of Baikal.
1. Caspian Sea - 371,000 km²
The list of the largest lakes in Russia is crowned by the largest closed reservoir on Earth. The ancient Romans called it the sea because of the brackish water. In fact, the salinity of the Caspian water is 1.2%, which is about 1/3 of the salinity of most sea waters.
And the word "Caspian" appeared in the name in honor of the tribes of the Caspians, who lived on the southwestern coast of the sea in the first millennium BC. e. However, different peoples gave their name to the Caspian Sea, and there were as many as 70 of them near the sea-lake.
Like the Aral, Azov and Black Seas, the Caspian is a relic of the ancient Sarmatian Sea, on the shores of which elephants, rhinos, giraffes and mastodons once roamed. It lost access to the sea about 5.5 million years ago due to tectonic rise and fall in sea levels.
About 850 animal species, more than 500 plant species and 115 fish species are represented in the Caspian. Some of the most valuable species of commercial fish living in the Caspian are sturgeon, Caspian bream and Caspian salmon.
Several animal species are named after the region, such as the Caspian gull, Caspian tern, and the Caspian seal, which is endemic to the lake.
List of the largest lakes in Russia
| # | Lake | Area, km² | Depth, m | Height above sea level, m |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caspian Sea | 371000 | 1025 | −28 |
| 2 | 31500 | 1637 | 456 | |
| 3 | 17703 | 225 | 4 | |
| 4 | 9616 | 124 | 32 | |
| 5 | 4560 | 26 | 6 | |
| 6 | 4190 | 10 | 68 | |
| 7 | 3555 | 15 | 30 | |
| 8 | 3350 | 15 | 753 | |
| 9 | 1990 | 12 | 105 | |
| 10 | 1290 | 20 | 113 | |
| 11 | topozero | 986 | 56 | 110 |
| 12 | Ilmen | 982 | 10 | 18 |
| 13 | Khantai lake | 822 | 420 | 65 |
| 14 | Segozero | 815 | 103 | 120 |
| 15 | Imandra | 812 | 67 | 128 |
| 16 | Pyasino | 735 | 10 | 28 |
| 17 | Kulunda lake | 728 | 4 | 98 |
| 18 | Pyaozero | 659 | 49 | 110 |
| 19 | Vygozero | 560 | 24 | 89 |
| 20 | seal lake | 552 | 12 | 0.4 |
| 21 | storehouse | 470 | n/a | 47 |
| 22 | red lake | 458 | 4 | 0 |
| 23 | Keta | 452 | 180 | 93 |
| 24 | Ubinskoye lake | 440 | 4 | 134 |
| 25 | pekulneyskoe lake | 435 | n/a | 0.7 |
| 26 | Umbozero | 422 | 115 | 149 |
| 27 | vozhe | 416 | 4 | 120 |
| 28 | Kubenskoye lake | 407 | 13 | 109 |
| 29 | Chukchagir lake | 366 | 6 | 70 |
| 30 | Portnyagino | 360 | n/a | 62 |
| 31 | Manych-Gudilo | 344 | 1 | 10 |
| 32 | bologne | 338 | 4 | 19 |
| 33 | lacha | 334 | 6 | 118 |
| 34 | Udyl | 330 | 5 | 12 |
| 35 | Mogotievo lake | 323 | n/a | 0 |
| 36 | Vodlozero | 322 | 4 | 136 |
| 37 | Lama | 318 | > 300 | n/a |
| 38 | Orel | 314 | 4 | n/a |
| 39 | Kesey | 280 | 4 | n/a |
| 40 | petty | 270 | 22 | n/a |
| 41 | Kungasalah | 270 | n/a | 76 |
| 42 | Syamozero | 266 | 24 | n/a |
| 43 | Middle Kuito | 257 | n/a | 101 |
| 44 | Pyhäjärvi | 255 | 32 | 80 |
| 45 | Bustach | 249 | n/a | n/a |
| 46 | Yarroto 1st | 247 | 8 | n/a |
| 47 | Kronotsky lake | 242 | 148 | 372 |
| 48 | Sartlan | 238 | 6 | n/a |
| 49 | Essey | 238 | n/a | 266 |
| 50 | seal lake | 237 | n/a | n/a |
| 51 | Vivi | 229 | n/a | n/a |
| 52 | Kovdozero | 224 | 63 | 37 |
| 53 | Keret | 223 | 5 | 91 |
| 54 | teletskoye lake | 223 | 325 | 434 |
| 55 | Seliger | 222 | 24 | 205 |
| 56 | Nyuk | 214 | 40 | 134 |
| 57 | Lovozero | 209 | 35 | n/a |
| 58 | Mainychin-Ankavatan | 205 | n/a | n/a |
| 59 | Yanisjarvi | 175 | 51 | 64 |
We present you the most impressive Russian lakes in terms of size.
It remains to add that this is not the whole list of unique lakes in Russia. But, of course, these are the largest lakes in Russia.
White lake
Opens our top of the largest lakes in Russia - White Lake. It is located in the Vologda region. The area of the reservoir fluctuates due to low banks. And it is equal to almost 1300 square kilometers. The average depth of the White Lake is 5-7 meters, in some places, the figure can reach up to 20 meters, this is due to underwater pits.There are about 29 species of fish in the reservoir, so the lake can be considered a real paradise for fishermen.
Lake Chany
The salt lake Chany is located in the Novosibirsk region. According to various sources, the area of this reservoir is from 1.4 thousand to 2 thousand square meters. The greatest depth of the lake is 12 meters. 
Various legends have been circulating about Chany for a long time. According to one of them, a huge snake lives in the lake, which eats people and cattle. However, this is not confirmed by any scientific data. It is likely that the legend was specially invented to attract tourists.
Ubsu-Nur
This is the largest lake in terms of area in Mongolia, on the territory of Russia it is located in the Republic of Tuva, although our country owns only 12 square kilometers. Its total area is 3,350 square kilometers and its depth is 15 meters. The lake is endorheic, not a single river flows out of it, so the water has a bitter-salty taste. 
Since 2003, the lake has been a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ubsunur basin.
Chudsko-Pskovskoye Lake
This lake is slightly larger than Lake Ubsu-Nur and is located, as the name suggests, on the territory of the Pskov region, it also borders on the Leningrad region and Estonia. This is not even just a lake - but a complex of lakes, consisting of Lakes Peipus, Pskov and Warm Lakes. The area of the complex is 3,555 square kilometers, the depth reaches 15 meters, and the average value fluctuates within 7 meters. Only one river Narva flows out of the lake, and about 30 rivers flow into it. 
Due to their geographic location, the shores of the lake are partly considered a border zone and access to them is limited. In the coastal strip of Lake Pskov there is a wetland ornithological reserve "Pskov-Chudskaya lakeside lowland"
Lake Khanka
Lake Khanka is located in the Far East, where Russia borders on China. The area of the reservoir is about 4.2 thousand square kilometers, and the maximum depth is about 11 meters.Lake Khanka is one of the largest lakes in Russia
Khank has a rather good location, so a lot of tourists come to the reservoir. They can simultaneously get acquainted with the customs and cultures of two countries at once. About 75 species of different fish live in the waters of the reservoir, and some of them are even listed in the Red Book of Russia.
Lake Taimyr
Taimyr Lake is located on the Taimyr Peninsula in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. It is the northernmost in the world. Most of the year, Taimyr is covered with ice. And only one and a half months a year Taimyr is free from ice. Almost the entire lake freezes to the bottom every winter. 
And due to fluctuations in the water level in the reservoir, its area can vary up to a maximum of 4.56 thousand square kilometers. The maximum depth of the lake is about 26 meters. It should be noted that the flora and fauna of the Taimyr Lake is filled with arctic species. A river called the Upper Taimyr flows through Taimyr, at the exit from the lake it continues with the Lower.
Lake Onega
Lake Onega is located in Karelia, Leningrad and Vologda regions. The area of the reservoir is about 9.7 thousand square kilometers, and its greatest depth is 124 meters. 
The people of Lake Onega are called "Onego-father". It is famous for its clean water and numerous historical monuments that are located on the banks.
Ladoga lake
Lake Ladoga is located on the territory of Karelia and the Leningrad region. The area of the reservoir is more than 17.6 thousand square kilometers, but the greatest depth is 230 meters. Ladoga is one of the largest freshwater lakes in all of Europe.Exactly 35 rivers flow into Lake Ladoga, and besides this, the Neva River originates. There are 60 species of fish in the reservoir, more than half of which are caught on an industrial scale.
Lake Ladoga is the third largest lake in Russia
Lake Onega and Ladoga are very similar. Both are located in the North-West of Russia and both belong to the Baltic Sea basin, moreover, both have the same origin. There are quite a few rocky islands on the lakes, some of which are known for their historical, cultural and religious monuments. In particular, this is the Valaam archipelago, where a monastery has been operating for about a thousand years. The island of Kizhi is also famous with its wooden churches and bell tower.
Baikal
This is the deepest lake on our planet. Its depth is about 1640 meters. Baikal is located in eastern Siberia, between the Irkutsk region and Buryatia. The area of the lake is more than 31.7 thousand square kilometers. Moreover, this is the largest reservoir of fresh water in Russia, it contains up to 90 percent of the reserves. It is worth noting that the water in Baikal is unusually clean and transparent, so at all times it was considered healing. Tourists and naturalists constantly come to the lake, because Baikal is inhabited by a rich fauna, more than half of it is a local exclusive. 
Exactly 336 rivers of various sizes flow into the lake, but only the Angara flows out of it. Its water resources are used by a number of the largest hydroelectric power stations.
The largest lake in Russia - the Caspian Sea
The list of the largest lakes in Russia is headed by a reservoir, behind which the name "sea" has been assigned. This is the Caspian. It is located on the border of Asia and Europe and washes the shores of five states. These are Russia, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Iran and Azerbaijan. According to the latest data, the area of the Caspian Sea is 376 thousand square kilometers, and this figure can fluctuate greatly. The maximum depth of the salt lake is 1025 meters. It can be found in the Middle and South Caspian, which are separated by the Apsheron ridge, this is an underwater connection of the Kopetdag and Caucasus mountain systems. It is worth noting that the Caspian Sea is known throughout the world not only because of its size, but also because of its water problems. According to one theory, the Caspian got its name from the ancient tribes of the Caspians, who lived in the southwest of the coast. 
Due to the imbalance between the amount of evaporation and water entering the Caspian, the area of the lake may fluctuate. In the last century, it began to decline steadily. And about 30 years ago, the climate in the main supplier of water to the sea - the Volga basin - the flow exceeded the flow, so the coastal areas began to flood. By the way, natural gas and oil have been produced in the Caspian Sea since 1820, according to experts, the reserves reach up to 20 billion tons.
By the way, the salinity of almost the entire reservoir is three times less than the ocean, but in the north of the Caspian Sea, the water can be fresh.
Subscribe to our channel in Yandex.Zen
Fresh water is the main wealth of Russia. This is what our children and grandchildren should be proud of. It is in the Russian Federation that there is most of all clean water in the world. Below is a rating of the ten largest Russian lakes by area, which are considered one of the cleanest and deepest in the world. Well, are you ready? Go…
Lake Ilmen is located in the Novgorod region. Its area is 982 sq. km. The greatest depth is up to 10 meters.
This lake has a very winding coastline. Its area is 986 sq. km. The maximum depth is up to 56 meters. This place is very popular with kayakers and fishermen.
Beloe Lake is located in the Vologda Oblast. Its area is about 1284 sq. km. The average depth is 5–7 m. Approximately 29 species of various fish live here.
Lake Chany is located in the Novosibirsk region. Its water is salty. The area according to various estimates varies from 1400 to 2000 sq. km. The greatest depth is 7 m. According to ancient legends, a huge snake lives in this lake, which devours people and livestock.
Lake Khanka is located in the Far East of Russia. Its maximum depth is about 11 m, the area is 4,070 sq. km.
Lake Taimyr is located on the peninsula of the same name in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, it is considered the northernmost in the world. Almost always covered in ice. Due to fluctuations in the water level, its area can change, and reach 4,560 sq. km. Max. depth - up to 26 m.
Lake Onega is located on the territory of Karelia, Leningrad and Vologda regions. Its area is approx. 9 700 sq. km. The greatest depth is 127 m.
Lake Ladoga is located on the territory of Karelia and the Leningrad region. It is the largest freshwater lake in Europe. Its area is more 17.6 thousand sq. km. The maximum depth is 230 meters. 35 rivers flow into it.
Baikal
Baikal is the deepest freshwater lake on the planet (1640 meters). Located in eastern Siberia. Its area is more 31,700 sq. km.
The Caspian Sea is the largest lake on the planet. Located on the border of Europe and Asia. Its waters wash the shores of 5 countries (Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, Iran, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan). Square - 371,000 sq. km, max depth - 1025 meters. The water in the lake is salty.