Those travelers who want to see not the surging waves, but the calm expanse of water, can recover to the famous lakes of Europe. Here you will find stunning nature, amazing castles, as well as sand beaches and various thermal complexes. In these places, everyone can relax in comfort. You can stay at the lake absolutely at any time of the year, as well as regardless of weather conditions.
Want to know which lake is considered the largest in Europe? We present to you the ranking of record holders - Onega and other large reservoirs of the European part of Russia, which are worth a look.
List
- 10. Lake Balaton, 591 km2
- 9. Inari Lake, 1000 km2
- 8. Lake Mälaren, 1140 km2
- 7. Lake Saimaa, 1800 km2
- 6. Lake Vettern, 1912 km2
- 5. Peipsi-Pskov lake, 3550 km2
- 4. Lake Venern, 5585 km2
- 3. Lake Onega, 9690 km2
- 2. Lake Ladoga, 17,700 km2
- 1. Caspian Sea, 371,000 km2
10. Lake Balaton, 591 km2
Country: Hungary
Lake Balaton very often called "The hungarian sea”, As this freshwater pond is located in the west of Hungary.
Around the lake there is a resort area where everyone can come to relax with the whole family. There is also the opportunity to heal at thermal springs.
Earlier on the shores of the lake lived Slavs, Celts and Thracians. But already in the first century AD, the Romans settled well here. And in the 6th century they were replaced by Avars.
Scientists note that the water itself in the lake does not look very beautiful because of the presence of plankton in it. That is why it is not at all transparent, as we would like. But perfectly clean.
9. Inari Lake, 1000 km2
Country: Finland
This lake is considered the best for fishing. Here you can catch salmon, trout, pike and even perch. But many say that getting to it is not so easy, since the nearest settlement is quite far away.
It is worth noting that the lake Inari located beyond the Arctic Circle, which means that from time to time it freezes. This usually happens from November to March.
In this picturesque place you can see the endless expanse of water, large rocks, as well as fragrant groves of dwarf birches, pines. Quite a few tourists who want to go fishing are observed here from August to October.
8. Lake Mälaren, 1140 km2
Country: Sweden
Not many people know about an interesting legend that is associated with the lake. Melaren. It is believed that he was created by the fertility goddess Ghevion. And this happened when she deceived the king of Sweden Gulvi.
The king said that he could give the goddess as much land as 4 bulls could plow, in 1 day and night. But she decided to act cunningly. Using the bulls of the giants, the land was completely uprooted and transferred to Denmark. That is how an island called Zealand was formed.
It is worth noting that about 30 species of various fish live in the lake. Among them are perches, breams, pikes and many others. Also here silver and lake gull, mallard, and red-headed gulls constantly make nests.
Many species of birds are endangered. But, those who come here can sometimes see them.
7. Lake Saimaa, 1800 km2
Country: Finland
Lake Saime occurred as a result of tectonic processes. Its shores are highest and rocky.
The water level always depends on the season. For example, high will be from July to August. In the month of December, everything freezes here, the ice begins to gradually thaw only by April.
Lake Saimaa is considered the largest. It appeared on the map around 1850, when a canal to the Gulf of Finland was opened. A tourist can see the wonderful underwater world. Some species are endangered. But residents are trying to solve this problem.
Also on one side there is a special park where you can see the Nerpa, which rests on the rocks. These cute animals will not leave anyone indifferent.
6. Lake Vettern, 1912 km2
Country: Sweden
Word Vettern means "water". But in fact - it is a very large water, since the lake is considered the second largest in Sweden.
Scientists are sure that the appearance of the lake is associated with melted glaciers that were here millions of years ago. Between them was a huge crack, which they filled after water.
The lake called Vettern is very insidious, as it constantly changes the temperature and creates small storms. The legend of this place says that there lived the great kings who built castles. Now here is just an incredibly picturesque place. Tourists come here from all over the Earth.
Surprisingly, many note that the lake is indeed in a slight movement. It feeds on other rivers and streams that flow into it. But only one follows - Mutalastrem.
The water in the lake is very clean and clear, albeit cold. Small waves sometimes greatly interfere with the movement of ships. In all dangerous places, special beacons are delivered.
It is worth noting that the coasts are in motion due to tectonic processes. The lake tilts a little to the south.
5. Peipsi-Pskov lake, 3550 km2
Country: Russian Federation, Estonia
The lake is located on the territory of two states simultaneously - Estonia and Russia. The nature here is very unique, and deciduous forests adorn its landscape.
Almost 30 different streams and rivers flow into the lake. And also it has additional power from snow and rain. It has a lot of plankton and fish.
It is worth noting that it is on Peipsi Lake that same massacre took place, where Alexander Nevsky opposed the Livonian army. But due to significant changes in hydrography, it was not possible to find the exact place where this happened.
On the shores there are a lot of boarding houses, camps, camp sites. People come here almost every season to relax with the whole family. It is not only very beautiful, but also environmentally friendly, which is good for health.
4. Lake Venern, 5585 km2
Country: Sweden
Lake Venern considered one of the largest in all of Europe. 30 rivers flow here, but only one flows out.
There is a hydroelectric power station on the lake. Quite a well-developed shipping business. It is believed that it arose after the end of the ice age, that is, about ten thousand years ago.
The lake is fresh, but the water in it is very clean and clear. It is worth noting that in its composition it is similar to distilled.
There are a lot of different fish in the lake. There are pike perch, perch, salmon, trout and many others. Tourists come here to compete in the largest catch.
3. Lake Onega, 9690 km2
Country: Russian Federation
A huge body of water consists of fresh water. Many tourists are attracted by the beautiful, unique nature, white nights and small echoes of the northern lights. Almost all coasts are inhabited by people. Here are quite large cities such as Petrozavodsk.
Lake Onega exists from about 4 millennium BC, when the first settlements began to live here. In the old days it was simply called "Onego." From ancient languages meant "smoke". This was due to a little smoke that swirls over the lake.
2. Lake Ladoga, 17,700 km2
Country: Russian Federation
Even in ancient times on the shores Lake Ladoga Christian preachers lived. Small monasteries and monasteries were built, which later became the spiritual centers of all of Russia.
Currently, many hotels and camp sites for people have been built on the banks. Tourists enjoy the beauty of northern nature, as well as amazing monuments.
Storms can often be seen on Lake Ladoga. This leads to shipwrecks.
1. Caspian Sea, 371,000 km2
Country: Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan
Caspian Sea considered the largest lake on earth. The water in it is salty. Scientists claim that it got such a name because of the Caspian tribes that once lived on it.
The fauna of this place is quite diverse. About 100 species of fish are registered. Various algae prevail. Flora and fauna is very diverse and amazing.