Gorovaldaiskoye Lake, reviews of which are only positive, has a village on the coast on one side and a highway on the other. In 1676, a mention of a reservoir appeared on a map compiled according to special Swedish materials. Then its name was somewhat different - "Swede".
The bay, which is located near the reservoir, has a maximum depth of 4 m.
The reservoir itself is small, rich in fish. In some areas, the bottom moves away from the surface at a distance of up to 10 m. The water is stagnant, and streams flow from the south side (which periodically dry up). Thanks to the birds that settle on the surface, new species of fish are brought. This happens due to the transfer of eggs from the Gulf of Finland.
Geographical coordinates and natural features
In the Lomonosov district of the Leningrad region there is a lake Gorovaldaiskoye. It was formed as a result of the separation of the Gulf of Finland by land, narrowsand hill.
The body of water is small, about four and a half kilometers long and one kilometer wide. It has an oblong shape from east to west and occupies an area equal to 2.8 square meters. km. The depth is not precisely defined. According to one version, it is 5.5 m, in another - presumably up to 15 m. Most likely, the depth reference point depends on the season and natural factors.
From the south, the coastal zone is covered with forest (pine and mixed), from the east, the settlement of Gora-Valdai adjoins the lake. A highway runs along the north side.
Gorovaldaiskoye Lake is a body of water that is fed by several large streams flowing in from the side of the forest and drying up in hot weather, and a narrow channel connects it with the Gulf of Finland. The water surface is clean, transparent, not overgrown with plants. Due to the content of peat in the bottom soil, the color of the water sometimes becomes reddish or yellowish. The bottom is sandy from almost all sides, only from the west and east it is rocky, at depth it turns into silt.
Meaning of name
Lake Gorovaldaiskoe got its special name because of its close proximity to the village of Gora-Valdai, the name of which is translated from Finnish as “an area located on a hill”. In addition, you can hear the second name - Shepelevskoe Lake, which is also associated with the name of the nearby village of the same name. The latter was granted as a reward to General S. A. Shepelev.
Flora and fauna
The forest belt adjacent to the lake on the south side suggests a pinea forest where a large number of mammals live: a wolf, an elk, a wild boar, a fox, a bear, a hare. The bird population is also varied: geese, swans, capercaillie, ducks. The territory of the Gorovaldai reservoir is also rich in mushrooms, medicinal herbs, berries (lingonberries, raspberries). Ruff, pike perch, bleak, pike, perch, roach, eel live in the depths of the lake.
Gorovaldai Lake: how to get there?
Let's consider several options for getting to the reservoir:
- Railway to the station Krasnoflotsk, which is located in the village of Fort Krasnaya Gorka. Then 6 kilometers by bus or taxi.
- By bus or autoline, following the route St. Petersburg - Sosnovy Bor.
- By car on the highway 41A 007.
Adventurers
The picturesque area, clean air and convenient location of the reservoir make it an attractive object for tourists. In nearby settlements (Pulkovo, Shepelevo) you can always get inexpensive housing, and in the village of Gora-Valdai on the coast, wooden Finnish houses have been built for travelers, from the windows of which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake or slender rows of pines.
Many convenient places with sandy slopes to the water will suit tourists with tents.
Vacationers can hunt, rent a boat and ride on the lake surface, swim in the purest waters, go hiking for mushrooms or berries, take a steam bath or lie on the beach, arrange a “photo walk”, since the local surroundings have it. LakeGorovaldayskoye (reviews are always positive about it) also has a bike path that adjoins the Shepelevsky lighthouse, the Gray Horse battery in the village of Black Lakhta or the fortress, which is located 30 kilometers from the lake in the village of Koporye. Excursion trips to the Gulf of Finland are organized for those who wish.
In recent years, the lake began to attract lovers of Russian freediving - scuba diving with breath holding. True, so far in small quantities.
In winter, vacationers can go to Tuutari Park, a ski resort located 100 kilometers from Gorovaldai Lake, where you can ride a cheesecake, ski, skate or ride a horse.
Gorovaldai lake: fishing
Reviews of anglers are divided: someone claims that it is not worth waiting for a rich catch now, there were a lot of fish about forty years ago. Others say that you need to catch skillfully. Because of the clear water, the fish are cautious and should be approached carefully.
But in one thing, the reviews of people who have visited Gorovaldaiskoye Lake agree - there is magnificent nature, crystal clear water, an unforgettable coniferous smell and a great place for a corporate, friendly or family vacation!
