Baikal: The World's Biggest Lake
Visiting the Largest Freshwater Lake in Siberia, Russia
Lake Baikal is sometimes called the Blue Eye of Siberia and offers incredible natural beauty and a range of outdoor activities. Getting there can be fun too.
Facts, Figures & History of the Lake
Lake Baikal in Eastern Siberia is not only the world’s deepest lake but also its oldest. At a maximum depth of 1,700 metres and an age of at least 25 million years, it also contains 20 percent of the world’s unfrozen freshwater reserves.
At 3.15 million hectares its surface area is not as great as other lakes like Victoria in Africa and the North American Great lakes, but Baikal remains the largest body of fresh water on the planet and the largest lake by volume.
Largely isolated for most of its history, Baikal developed a unique ecosystem and is home to some 1500 indigenous species most notably the salmon-like Omul and the Nerpa, the world’s only freshwater seal. Along its shores bear and deer are also very common.
In 1996 the lake and surrounding area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite this accolade, Baikal continues to come under threat from industrial pollution and the over-hunting of its Nerpa population.
How to Get There
Until the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway between 1896 and 1902, access to Lake Baikal was limited. Today most visitors arriving in the nearby city of Irkutsk take a bus or car (1.5 hours) to the conveniently located fishing village of Listvyanka at the lake’s southern tip.
Flights to Irkutsk are available from all major Russian cities. While this is quicker than the train (Irkutsk is only 6 hours from Moscow) it is slightly more expensive and probably less rewarding in terms of the cultural and scenic experience of the train.
Attractions and Activities
In 1904 a rail route was completed around the lake’s southernmost end but the Circumbaikal has been largely replaced by a shortcut built in 1957. Seldom used, it has become a popular hiking and camping route for tourists who marvel at the many bridges, tunnels and monuments along its rugged 84 kilometre length.
Despite being frozen between January and May every year, kayaking and even swimming are very popular on the lake. It is said that by dipping your hand into the freezing waters of Baikal you can add a year to your life but by immersing your whole body you gain ten! For the less hardy there are thermal springs in Buryatia and Sayan.
Food is typically Russian especially further away from the more touristic Listvyanka. However, don’t miss its fish market and the local delicacy of smoked Omul fresh from the depths of the lake.
Accommodation and Banya
Listvyanka boasts the most accommodation ranging from luxury hotels to dorm-rooms and homestays with local families. Most places offer use of a Russian steam bath called banya where stones and aromatic plants are heated and cold water is poured over them to produce steam. The banya is usually entered naked and cold water is poured over the body to cool down. In cheaper accommodation such as the many wooden huts along the lake’s shore, this is often the only washing facility available. It's surprisingly refreshing and a truly authentic Russian experience.
