A lake near Demyansk — quiet forest country with fishing, villages and memory of the Second World War.

Region: Novgorod OblastCoordinates: 57°39′N 32°28′E

Demyanskoye Lake Area

Demyanskoye Lake lies beside Demyansk town in the oblast's northwest. A typical forest lake with sandy and overgrown shores, fish and quiet access roads. A small but historic town where trade and military routes crossed. Mixed forest, fields and villages with wooden and brick houses surround the water. Summer fishing and swimming at equipped spots; winter ice for snowmobiles and skis. Modest lodging — no resort scale. Demyansk District is tied to the winter 1942 «Demyansk pocket»; memorials in town and nearby. Not a themed «war park» but living land where history meets daily life. A base for Rdeisky Reserve and other forest sites in the district. For quiet water time without Novgorod crowds.

How to get there

~200 km northwest from Veliky Novgorod by car; bus links with connections.

Best season

June–August for water; winter for experienced ice travellers

Travel tips & stories

  • Stock fuel and food in Demyansk — few services in villages.

  • Do not go on ice without a local guide — cracks occur.

  • Abundant midges at water — repellent essential.

  • Memorials are places of remembrance — behave respectfully.

  • Check reserve road conditions in winter — some sections unploughed.

lakeDemyanskforesthistory

To sync favorites and plans across devices,

Local guides

  • TR

    TrueRussia administrator

    Added by administrator

View all guides

On map