A large shallow lake in the oblast's south — wetlands, fishing, birds and views the Novgorod Kremlin cannot offer.
Lake Ilmen
Ilmen is among the North-West's largest lakes — over 700 sq km, shallow, partly boggy shores. Lovat, Msta, Polist and others flow in; via the Volkhov it links to the Ladoga. Important fishery and bird site: nesting waterfowl, migrants in season. Everyday resource for locals; for visitors — space, wind and horizon, rarely a promenade resort. Long, varied shoreline: urban promenade at Staraya Russa, landings and fishers' huts at villages, wild overgrown stretches elsewhere. An Ilmen trip means one chosen point, not circling the lake in a day. Ilmen links Staraya Russa, Shimsk, south-shore monasteries and roads to Pskov. Pick one shore for a day: licensed fishing, birdwatching or a windy walk by the water.
How to get there
Different roads to different shores: south from Veliky Novgorod, east from Staraya Russa, north from Shimsk.
Best season
May–September; spring and autumn migration for birds
Travel tips & stories
Fishing by regional licence and rules; check nets and boats locally.
Strong wind on open water — warm windproof clothing.
Boggy shores are not for swimming — use equipped spots.
Many midges in bays — repellent.
Wide sunsets — protect camera from spray.
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Local guides
- TR
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