Location Novgorod Oblast Primary outflows Volkhov Max. length 40 km (25 mi) Catchment area 67,200 km² Surface elevation 18 m Width 32 km | Primary inflows Basin countries Russia Max. width 32 km (20 mi) Area 982 km² Length 40 km | |
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Inflow source Msta River, Shelon River, Lovat River | ||
Lake Ilmen (Russian: И́льмень; [ˈilʲmʲɪnʲ]) is a historically important lake in the Novgorod Oblast of Russia, formerly a vital part of the Trade route from the Varangians to the Greeks. The city of Novgorod lies six kilometers below the lake's outflow.
Map of Lake Ilmen, Novgorod Oblast, Russia
According to the Max Vasmer's Etymological Dictionary, the name of the lake originates from the Finnic "Ilmajärvi", which means "air lake". There are many lakes in Russia with their names being derivative from Lake Ilmen.
The average surface area is 982 square kilometres (379 sq mi) (it may vary between 733 square kilometres (283 sq mi) and 2,090 square kilometres (810 sq mi) depending on water level). The lake is fed by 52 inflowing rivers, the four main ones being the Msta, the Pola, the Lovat, and the Shelon. It is drained through a single outlet, the Volkhov, into Lake Ladoga, and subsequently via the Neva into the Gulf of Finland. The source of the Volkhov is marked by the Peryn Chapel built in the 1220s.
The basin of Lake Ilmen contains vast areas in Novgorod, Pskov, and Tver Oblasts of Russia, as well as minor areas in the north of Vitebsk Region in Belarus.
The water level is regulated by the Volkhov hydroelectric plant situated downstream the Volkhov River. Water temperature in July is 19-20 °C. Bathing season is about 90 days.
Lake Ilmen is navigable. Shipping lines are Veliky Novgorod – Staraya Russa and Veliky Novgorod – Shimsk. There is a fishery in the lake.
The lake area was the location of an important battle during World War II, the Demyansk Pocket.