Russia Rivers

Russia rivers have played an important role in the settlement, development, history, and ultimately tourism of the country. Home to the longest river in Europe, the tenth-longest river in the world, and countless smaller bodies of water in between, Russia is an ideal location to get out on the water and explore. Whether fishing on a small river in the Russian Far East, or cruising the Volga River en route to Moscow is what you have in mind, there is a river in Russia to suit your vacation desires. In the last decades, Russian cruises have expanded widely in popularity, granting access to the treasures of this country all in one adventure.

The Lena River in the eastern section of the country runs from Lake Baikal, the world's deepest freshwater lake, almost 2,500 miles to the Arctic Ocean. Relatively unspoiled and unpolluted compared with other Russia rivers, the Lena offers a variety of trips to see beautiful flora and fauna. Another well known river in Russia is the Volga River, home to many of the larger cruises. On the journey between St Petersburg and Moscow, this river is traversed. The city of Volgograd, once known as Stalingrad, is along the banks of this river.

There are other rivers, however, that are just as important to the Russia, but are less well-known, such as the Don River. As one of the major rivers of Russia, the Don River flows almost 1,250 miles. In the western section of the country, the river begins near the town of Novomoskovsk, southeast of Moscow, and flows into the Sea of Azov. At the easternmost point of the Don River it approaches the Volga River, and the Volga-Don Canal, extending for 65 miles, connects the two waterways. This major waterway is also home to an important reservoir, and river cruises are available along the Don River.

Other Russia rivers include the Neva River, located in the northwestern section of the country. While it is only 45 miles long, it is the third-largest river in Europe in terms of water discharge. The river flows through St Petersburg and into the Gulf of Finland. An important component of the shipping connection between St Petersburg and Moscow, this river can handle even the largest ships. From May through October, while the river isn’t frozen, it is popular for visitors to take a river cruise. Passing under bridges, knowledgeable guides will provide anecdotes of the history of the buildings around you. These river cruises have led some visitors to compare St Petersburg to Venice.

Another river in Russia is the Ob River. Located in Siberia, it is the fourth-longest river in the country. For much of the year, the Ob is frozen, though it does cross several climatic zones. In fact, some beaches and resorts are located along the river and are popular with visitors in the warm summers. With more than 50 species of fish, it is also a popular place for fisherman. River cruises and ferries are available along the Ob, some with comfortable first-class accommodation. Covering such long distances, cruising Russia’s rivers offers a variety of landscapes and a peaceful break from the bustling cities.