Gorky Reservoir

Gorky Reservoir is a man-made body of water in central Russia that connects several regions along the Volga River. The water surface extends across four administrative areas, forming bays, headlands, and shallow shoreline zones that vary in accessibility depending on the season.

The construction of a hydroelectric station between 1955 and 1957 created this large lake, flooding several villages in the process. Residents had to leave their homes and were relocated to newly built settlements.

Fishermen cast their nets along the shoreline and bring their catch to small landing points each day, following a routine established over decades. On summer weekends, families from nearby towns come to swim or take small boats out on the water.

Numerous recreational areas around the lake provide access for swimmers and boaters, especially in summer. Roads leading to the shore typically pass through smaller towns and villages.

The width of the water surface varies greatly, in some places forming narrow passages between shores and in others opening into wide expanses. Near the town of Yuryevets the lake reaches its greatest breadth, with the banks lying far apart.

Location: Yaroslavl Oblast

Location: Kostroma Oblast

Location: Ivanovo Oblast

Location: Nizhny Novgorod Oblast

Elevation above the sea: 84 m

GPS coordinates: 57.48333,42.10000

Latest update: December 20, 2025 12:33