Which lake is Europe’s largest by surface area, excluding the Caspian Sea?

Lake Ladoga is Europe’s largest lake by surface area, excluding the Caspian Sea.

It lies in northwestern Russia, east of Saint Petersburg, and covers about 17,700 square kilometres. The lake contains more than 600 islands, including the famous Valaam archipelago. Its main outlet is the Neva River, which flows into the Gulf of Finland.

Lake Ladoga is sometimes confused with Lake Onega, Europe’s second-largest lake. Both are in northwestern Russia and are connected by waterways, but Ladoga is substantially larger. The lake freezes during winter, although its ice conditions vary across its broad basin.

The lake has also played an important historical role. During World War II, the “Road of Life” crossed its winter ice and transported supplies to besieged Leningrad. Ladoga’s drainage basin includes parts of Russia, Finland and Belarus.