Which lake is Europe’s largest by volume?

Lake Ladoga is Europe’s largest lake by volume.

Located in northwestern Russia, Ladoga contains an estimated 908 cubic kilometres of water. Its great volume reflects both its broad surface and its deep glacially shaped basins, especially in the northern part of the lake. Southern sections are generally shallower and contain extensive coastal wetlands.

The lake’s water eventually reaches the Baltic Sea through the Neva River. Numerous rivers flow into Ladoga, and the lake’s islands include the Valaam archipelago, known for its natural landscapes and historic monastery.

Lake Ladoga is sometimes overlooked because Lake Onega is also nearby and is Europe’s second-largest lake by surface area. Lake Geneva is internationally famous, but its volume is much smaller. Ladoga’s combination of size, depth and extensive drainage basin makes it the continent’s volume leader.