This lake has a mystical and fascinating history. Thanks to this, although the reservoir is not located in the most comfortable corner of the earth, this place has become one of the most visited objects in the vast northern territory.
What is remarkable about Lake Lovozero (Kild. Lujavr)? This article provides detailed information about this amazing area that attracts many tourists.
A little about the Saami
It should be noted that the Sami (or Lapps) are almost the most numerous people in Europe, living without their own state in the northern territories of four states - Russia, Norway, Finland and Sweden. The name of their place of settlement is the well-known fabulous Lapland. Perhaps many Soviet children remember the cartoon based on the fairy tale "Sampo-Loparenok" written by the Finnish writer Sakarias Topelius.
In the word "Luyavvr" the second part - "yavvr" - means "lake". The first syllable "lu", according to the local Sami, comes from the expression "village of the strong by the lake".
Location
Lake Lovozero is spread out in the Murmansk region in the center of Kolapeninsulas. This area, located near the local tundra, is distinguished by its extraordinary landscapes. Responsive and kind people live here.
Three kilometers from the reservoir there is a small village of the same name, spread out on the banks of a small river. Wyrm. It is the administrative center of the Lovozersky district of the Murmansk region. It ranks second in the region in terms of population after the village of Revda. The number of inhabitants according to the 2002 census is 3,141 people. The distance from the village (to the west) to the Olenegorsk railway station is 80 kilometers.
Sami celebrations and festivals (including international ones) are held in Lovozero. This village is often called the capital of Russian Lapland.
Description of the lake
Lake Lovozero in the Murmansk region is the third largest body of this type on the Kola Peninsula. Its area is 208.5 sq. km. Its shape is elongated from north to south. The coastline is heavily indented, there are small and large bays, a large number of capes. There are about 140 forested islands in the lake.
Visually, the reservoir is divided into three parts: southern, northern and middle. They are interconnected by small, narrow straits. Among the rivers flowing into the lake, the most interesting in terms of tourism are Tsaga, Kypra and Afanasia. The only river that flows out of Lovozero is Voronya.
The most picturesque is the southern part of the lake, where several relatively largewooded islands, as well as a deep bay - Motka-Guba (western coast). It is located at the beginning of a valley that cuts through the tundra massif. Not far from it (4 kilometers) lies Seydozero. It is surrounded by powerful steep rocks. Connected to Lovozero by a small Seidyok branch.
The rivers flowing into Lovozero are the main routes through which tourists make their way from the reservoir to remote areas. Their upper reaches with wooded banks, small rapids and numerous rifts extend in beautiful places. Many species of fish live in the waters.
The river flows into Lake Lovozero south of Virma. Sergevan (or Lukhtiok), originating at the Elmorajok pass (tundra area). It flows into the Sergevansky Bay. High banks covered with forests make it one of the most beautiful small rivers on the Kola Peninsula. But its waters do not have a very good effect on the lake, as they are polluted with fluorides, and the Virma River brings manganese and iron to the reservoir.
Features of the lake and people
What is so remarkable about Lake Lovozero? Firstly, it is the habitat of the Lapps. Their life is quite hard, but they are used to it.
During shamanistic rites (although they are considered Christians, they sometimes bring some offerings to the sun god) they have to deal with arctic hysteria (measuring). This is a special mental condition that borders on a nervous disease. It manifests itself in a wild cry, passion and singing.
There is a version according to which there is some source of energy underground in the area of Lake Lovozero. It affects the psycheperson. This is what causes the effect of Arctic hysteria.
This lake is also known for its monuments - large parallelepipeds found not far from the settlement and correlated with the cardinal points. The sacred Seydozero, framed by wonderful rocks, is also nearby. They are rumored to have an image of a giant relief figure of the Old Man, which is an important part of the beliefs of the locals.
There is a legend according to which this figure is a giant who once came to these places with evil intentions to enslave the inhabitants. However, the shaman who came to Seydozero accepted the fight and defeated the enemy. Since then, that giant has remained just a shadow on the rock, but his anger even now makes all those who fall on the lake fear.
Reviews
Lovozero beckons with its mysteriousness and unusualness. People who have visited these places come to the conclusion that a reservoir in the tundra is most suitable for lovers of wild recreation. This is a very beautiful place, surrounded by mountains from almost all sides, and also covered with myths and legends.
We can say that the lake is easily accessible, there are well-trodden roads from the north through the Elmorajok pass. And there are a lot of people here in the season.
While fishing is not allowed here, most travelers and nature lovers feel this rule is fair.
