Through the entire territory of the Pskov region, which is located in the central part of the Russian Federation, the river Velikaya flows. The article tells about this natural watercourse, the resources of which are used mainly to provide energy to the region and the needs of the agro-industrial complex.
Pskov region: history of the main river
Where does the Velikaya River start in the Pskov region? It originates near the Big Elm Lake. It is located on the Bezhanitskaya Upland. There is the source of the Velikaya River in the Pskov region. For more than 400 km, the river, fed by the waters of 47 tributaries, flows into a large lake complex located on the borders between the Pskov and Leningrad regions (Pskov-Peipsi Lake). On its winding path, the natural water flow passes through several small lakes that freeze in winter and overflow their banks in spring.
Riparian forests rich in game variety, largethe number of fish in the reservoirs and the mild climate have attracted people since ancient times. Archaeological excavations show that the first settlers on the banks of the river in the 5th century were representatives of the B altic tribes (Krivichi), who over the course of several centuries mixed with Slavic culture. Several earthen burial mounds that have survived confirm this version.
Approximately in the 11th-12th centuries, the banks of the river began to be populated by the Latgalians (Eastern B altic tribe). They created their settlements near the Krivichi. After some time, the Velikaya River and its entire coastal zone became part of the Pskov principality. And its settlers were forced to pay tribute to Pskov, like conquered tribes.
For centuries, cities and settlements were built on the Velikaya River in the Pskov region (its photo is presented in the article), the chronicle of which is inextricably linked with the historical events of Russia.
Origin of the name
The origin of the name of the river has several versions. The most reliable option is the opinion that the word "great" meant something big among the Slavs. In this case, "big river", that is, "Great River". Some historians express their explanation, which boils down to the fact that the name is associated with one of the large tributaries - Issy, which in translation from the language of the Eastern B altic tribes also means "great".
About the river
Now the Velikaya River in the Pskov region, 430 kilometers long, has a drainage basin area of 25,200 km². The main regional centers are located on its banks. Opochka and Ostrov, as well as the regional center of Pskov.
The average depth of the Velikaya River in the Pskov region is 12 meters, and in some places, thanks to bottom depressions, it reaches a depth of up to 24 meters.
Near the villages of Poddubye and Maktyutino there are dams, thanks to which hydroelectric power stations operate using the energy of the water mass. The average width of the Velikaya River in the Pskov region is 60 meters, and in the city itself - 100 meters.
Interesting fact
There is an interesting fact about the river. In 1582, the Pskov chronicler recorded that crocodiles appeared in the Velikaya River in the Pskov region. They went ashore and caused a strong fright on the Pskovites.
Modern historians, having studied this record, came to the conclusion: this species of animals could not live here. Since their existence in the Velikaya River in the Pskov region requires year-round water with a positive temperature of at least 11 ° C, which does not correspond to the environment.
There is an assumption that in those days caravans from African lands passed through Pskov, where reptiles were often located to demonstrate animals at fairs and private menageries in Europe. And due to an oversight of merchants, crocodiles ended up in the river, which subsequently died out.
Fishing on the Velikaya River in the Pskov region
For lovers of fishing, the Velikaya River is the most popular body of water in the Pskov region. Large concentrations of fish are observed inreservoirs Yasskoye, Ezerishche, Zverino, which are located in the lower reaches of the river.
Lake Ezerishche is located on the territory of the Pustoshkinsky district (17 km from the regional center Pustoshka, 175 km from Pskov). The area of the lake is 1.5 km². The average depth is about 3 meters, but in some places it reaches 8 meters.
Coastal aquatic vegetation (mainly reeds and reeds) near the Velikaya River in the Pskov region creates conditions for pike and its reproduction. If you sail to the middle of the lake, there is a strip of clear water where you can catch carp, roach, perch and other fish. The Jezerische is shallow, and therefore the water warms up much faster in spring than in other water bodies, which makes it possible to start fishing earlier.
Lake Zverino, 2 km long, is considered a natural landmark of the Pustoshkinsky district. A reservoir with an area of 1.2 km² is considered to be flowing, as the Velikaya River passes through it.
The shoreline of the lake is indented. Thanks to this natural feature, Zverino has bays that are beautiful in nature. The largest estuary is considered Kholyunovskiy, the coast of which is covered with various vegetation. In the middle of the lake there is a shallow area (up to 3 meters), which is in demand by fishing enthusiasts. This bay hosts competitions for catching pike, rudd, bream and other underwater animals.
The popularity of this bay among fishermen lies in the fact that burbot fish breeds and lives in its waters (the only representative of the cod family that lives in the fresh waters of lakes with muddybottom).
Lake Yasskoye (5.5 km²) is located 15 km from the regional center of the city of Pustoshka, it is considered a deep-water body of water. Pike, perch, ide, tench are found in the lake, as well as rudd and vendace in large numbers.
Alol Recreation Center
How to spend a vacation on the Velikaya River in the Pskov region? Where should you stay? Considering that the Velikaya River attracts a lot of attention from nature lovers, the leadership of the Pskov region built recreation centers and hotels on its banks. The most popular are Alol, Island Park, Skobar and Chistye Prudy.
In the village of Kholyuny (the shore of Lake Zverino) there is a recreation center "Alol", where vacationers are provided with a winter building, summer houses and cottages. On the territory of the camp site there is a dining room with three meals a day, which is included in the price of the tour. For children there is a children's menu. There is a point where you can rent a boat or catamaran. The management of the base for vacationers organizes diverse excursions around the Pskov region.
Park Island
In the vicinity of the town of Ostrov, a few years ago, the Ostrov-Park hotel was built for tourists. The complex has a national Russian bath, a boat pier, a playground with attractions for children of all ages, and two picnic areas.
The menu of the hotel restaurant includes dishes of European and national cuisine. The hotel is located 1.5 km from the centercity on October 25 street.
In the village of Zagoritsy (12 km from Pskov), the Skobar Guest House operates year-round, where all conditions are created for those who want to spend their vacation away from the bustle of the city.
The hotel has a cafe where breakfast is included in the price. One of the halls is designed for banquet events. The hotel is located at a distance of 250 meters from the banks of the Velikaya River.
Clean Prudy
In the village of Verkhovyan (Gdovsky district) on the shores of Lake Peipsi, which is located ten kilometers from the Velikaya River, a guest complex "Chistye Prudy" was built, designed mainly for fishing enthusiasts, where there is an opportunity to go fishing in any season of the year. Fishing is allowed from the shore and from a boat, using any fishing tackle (float and spinning).
At the base there are rental conditions for fishing equipment and boats of any displacement. On the territory of the base there is a platform where you can cook the catch on the fire or on the grill. The hotel has wooden cottages, a cafe where breakfast is included in the price of the stay.
Rafting on the Velikaya River in the Pskov region
Many tourist organizations of the Pskov region, given that the entire length of the Velikaya River (250 km) is suitable for rafting, organize this type of entertainment for thrill-seekers under the guidance of experienced instructors. Since the waters of some sections of the river have rapid rifts that alternate with a large number of lakes, rafting should be done on frame boats.
Tourists with children (over 7 years old) and beginners to learn the basics of this type of sports recreation are recommended by the organizers of rafting an easy route that starts from the ancient city of Ostrov, founded in the 13th century. This route passes under the chain bridges - the main attraction of the city, built in the 19th century.
For lovers of multi-day rafting, a rather difficult route has been developed, which starts from the bridge between the villages of Yushkovo and Torkhi. After ten km of the way, the river flows into Lake Khvoyno, with an area of 2 km². Care must be taken when passing through this reservoir. Since in some places its depth reaches 18 meters. Behind the reservoir begins a number of small lakes, the beauty of which fascinates nature lovers in the northwestern part of Russia.
