Luga is a river in the B altic Sea basin. It begins in the Novgorod region, and ends in the Leningrad region. Almost the entire coastline is located near highways, so it will not be difficult for fishing enthusiasts to get to the stream. There are a lot of entrances for both trucks and cars.
History of the name of the river
Scientists and local historians put forward three versions of the origin of the name of the river.
According to one of them, it is associated with the name of the Celtic god. His name was Lug, which means "shining". In ancient times, the tribes of the Celts inhabited vast territories. Archaeologists find their settlements in France, Spain, Ukraine, in the countries of Asia Minor. Many names of geographical objects are associated with the names of the Celtic gods. Perhaps this phrase has the same origin. Therefore, it is possible that the water stream bears the name of the god Lug. The river and its picturesque landscapes are quite consistent with this name.
Let's consider another version, which also seems quite plausible. She belongs toan earlier period. In those days, the ancient Vod people settled here. Laukaa - this is how this name is pronounced in the Votic language, which means "to break or scatter." Presumably, such a name was given for the reason that the channel of the water stream shifted westward throughout the post-glacial period, that is, the river seemed to wander and break its outlines.
Another version. It says that the name of the river comes from the word laugas (swamp, pit) from the Estonian dictionary or from the Finnish laukka (salmon gate). Meadows, a river rich in fish, has become a favorite spawning ground for salmonids.
Geography and natural conditions
The Luga River begins in the Tesovsky swamps, which are located on the territory of the Novgorod region. It flows through the terrain of two regions, meandering gracefully. And, finally, it ends its journey at the Gulf of Finland. The Luga Bay is the mouth of the Luga River. In this place, you can observe a beautiful picture of how the stream bifurcates. One sleeve is considered the main one, the second, which goes north, is called Vybya.
The length of the river from source to mouth is 353 kilometers. The sandy channel of the Luga is distinguished by its tortuosity. Where the river flows through the rapids, the bottom is pebbly with large boulders. The rapids were formed on the differences of the hills. The discontinuous floodplain of the river is in some places cut by oxbow lakes and cold lakes.
Luga is a river with a mixed type of food. Mainly water replenishmentoccurs due to the melting of snow. In the first half of December the river freezes over. The ice continues to stand until about mid-April. In the spring, during active snowmelt, there is so much water in the stream that part of it flows into the Narva River, through the Rosson channel. This branch separates from Luga near the mouth.
The river has many tributaries. Scientists identify more than 33, they are considered the main ones. It is worth mentioning the longest tributaries of the Luga: Dolgaya, Saba, Yashera, Oredezh.
Plant world
Vegetation along the banks of Luga varies with climate. Mixed forests of spruce and birch, located in the upper reaches of the channel, are replaced by deciduous forests, consisting of birch, alder and aspen. Coniferous pine plantations, as well as mixed pine-birch plantings, adorn the banks in the middle of the river. Throughout its length, forests are interspersed with water meadows, which is why the banks often become impassable.
Recreation and tourism on the Luga River
Meadows - a river that attracts lovers of fishing. Due to the difference in climate, catfish, asp, pike perch, lamprey, roach, eel can be found in the areas of the water stream. There is also a high probability of catching a pike weighing more than 10 kilograms. During the spawning period, salmon, which came from the Gulf of Finland, rises at the mouth of the river.
On the banks of the Luga there are a variety of holiday homes and hotels, tourist and fishing bases, boarding houses and summer camps for children. Picturesque landscapes, clean lakes, winding channels, unique natural monuments and a large number of springs with clean water -all this attracts people who love nature and outdoor activities. The local summer will endow with coolness and freshness of the forest and the river. Autumn pleases with bright colors. In winter, you find yourself in a real fairy tale, which is especially felt in the forest. In spring, you can witness the awakening of unforgettable northern nature.
Economic importance of the river
Currently, the Luga River is navigable in several sections, which are separated by rapids. It is quite full-flowing and is the main supplier of water to small rivers. The port of Ust-Luga was built in the Luga Bay. The climatic conditions here are such that work does not stop almost all year round.
The port has timber, coal, oil, fish terminals, a ferry complex for rail and road transport, a universal shop for reloading various cargoes and other services. It accepts large-tonnage sea vessels with a permitted draft of up to 13.7 meters. The throughput in 2015 was more than 50 million tons.
