Meadows - river of the Baltic Sea basin. It begins in the Novgorod region, and ends in the Leningrad region. Almost the entire coastline is located near highways, so fishing enthusiasts will not be difficult to get to the stream. There are a lot of entrances for both freight and passenger transport.
The 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 Meadow, which means "shining." In ancient times, the Celtic tribes inhabited vast territories. Archaeologists find their settlements in France, Spain, Ukraine, in the countries of Asia Minor. Many geographical names 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 Luga. The river and its picturesque landscapes are quite consistent with this name.
Let's consider another version, which also seems quite plausible. It refers to an even earlier period. In those days, the ancient Vod people settled here. Laukaa - this name is pronounced in Vodsky language, which means "tear or scatter." Presumably, such a name was given for the reason that the channel of the water flow shifted west throughout the postglacial period, that is, the river seemed to wander and tear its shape.
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 (gate for salmon). Meadows - a river in which fish is found in large numbers, has become the most favorite place for spawning of representatives of the salmon family.
Geography and environmental conditions
The Luga River begins in the Tesovsky swamps, which are located in the Novgorod region. It flows through the terrain of two regions, wriggling gracefully. And finally, completes its journey at the Gulf of Finland. Luga Bay is the mouth of the Luga River. In this place you can watch a beautiful picture of how the stream bifurcates. One sleeve is considered the main one, the second one, which goes north, is called Vybya.
The length of the river from source to mouth is 353 kilometers. The sandy bed of the Luga is twisted. Where the river flows over rapids, the bottom is pebbly with large boulders. Thresholds formed on the elevations. The intermittent floodplain of the river in some places is cut by old people and cold lakes.
Meadows - a river with a mixed type of food. Mostly replenishment of water occurs due to melting snow. In the first half of December, the river freezes. Ice continues to stand until about mid-April. In the spring, during the active melting of snow, there is so much water in the stream that part of it flows into the Narva River, through the Rossony channel. This sleeve is separated from the meadow near the mouth.
The river has many tributaries. Scientists distinguish more than 33, they are considered the main ones. It is worth mentioning the longest tributaries of the Luga: Dolgaya, Saba, Lizard, Oredezh.
Vegetable world
The vegetation along the Luga shores varies with climate. Mixed forests of spruce and birch, located in the upper reaches of the channel, are replaced by deciduous, consisting of birches, alder and aspen. Coniferous pine plantations, as well as mixed pine-birch plantations adorn the banks in the middle of the river. Throughout its length, forests interspersed with flood meadows, which is why the banks often become impassable.
Recreation and tourism on the river Luga
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 parts of the water stream. There is also a high probability of catching a pike weighing more than 10 kilograms. During the spawning period, salmon rising from the Gulf of Finland rises at the mouth of the river.
On the banks of the Luga are a variety of holiday homes and hotels, tourist and fishing camps, boarding houses and summer camps for children. Picturesque landscapes, clear 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. This summer will bestow the coolness and freshness of the forest and 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 an unforgettable northern nature.
The economic importance of the river
Currently, the Luga River is navigable in several sections that 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 the work does not stop almost all year round.
The port has timber, coal, oil and fish terminals, a ferry complex for rail and road transport, a universal workshop for handling various cargoes and other services. Large ships with a draft of 13.7 meters are allowed here. Throughput in 2015 amounted to more than 50 million tons.