World’s Oldest Lake Transforms into Picturesque Winter Wonderland Filled with Ice

Lake Baikal - World's Oldest Lake

Stock Photos from Anton Petrus/Shutterstock
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Located in southern Siberia, Lake Baikal has been capturing the imaginations of locals and visitors for centuries. Created somewhere between 25 and 30 million years ago, Lake Baikal is considered the world's oldest lake and is home to more than 3,500 plant and animal species. While the lake is beautiful year-round, it really comes to life during the winter when a thick crust of ice forms over the water, transforming the area into an icy playground.

Lake Baikal is known for its crystal clear water when it ices over, and the transparency is nothing short of marvelous. Deep cracks and trapped methane bubbles can easily be viewed through the 1.5- to 4.5-foot-thick ice layer that takes hold during the winter months. In fact, travelers flock to the location from around the world to soak in the unique winter atmosphere.

From mid-January to mid-April, when Lake Baikal is fully immersed in winter, vehicles are able to drive directly on the ice and give visitors an unforgettable experience. Between ice caves located on the lake's islands and ice hummocks that create unusual shapes, there's always something intriguing to see.

For photographers, Lake Baikal is a true delight. The long, crescent-shaped lake, which is also the world's deepest, is the perfect playground for people who love landscape and nature photography. Unusual ice formations, snow piles, ice crevices, and oversized icicles are just some of the interesting weather phenomena found at this gem of Siberia.

If you are an adventurous traveler and want to experience the area for yourself, Viator offers a 5-day trip to Lake Baikal during the winter.

Lake Baikal in Siberia is the world's oldest lake, having formed over 25 million years ago.

Lake Baikal Frozen in the Winter

Stock Photos from Katvic/Shutterstock

Lake Baikal Frozen in the Winter

Stock Photos from Serg Zastavkin/Shutterstock

Lake Baikal in the Winter

Stock Photos from Serg Zastavkin/Shutterstock

Facts About Lake Baikal

Stock Photos from Zakirov Aleksey/Shutterstock

Ice at Lake Baikal

Stock Photos from Ruslanzz/Shutterstock

Ice Cave at Lake Baikal

Stock Photos from Andrey Dakhnevich/Shutterstock

It’s known for its crystal clear water and methane bubbles that become trapped within the ice.

Lake Baikal Frozen in the Winter

Stock Photos from Strelyuk/Shutterstock

Ice Breaking Up at Lake Baikal

Stock Photos from Zakirov Aleksey/Shutterstock

Ice at Lake Baikal

Stock Photos from Vasiliy Koval/Shutterstock

Lake Baikal Frozen in the Winter

Stock Photos from Katvic/Shutterstock

Ice at Lake Baikal

Stock Photos from Anton Petrus/Shutterstock

Sunset at Lake Baikal in Siberia

Stock Photos from TheOldhiro/Shutterstock

 

Next: See more incredible images of Lake Baikal during winter.

Page 1/2

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.

Sponsored Content