Rybinsk ReservoirRybinsk Reservoir at a Glance
About Rybinsk Reservoir
Rybinsk Reservoir is a large artificial reservoir on the Volga River in western Russia, created during the Soviet era by constructing a hydroelectric dam. It is among the biggest man-made lakes in Europe and altered the local landscape significantly.
The reservoir offers extensive shoreline, bays and channels used for fishing, boating and seasonal recreation; boating routes and fishing spots are the main visitor interests. A notable result of its creation was the flooding of towns and villages, which remains an historical point of interest.
Construction of the dam and filling of the reservoir took place around 1941 as part of Soviet hydroelectric and navigation improvements, reshaping rivers and communities in the basin. The project remains important for regional power and transport.
The reservoir lies on the upper Volga near the city of Rybinsk and spans parts of the surrounding oblasts. It is reachable from Rybinsk and nearby towns that serve as gateways for local activities.
- Scale and use: The reservoir is one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe and is widely used for fishing, boating and river transport.
What to See#
- Rybinsk dam: The Rybinsk Hydroelectric Station and associated dam on the Volga created the reservoir as part of a large Soviet hydroelectric project in the late 1930s-1940s.
- Submerged town of Mologa: A submerged town that was flooded when the reservoir was filled; the former settlement’s ruins are a noted historical consequence of the reservoir’s creation.
Best Time to Visit Rybinsk Reservoir
The best time is summer (June-August) when the reservoir is ice-free and outdoor activities are easiest.
Weather & Climate near Rybinsk Reservoir
Rybinsk Reservoir's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -13°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (612 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -13° - -6° | -16° | 41 mm | overcast | 97% | 3.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.9h |
| February | Poor | -13° - -5° | -15° | 32 mm | overcast | 97% | 3.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.1h |
| March | Poor | -8° - 0° | -8° | 30 mm | overcast | 95% | 3.2 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.6h |
| April | Poor | -1° - 7° | 0° | 33 mm | overcast | 86% | 3.2 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.2h |
| May | Good | 5° - 15° | 8° | 47 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.2 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 16.6h |
| June | Good | 11° - 21° | 16° | 67 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 2.8 m/s | 1.2 high | 17.9h |
| July | Very Good | 14° - 22° | 18° | 78 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.5 m/s | 1.2 high | 17.2h |
| August | Good | 12° - 20° | 16° | 75 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.7 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 15.1h |
| September | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 10° | 59 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.9 m/s | 0.4 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 2° - 7° | 2° | 52 mm | overcast | 91% | 3.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 10.0h |
| November | Poor | -5° - 0° | -7° | 49 mm | overcast | 96% | 3.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.6h |
| December | Poor | -10° - -4° | -13° | 49 mm | overcast | 97% | 3.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.2h |
How to Get to Rybinsk Reservoir
The Rybinsk Reservoir is accessed via the city of Rybinsk (Yaroslavl Oblast). Rybinsk is served by regular trains and regional roads; from Rybinsk railway station or the town centre the reservoir shoreline and embankments are reached by local taxi or bus within a few kilometres.
Tips for Visiting Rybinsk Reservoir
- Base visits in the city of Rybinsk and join a local boat trip from the Rybinsk port to experience the reservoir and shoreline access points-summer offers the most reliable conditions for boat excursions.
- Head to the dam and hydroelectric station viewpoints late afternoon for dramatic light and to watch working vessels; the industrial heritage and engineering are often overlooked by casual visitors.
- Learn about the towns inundated when the reservoir was created (notably Mologa) by visiting local memorials and the Rybinsk regional museums, which preserve artifacts and the history many people miss on a quick trip.