Valday Lake is a freshwater lake, located in the center of Valdaysky District of Novgorod Oblast in Russia, in the middle of the Valdai Hills. It is one of the biggest lakes in Novgorod Oblast. The area of the lake (without islands) is 19.7 square kilometres (7.6 sq mi), and the area of its basin is 97.2 square kilometres (37.5 sq mi). The average depth of Lake Valdayskoye is 12 metres (39 ft) (the deepest point is 60 metres (200 ft)). The lake freezes up in early December and stays icebound until early May. The lake is located in the center of Valdaysky National Park, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
It is comprised of 76 lakes scattered throughout the breathtaking landscapes of the Valday Hills, the only elevations in the vast plain between Moscow and St. Petersburg. This is where some of the most important European rivers originate, including the Volga, Dnieper, and Daugava. Its forests of birch, spruce, and pine are populated with a variety of fauna, including moose and brown bear. Since the 18th century the area has been a favorite of the Russian elites, who choose this spot to build their summer estates.
Valday contains forty-three cultural heritage monuments of federal significance and additionally seventy-four objects classified as cultural and historical heritage of local significance. The federal monuments are the ensemble of Valday Iversky Monastery, the Presentation Church and a park.
From: goingrussia.com.