The source of the Volga is located in the nature reserve of the same name in the Valdai Highlands. One of the largest rivers in the world and the largest in Europe begins at an altitude of 228 meters above sea level. The source is protected by the state.

The place where the largest Russian river originates is very popular with tourists. The area around the source is equipped with a chapel, bridges, and a viewpoint. Some call the source one of Russia's "power spots," where it is customary to make a wish.

According to various versions, one must circle the well in the chapel three times or jump over the stream. In any case, you can take a unique photo while standing with your feet on different banks of the Volga.

The source of the Volga is a small stream. At its beginning, there is a spring, above which a baptismal font with a metal railing is set up. The baptismal font is located in the chapel, which is accessed by a wooden bridge. The chapel over the source has existed since the 19th century and has been rebuilt several times.

At the beginning of the bridge stands an arch and a stone with information about the source. Nearby are the first bridge over the Volga and the stone "For the living and future children."

300 meters away are the Church of St. Nicholas of Myra and the St. Olga Monastery, a monument to St. Nicholas of Myra, and a bit further – the Chapel of the Cross. The Church of St. Nicholas of Myra was consecrated in the summer of 2022 after complete restoration at the site of the temple built in 1908.

The St. Olga Monastery was established on the site of the male Transfiguration Monastery, which was founded in 1649 by order of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. After a major fire, the temple was restored in 1912 and became a female monastery. After being closed during the Soviet era, the monastery resumed its work in 1999 in honor of Grand Duchess Olga.

The length of the largest and most water-rich river in Europe is 3530 km, the greatest depth is 41.5 m, and the width is up to 40 km. The name comes from the Old Slavic word "Vlagа" ("moisture"). The main tributaries of the Volga are Oka, Sura, Kama, and Wetluga.

The Volga flows from north to south through 15 subjects of the Russian Federation. The river begins in the Valdai Highlands and flows into the Caspian Sea. Its mouth is 28 meters below sea level.

On the banks of the Volga are Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, Samara, Volgograd, Yaroslavl, Uglich, Astrakhan, and dozens of other cities and small settlements. There is even a city at the bottom of the Volga! In the 1940s, the city of Mologa disappeared from the map of Russia after being flooded.

The navigable river and the surrounding nature are known for their beauty. Amazingly, you can observe the blooming of the pink lotus flower in the Volga Delta. Flamingos, white herons, and pelicans also live here.