Seasonal change dramatically alters the lake’s appearance and character.
In winter, Baikal freezes into a vast expanse of ice so thick and clear that it resembles glass. Cracks form with loud, echoing sounds, and bubbles frozen beneath the surface create patterns that look almost otherworldly. For centuries, people have crossed the frozen lake on foot, by sled, and later by vehicle, using it as a winter road. In summer, the ice retreats, revealing deep blue water framed by green hills and rocky shores. The lake seems to awaken, its surface reflecting sky and mountain in constant motion.Human presence around Lake Baikal stretches back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows that ancient peoples lived along its shores, relying on fishing, hunting, and gathering. Over time, various indigenous groups developed distinct cultures shaped by the lake’s rhythms. Among them, the Buryat people hold Baikal as a sacred entity, a living being deserving respect and reverence. In traditional belief systems, the lake is associated with powerful spirits, and rituals were performed to honor and appease these forces. Such beliefs reinforced sustainable relationships with the environment, discouraging overuse and encouraging balance.
As Siberia became integrated into the expanding Russian state, Lake Baikal entered a new phase of its history. Explorers, traders, and settlers arrived, drawn by the region’s resources and strategic importance. The lake became a key point along routes connecting European Russia with the Far East. Later, the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway brought even greater change. Sections of the railway run close to Baikal’s southern shore, symbolizing both human ingenuity and the tension between development and preservation. shutdown123