The Volga River

The Volga River is the longest river in Europe and one of the most important rivers in Russia. This slow–moving waterway is home to a huge variety of plants and animals and has been a lifeline for various ethnic groups for thousands of years. From its humble beginnings in the Valdai Hills to its mouth at the Caspian Sea, the Volga has provided Russia’s people with food, transportation, power, drinking water, and much more. Its shores and cities have been the site of many historical events, most notably the Battle of Stalingrad during World War II, and faces many ecological challenges as it struggles to survive in the modern era. Learn about the “Mother Volga,” its people, its history, and its vital place in Russian culture in this fascinating story of a mighty river.