In Eastern Siberia, among plains and ancient forests, lays the great and sacred lake, named Baikal. Located right on the edges of several tectonic plates that are slowly drifting away from each other and fed by dozens of mountain rivers, Baikal is an ever-growing body of freshwater, considered to be one of the biggest freshwater reserves in the world.

The people living in the area consider the lake to be a sacred place of power and a manifestation of an ancient and powerful spirit entity (also named Baikal). The Buryats (native people of Eastern Siberia) often call Baikal “The Father”, regarding it as the progenitor and keeper of the land who gives the people everything they need to live here.

Although it's virtually impossible to verify (or disprove) the claims about the lake actually being an ancient spirit entity venerated and worshipped by local people, it is certain that the lake and the area around it is rich in life, which comes in all shapes and sizes, including some titanic (as well as microscopic) specimens exclusive to the area. To discover and study the secrets of Baikal, and to put them on display for everyone to see, is the task of the Limnological Museum of Baikal.

Located just outside of the town of Listvyanka, the Baikal Museum is one of the places you definitely don't want to miss. The museum is focused on showcasing the history of Baikal itself, the efforts in the lake's study, and the flora and fauna of the lake, both now and in the ancient times. Among other things, the museum hosts a live exhibition situated in 11 aquariums, featuring over 20 species of fish and other aquatic life forms, many of which are endemic to Baikal's ecosystem and are not found anywhere else. And yes, it does feature a famous Baikal harp seal, known to the locals as “Nerpa”.

Tired of looking at inanimate specimen and indoor aquariums, and want to spend some time outside? You'll love the “Kamenushka” arboretum — placed on the edge of lake Baikal, the arboretum is a 4-hectare park featuring more than 300 species of plants common to the areas around Baikal, from plains to highlands. Here you'll find 29 species of plants that are considered rare and/or endangered, as well as 259 species used in medicine.