The Vetluga (in Mari: Ener) — one of the most beautiful rivers of the Russian Plain, a large right tributary of the Volga River; it is approximately 900 km long, with a basin of 40,500 sq. km. It is formed by the confluence of three small rivers — the Bystraya, the Darovka, and the Matyug — located within Kirov Region. Within the Nizhny Novgorod Region, the Vetluga river system includes 103 rivers and streams. Along nearly its entire length, predominantly coniferous forests stretch along the high, steep right bank. Along the lower, more gently sloping left bank, forests frequently give way to meadows and shrub thickets, among which there are many backwaters and oxbow lakes. Sandy beaches are found almost everywhere along the river. The river is 50–60 metres wide.
The cities of Sharya and Vetluga, as well as the urban-type settlements of Varnavino, Vetluzhsky, Krasnye Baki, and Voskresenskoe, are situated on the river. The urban-type settlement of Yurino is located on the shore of the Cheboksary Reservoir, at the mouth of the Vetluga.
Origin of the name
The river's name most likely derives from the dense willow thickets (vetla — a variety of willow) that grow along its banks. According to legend, a boy and a girl named Vet and Luga lived in the area around the river. Luga's father opposed their marriage. Vet sailed away by ship in search of gold, while Luga came to the riverbank every evening to wait for him. When Vet perished in a storm, Luga, upon learning of his death, threw herself into the river. The river was named Vetluga in their honour.
According to another version, the river's name comes from the Mari words "veteli" — seagull — and "yuga" — river, giving the combined meaning "river of seagulls." During the time of the first Mari settlers (4th century AD), there were presumably many seagulls here.
Inhabitants of the Vetluga
The Vetluga River is rich in fish; bream, ide, catfish, and pike are caught here. Sterlet is also found in the river, which is further testimony to the purity of its waters.
Interesting facts
- The residents of Vetluga Region call themselves "vetlugai" (singular: "vetlugay").