Yug (river)

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The Yug (Юг) is a river in Russia, flowing through Vologda and Kirov regions. It is 574 kilometers long and drains a basin of about 35,600 square kilometers. The river carries an average of 292 cubic meters of water per second. It runs through parts of Kichmengsko-Gorodetsky, Nikolsky and Velikoustyugsky Districts in Vologda Oblast and in Podosinovsky District of Kirov Oblast. The Yug joins the Sukhona near Veliky Ustyug to form the Northern Dvina, which flows into the White Sea. Its main tributaries are the Sharzhenga, Kichmenga, Yontala, Pushma and Luza.

The Yug mostly crosses the Northern Ridge and is one of the larger rivers that pass the ridge. The name Yug means "south" in Russian, but it comes from Finno-Ugric roots (the Komi word ju meaning "water"). Towns along the river include Veliky Ustyug and Nikolsk, plus district centers Kichmengsky Gorodok and Podosinovets.

The source is in the southern part of Kichmensko-Gorodetsky District, south of Kaleplikha. The river flows southwest, then turns northwest, passes Nikolsk on both banks, and continues north. Downstream navigation is limited, with only ferries in use. The Yug then heads north again, enters Kirov Oblast, and in Podosinovets takes the Pushma from the right, turning north and west into Velikoustyugsky District. The Luza joins from the right, and the Yug finally meets the Sukhona.

There are several bridges in the upper part; downstream from Kichmengsky Gorodok there is only one bridge, in Podosinovets.

In the 14th–15th centuries, the upper Yug valley was disputed between Moscow and Novgorod. The river was an important route for Moscow to reach Veliky Ustyug. By the end of the 15th century, Novgorod had joined Moscow, and Nikolsk became a key point on the Moscow–White Sea trade route, with a harbor used to move cargo.