It was bordered to the south by the domain of Hazlan. At the center of the valley, south of the slopes of Mount Baratok, stood a large lake known as Lake Zarovich, which was fed by melting snow from the mountain. The evergreen forest of the Svalich Woods covered the entire valley, which was trespassed by the Old Svalich Road that ran from East to West. Both mountains were part of a larger mountain range known as the Balinok Mountains. The valley was located between Mount Baratok to the north and Mount Ghakis to the south. The sky was populated with ravens, hawks and songbirds, as well as nocturnal bats and owls. Land animals such as deer, rabbits, rats, wolves, and black bears were common in the woods. The forests of Barovia teemed with wildlife. At higher elevations the predominant trees were evergreens, such as fir, pine, and spruce. Much of the lower hilled forests throughout Barovia were made up of hardwood trees, such as beech, cherry, hazelnut, and oak. In many locations, the mists partially or completely obscured vision. Even during the brightest hours of the day, light was unnaturally muted and dimmed, and did not affect normally sensitive creatures such as vampires. The sky of Barovia was permanently overcast with storm clouds. Few areas were easily traversable, and it was always dangerous to stay off the road. Almost the entire valley consisted of densely forested rough terrain, with sheer cliffs and outcroppings.