The Baikal Experiment: from Megaton to Gigaton

We review the status of the Lake Baikal Neutrino Experiment. Preparation towards a km3-scale Gigaton Volume Detector (GVD) in Lake Baikal is currently a central activity. As an important milestone, a km3-prototype string comprising 6 optical modules and based on a completely new technology, has been installed and was put into operation together with NT200+ in April, 2008. An upgraded version of the prototype string, which comprises 12 optical modules, was put into operation in April 2009. We also present new results from the long-term operation of NT200, including an improved limit on the diffuse astrophysical neutrino flux.