The Baikal neutrino experiment

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 of 12 optical modules and based on a completely new technology, has been installed and was put in operation together with NT200+ in April, 2009. We also present recent results from the long-term operation of NT200, including an improved limit on the diffuse astrophysical neutrino flux.