Shatsky Lakes (Ukrainian Shatsky Lakes) - a group of more than 30 lakes in the Lyuboml and Shatsky districts of the Volyn region, between the Pripyat and Western Bug rivers. The Shatsk lakes are located among forests in which a large number of sanatoriums and holiday camps have been built. To protect rare natural complexes in the Shatsk Lakes region, the Shatsk Natural National Park with an area of 32,500 hectares was created in 1983.
Geography
Lake Svityaz
The territory where the lakes are located is called the Shatsk Lake District. The largest of the Shatsk lakes are Svityaz (27.5 km, the second largest natural reservoir in Ukraine after Lake Yalpug), Pulemetskoye Lake (16.3 km), Luki (6.8 km), Lyutsimir (4.3 km), Ostrovyanskoe lake (2.5 km), Crimean lake (1.44 km), Sand lake (1.86 km).
Shatsk Lake District is a plain within the Polesie Lowland. Its central part is characterized by the distribution of lacustrine karst basins, which were formed in Cretaceous deposits. The lakes, lying in the middle of swampy landscapes, arose as a result of the accumulation of alluvium and rising groundwater levels, provided that the territory was slightly sloping and there was no constant flow.
The shores of the Shatsk lakes are low, flat, composed of sand, pebbles and biogenic material; There are wetlands. The lakes are fed by precipitation and groundwater, as well as by water exchange through canals that connect some lakes.
In summer, the water in the lakes warms up well; in winter, the lakes freeze. Water mineralization is moderate or reduced, its value ranges from 75-125 to 200-250 mg/l. The color of the water varies from yellowish-green in shallow lakes to emerald green in deep lakes. The bottom is covered predominantly with sandy-silty sediments, peat and sapropelic silts.
Natural world
In the Shatsk lakes there are perch, roach, pike, bream, crucian carp, catfish, loach, eel, and there are acclimatized species (for example, in lakes Svityaz, Pulemetsky and Crimean - Canadian catfish, in Pesochny - trout perch, in Pulemetsky - Chud whitefish, in Lucimir and Black Big Lake - pike perch and Amur carp). Crayfish live in a number of lakes. Near the lakes, fish farms have been created, for example, a pond-fish farm with a breeding farm “Ladynka”.
The fish in the lakes are mercilessly destroyed by the local population. Nets are located almost everywhere, especially in the spawning area. Poaching is rampant.
The shores of the Shatsk lakes are nesting places for waterfowl (wild ducks and geese, swans, etc.). Most of the Shatsk Lakes are part of the Shatsk Natural National Park; they are also the base for scientific research at Lviv University and the Lutsk Pedagogical Institute.
Shatsk Lakes- a group of more than 30 lakes in the Lyuboml and Shatsky districts of the Volyn region, in the area between the Pripyat and Western Bug rivers.
The Shatsk lakes are located among forests in which a large number of sanatoriums and holiday camps have been built. To protect rare natural complexes in the Shatsk Lakes region, the Shatsk Natural National Park with an area of 32,500 hectares was created in 1983.
The territory where the lakes are located is called the Shatsk Lake District. The largest of the Shatsk lakes are Svityaz (27.5 km, the second largest natural reservoir in Ukraine after Lake Yalpug), Pulemetskoye Lake (16.3 km), Luki (6.8 km), Lyutsimir (4.3 km), Ostrovyanskoe lake (2.5 km), Crimean lake (1.44 km), Sand lake (1.86 km).
Lake Svityaz
The area of Lake Svityaz is 25.2 sq. km. The length of the lake is 9.3 km, the greatest width is 8 km. Maximum depth - 58.4 m. Volume about 180 million m?. Approximately in the middle of the lake there is an island with an area of about 7 hectares. The lake warms up well in the summer and, having clean water and a flat sandy bottom, is popular with vacationers.
The “Shatsky King” does not trust the thread of his life to any river. The lake is fed exclusively by underground springs. Even Baikal, into which more than 300 rivers flow, can envy such “recharge”. Svityaz is one of the deepest lakes not only in Ukraine: it is deeper than the Sea of Azov and the famous “sea eye of the Carpathians” - Sinevir, the famous Hungarian Balaton and the Polish Lake Snyardwy. In terms of area, Svityaz is second in Europe only to some lakes in the lower reaches of the Danube. Its waters are so clean and transparent that the bottom can be seen at a depth of eight meters.
The shores of the Shatsk lakes are low, flat, composed of sand, pebbles and biogenic material; There are wetlands. The lakes are fed by precipitation and groundwater, as well as by water exchange through canals that connect some lakes. In summer, the water in the lakes warms up well; in winter, the lakes freeze. Water mineralization is moderate or reduced, its value ranges from 75-125 to 200-250 mg/l. The color of the water varies from yellowish-green in shallow lakes to emerald green in deep lakes. The bottom is covered predominantly with sandy-silty sediments, peat and sapropelic silts.
In the Shatsk lakes there are perch, roach, pike, bream, crucian carp, korob, catfish, loach, eel, there are acclimatized species (for example, in lakes Svityaz, Pulemetsky and Crimean - Canadian catfish, in Pesochny - trout perch, in Pulemetsky - Chud whitefish, in Lucimir and Black Big Lake - pike perch and Amur carp). Most lakes are inhabited by crayfish. Near the lakes, fish farms have been created, for example, a pond-fish farm with a breeding farm “Ladynka”.
Shatsk Lake District is a plain within the Polesie Lowland. Its central part is characterized by the distribution of lacustrine karst basins, which were formed in Cretaceous deposits. The lakes, lying in the middle of swampy landscapes, arose as a result of the accumulation of aluvium and rising groundwater levels, provided that the territory was slightly sloping and there was no constant flow.
Shores Shatsky Lakes are nesting places for waterfowl (wild ducks and geese, swans, etc.). Most of the Shatsk lakes are part of the Shatsk Natural National Park; they are also the base for scientific research at Lviv University and the Lutsk Pedagogical Institute.
The nature around the Shatsk Lakes is stunning in its primitiveness. The photo shows a country road
This is our bread
Forbs
Field of medicinal chamomile
Red poppy
Today I would like to talk about the Volyn region and its main calling card - the Shatsk Lakes, which attract more and more tourists every year. And it’s not surprising, because Lake Svityaz, which is the largest and deepest lake in Ukraine, among other things, is also on the list of 7 wonders of Ukraine. And Svityazsky Island, or as it is also called “Love Island” or “Cosmonaut Island”, takes pride of place in the list of the Top 5 islands of Ukraine. Shatsk lakes, and there are more than 30 of them, are located in close proximity to the border of Poland and Belarus.
Many families with small children choose Svityaz rather than the sea for their vacation. The water is very clean and you can walk on the water for a long time from the shore, but it will still be shallow.
Also here you can take mud baths absolutely free, because the waters of Svityaz are rich in blue clay! Yes, yes, exactly the one that has such a beneficial effect on skin and hair.
Where to stay
In Svityaz you can choose accommodation to suit every taste. Someone chooses the Shatskie Lakes boarding house, which is located right on the shore of Svityaz and next to the bus stop, and nearby there is a small market where you can buy souvenirs. In the evenings, a disco is held near the boarding house, and there are attractions for children from morning to evening; there is also a whole abundance of entertainment for children located in the coastal strip of the village of Svityaz.
You can stay in a hotel or cottage, rent a room in a house or in a tent camp. There are a lot of offers, for every taste and budget.
What to see
As for food, you can order it from local residents and come eat 3 times a day. Moreover, the dishes will always be prepared taking into account all your wishes. If you take a bus to Shatsk (5 minutes away), you can go to a pizzeria (on the second floor of which there is a hotel), bars, cafes, and a large supermarket. Afterwards, take a walk through the arboretum on the territory of the Forestry College and sit in the classroom on wooden benches just outside. And if you walk a little, you can come to the shore of Black Lake. By the way, the Shatsk Lakes have very beautiful sunsets, be sure to admire them!
For those who don’t like to walk a lot, you can sign up for a car excursion, and in literally 3 hours, in addition to the above-mentioned lakes, you can also visit lakes - Lucimer, Peremut and Pesochnoe, the latter, by the way, has the cleanest and crystal water! I can’t help but note that the Shatsk forests are rich in blueberries, so don’t miss the opportunity to replenish your body with vitamin reserves! And if you want to visit Svityazky Island in person, it’s easy to get there by kayak. While there, be sure to hug the tree of Love and make a wish! They say it’s coming true! You can also go on a cycling excursion, but this is only if you are able to overcome 22 kilometers or just ride a boat admiring the local landscapes!
Anyone traveling to Svityaz should definitely try the local eel soup. Believe me, it's divine! And if you want, you can go fishing yourself, and then it will be cooked over a fire in a real cauldron. While relaxing on the beach, local residents will offer to try delicious donuts with different fillings; they are not expensive, but I can’t describe how delicious they are!
Also on the territory of the village of Svityaz is the Peter and Paul Monastery, and next to it is the church of the same name, next to which you can see the figures of Peter and Paul, angels, bunnies and a lot of different flowers.
This is a place where it is very quiet and calm, where you really relax your soul and body. Everything around is reminiscent of a real botanical garden.
How to get to Shatsk Lakes?
If you do not have your own car, then the most convenient way to get from Kyiv to Kovel is by train. There is a bus station next to the railway station, but on the way to it, you will come across many offers from private owners whose fares are twice as expensive. About 1.5 hours of travel and the goal is achieved. 
Whatever lake you choose for relaxation, it will be equally good everywhere! But for a holiday with children, it is best to choose Lake Svityaz (village of Svityaz) or Lake Pesochnoye (village of Melniki) - where the boarding house “Lesnaya Pesnya” is located and there are also many other holiday offers!
In any case, this vacation will be remembered for a long time, and you will remember with great warmth the time spent on the Shatsk Lakes, and to make it as eventful and interesting as possible, I recommend contacting a local travel company “
The Shatsk lakes are located among forests in which a large number of bases and recreation camps have been built. To protect rare natural complexes in the Shatsk Lakes region, the Shatsk Natural National Park with an area of 32,500 hectares was created in 1983.
Geography
The territory where the lakes are located is called the Shatsk Lake District. The largest of the Shatsk lakes are Svityaz (27.5 km², the second largest natural reservoir in Ukraine after Lake Yalpug), Pulemetskoye Lake (16.3 km²), Luki (6.8 km²), Lyutsimir (4.3 km²), Ostrovyanskoe lake (2.5 km²), Crimean (1.44 km²), Sand Lake (1.86 km²).
Shatsk Lake District is a plain within the Polesie Lowland. Its central part is characterized by the distribution of lacustrine karst basins, which were formed in Cretaceous deposits. The lakes, lying in the middle of swampy landscapes, arose as a result of the accumulation of alluvium and rising groundwater levels, provided that the territory was slightly inclined and there was no constant flow.
The shores of the Shatsk lakes are low, flat, composed of sand, pebbles and biogenic material; There are wetlands. The lakes are fed by precipitation and groundwater, as well as by water exchange through canals that connect some lakes.
In summer, the water in the lakes warms up well; in winter, the lakes freeze. Water mineralization is moderate or reduced, its value ranges from 75-125 to 200-250 mg/dm³. The color of the water varies from yellowish-green in shallow lakes to emerald green in deep lakes. The bottom is covered predominantly with sandy-silty sediments, peat and sapropelic silts.
Natural world
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Literature
- Peleshenko V.I., Zakrevsky D.V., Khilchevsky V.K. On the influence of drainage reclamation on the chemical composition of natural waters of the Shatsk natural subarea // Bulletin of the Kyiv University. Series: Geography. - 1978. - Vol. 20. - pp. 56-60.
- Surface water resources of the USSR. Description of rivers and lakes and calculations of the main characteristics of their regime. - T. 6. Ukraine and Moldova. Vol. 1. Western Ukraine and Moldova (without the Dniester River basin). - L., Gidrometeoizdat, 1978. - 476–485 p. (Pulemetskoe (Pulmo), Luki (Luka), Ostrovskoe (Ostrovenskoe), Svityazskoe (Svityaz), Lucimer (Lutsimerzh))
- Zabokritskaya M. R., Khilchevsky V. K., Manchenko A. P. Hydroecological state of the Western Bug basin on the territory of Ukraine. - K.: Nika-Center, 2006. - 184 p. (Ukrainian) - ISBN 966-521-397-0
Links
- Pazinich V.G. Origin of Polesie lakes and parabolic dunes (Pazynych V. rigin of Polesie lakes and parabolic dunes)www.academia.edu/3535261Origin_of_Polesie_lakes_and_parabolic_dunes
An excerpt characterizing the Shatsk Lakes
Napoleon, having cut up the armies, moves inland and misses several occasions of battle. In August he is in Smolensk and thinks only about how he can move on, although, as we now see, this movement forward is obviously detrimental for him.The facts clearly show that neither Napoleon foresaw the danger in moving towards Moscow, nor Alexander and the Russian military leaders then thought about luring Napoleon, but thought about the opposite. The luring of Napoleon into the interior of the country did not happen according to anyone’s plan (no one believed in the possibility of this), but occurred from the most complex game of intrigues, goals, desires of people - participants in the war, who did not guess what should be, and what was the only salvation of Russia. Everything happens by accident. The armies are cut up at the start of the campaign. We are trying to unite them with the obvious goal of giving battle and holding off the enemy’s advance, but even in this desire to unite, avoiding battles with the strongest enemy and involuntarily retreating at an acute angle, we lead the French to Smolensk. But it’s not enough to say that we are retreating at an acute angle because the French are moving between both armies - this angle is becoming even sharper, and we are moving even further because Barclay de Tolly, an unpopular German, is hated by Bagration (who will become under his command ), and Bagration, commanding the 2nd Army, tries not to join Barclay for as long as possible, so as not to become under his command. Bagration does not join for a long time (although this is the main goal of all commanders) because it seems to him that he is putting his army in danger on this march and that it is most profitable for him to retreat to the left and south, harassing the enemy from the flank and rear and recruiting his army in Ukraine. But it seems that he came up with this because he did not want to obey the hated and junior German Barclay.
The emperor is with the army to inspire it, and his presence and lack of knowledge of what to decide on, and a huge number of advisers and plans destroy the energy of the 1st army’s actions, and the army retreats.
It is planned to stop at the Dris camp; but unexpectedly Paulucci, aiming to become commander-in-chief, influences Alexander with his energy, and Pfuel’s entire plan is abandoned, and the whole matter is entrusted to Barclay. But since Barclay does not inspire confidence, his power is limited.
The armies are fragmented, there is no unity of leadership, Barclay is not popular; but from this confusion, fragmentation and unpopularity of the German commander-in-chief, on the one hand, follows indecision and avoidance of battle (which could not be resisted if the armies were together and Barclay was not the commander), on the other hand, more and more indignation against the Germans and excitement of the patriotic spirit.
Finally, the sovereign leaves the army, and as the only and most convenient pretext for his departure, the idea is chosen that he needs to inspire the people in the capitals to initiate a people's war. And this trip of the sovereign and Moscow triples the strength of the Russian army.
The sovereign leaves the army in order not to hamper the unity of power of the commander-in-chief, and hopes that more decisive measures will be taken; but the position of the army command is even more confused and weakened. Bennigsen, the Grand Duke and a swarm of adjutant generals remain with the army in order to monitor the actions of the commander-in-chief and arouse him to energy, and Barclay, feeling even less free under the eyes of all these sovereign eyes, becomes even more careful for decisive actions and avoids battles.
Barclay stands for caution. The Tsarevich hints at treason and demands a general battle. Lyubomirsky, Branitsky, Wlotsky and the like inflate all this noise so much that Barclay, under the pretext of delivering papers to the sovereign, sends the Poles as adjutant generals to St. Petersburg and enters into an open fight with Bennigsen and the Grand Duke.
In Smolensk, finally, no matter how Bagration wished it, the armies are united.
Bagration drives up in a carriage to the house occupied by Barclay. Barclay puts on a scarf, goes out to meet him and reports to the senior rank of Bagration. Bagration, in the struggle of generosity, despite the seniority of his rank, submits to Barclay; but, having submitted, she agrees with him even less. Bagration personally, by order of the sovereign, informs him. He writes to Arakcheev: “The will of my sovereign, I cannot do it together with the minister (Barclay). For God's sake, send me somewhere, even to command a regiment, but I can’t be here; and the entire main apartment is filled with Germans, so it’s impossible for a Russian to live, and there’s no point. I thought I was truly serving the sovereign and the fatherland, but in reality it turns out that I am serving Barclay. I admit, I don’t want to.” The swarm of Branitskys, Wintzingerodes and the like further poisons the relations of the commanders-in-chief, and even less unity emerges. They are planning to attack the French in front of Smolensk. A general is sent to inspect the position. This general, hating Barclay, goes to his friend, the corps commander, and, after sitting with him for a day, returns to Barclay and condemns on all counts the future battlefield, which he has not seen.
Shatsk Lakes is a group of lakes that are located in the north-west, mainly in the area of the town of Shatsk, Volyn region. This is a water complex that consists of 24 lakes of different sizes. The most beautiful and largest lake is Svityaz (Lake Svityaz), the shores of which are teeming with vacationers in the summer. It is also the deepest in Ukraine - 58 meters. The length of the lake is 9.3 kilometers, width is 4.8 kilometers.
The Shatsk lakes are located exactly on the border with and, only 2-10 kilometers away. Thanks to this, you will see quite a lot of vacationers from these neighboring countries here. The lakes are located deep in the forests, where among the quiet and picturesque nature there are complexes for vacationers, children's camps, sanatoriums, campsites, estates and cottages. To preserve all this unique beauty, the Shatsk National Natural Park was created, the purpose of which is to preserve the uniqueness of the lakes, the surrounding forests, as well as more than 30 species of rare animals and plants. ©
The Shatsk lakes are considered the pearl of Ukraine, and Lake Svityaz is one of the 7 main natural wonders of Ukraine according to the results of the popular vote in the project “7 Wonders of Ukraine”. They are not only very beautiful, but also have a healing effect. The water in the lakes is crystal clear and mineral, which is possible and even recommended to drink. It is saturated with silver and glycerin ions. Together with the clean forest air, this is a wonderful place for a calm and measured rest and recovery.
Shatsk Lakes: How to get there
Airplane. The nearest airport to the Shatsky Lakes on the territory of Ukraine is 220 kilometers away, in the city - Lviv International Airport. You can also fly to one of the neighboring cities in Poland, from where you can get to the Shatsk Lakes by car or bus. Lublin International Airport is located 130 kilometers from the lakes, and 260-290 kilometers from two international airports in Warsaw: Chopin Airport and Warsaw Modlin-Mazovia Airport.
Train. By train you can get to the nearest railway station to the Shatsk Lakes - in the city of Kovel, which is located 82 kilometers away. The trip from Lutsk, Rivne or will take from 2 to 5 hours, the ticket costs from 100 hryvnia (about 4 USD) and more. By train from Kyiv you will travel for about 8-10 hours, the ticket costs from 200 hryvnia (about 8 USD). To find out more, use the official website of the Ukrainian railway “Ukrzaliznytsia”, or another convenient service “Poezdato”.
Bus. You can get directly to the Shatsk Lakes by public transport only using intercity buses. They are quite uncomfortable (little space, lack of air conditioning, stops in inappropriate places and selection of travel companions). An alternative may be to travel by car. Most travelers from other regions begin their journey to the Shatsk Lakes by bus from the final railway station closest to the lakes, in the city of Kovel (82 kilometers from the lakes). The railway and bus stations of the city of Kovel are nearby, and there are regular shuttle buses to Shatsk and directly to Lake Svityaz (Gryada, Turbaza, the village of Svityaz), and there are also private carriers that provide transportation. A bus ticket from Kovel costs 45 hryvnia (about 2 USD), travel time is 1.5-2 hours. You can view the online bus schedule and find out the cost of tickets at the Kovel bus station, as well as plan your further trip to the Shatsk Lakes by using the official VOPAS website.
Automobile. The best option for traveling to the Shatsk Lakes is a car. From Kyiv to Shatsk the road will take about 6 hours, the distance is 530 kilometers. Follow the E373 highway, then, after driving about 40 kilometers from Kovel, turn onto the M07 road (you will see a sign to the Shatsky National Park). From Rivne – 3.5 hours travel, 230 kilometers. Drive along the highway “H22” and “E85”, then, having reached Kovel, after 40 kilometers turn onto “M07”. From Lviv the journey will take about 3.5-4 hours, along the highway “H17” and “T0302”. Most accommodation facilities on Lake Svityaz have their own parking lots, so there shouldn't be any problems here.
Shatsk Lakes: Lifehacks
Arriving at the Shatsk Lakes, you will have the opportunity not only to enjoy beautiful views, but also to engage in some types of outdoor activities. Fishing is considered the most popular. You can only fish in certain areas where it is allowed, otherwise you will face a fine. Here you can catch pike, trout, pike perch and many other types of fish. But the real success for the fisherman will be catching the most valuable fish of the Shatsk lakes - eel. In addition, you can of course swim in the crystal clear waters of the lakes. But you shouldn’t focus on Svityaz alone - there are many other lakes, which, although smaller, are sometimes much more beautiful. In addition, Svityaz is always crowded, and if you want to be alone with nature, feel free to go look for the lake you like. Since the lakes are located in a forest area, you can go for a walk in the forest and pick berries or mushrooms. Attention! Under no circumstances go deep into the forest and do not pick berries and mushrooms unknown to you.
Right in the middle of the lake there is a mysterious island about which locals have been making up legends for many years. In Soviet times, this island was a vacation spot for Soviet cosmonauts, in particular Alexei Leonov and Leonid Popov. During one of their space travels, the cosmonauts saw a group of lakes on Earth and became very interested, and having learned that the waters of the lakes are saturated with silver ions and glycerin, useful for treatment, they chose Svityaz and its island. There is still a green wooden house in which the astronauts lived. You can get to the island by renting a boat or scooter.
Lake Svityaz offers excursions around the lakes, diving opportunities, rental of bicycles, ATVs, scooters, boats, catamarans. There are nightclubs (mainly on the Ridge), bars, and markets with local products. If you want a youthful and more party-oriented holiday, go to the Gryada tract on Lake Svityaz. A more relaxing holiday is at the Turbaza and in the village of Svityaz.
Unfortunately, there are no interesting architectural sights near the lakes. In the city of Lutsk, 155 kilometers from Shatsk, there is an ancient Lutsk Castle (Lubart's Castle). This is one of the most famous sights of Volyn, as well as one of the most beautiful castles in Ukraine.
