Kiev. Ukraine. Ukraine Gate – January 8, 2021 – Tourism
This is a picturesque corner of Ukraine, the peace and natural harmony that it radiates enchants, and the unforgettable beauty of forest landscapes and lakes, falls in love forever.
Shatsky lakes – a great place to relax for all tastes. Their picturesque nature, mild climate, clean air attracts more and more tourists from all over Ukraine every year. The tranquility and natural harmony that radiates from this picturesque place is mesmerizing, and the unforgettable beauty of forest landscapes and lakes, falls in love forever.
The treasury of the Shatsk National Natural Complex contains an extremely rich flora and fauna, which in the formed aggregate you will not find in any other part of the Earth. About 30 different species of birds live here and there are as many species of plants listed in the Red Book.
The lakes are of karst and glacial origin, and the water in them is crystal clear and famous for its healing properties. In its composition it is bicarbonate-sodium with moderate mineralization. For this reason, recreation on the Shatsk Lakes is recommended for people with problems of the gastrointestinal tract and dermatological diseases.
Shatsk National Natural Complex with a total area of 32,500 hectares is formed of more than 30 connected by channels and canals of unique lakes, each of which has its own name – Svityaz, Pisochne, Luki, Ozertse, Black, Crimean, Pulemet, Ostrovyansk, Lucimer, Black Great, Sominets.
VACATION
Shatsk National Natural Complex became a tourist center in the 50s of the last century. There are many sanatoriums, cottages, recreation centers, sports and children’s camps for different tastes and for different wallets. But Shatsky Lakes are first of all a place for a cozy family vacation or a holiday with friendly company. You should not come here for a busy nightlife – you will not find fashionable nightclubs in the traditional resort sense here.
But vacationers will not be bored. A large-scale international festival “Star Waves of Svityaz”, an electronic music festival – Joker Fest – is held annually in the ridge of Hryada, on the bank of Svityaz. Travel agencies offer excursions to the nearby Bialowieza Forest – a famous reserve with bison and other rare animals. There are many options for walks in the Shatsk complex – bicycles (they are rented in many hotels), horses, boats, yachts. Connoisseurs of relaxation are offered a wide range of SPA treatments.
Shatsk Lakes are located near the borders of Ukraine with Poland and Belarus. The rest can be sweetened by a small trip abroad. The majestic Polish city of Lublin is only 150 km away, and the Belarusian city of Brest is less than 100 km away.
KITCHEN
The diet can be chosen depending on preferences and budget. The choice is great – from the classic inexpensive canteens of sanatoriums and boarding houses to fine restaurants. A small family-type hotel with meals can be a great alternative. Budget option – snacks sold by local housewives.
A special offer for gourmets is eel fish, which can be found in Ukraine only in these latitudes. Another local delicacy is dried baked fish on straw. Boiled crayfish are a popular snack. And what delicious donuts of local housewives!
We must not forget about the wild berries that grow in the reserve – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cranberries. There is a lot of work here for avid mushroom pickers.
THE LARGEST LAKES
Lake Svityaz
The largest lake in the group of Shatsky lakes is Lake Svityaz. This is the deepest lake of natural origin among all lakes in Ukraine. It feeds on the waters of artesian springs and groundwater. The water here is soft and clean and contains silver, iodine, glycerin. Locals draw water from Svityaz for consumption.
The sandy bottom of the lake is visible at a depth of 8 meters. The total area of Svityaz is 2750 ha, length – 9.3 km, width – 4.8 km, length of the coastline – 30 km, and maximum depth – 58.4 m, which is 4 times greater than the depth of the Sea of Azov. In spring and autumn there are even real storms. In the middle of the lake is a bird sanctuary with an area of 7 hectares.
Where to stay. Along the coastline of Svityaz are the towns of Shatsk, the villages of Svityaz and Pulmo, the tracts of Hryada, Gushovo, Hirka and Stupa. The lake is ideal for recreation with children, because near the shores it is mostly shallow and warms up quickly. The most equipped beaches in Svityaz and Ridge. There is a significant concentration of entertainment venues, cafes, bars, discos. Other places will give peace and comfort.
There are legends about the mysterious Svityaz. Behind one of them, Polissya was a sea where whales swam. But the sea dried up, and one of the whales turned into a mysterious island on Svityaz. According to another legend, the island arose on the spot where a guy in love with a girl turned into a sycamore and linden. Locals call it the “Island of Lovers”.
Sand Lake
The second most popular among tourists is Lake Sand. The shores of this lake are soft and sandy, and it is located in an ecologically clean area and surrounded by pine forests. Sand area is 190 hectares, length – 1750 m, width – 1450 m, and maximum depth – 16 m. The water contains silver and glycerin, so it has healing properties. The surroundings of the lake are very clean and it is ideal for family vacations.
Where to stay. On the shores of Lake Pisochne there is a sanatorium “Forest Song”, sports and recreation camp “Medic”, the villages of Melnyky and Gaivka, Lyapove tract. Tourists are provided with private estates, equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay.
Recently, a renovated “bridge of lovers” was opened in Pisochny with hand-made handrails, exquisite lanterns, flower beds and benches. Couples in love cling to these handrails locks – a symbol of the eternal union of two hearts, and some of them even register their marriage there.
Lucimer and the Great Black
Lake Lucimer is a favorite vacation spot for fishermen, although there is a refined beach here. The area of the lake is 443 hectares, the length of the shoreline is 8.7 km, the maximum depth is 11 m. Pike, bream, eel, pike perch, tench, loon, carp, crucian, roach, red perch, ruff, perch, carp Amur, grass carp, silver carp. The Lucimer Canal connects with the Great Black Lake.
Where to stay. You can stay in one of the sanatoriums, at the recreation center, or in a private estate, which are located nearby. The northern shore of the lake is located in the district center.
There is a legend that there was once a village on the site of Lucimer. The beautiful girl Lyudmila lived there. While walking in the nearby forest, she met a young man – Lucimer. Young people fell in love. And the parents prevented their love. The girl went out on a forest glade and strongly wished that in its place there was a lake. And so it happened. His girlfriend named it after her lover.
There is a lot to be said about the beauty of the Shatsk Lakes, but it is better to see once than to hear a hundred times. Let your vacation on the Shatsk Lakes become your unforgettable adventure!
HOW TO GET THERE?
By train. Unfortunately, there is no station in Shatsk. So it will be necessary to get to Kovel or Lutsk by train, and then change to a bus to Shatsk. From there by minibus to the desired place of rest.
By bus. In high season, many carriers offer a trip to the resort. You can also take a bus to Kovel Central Bus Station, and from there to Shatsk or Svityaz.
It is most convenient to get to Shatsky lakes by own car.
The State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine conducted a study of beautiful and unique places in our country and launched the #TravelUkraine challenge, which aims to encourage Ukrainians to share their travels, open unique places for others, inspire travel and change attitudes to their homeland. Many popular stars joined the flash mob, who have already published beautiful photos on their social media pages and told about their favorite parts of Ukraine.