As often happens: we chase after overseas and overseas beauties, but sometimes we don’t know that there is an extraordinary beauty of our own. A trip to the Shatsk Lakes confirmed this for me.
Shatsk lakes in words and numbers
I found out about the Shatsk Lakes by accident - I saw a short report in the news. But even a few frames were enough to admire the beauty of those places. Naturally, I started looking for information about the Shatsk Lakes on the Internet. In words and numbers, the idea of the Shatsk Lakes looks like this.
The Shatsk lakes are located in the Volyn region, directly in the Lyuboml and Shatsk districts, located between the Pripyat and Western Bug rivers and represent a group of more than 30 lakes dissimilar to each other. The Shatsk Lakes got their name from the name of the regional center of the area - the town of Shatsk.
The largest of the Shatsk lakes is Svityaz (27.5 km²). By the way, Svityaz is considered the second largest natural reservoir in Ukraine (the first is Lake Yalpug). The purity of Svityaz is described as a miracle of nature: the transparency of the water in it reaches 4 m. Large lakes in this water complex are also considered Lake Pulemetskoye (16.3 km²) and Lake Luki (6.8 km²). Medium-sized lakes: Lyutsimir (4.3 km²), Ostrovyanskoye (2.5 km²), Peremut (1.5 km²), Crimean (1.44 km²), Sand Lake (1.38 km²). There are also very small lakes here, with an area of less than 1 km², these include: Chernoe, Sominets, Klimovskoye, Linovets, Peschanoye, Moshne. The Shatsk lakes are a single water complex: for the most part, the lakes, in fact, do not have a clear boundary between each other, and those that are located at a distance from each other are connected by straits and canals.
Many laudatory reviews have been written about the flora and fauna of the Shatsk Lakes. Coastal Volyn forests are rich in all kinds of berries: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blueberries, blackberries, lingonberries, cranberries. In the local forests there are also mushrooms, and of a high category: boletus (white), boletus, boletus, boletus, chanterelle. The variety of fish in the Shatsk lakes is incredible: perch, roach, pike, bream, crucian carp, carp, catfish, loach, eel, Canadian catfish, pike perch and Amur carp. And many lakes are even inhabited by crayfish.
A crazy adventure worth it
Reading this information, I already imagined how exciting a trip along the Shatsk Lakes would be (and my friends and I traditionally go kayaking in some bodies of water in the summer). The implementation of the plan was hindered by one “but” - since 1983, this entire unique lake biocomplex with a coastal territory with a total area of 32,500 hectares was taken under protection and was called the Shatsk Natural National Park. 
However, since from the Internet information it also followed that there are a lot of holiday homes and tourist centers on the Shatskie lakes, and various excursion tours are held there - water, horseback, walking, combined, then my friends and I decided to take a chance and still went to Shatskie lake kayaking trip. As it later became clear, it was a crazy adventure, but it was worth it, because the Shatsk Lakes turned out to be even more amazing, delightful, more fabulous than we could have imagined in absentia.
In the beginning there was... Lake Svityaz
Our journey through the Shatsk lakes began with their heart, soul and pride - Lake Svityaz. It is huge, like the sea. And the promised transparency of the water is immediately shocking: you can see swimming fish, sand at the bottom, the depth is clearly visible, which is uneven - in remote places it reaches 4 m, and closer to the shores - only ankle-deep. The mirror-like surface of Lake Svityaz has an irregular, elongated shape, with bays visible in some places. The shores of the lake are low, sandy with magnificent beaches from 5 to 60 m wide.
Not far from the shore, in a wonderful clearing in the forest, we set up a tent camp, and then... a local forester appeared. For the first few minutes he looked at our camp in complete bewilderment and seemed to be speechless. When the power of speech returned to him, he told us 2 things - both sad for us. Firstly, on the territory of the Shatsk National Park you can only be in those places where rest houses, tourist centers have been built, or where so-called tourist reservations have been allocated, and any “wild” recreation is prohibited. Secondly, water tourism on the Shatsk Lakes is impossible in principle, since all the former channels and canals have become impassable, because no one has been cleaning them for a long time.
This could be the end of our journey. But we must pay tribute to the staff of the Shatsk National Park, who met halfway tourists who came from afar (Eastern Ukraine and the Volyn region are still not a near light!) and, balancing on the brink of the law, common sense and humanity, allowed us to relax on the Shatsk Lakes without compromising national park.
Thirst for pioneering
We stood on Lake Svityaz for a couple of days, thoroughly enjoying its beauty, cleanliness, and peace. There are breathtaking, mesmerizing, transcendental views all around! You can probably look at this beauty for days on end without getting tired, enjoying the romance and peace. And in the evenings you experience a different kind of delight, when a stunning panorama opens up to your eyes: the huge sun slowly sinks into the wide expanse of the lake. During these moments of an unforgettable sunset, the sun colors both the sky and the lake in golden-red tones, merging them in its glow into a single space (an impressive sight!).
On the 2nd day we sailed to the island, which is located right in the middle of the lake, covers an area of more than 7 hectares and has the romantic name “Lover’s Island”. The island is similar to the enchanted places described in fairy tales. It is densely overgrown with a forest of maples and lindens, and vine-like branches descend from above, and something bright and unusual is blooming in the grass - in general, a very mysterious atmosphere. It is probably through such exotic jungle that the fairy-tale prince must make his way in search of his beloved. According to legend, the only way to get from the shore to the island is by fording. They say that if you find this path and follow it to the island, you will be happy in love. 
We did not look for a ford to the Island of Lovers, but a thirst for a different kind of discovery awoke in us. When we went to the Shatsk lakes, we dreamed of sailing through them all. And in order to somehow make our dream come true, we decided to find an abandoned channel from Lake Svityaz to Lake Luki - what if it’s not so impassable after all?! We were optimistic, so we didn’t set off lightly, as if on an excursion, but “set up” camp and sailed with the conviction that our next overnight stay would be on the shores of Lake Luki.
Journey through a lost paradise
I won’t bore you with long descriptions of our adventures in search of the channel, but we finally found it! We wandered around in the reeds for several hours, risking getting lost (but we didn’t get lost!). Luckily, we met a fisherman who, although he was skeptical about our plans, showed us where the entrance to the overgrown channel was.
Then it’s all about enthusiasm, self-confidence and ever-increasing passion. We “cut through” the thicket! In some places we used oars to clear away a thick layer of duckweed and lake grass, in others we pushed through thickets of reeds, in others we had to get out of the kayak and drag it through shallow water. But in the evening we broke out into the watery expanses of Lake Luki.
Then we were expected to meet with the “Lukino” forester, who was “numb” even more than the “Svityaz” one, because when asked: “Where are you here from?”, he heard: “They sailed from Svityaz.” Apparently, impressed by our heroic “assault” on the overgrown channel, he allowed us, as an exception, to spend the night on his site. Lake Luki, as they write on information sites, is distinguished by high biological productivity. Many different birds nest on its banks. We even saw swans there.
From Lake Luki it was not difficult to swim to Lake Peremut, where our next stop was. The local forester, shocked, like his colleagues, by the phenomenon of kayakers, listened sympathetically to stories about our adventures. He camped us in the most secluded place on the lake so that our presence could not damage the local flora or disturb the fauna. The transparency of the water in Peremut is not very high - 1.3 m. And its bottom is covered with sapropel silt, and its suspension muddies the water during swimming - hence the name. We had excellent fishing on Lake Peremut.
Inspired by our first victories, we wanted to visit at least 5 more lakes, which, judging by the map, are connected to Lake Luki by canals and channels. According to the description, Black Small Lake is fed by underground waters; it is cozy and intimate, with low banks covered with reeds and everything is covered with flowering water lilies. Pulemetskoe is famous for its magnificent forests on the banks, which are rich in mushrooms and berries. The sandy lake is a fish lake, promising a catch even for less experienced fishermen. Lake Moshne is generally considered a relict lake, it is even called the standard of relict lakes; it is the oldest of the Shatsk lakes, its age is approximately 9.8 thousand years. And the fifth is Sand Lake, which is called Volyn Jurmala due to the similarity of the landscapes. 
But, alas, alas... We were unable to find a passable channel to any of the 5 lakes - every time we came to a dead end. But our navigation in search of a waterway through bays, channels, canals, and streams was amazing. We dubbed it a journey through a lost paradise. Everywhere there was an amazing color of water - from muddy brown to emerald green. And the places there are incredibly picturesque. A kind of pristine silence, only occasionally broken by bird cries and flapping wings. Wild ducks, geese, proud white swans and warlike kites (the latter flew so low that the feathery “pants” on their legs were visible). Herons and storks roam along the banks, unafraid, allowing themselves to be photographed. The water lilies are enchanting – yellow, white, small, large, sometimes scattered alone, sometimes blooming in whole “clearings”. And around, like a haze, thickets of reeds and sedges sway.
When we realized that we would not be able to get to other lakes by kayaks, we went on a walk to Lake Pesochny. This is also a special experience. It is absolutely deservedly called Volyn Jurmala. Crystal clear, blue, and transparent water. And you also need to move away from the shore for a long, long time to find yourself at least “chest-deep” in the water. Amazing beaches with fine white sand. A forest with spreading pine trees creating a pleasant shade on the coast.
For the sake of walking to Sandy Lake, we stayed on Luki for several days. Then for a couple of days we swam again to Peremut and returned to Svityaz, finishing our kayaking trip there, which turned out to be not too long in the sense of the usual kayaking, but rich in unexpected and unique impressions.
On vacation to the Shatsk Lakes
I understand that “wild” kayak recreation is not of interest to the vast majority of people. But I’m not campaigning for him either. It just so happened that it was thanks to our kayaking adventure that we learned that in Volyn there is a heavenly place, truly a natural pearl - the Shatsk Lakes. It's beautiful, clean and not noisy here. The climate is excellent: the air is quite humid, especially near bodies of water; in the forest the air is saturated with phytoncides and other substances released by coniferous trees. And how to relax here is everyone’s choice.
The resort infrastructure offers opportunities for recreation for every taste: holiday homes, tourist centers, hotels, motels, campsites, private cottages (with the possibility of renting the entire house or individual rooms in it), green tourism in private “village” type houses, tent camps (tourist reservation zones).
Peak season on the Shatsk Lakes is July/mid-August. The most popular vacation spots with comfortable accommodation are located around lakes Svityaz and Pesochnoe. The most famous of them are: the sanatorium "Lisova Pisnya" (Lake Pesochnoe), the boarding house "Shatsky Lakes" (Lake Svityaz), several comfortable boarding houses in the Gryada tract (Lake Svityaz). A summer holiday on Sand Lake can be an excellent alternative for those who love the sea, but do not like the hustle and bustle of seaside resorts. These places are remote from noise and civilization, thanks to which vacationers are provided with silence and impeccable ecology. In addition, here, of course, everything costs less: accommodation, food, and all services.
You can eat, as at any resort: in restaurants, cafes, home cooking from the owners, products from local markets, where, in addition to vegetables/fruits, the berry and mushroom riches of local forests are widely represented. The calling card of the local menu, the symbol of the Shatsk Lakes, is eel in its various preparations (fried, boiled, barbecued, and especially smoked).
Weekend tours, walking, cycling, and horseback riding are very popular here, which can be accompanied by a guide. Walks through the forest are carried out in a phaeton or carriage, of any length and duration. Walks are combined with picking mushrooms and/or berries. There are boat rides on the lakes and yacht rides on Lake Svityaz. There are 10-day auto tours that allow you to visit about two dozen local lakes. Places for overnight stays can range from the most exotic - in a hayloft or in a village hut to VIP rooms. Bath and sauna services are provided as a service. From here there are excursions to the local history museum, through the territory of the local natural national park, to the village of Kolodyazhnoye (the birthplace of Lesya Ukrainka), the Zimnensky Monastery, the Brest Fortress, Poland, and Belarus.
The popularity of the resort on the Shatsk Lakes is growing every year. So, it makes sense to hurry up and go see it before it becomes spoiltly widespread.
Shatsk lakes are a group of more than 30 lakes in the Lyuboml and Shatsk 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
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), Ostrovyanskoye 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 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 primarily with sandy-silt deposits, peat and sapropelic silts.
Natural world
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). 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.
Have you ever heard of the Ukrainian pearl necklace? These are the famous ones, which, due to their uniqueness, are considered one of the seven wonders of our country. Until recently, holidays on the Shatsk Lakes were traditional for residents of the Carpathian regions, it’s not surprising - 2 hours’ drive and you’re already there. The distance of the resort from other areas should not stand in the way of an unforgettable vacation. Believe me, there is a lot of interesting things here!
For those who don’t know, the Shatsk Lakes, due to their location, were inaccessible for a long time, so nature had the opportunity to develop here naturally. In order to preserve the outlandish pristine nature of clear water surfaces, covered with a riot of flora, in 1983 they decided to give the Shatsk lakes the status. Thus, walking along the reserve's many trails, you will be able to see nature as it should be. And also look at the life of animals in their natural environment and maybe even stumble upon rare species listed in the Red Book.
In addition to flora and fauna, near the Shatsk Lakes there is something to see for lovers of history and culture.
What to see on the Shatsk Lakes
- or the Peter and Paul Church, which is located in the village of Svityaz. The architecture of this building dates back to the times of the St. Petersburg school and conveys the traditions of Russian classicism of the 19th century.
- - a monument of wooden architecture. Icons from the 18th and 19th centuries have been preserved inside.
- The city of Vladimir-Volynsky is one of the largest cities of Kievan Rus and one of the oldest cities in Volyn.
- , where the shrine is located - the icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
- The Uran-3 radio telescope, which was built 14 km from Shatsk and allows us to foresee natural disasters.
- The island is the most romantic place. According to legend, whales once lived here, but as the water level decreased, they began to die out. When the last of them died and went to the bottom, strange plants and beautiful flowers gradually began to appear here.
What to do on the lakes
Land sports:
- Horse rides. A horseback ride is a great opportunity to feel at one with the fauna and flora, enjoy a leisurely holiday, taking in all the benefits of the local beauty. Cost: 20 UAH/hour.
- Cycling. The Shatsk Lakes region is ideal for cycling. All this thanks to the flat landscape. You can travel the length and breadth of the reserve and find particularly picturesque panoramas. Bicycle rental points are available at all recreation centers. Cost: on average 20 UAH/hour, at some recreation centers - free.
- ATVs. They say that riding ATVs is quite a dirty pastime, but at the same time one of the most fun invented by man since the invention of the wheel. Feel the rush of adrenaline in your blood and the lashing blows of the wind across your face. You can ride ATVs both on deserted off-road terrain and among the insurmountable thicket of the forest. Cost: check with the recreation centers.
Photo source: zamok.co.ua.
Water leisure:
- Yacht, boat, catamaran and kayak rental. Of course, people go to the Shatsk Lakes mainly for water activities. Here they are in abundance, and you definitely won’t be bored. Cost: boat and catamaran rental - 20-30 UAH/hour, kayak rental - 50 UAH/hour, yacht rental (up to 6 people) - 250-300 UAH/hour,
- Diving. The water on the Shatsk Lakes is transparent and clean, so observing the underwater world will not be difficult. The diving base is located in the Shatskie Lakes boarding house, and in the village of Pulmo, not far from the tent camp, you will find a diving school. Here you can find equipment even for an 8-year-old child. Cost: 650 UAH.
- Windsurfing. Who said that windsurfing can only be done at sea? You can also conquer the waves on the Shatsk Lakes, here they can rise up to 1 m. Cost: equipment rental - 50 UAH/hour, training course - 500 UAH.
- Fishing. It is believed that fishing is a relaxing form of recreation, but not on the Shatsk Lakes. There are about 31 species of fish here, including the local landmark, the eel, and some lakes even contain crayfish. Therefore, you won’t be able to sit quietly with a fishing rod, thinking about your own things. If you forgot your fishing rods, there are several points at the Shatsky market where all the necessary equipment is sold.
Photo source: galleryua.com.
Other outdoor activities:
- Rope park. Directly opposite the recreation center “Shatskie Lakes” there is a rope park “Steerjack Base”. Time will fly by here. If you get tired of conquering rope peaks, you can play a variety of board games, such as snookball - an unusual sport that combines football and billiards. Cost: children's ticket - 25 UAH, ticket for an adult - 35 UAH, prices for other types of entertainment need to be clarified at the rope park.
- Billiards, table tennis. The opportunity to play billiards and table tennis is available at each recreation center. Cost: check on site.
- Paintball. In the village of Svityaz, near the Chaika camp, a paintball club called “Viking” opened. Here you can enjoy the game until you can no longer feel your arms and legs. Cost: payment only for balloons - 50 kopecks/ball.
Don’t forget about the variety of nightclubs, discos, themed parties, the opportunity to go to the sauna, massage and much more. All this is available on the Shatsk Lakes in a wide variety.
Photo source: vidpochynok.net.ua.
Shatsk lakes - ideal place for children's holiday. Do you want to take a break with your children or away from them? The choice is yours. You can be sure that no one big or small will be bored here.
Where to stay on the Shatsk Lakes
On the Shatsk Lakes you can find accommodation for every taste: both for lovers of comfort and service, and for those who prefer a more economical form of recreation. In any case, here you will find many recreation centers, boarding houses, hotels, cottages and private houses. Prices will depend on the level of comfort, infrastructure and proximity to water bodies.
- Recreation centers - 55-500 UAH per day/person;
- Cottages - 65-300 UAH per day/person;
- Private sector - 50-175 UAH per day/person;
- Recreation complexes - 70-170 UAH per day/person;
- Camping and tent cities - tent - 10-15 UAH, parking - 10-25 UAH.
Photo source: volynnews.com.
Remember that it is prohibited to set up tents on the territory of the reserve, only in specially designated areas. Also, do not forget that the busiest holiday season in the reserve is in July and August, so housing prices may rise at this time. It is recommended to reserve places in advance, as there are always many people who want to relax on the Shatsk Lakes.
Study housing prices in the Volyn region, learn more about living conditions and book a room.
How to get there
Ukrainian Polesie - Shatsk lakes are located between the Pripyat and Western Bug rivers; if you look at the map, this region is indicated as a series of blue circles.
Photo source: panoramio.com,
Trains travel here from many major cities of Ukraine. It is most convenient to go through the city of Kovel, but it is also possible from the cities of Lutsk or Lyuboml. Buses, minibuses or private transport run from here.
Shatsk Lakes is a whole protected area located in the very north-west of Ukraine, on the border with Poland and Belarus. Here, on the territory of the national natural park, among pine and mixed forests and swamps, there are more than 30 lakes. True, only a few of them are of interest for beach tourism and water recreation. First of all, this is Lake Svityaz - the deepest and largest lake in Ukraine (this is if you do not count the Black Sea estuaries as lakes), as well as lakes Pesochnoye and Pulemetskoye. MashaPasha were only on Lake Svityaz, the other lakes were only seen while passing through, so most of all here we will talk about it.
Rest on the Shatsk Lakes. View of the Shatskie Lakes boarding house. The boarding house has its own sandy beach and pier. There is also a rental of kayaks, catamarans and boats.
Lake Svityaz - water temperature, beaches
Lake Svityaz could well be called a sea. Its greatest depth is about 58 meters (it is deeper than the Sea of Azov), and its maximum length and width are 9.3 and 4.8 km. At its widest point, the other shore of the lake is practically invisible.
The water in Lake Svityaz is very clear, the visibility of the bottom is up to 8 meters deep (although Masha Pasha did not swim to such a depth, but near the shore the water was crystal clear). According to local residents, the water in the lake has a slight mineralization and has healing properties. According to our feelings, the water here is slightly alkaline.
The water in Lake Svityaz is very clear, but there are algae. Pier near the Shatskie Lakes boarding house.
Due to its location and climate, the water in the lake will be cool even in summer, the maximum water temperature is +21, +22 degrees in sunny weather. Although in shallow waters the water may warm up even more in the evening. The bottom is sandy, in places there are algae, but in good weather there are no waves here and the algae do not interfere much.
There are no large sandy beaches on the Shatsk Lakes. The beaches here are usually small, and in some places people even relax right on the grass near the lake shore. Although, this is not a problem, since the bottom of the lake is still sand. In the place where we were, Lake Svityaz was quite shallow; we had to walk several tens of meters to the depth. Children would love such shallow water. But for those who want to swim, this is not very convenient.
Sandy beach on Lake Svityaz near the village of Svityaz. The water is shallow, the bottom is sand. There are activities for children on the water.
How to get to Shatskie Lakes
You need to go to the village of Shatsk along the road; there is no other connection with the Shatsk Lakes. The nearest large city is Kovel (you can get there by train, for example, from Kyiv). Buses to the Shatsk Lakes depart from the Kovel bus station (its address: Lesi Ukrainki Boulevard, 42). Travel time from Kovel to Shatsk by car is a little over an hour. The regular bus takes longer. The price of a ticket for a bus or minibus is from 40 to 60 UAH. Also, minibuses to the Shatsk Lakes go from and. Driving time to the Shatsk Lakes by car from Lviv is about 4 hours. From Kyiv the trip will take about 7-8 hours (along the Warsaw highway).
Resorts of the Shatsk Lakes (recreation centers, hotels, houses)
You can relax on the Shatsk Lakes either as a savage (there are tent cities and campsites here) or as a civilized person in one of the local recreation centers or in a private house-hotel. The main vacation spots on Lake Svityaz are the villages of Shatsk, Svityaz, and Pulmo. On Lake Pesochnoe there are the villages of Melniki and Gaivka. The largest tourist complexes are the Shatskie Lakes boarding house and the Lesnaya Pesnya sanatorium. But many people prefer to relax in private houses and hotels.
Hotel Lago Casa is one of the best options for a holiday on the Shatsk Lakes.
Tent cities and campsites on the Shatsk Lakes - area of the village of Svityaz. Camping Forget-Me-not is located right in the forest. Be prepared to encounter mosquitoes here.
What to do on the Shatsk Lakes
There is no special infrastructure on the Shatsk Lakes. There are small shops and markets in the villages. In Shatsk there is a small supermarket "Nash Krai", a pizzeria, a cafe, and a branch of the New Post Office. The nearest big city is Kovel (as we already wrote, it is an hour away by car).
In addition to relaxing by the water, on the Shatsk Lakes you can engage in green tourism; there are two hiking routes: the Forest Song trail (length 5.6 km) laid between the Pesochnoe and Peremut lakes and the Svityazyanka trail (length 5.2 km. ) running along Lake Svityaz. Many people also go to the forest to pick berries and mushrooms; fishing will also be good here.
Shatsk lakes - recreation on the water. Svityaz village area - here you can rent a boat or catamaran.
MashaPasha warns: Your holiday on the Shatsk Lakes can be ruined by mosquitoes. This is a swampy region and there are a lot of mosquitoes here. Moreover, they fly not only at sunset, but even during the day (especially in the shade of trees). Therefore, if you really don’t like mosquitoes, gadflies and other flying insects, then it’s probably better not to come here.
The shore of Lake Svityaz - there are few beaches here, the grass goes right to the water itself. The water near the shore is shallow, you have to go to the depths.
Shatsky Lakes is the tourist pearl of Volyn, a single water complex, which includes more than two dozen separate lakes with clean, clear water. All of them are connected by straits and canals. Located between the Pripyat and Western Bug rivers, the Shatsk Lakes are able to give quality recreation to everyone who visits them. They can be an excellent alternative to a vacation by the sea. Many sanatoriums and holiday camps have been built around the lakes, surrounded by forests. To protect rare natural complexes in the Shatsk Lakes region, it was created in 1983. The territory where the lakes are located is called the Shatsk Lake District.
Largest lakes
The largest in area among the Shatsk lakes are:
- Pulemetskoye Lake.
- Luke.
- Lucimir.
- Ostrovyanskoye Lake.
- Crimea.
- Sand Lake.
Origin
There are two versions regarding the origin of the Shatsk Lakes. Supporters of the first believe that the lakes are relict remains of a gigantic reservoir, which was formed after the melting of the Dnieper glacier more than 100 thousand years ago. According to the second hypothesis, the Shatsk lakes are of karst origin and were formed after the subsidence of individual tectonic blocks.
It is impossible to say for sure which side is true. One way or another, lakes today are valuable natural formations. The water in them is very clear and slightly mineralized, which means that it can be drunk without harm to health. Mineralization, according to the findings of scientists, ranges from 75–125 to 200–250 mg/dm³.
Infrastructure
Of all the Shatsk lakes, the tourist infrastructure around Svityaz is better developed. In general, around each of the lakes there are boarding houses, private cottages, recreation centers for every taste and budget, as well as cafes and bars.
One of the most visited recreation centers is the Gryada tract, located 2.5 km from. There are clean beaches equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas, there is a market nearby, rental of mattresses, boats and even windsurfing boards.
Recreation opportunities
- Rent of boats and catamarans.
- Fishing (gear and bait available).
- Rent of kayaks, boats, yachts.
- Diving.
- Cycling.
- Excursions to picturesque places around the lake.
Fishing on the lakes
What kind of fish is caught in the Shatsk lakes? These are eel, perch, roach, pike, tench, bream, crucian carp, carp, catfish, loach.
Also acclimatized species have taken root in the lakes:
- Canadian catfish (in Svityaz, Pulemetsky and Crimean);
- trout perch (in Pesochny);
- Chud whitefish (in Pulemetskoye);
- pike perch and Amur carp (in Lyutsimir and Black Big Lake).
Some lakes contain crayfish.
Eel is the No. 1 fish among all that live in the Shatsk lakes. Its meat tastes great, but it rarely ends up on a fishing hook. But you should know: eel blood has toxic properties and is poisonous to humans. Its effect can be neutralized only after heating to 60°C and above. But eel blood serum has a high protective function; it even neutralizes snake venom.
How to get there
You can get to the Shatsk Lakes from almost any corner of Ukraine by rail, bus or car.
- By train. Take trains “Kyiv – Kovel”, “Odessa – Kovel”, “Kharkov – Kovel”, “Lviv – Kovel” to the final station Kovel. Next, from the train station, you need to go to the bus station located nearby. From there, minibuses run regularly to Shatsk or Gryada.
- By bus. Shatsk has direct communication with Ternopil, Lutsk, Kovel, Kiev, Lvov. From Lviv, for example, you can get there by bus, which departs from bus station No. 2 on Bohdan Khmelnitsky Street.
- By car. You need to take the E373 highway towards Yagodina and the Ukrainian-Polish border. Near Vishnev, turn onto road T0302 in the direction of Lyuboml and travel another 40 kilometers to the north.
