Shatskoye Lake: location and recreation. "Shatsky lakes", resort Shatsky lakes rest on the map

27.12.2021Heading: The buildings

Shatsky 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 Shatsky Lakes region, the Shatsky Natural National Park with an area of 32,500 hectares was created in 1983.

Geography

The territory on which the lakes are located is called the Shatsk Lake District. The largest of the Shatsky lakes are Svityaz (27.5 km², the second largest natural body of water in Ukraine after Lake Yalpug), Lake Pulemets (16.3 km²), Luki (6.8 km²), Lucimir (4.3 km²), Ostrovyanskoe lake (2.5 km²), Crimean (1.44 km²), Sandy lake (1.86 km²).

The Shatsk Lakeland is a plain within the Polessky Lowland. Its central part is characterized by the spread of lacustrine karst basins, which were formed in the Cretaceous deposits. The lakes lying in the middle of marsh landscapes have arisen as a result of the accumulation of alluvium and the rise in the groundwater level, provided that the territory is slightly sloped and there is no constant flow.

The shores of the Shatsky Lakes are low, gentle, composed of sand-pebble and biogenic material; there are swampy areas. The lakes are fed by precipitation and groundwater, as well as by water exchange through channels 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 ones. The bottom is covered mainly with sandy-silty sediments, peat and sapropelic silts.

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Literature

Peleshenko V.I., Zakrevsky D.V., Khilchevsky V.K. On the impact of drainage reclamation on the chemical composition of natural waters of the Shatsk natural subarea // Bulletin of the Kiev University. Series: Geography. - 1978. - Issue. 20. - S. 56-60.
Resources of surface waters of the USSR. Description of rivers and lakes and calculations of the main characteristics of their regime. - V. 6. Ukraine and Moldova. Issue. 1. Western Ukraine and Moldova (without the Dniester river basin). - L., Gidrometeoizdat, 1978. - 476–485 p. (Pulemetskoye (Pulmo), Luki (Luka), Ostrovskoye (Ostrovenskoye), Svityazskoye (Svityaz), Lucimer (Lucimerzh))
Zabokritskaya M.R., Khilchevsky V.K., Manchenko A.P. Hydroecological state of the Western Bug basin in Ukraine. - K .: Nika-Center, 2006. - 184 p. (ukr.) - ISBN 966-521-397-0

An excerpt characterizing the Shatsk Lakes

Napoleon, having cut the armies, moves inland and misses several cases of battle. In the month of August he is in Smolensk and thinks only about how he can go further, although, as we now see, this forward movement is obviously fatal for him.
The facts clearly show that neither Napoleon foresaw the danger in moving towards Moscow, nor did Alexander and the Russian military leaders then think about luring Napoleon, but thought about the opposite. The lure 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 came from a complex game of intrigues, goals, desires of people - participants in the war, who did not guess what should be, and what was the only thing salvation of Russia. Everything happens by accident. The armies are cut at the start of the campaign. We try to combine them with the obvious goal of giving battle and holding 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 is not enough to say that we are withdrawing 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 has to 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 commanding persons) because it seems to him that he is putting his army in danger on this march and that it is most advantageous for him to retreat to the left and south, harassing the enemy from the flank and rear and completing his army in Ukraine. And it seems that he invented it because he does not want to obey the hated and junior rank German Barclay.
The emperor is with the army to inspire it, and his presence and ignorance of what to decide on, and a huge number of advisers and plans destroy the energy of the actions of the 1st army, and the army retreats.
It is supposed to stop in the Dris camp; but unexpectedly Pauluchi, aiming for the commander-in-chief, with his energy acts on Alexander, and the whole plan of Pfuel is abandoned, and the whole thing is entrusted to Barclay. But since Barclay does not inspire confidence, his power is limited.
The armies are fragmented, there is no unity of the authorities, Barclay is not popular; but from this confusion, fragmentation and unpopularity of the German commander-in-chief, on the one hand, indecision and avoidance of battle (which could not be resisted if the armies were together and Barclay would not be the head), on the other hand, more and more resentment against the Germans and arousal 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 commanders of the armies is still more confused and weakened. Benigsen, 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 excite him to energy, and Barclay, feeling even less free under the eyes of all these sovereign eyes, becomes even more cautious for decisive action and avoids battles.
Barclay stands for caution. The Tsarevich hints at treason and demands a general battle. Lubomirsky, Branitsky, Vlotsky and the like inflate all this noise so much that Barclay, under the pretext of delivering papers to the sovereign, sends the Poles adjutant generals to Petersburg and enters into an open struggle with Benigsen and the Grand Duke.
In Smolensk, finally, no matter how Bagration did not want it, the armies unite.
Bagration in a carriage drives up to the house occupied by Barclay. Barclay puts on a scarf, goes out to meet v reports to the senior rank of Bagration. Bagration, in the struggle of generosity, despite the seniority of the rank, submits to Barclay; but, having obeyed, agrees with him even less. Bagration personally, by order of the sovereign, informs him. He writes to Arakcheev: “The will of my sovereign, I can’t do it together with the minister (Barclay). For God's sake, send me somewhere to command a regiment, but I can't be here; and the whole main apartment is filled with Germans, so that it is impossible for a Russian to live, and there is no sense. I thought I truly served the sovereign and the fatherland, but in reality it turns out that I serve Barclay. I confess I don't want to." A swarm of Branicki, Winzingerode and the like poisons the relations of the commanders-in-chief even more, and even less unity comes out. They are going 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 spending a day with him, returns to Barclay and condemns on all counts the future battlefield, which he has not seen.

Shatsky lakes- a noble resort of Volyn, which is well known in all cities of Ukraine. If you are going here, you can be sure that you are going to blue Lakes, because they are really "blue".

Part lake group "Shatsky lakes" includes 24 reservoirs - during the holidays you can swim in each of them.

Svityaz- not only the largest lake among the Shatsky, but also in the whole of Ukraine. Every Ukrainian knows stories about the healing properties of water from local lakes. Maybe that's why tourists come to the blue lakes yearly.
It is said that the composition of the water in Svityaz includes particles of silver and glycerin, which rejuvenates the skin and has a beneficial effect on the rapid healing of wounds. The resort is especially recommended for people from dusty cities and children.

People often come to the Shatsk Lakes to go fishing

Eels, pike perches, pikes and even perches are found in local lakes. In addition, fish can also be purchased at a very affordable price in the village.

The lakes are surrounded on all sides by a lush forest, which means that you can enjoy fresh berries at any time. In the woods near Shatsky lakes blackberries, cranberries and blueberries grow, and very attentive tourists, if they are lucky, can even find ecological mushrooms.

The main recreation areas on the Shatsky Lakes:

Lake Svityaz- the village of Shatsk, the village of Svityaz, the village of Pulmo.

Lake Pesochnoe- the village of Melniki and Gaivka.

Lake Pulemets- the village of Pulemets.

Where to stay on the Shatsky Lakes:

Nester House is located near the beach near the lake Svityaz. Double room with breakfast will cost 350 hryvnia.
Motel Lemark. The cost of rooms varies from 650 to 1400 hryvnia.
Night on recreation center Silver will cost 900 hryvnia, but from your window you will have a view of a wonderful sunset.
Recreation center "Motor". Cottage, designed for four people, will cost you 1720 hryvnia. A quiet and cozy place in the forest with a kitchen and a veranda is perfect for those who want to take a break from the city.
Premier Compass Hotel Yahodyn. A night in this hotel will cost from 480 UAH, including breakfast, parking and free Wi-Fi.
Recreation center "Berezka" in the village of Shatsk is located on the shores of Lake Chernoye. The cost of the room is from 400 hryvnia.
Hotel "Sunny Bungalows". The house has 9 rooms with wooden furniture. Cost - 700 UAH per night.
Private cottage "At Sofia". A great option for a company or two families with children. To the lake 5 meters. The cost of the whole house is 2000 hryvnia.

Resting at the resort, you can easily go on an excursion in the immediate vicinity.

Where to go on an excursion on the Shatsk Lakes

Lubart's castle- the heart of Lutsk. People come here to listen to concerts, watch knightly battles, and also “feel” the walls of the castle, in which Lubart himself probably rests.

Lock during the construction period it was wooden, and it was founded in 1100. In the 14th century, the castle was reconstructed and overlaid with bricks. At that time, it was Lubart who reigned, hence the name of the castle.

V Lutsk there is also a huge Church of Peter and Paul. Its construction took place in the 17th century, and the Italian Briano was engaged in design and development. But the collegium, located on the territory, was almost the first educational institution.

Olyka

V Olyka worth a visit first church built according to plan Radziwill in the 17th century. Rumor has it that it was decorated on the model of the Roman Temple of the Gesu. On the territory of the church there is traditionally a bell tower and several atmospheric chapels.

Collegiate Church of the Holy Trinity in Olyka

And of course, the stellar one cannot fail to attract the attention of tourists. It resembles a huge stone palace. Why? Probably because the fortress was intended not only for protection from the Tatars and various conquerors, but also for the receptions of higher ranks.

The castle was considered a residence until Volhynia was included in the Soviet Union. At the same time, there is a psychiatric hospital here. Don't be surprised if you see small groups of people walking around the area.

Radziwill Castle in Olyka

Winter

V winter cozy located huge with a rich history. They say that he wrote about this monastery himself Nestor the Chronicler, but it was back in the 11th century! Vladimir the Great founded this temple and put all his efforts into its development.

Photo stejka.com

In the 15th century, the prince ruled in the vicinity Fyodor Czartorysky and he also decided to remake the wooden monastery into a magnificent cathedral. Following the decoration, defense towers and fortress walls “grew up” on the territory.

In 1006, Vladimir donated to the monastery an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, which is still kept here. According to the scripture, it was with this icon that Nicholas II Khrisoverkh blessed the union of Anna and Vladimir.

In a word, rest on Shatsky lakes this is air, sun, and new experiences, feel free to choose this destination for your vacation!

Read also:

Shatsky Lakes is an ecologically clean and ideal place for a family vacation, especially with children.
It is incredibly beautiful and cozy here.
The popular and main attraction of the Volyn region is located in Lyubomlsky and Shatsky districts.

Shatsky lakes are a group of more than 30 lakes, which are an integral part of the Shatsky natural national park. The total territory of the reserve is 32,500 hectares.
The magnificent lake Svityaz is considered to be the pearl of the national natural park.
The depth of the reservoir reaches more than 58 meters and is considered the largest lake in Ukraine, even the Sea of \u200b\u200bAzov has only 14 meters of depth.
The water in it is so clear that you can easily see the sandy bottom.

There are four recreation areas on the territory of the park - "Gryada", "Svityaz", Tracts "Gushov" and "Sand", where you can have a great time with friends and family.
You can stay in a boarding house, sanatorium, recreation center, private cottage or in a tent city.

You and your children will not be bored, there is something to do on the Shatsk Lakes.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there are a lot of exciting excursions on kayaks, off-road vehicles, bicycles, yachts, diving and much more.
Those who prefer a quiet relaxing holiday can take a walk through the pine forest to pick berries and mushrooms, walk along eco-educational routes or just sunbathe on the snow-white beach.
And what kind of fishing is here!
More than 31 species of fish (catfish, perch, carp, pike, crucian carp, loach, eel) live in the clear waters of the Shatsk Lakes. There are even crayfish in some lakes, so avid fishermen will have something to do at their leisure.

The main recreation areas on the Shatsky Lakes:
Lake Svityaz - the village of Shatsk, the village of Svityaz, the village of Pulmo.
Lake Pesochnoe - the village of Melniki and Gaivka.
Lake Pulemets - the village of Pulemets.

Useful information and tips for tourists:

If you plan to spend your free time on the Shatsky Lakes in a tent, like we do, I recommend going to Lake Svityaz in the tent camp "Forget-Me-Not"
It is very cozy, quiet and clean, an ideal place for families with children.
The territory is guarded, there is lighting, toilets, cozy gazebos, small cafes.
You can drive into the territory of the tent camp by car and choose any convenient place, set up a tent and a fire.
Every evening, tent camp employees walk around the territory and collect payment for places,
We paid 20 UAH for a car and 20 UAH for a tent.

Enterprising locals walk here every day, selling donuts with different fillings, tubes, fish, crayfish, milk, pies.
When planning your vacation in the tent camp "Forget-me-not", be sure to take a few bottles of drinking water with you, there is water on the territory of the complex, but it is technical.
We took mosquito repellent, but we didn’t need them, there were no bloodsuckers here.
It is advisable to stock up on food in advance, especially meat.
In the village of Svityaz, opposite the beach, there is a market every day where you can buy anything you want.
I want to note the prices here are very different, this applies to both products and souvenirs.
Do not write off to buy goods immediately, walk and ask the price.
The pricing policy is not observed here, who sells for how much he wants for that.
Let me give you an example, my husband wanted to buy smoked fish for beer, he looked after catfish, in one seller the price is 60 UAH and in another 150 UAH.
There is absolutely no difference in som, the same dimensions, the same type of smoking, only the price is different.
And this is the case with all products.

The whole family rested by the lake for a week, the impressions were wonderful, especially for the children.
We rented bicycles, the price is 30 UAH / per hour.
They overcame hanging obstacles, the price is 50 and 75 UAH.
We rented kayaks, price 60 UAH / 1 hour, catamaran 100 UAH / 1 hour.
If you wish, you can go kayaking to the island, which is located in the middle of the lake.
Two hours is enough to take a leisurely stroll around the island and on the way there and back.
There is nothing special on the island, it is deserted and there are many birds, but it is very beautiful.

Here you can try your hand at diving, there is simply no better place for this extreme activity.
The water is so clean that the bottom of the lake is perfectly visible from 8 meters, even without any equipment.
In the sun, the sandy bottom literally shines, and schools of small fish swim at your feet.
With such crystal clear waters, you don’t want to go ashore at all.
Here you can spend hours admiring the snow-white sandy serpentine bottom watching the underwater inhabitants of the lake.

Everyone can rent a cozy yacht from which you will see a magnificent panorama of the surroundings of Lake Svityaz.

Our route:
On our summer vacation, we set off from the wonderful and cozy city of Volochisk (Khmelnitsky region). Having overcome a huge mileage, I would like to note the quality of the road along our entire route in both directions.
If you evaluate the road on a 10-point scale, then I, as a driver, rate the Ukrainian road at 9 points. The road is super, a new canvas has been laid on a large part of our route, along such roads
ride great fun.

As it often happens: we are chasing the beauties of overseas and overseas, but sometimes we don’t know that our native beauty is extraordinary. A confirmation of this for me was a trip to the Shatsk Lakes.

Shatsky lakes in words and numbers

I found out about the Shatsky Lakes by accident - I saw a small report in the news. But even a few frames were enough to have time to admire the beauty of those places. Naturally, I started looking for information about the Shatsk Lakes on the Internet. In words and figures, the idea of the Shatsk Lakes looks like this.

The Shatsky Lakes are located in the Volyn region, directly in the Lyubomlsky and Shatsky districts, located between the Pripyat and Western Bug rivers and represent a group of more than 30 different lakes. The Shatsk Lakes got their name from the name of the regional center of the area - the village 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 Yalpug Lake). They write about the purity of Svityaz as a miracle of nature: the transparency of the water in it reaches 4 m. Large lakes in this water complex are also Lake Pulemets (16.3 km²) and Lake Luki (6.8 km²). Lakes of medium size: Lucimir (4.3 km²), Ostrovyanskoe (2.5 km²), Peremut (1.5 km²), Crimean (1.44 km²), Sand Lake (1.38 km²). There are also very small lakes with an area of less than 1 km², these include: Chernoye, Sominets, Klimovskoye, Linovets, Sandy, Moshne. The Shatsky lakes are a single water complex: for the most part, the lakes, in fact, do not have a clear boundary between them, and those that are far from each other are connected by straits and channels.

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. There are also mushrooms in the local forests, and of a high category: boletus (white), boletus, boletus, boletus, chanterelles. An incredible variety of fish in the Shatsk Lakes: perch, roach, pike, bream, crucian carp, carp, catfish, loach, eel, Canadian catfish, pike perch and Amur carp. And in many lakes even crayfish live.

Crazy adventure worth it

Reading this information, I already imagined how exciting a trip to the Shatsky Lakes would be (and my friends and I traditionally swim in kayaks in some reservoirs 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 it followed from the Internet information that there are a lot of rest houses, camp sites on the Shatsky lakes, various excursion tours are held there - water, horseback, walking, combined type, then my friends and I decided to take a chance and still went to the Shatsky lakes by kayaking. As it became clear later, it was a crazy adventure, but it was worth it, because the Shatsky Lakes turned out to be even more amazing, delightful, fabulous than we could imagine 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 immediately shocks: swimming fish are visible, sand at the bottom, the depth is clearly visible, which is uneven - in remote places it reaches 4 m, and closer to the shores - just ankle-deep. The mirror surface of Lake Svityaz has an irregular, elongated shape, in some places bays are visible. The shores of the lake are low, sandy with magnificent beaches from 5 to 60 m wide.

Not far from the coast, 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 at a loss for words. When the gift of speech returned to him, he told us 2 things - both joyless for us. Firstly, on the territory of the Shatsk National Park you can only be in those places where rest houses, camp sites have been built or places of the so-called tourist reservation 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 cleaned them for a long time.

This is where our journey could have ended. But we must pay tribute to the employees of the Shatsk National Park, who went to meet the tourists who came from afar (Eastern Ukraine and the Volyn region are still not passing light!) And, balancing on the verge of the law, common sense and humanity, allowed us to relax on the Shatsk Lakes without prejudice to national park.

Thirst for discovery

For a couple of days we stood on Lake Svityaz, enjoying its beauty, cleanliness and peace to the fullest. There are breathtaking, mesmerizing, outrageous views around! You can probably look at this beauty for days on end, not getting tired, enjoying romance and peace. And in the evenings, you experience a different delight when a stunning panorama opens up to your gaze: a huge sun slowly sinks into the wide expanse of the lake. In these moments of an unforgettable sunset, the sun paints 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 a romantic name "Island of Lovers". The island is similar to the enchanted places described in fairy tales. It is densely overgrown with a forest of maples and lindens, and liana-like branches descend from above, and something bright, unusual blooms 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 to the island from the shore is through a ford. 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 pioneering awakened in us. Going to the Shatsky lakes, we dreamed of sailing them all. And in order to somehow fulfill the dream, we decided to find an abandoned channel from Lake Svityaz to Lake Luka - what if it is not so impassable after all?! We were optimistic, so we did not go light, like on an excursion, but "camped" and sailed with the conviction that the next overnight stay would be on the shores of Lake Luka.

Journey through the Lost Paradise

I won't bore you with long descriptions of our adventures in search of the canal, but we did find it! For several hours we wandered in the reeds, risking getting lost (but we didn’t get lost!). We met, fortunately, a fisherman, who, although skeptical about our plans, but showed where the entrance to the overgrown canal.

Further - everything is based on enthusiasm, self-confidence and ever-increasing passion. We "cut through" through the thickets! Somewhere we oared a thick layer of duckweed with lake grass, somewhere we pushed through thickets of reeds, somewhere we had to, having got out of the kayak, drag it through the shallows. But in the evening we broke out into the water expanses of Lake Luka.

Then we were expected to meet with the "Lukinsky" forester, who was "numb" even more than the "Svityaz" one, because to the question: "Where are you from here?", I heard: "They sailed from Svityaz." Apparently, impressed by our heroic "assault" of the overgrown canal, he allowed, as an exception, to spend the night on his site. Lake Luki, as they say on the information sites, is distinguished by high biological productivity. Many different birds nest on its banks. We even saw swans there.

It was not difficult to swim from Lake Luka to Lake Peremut, where our next stop was. The local forester, shocked, like his colleagues, by the appearance of kayakers, listened sympathetically to the stories of our adventures. He camped us in the most secluded place on the lake so that our presence could not damage the local flora and disturb the fauna. The transparency of the water in Peremut is not very large - 1.3 m. And its bottom is covered with sapropel silt, and its suspension muddies the water during swimming - hence the name. We had great fishing on Lake Peremut.

Inspired by the first victories, we wanted to visit at least 5 more lakes, which, judging by the map, are connected with Lake Luka by channels and channels. Lake Chernoye is small, according to the description, it lives on underground waters, it is cozy-chamber, with low shores overgrown with reeds and everything is covered with flowering water lilies. Pulemets is famous for its magnificent forests on the banks, which are rich in mushrooms and berries. The sandy lake is fishy, promising a catch even for not quite experienced fishermen. Lake Moshne is generally considered relic, it is even called the standard of relic lakes, it is the oldest of the Shatsky lakes, its age is about 9.8 thousand years. And the fifth is Sandy Lake, which is called Volyn Jurmala because of the similarity of landscapes.

But, alas, alas ... We did not manage to find a passable channel to any of the 5 lakes - each time we ran into a dead end. But our swimming in search of a waterway through bays, channels, canals, streams was amazing. We called it a journey through the lost paradise. Everywhere there was its own amazing color of water - from muddy brown to emerald green. And the places there are incredibly picturesque. Some 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 feathery "pants" on their paws were visible). Herons and storks roam along the banks, not frightened, allowing themselves to be photographed. Water lilies are enchanting - yellow, white, small, large, sometimes lonely scattered, 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 into other lakes by kayaks, we went on a walk to Pesochnoye Lake. This is also a special experience. It is absolutely deservedly called the Volyn Jurmala. Crystal clear, blue, and transparent water. And also for a long, long time you need to move away from the coast in order to be at least "chest-deep" in the water. Amazing white sandy beaches. Bor with sprawling pines that create a pleasant shade on the coast.

For the sake of walks on Sandy Lake, we stood on Luki for several days. Then for a couple of days we swam again to Peremut and returned to Svityaz, finishing our kayaking trip on it, 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 Shatsky lakes

I understand that "wild" kayaking is not of interest to the vast majority of people. But I'm not campaigning for him. It just so happened that it was thanks to our kayaking adventure that we learned that there is a heavenly place in Volyn, a truly natural pearl - Shatsk Lakes. It's beautiful, clean and not noisy. The climate is excellent: the air is quite humid, especially near water bodies, in the forest the air is saturated with phytoncides and other substances emitted by coniferous trees. And how to relax here is the choice of everyone.

The resort infrastructure opens up opportunities for recreation for every taste: holiday homes, camp sites, hotels, hotels, motels, campsites, private cottages (with the possibility of renting the whole house or individual rooms in it), green tourism in private "village" type houses, tent camps (zones of tourist reservation).

The peak season on the Shatsky Lakes is July/mid-August. The most popular holiday destinations with comfortable accommodation are located around the lakes Svityaz and Pesochnoe. Of these, the most famous are: the sanatorium "Lisova Pisnya" (Lake Pesochnoe), the boarding house "Shatsky Lakes" (Lake Svityaz), several comfortable boarding houses in the tract Gryada (Lake Svityaz). Summer holidays on Sandy Lake can be a great alternative for those who love the sea, but do not like the hustle and bustle of seaside resorts. The local places are remote from noise and civilization, thanks to which the rest is provided with silence and impeccable ecology. In addition, here, of course, everything is cheaper: accommodation, food, and any service.

You can eat, as in any resort: in restaurants, cafes, home cooking from the owners, products from local markets, where, in addition to vegetables / fruits, the berry and mushroom richness of local forests is widely represented. The visiting card of the local menu, the symbol of the Shatsk Lakes is eel in its various preparations (fried, boiled, barbecued, and especially smoked).

Here are very popular weekend tours, walking and cycling, horseback riding, you can be accompanied by a guide. There are walks through the forest in a phaeton or carriage, of any length and duration. Walks are combined with picking mushrooms and / or berries. Boating on lakes and on yachts on Lake Svityaz are held. There are 10-day car tours that allow you to go around about two dozen local lakes. Places for spending the night can be from the most exotic - in the 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 museum of local lore, 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, Belarus.

The popularity of the resort on the Shatsk Lakes is growing every year. So, it makes sense to hurry up to go to him until he became spoiled massive.

Have you ever heard about the pearl necklace of Ukraine? 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 Shatsky Lakes were traditional for residents of the Carpathian regions, no wonder - 2 hours drive, and you are already there. The remoteness of the resort from other areas should not get in the way of an unforgettable vacation. Believe me, there is a lot of interesting things here!

For those who do not know, the Shatsk Lakes were inaccessible for a long time due to their location, so nature had the opportunity to develop here in a natural way. In order to preserve the outlandish pristineness of clean water surfaces, covered with a riot of flora, in 1983 it was decided to give Shatsk Lakes status. Thus, walking along the multiple trails of the reserve, you can see nature as it should be. And also look at the life of animals in their natural environment and, perhaps, even stumble upon rare species listed in the Red Book.

In addition to flora and fauna, not far from the Shatsk Lakes there is something to see for lovers of history and culture.

What to see on Shatsky 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 period of 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 Most Holy Theotokos.
The Uran-3 radio telescope, which was built 14 km from Shatsk, makes it possible to predict natural disasters.
The island on is the most romantic place. According to legend, whales once lived here, but with a decrease in the water level, they began to die out. When the last of them died and lay on the bottom, outlandish plants and beautiful flowers gradually began to appear here.

Things to do on the lakes

Ground sports:

Horse rides. A horseback ride is a great opportunity to feel the unity with the fauna and flora, enjoy a leisurely holiday, considering all the advantages of the local beauties. Cost: 20 UAH/hour.
Cycling. The Shatsky Lakes area is ideal for cycling. All this thanks to a flat landscape. You can travel the length and breadth of the reserve and find especially picturesque panoramas. Bicycle rentals are available at all recreation centers. Cost: an average of 20 UAH / hour, at some recreation centers - free of charge.
ATVs. They say that quad biking is a rather dirty pastime, but at the same time one of the most fun, invented by man after the invention of the wheel. Feel the rush of adrenaline in the blood and biting blows of the wind on your face. You can ride ATVs both on desert roads and among the insurmountable thick forest. Cost: check at the recreation centers.

Photo source: zamok.co.ua.

Water leisure:

Yacht, boat, catamaran and kayak rental. Of course, people go to Shatsky Lakes mainly for water entertainment. 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 clear and clean, so it is not difficult to observe the underwater world. The diving base is located in the Shatsky Lakes boarding house, and in the village of Pulmo, not far from the tent camp, you will find a diving school. Here you can pick up equipment even for an 8-year-old child. Cost: 650 UAH.
Windsurfing. Who said that windsurfing can only be practiced at sea? You can also conquer the wave on the Shatsky 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 calm type of recreation, but not on the Shatsk Lakes. About 31 species of fish are found here, including a local attraction - eel, and even crayfish come across in some lakes. Therefore, it will not work to sit quietly with a fishing rod, thinking about your own. If you have forgotten your fishing rods, there are several points on the Shatsky market where all the necessary equipment is sold.

Photo source: galleryua.com.

Other outdoor activities:

Rope park. Directly opposite the recreation center "Shatsky Lakes" there is a rope park "Baza climber". Time will fly by here. If you get tired of climbing 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 should be specified in the rope park.
Billiards, table tennis. The opportunity to play billiards and table tennis is available at each recreation center. Cost: check on the spot.
Paintball. In the village of Svityaz, near the camp "Chaika", a paintball club called "Viking" was opened. Here you can enjoy the game until you stop feeling your arms and legs. Cost: payment only for balloons - 50 kopecks / balloon.

Do not forget about a variety of nightclubs, discos, theme 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.

Shatsky lakes - perfect place for kids. Do you want to relax with children or away from them - you choose. You can be sure that neither big nor small will be bored here.

Where to stay on the Shatsky Lakes

On the Shatsky Lakes, you can find accommodation for every taste: both for lovers of comfort and service, and for those who prefer a more economical type of vacation. 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;
Campsites and tent towns - tent - 10-15 UAH, parking - 10-25 UAH.

Photo source: volynnews.com.

Remember that it is forbidden to set up tents on the territory of the reserve, only in specially designated areas. Also, do not forget that the hottest time for rest in the reserve is in July and August, so housing prices can rise at this time. It is recommended to book places in advance, as there are always a lot of people who want to relax on the Shatsk Lakes.

To study housing prices in the Volyn region, learn more about the conditions of residence and book a room.

How to get there

Ukrainian Polissya - Shatsky Lakes are located between the rivers Pripyat and the Western Bug, if you look at the map, this region is indicated as a series of blue circles.

Photo source: panoramio.com,

Trains from many large cities of Ukraine go here. It is most convenient to go through the city of Kovel, but you can also go from the city of Lutsk or Lyuboml. Buses, fixed-route taxis or private transport run from here.