The Deepest Lake in Ukraine — Svytyaz: Depth and Features of the Freshwater Body
Ukraine has many beautiful water bodies. They differ not only in beauty but also in recreation areas. For example, the deepest lake in Ukraine is Svytyaz. It is also the most popular water body in the country.
Every year, the deepest lake in Ukraine, whose depth is incredibly great, attracts thousands of Ukrainians. They visit various locations around the lake and take unique photos. Therefore, this deepest freshwater lake in Ukraine is also one of the largest natural recreation areas.
Description of the Lake
Lake Svytyaz is a true natural pearl of Volyn and the deepest lake in Ukraine, which for many decades has attracted tourists with its clear water, picturesque landscapes, and unique atmosphere of tranquility. This lake is considered one of the most valuable objects of the Shatsky National Nature Park, as its beauty and ecological significance go far beyond regional importance. Many call Svytyaz the Ukrainian equivalent of a seaside resort, only without salty water, as the transparency of the water and the recreation on its shores resemble seaside landscapes. At the same time, the lake has a peculiar mystique: it is associated with many legends and stories passed down from generation to generation.
Svytyaz is the largest and deepest among all the lakes in Ukraine. Its maximum depth reaches about 58 meters, which makes it unique not only for our country but for all of Eastern Europe. The surface area of the water is over 25 square kilometers, and the length of the coastline is about 30 kilometers. A feature of the lake is the extraordinary transparency of the water: on a sunny day, it is possible to see the bottom even at a depth of 6–8 meters. This clarity is due to the fact that the water body is of glacial origin and is fed by underground springs that provide natural filtration.
The water in Svytyaz is fresh, with a minimal salt content, soft and pleasant for swimming. The temperature rises in summer to 20–24 °C, making recreation comfortable for both children and adults. Pine forests grow along the shores, creating a special microclimate: the air here is rich in oxygen and the aroma of pine, so even simple walks along the shoreline benefit health. The lake has several islands that add to its picturesque nature.
History
The history of Svytyaz is rich and enveloped in numerous legends. It is believed that the lake was formed as a result of glacial activity tens of thousands of years ago. The waters of the retreating glacier filled the depression, creating a deep and majestic body of water that has been preserved to this day.
In written sources, Svytyaz is first mentioned in the Middle Ages. The "Tale of Bygone Years" contains evidence of "bright waters" located in Volyn, and researchers suggest that this refers to this lake. Over time, it became an object of interest for travelers and chroniclers. In the 19th century, the famous Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz wrote about Svytyaz, dedicating to it the ballad "Svytyaz," in which romantic images intertwine with tragic motifs.
Legends say that a flourishing village once stood at the site of the lake, which sank underwater in an instant to escape attackers. People prayed to God for help, and he turned the settlement into a deep body of water to protect the inhabitants. Hence, numerous stories about the "sunken city" at the bottom of Svytyaz, which can allegedly be seen on especially clear days, originate.
In the 20th century, Svytyaz became a popular resort for residents of Ukraine and neighboring countries. With the establishment of the Shatsky National Nature Park in 1983, the lake received special protected status. This helped preserve its cleanliness and natural environment despite the constant increase in the number of tourists.
Infrastructure and Recreation
Today, Svytyaz is not only a picturesque lake but also one of the main tourist centers of the Volyn region. Numerous recreation bases, private estates, campgrounds, and guest houses have been established along its shores. Recreation here is available for various categories of tourists: both budget accommodations and modern cottages with all amenities can be found.
The beaches at Svytyaz are sandy, well-maintained, and suitable for recreation with children. Many of them are equipped with canopies, sunbeds, children's playgrounds, cafes, and water transport rental points. Tourists can rent catamarans, boats, or even kayaks for active recreation.
Bicycle rides around the lake are also becoming popular, as the routes pass through picturesque forests and villages. In addition, other lakes of the Shatsky Park are located nearby that can be visited during one trip.
The gastronomic component of recreation at Svytyaz should also be noted. Here you can taste the local fish - freshly caught eel, pike, or carp, cooked over a fire. Smoked fish delicacies offered by local residents are especially popular.
For those seeking health benefits, the lake also has significance: the water contains many beneficial microelements, and the clean air and pine forest contribute to strengthening immunity.
Where is it located on the map?
Lake Svytyaz is located in the west of Ukraine, in the Volyn region, not far from the border with Poland and Belarus. It is the central part of the Shatsky National Nature Park, which unites over thirty lakes.
If you look at the map, Svytyaz is located in the Shatsky district, approximately 25 kilometers from the city of Luboml and 160 kilometers from the regional center - Lutsk. Its coordinates are easy to find in any navigator since this is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Volyn.
Due to its advantageous location, the lake is often visited by tourists not only from Ukraine but also from Poland and Belarus, as the distance to the borders of these countries is only a few dozen kilometers.
How to Get There?
One of the main questions is how to get to this location. You can reach Svytyaz in various ways:
- From Lutsk, the easiest way to reach by car is to cover approximately 160 kilometers along the road through Kovel and Luboml. The travel time is about 2.5-3 hours.
- By public transport from Lutsk or Kovel, buses run to the village of Shatsk, from where you can take a taxi or a minibus to the lake.
- From other cities in Ukraine, the easiest way is to take a train to Kovel since this is the largest railway hub in the region. From there, bus connections to Shatsk and directly to Svytyaz are organized.
- For tourists from abroad, traveling is also convenient, as the nearest checkpoints with Poland and Belarus are located only 30-40 kilometers from the lake.
In the summer season, transportation connections are expanded, and you can find direct flights from Kyiv and other major cities in Ukraine directly to Shatsk or even to Svytyaz itself.
Fishing
Lake Svytyaz is considered a true paradise for fishermen, as its waters are rich in various fish species. The most common inhabitants of the water body are pike, zander, perch, bream, catfish, roach, eel, and crucian carp. A special pride of the locals is the European eel - a rare species listed in the Red Book. Thanks to the eel, Svytyaz became famous among anglers not only in Ukraine but also in neighboring countries.
Fishing at Svytyaz allows you to feel not just the thrill of the catch but also the pleasure of the process itself. Many tourists rent boats to reach the deeper parts of the lake. Night fishing for zander or eel is particularly popular. Local fishermen know secret spots and are always ready to help newcomers. In winter, the water body transforms into a winter fishing place - dozens of enthusiasts can be seen on the ice.
Fishing at Svytyaz also has cultural significance: festivals of fish soup are often held in the surrounding villages, where you can taste traditional dishes made from local fish. Tourists note the special taste of Svytyaz fish, as the lake is known for its crystal-clear water, making the fish meat tender and tasty.
Comparison with Other Lakes in Ukraine
Lake Svytyaz stands out among other water bodies in Ukraine due to its depth and transparency. When comparing it with Lake Synevyr, located in the Carpathians, both have unique beauty, but different characteristics. Synevyr is located high in the mountains, known for its romantic image of the "Sea Eye," while Svytyaz attracts with its large area and the possibility of recreation on sandy beaches.
In comparison with the Shatsky lakes, of which it is a part, Svytyaz is the largest and deepest. Other water bodies, such as Pysachne or Lyutsymer, are also popular among tourists, but Svytyaz is considered the main pearl of this natural complex.
Considering Lake Yalpuh, the largest by area in Ukraine, it loses to Svytyaz in beauty and water transparency. Yalpuh resembles a river floodplain more, while Svytyaz has a typical lake structure with a gentle shore and sandy bottom.
Interestingly, in terms of the cleanliness and transparency of the water, Svytyaz can be compared even with some alpine lakes in Europe. The water is so clear that at a depth of up to 8 meters, you can see the bottom. This makes it particularly attractive for diving and swimming.
Interesting Facts
Separately, it is worth mentioning some interesting facts about this place:
- The deepest lake in Ukraine - the maximum depth of Svytyaz reaches about 58 meters, making it the undisputed leader among Ukrainian lakes.
- Crystal clear water - due to the absence of industrial enterprises nearby, the water in the lake has a high degree of transparency. Its purity allows it to be safely drunk even after boiling.
- Local legends - many tales exist about how a wealthy city once stood where the lake is now and sank due to a curse. The residents of the Shatsky district often recount these stories to tourists.
- Biodiversity - over 20 species of fish live in the water body, as well as waterfowl, including swans, ducks, and herons. The territory around the lake is part of the Shatsky National Nature Park, which ensures environmental protection.
- Change of water color - depending on the weather and the season, the water in the lake can change shades from light blue to deep blue, creating unique landscapes.
Thus, Svytyaz is not just a lake, but a unique natural pearl with enormous recreational, cultural, and natural significance. Its depth, water clarity, and picturesque landscapes make it a true symbol of Volyn and all of Ukraine.
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