Virgin forests, crystal clear lakes and rich fauna - all this is the wonderful nature of Belarus, which is the true property of the state. One of the most beautiful places in the country can be considered Cretaceous Lakes near Volkovysk, attracting more and more tourists who have decided to reunite with wildlife. Today, these places are popular not only among Belarusians, but also among other nations, among which Russians and Ukrainians stand out.
History of occurrence
Belarusian miracle appeared as a result of Cretaceous mining, which has been going on for more than a century. JSC "Krasnoselskstroymaterialy" produces mixtures, cement, lime, pipes and all kinds of parts. The extraction and further transportation of chalk is carried out here around the clock, but this will not interfere with your rest in the least, because the already formed lakes are located at some distance from the current deposits. Numerous visitors will confirm the magnificence of nature and clean air reigning in these places near such a wonderful place as the city of Volkovysk. There are also chalk lakes in the Minsk region, but we will talk about them a little later.
Belarusian Maldives
In recent years, the Cretaceous lakes near Volkovysk have become a real natural landmark of Belarus. Shrubs and trees gradually grow along the shores of these man-made reservoirs, and the water acquires a turquoise-emerald hue. Despite the fact that there are no good roads to this place, people are increasingly coming here to enjoy the clean air and water that ecotourism lovers are so attracted to. It is worth noting that each of the lakes is unique: steep banks overgrown with young pines rise near the waters of one, and the other greets visitors with gentle slopes. It was the latter that became a favorite vacation spot for the townspeople. Of course, not all reservoirs are suitable for swimming, although it does not hurt to find a dozen pretty lakes, where the water surface is akin to heaven itself. These waters are also good for fishing enthusiasts, because the lakes are rich in crucian carp, rudd, pike, roach, silver carp and other fish species. However, the Cretaceous Lakes are quite wild as they are considered a technical facility, so don't expect to find gentrified beaches, bars or recreation centers there. Be that as it may, the unique landscapes and turquoise waters of the lakes constantly attract many travelers, and local residents who have gone to barbecue.
Route
Cretaceous lakes (or rather, quarries) are located near the city of Volkovysk, Grodno region. From Minsk you will have to drive about 270 km, from Moscow - 1000 km. Let us clarify the fact that it will not be possible to drive up close to the lakes (except on an SUV), and therefore we will have towalk 500-700 meters. Many tourists go to them with tents and barbecues in order to have a great weekend away from the bustle of the city. See the map below.
Warning
Let's finish the story about the Cretaceous Lakes near Volkovysk with one significant "but". The fact is that the aforementioned enterprise Krasnoselskstroymaterialy OJSC does not recommend visiting water bodies and swimming in them. Such a warning is explained by the discrepancy between the sanitary rules and norms of lake waters, which were checked by the Volkovysk Zonal Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in 2013. According to him, the number of OKB (general coliform bacteria) and TKB (thermotolerant coliform bacteria) exceeds the norm by 60-100 times. Of course, this is a very big drawback, but it stops few people. Another important fact is the great depth of the lakes (over 10 m), which is why you need to be especially careful.
Cretaceous lakes near Soligorsk
A similar situation is observed near another city. This is Soligorsk. The chalk lakes here are also flooded chalk quarries, but mining is no longer carried out near these reservoirs. The nearest settlement is the small town of Urechye. Azure water, pine forests and fresh air for barbecue - what else do vacationers need? It is worth noting that in this place there are much fewer reservoirs - there are only 2 of them. Nevertheless, they are huge, and therefore there will be enough places for all vacationers. Cretaceous lakes in Belarus, as we briefly mentionedabove, compared with the Maldives. 90% of people are unlikely to be able to afford a trip to the latter, but why take such measures if you can have a great time in your native lands? Don't forget to take your camera with you, because dozens of beautiful pictures are provided for you.
Visitor reviews
As a rule, visiting the Cretaceous Lakes leaves only pleasant impressions, which are carefully stored in our memory. Most tourists praise the beauty of the local nature, clean water and a beautiful bottom with the remains of chalk, which, by the way, gives the reservoirs that marvelous bright turquoise hue. The disadvantages include uncomfortable approaches to the water, which do not allow you to quickly go down to them. At the same time, people who do not know how to swim well are not recommended to come here, because the lakes are quite deep. Of course, circles or mattresses can save such a situation, but you should pay special attention to this remark.
In general, the lakes have become one of the most favorite vacation spots for Belarusians. Whole families come here for a picnic in order to escape from the gray everyday life, swim in plenty, sunbathe in the sun and breathe in the amazing air filled with the scent of pines. Those people who are already lucky enough to get acquainted with these places are advised to stock up on car GPS navigators, because getting to the lakes is quite problematic. Some quarries are simply impossible to drive up to, but do not be discouraged, because you can always find ones that are not particularly difficult to get to by car. In general, restis remembered for a long time. Here you can endlessly look at the water surface, stretching into the distance. And evening sunsets fascinate with their magnificence!
Well, the Cretaceous Lakes are a truly amazing place to visit on a hot sunny day. Of course, the choice is always yours, but don't miss your chance.
