Donuzlav: all about the lake in Crimea

Today, the Crimean peninsula attracts more and more tourists. It is famous not only for its endless beaches and warm sea, but also for its beautiful natural reservoirs. In this article, we will consider Lake Donuzlav - the deepest and largest on the peninsula, it is an ideal place for a family holiday in the lap of nature. Let us dwell on the history of its origin, description, and also consider where it is better to stay and how to get to it.

Donuzlav Lake is located in the western part of the Crimean peninsula, near the famous resort town of Yevpatoriya. This lake is famous not only for tourists, but also for local residents, because it impresses with the beauty of nature and it is quite easy to get to it. Today, several versions are presented, according to which this natural object was formed. Many scientists are inclined to believe that the lake was created as a result of breaking the crust of the globe. Since there was a shift of tectonic plates, a cleft formed, which was filled with water. Today, a sandy isthmus is represented on the lake, but it was formed later, since it appeared as a result of tidal waves, it was with their help that an isthmus of sand was formed.

Some researchers adhere to the following version of the appearance of the lake - Donuzlav is the remainder of one of the rivers of Scythia, namely Gipakiris. In the fourth volume of the book "History" Herodotus mentions it. Another part of the researchers considers the lake as part of the Dnieper River. The lower reaches of the river flowed here. And only in the period of the Paleozoic era an independent reservoir was formed.About a million years ago, the river valley was located between the coast of the mainland and the coast of Crimea from the north-western side.

According to studies that were conducted in the 60s of the last century, people lived on the lake already in the Copper Age. Researchers from the Institute of Archeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences on the coast of the lake found mounds that belonged to the Eneolithic era. They have much in common with the pyramids of Egypt, but in size they are significantly inferior to them. An interesting fact is that the masonry was made quite qualitatively, since they are rather densely located. At the same time, it was proved that no binders were used during construction.

Some archaeologists consider them objects, which made it possible to fence off the sacred territory from the rest. Other researchers are of the opinion that with the help of these stones the creep of the necropolis was restrained. Although these versions may exist simultaneously. It is not necessary to exclude the version according to which with the help of blocks they made a monument at the burial, since the silhouettes of stone barrows in many ways resemble a human figure.

Archaeologists have found quite a few interesting things inside the necropolises that tell us about how our ancestors used to live here. Tools were found made of stones, clay dishes, jewelry made from the bones of various animals, as well as knives made of bronze resembling spears. Much can be said about how the burial of primitive tribes was carried out. Since the plow of wood was found, it was possible to establish that in the III century BC. e. the peoples that inhabited the west of Crimea were already engaged in agriculture. In another grave was a musical instrument that looks very similar to a modern flute.

If we consider the more modern history of the lake, then it is worth noting 1961, since it was in this year that the base of patrol ships was created, while the isthmus was washed out, as a result of which the lake turned into a man-made bay. The fresh water of the lake has become salty. But the name of the lake was also given not at all by chance. According to one legend, wild boars used to live on the shores, so the lake was called the "boar shelter" or Domuzlav. But, as you can see, the name of the lake changed slightly over time.

Donuzlav belongs to the group of Tarkhankut lakes, while it is the largest and deepest. Its length is 30 km, while the width reaches only 5 km. The widest place is located in the Black Sea coast - the width is 8.5 km. If we consider a spit of sand, then it has a length of 12 km and a width of 300 m to 1 km. A fairly narrow channel runs through the center. The southeastern part of the spit is called South Spit, and the northwestern part is Belyaus. Several Crimean rivers flow into the lake - Donuzlav, Burnuk, as well as Chernushka and Stary Donuzlav streams. The average depth of the pond is 15-17 meters, but the maximum length reaches 27 meters.

Today, the territory of Donuzlav is protected by law from poachers. There is a ban on bird hunting. If they chose this territory for living, then they, like their nests, are not in danger. Donuzlav is a conservation area in the territory of which water chickens, teal crackers and coots live.It is also worth noting that access to these lands became possible only recently, since they were under protection. After all, in this territory, at first there was a Soviet military base, and later - a Ukrainian one.

The lake is rich in minerals. It produces sand. But local residents are more attracted by the opportunity to sit on the shore with a fishing rod, because the lake has a rather rich world under water. If you are located in that part of the bay where salt water predominates, you can catch sturgeon, mullet, red mullet or flounder. In the freshwater part of the bay, silver carp, carps, bream and zander are concentrated.

On average, about 50 species of fish live here, while about 25 species are constantly here, others swim into the bay only at certain times of the year. Seafood lovers will surely like this place, because there are mussels, raps, shrimps and crab. According to studies, this place is ideal for breeding a giant oyster, so it is possible that in the near future there will be a Black Sea base for their breeding.

Since Donuzlav attracts tourists, then locals provide several options where you can stay.

• If you like a wild vacation, you are not looking for amenities, then you can stay in the tent camp, which is located on the Spit Belyaus. Here are places for cars, toilets and showers are located. Of course, all services are paid. If free recreation is more attractive, then you can equip your home in a deserted place, but at the same time you should have everything you need with you - water, food, firewood, tents and so on.
• The private sector will allow you to find accommodation for budget travelers. Nearby are the villages of Gromovo, Znamenskoye and Medvedkovo, where you can rent housing from local residents. But it is worth considering that the sea can only be reached by car, so you have to swim in the lake.
• If for you comfort comes first, then it is worth staying at a hotel or hotel, which is mainly concentrated in the village of Popovka. The most popular is the recreation center "Steppe Harbor". The rooms include all amenities, including covered terraces. On the territory of the recreation center there is a swimming pool, parking for cars.

Donuzlav is an amazing place because here you can find quite a few options for a pleasant pastime.

• Recovery. The lake is known for healing mud and clay. This place is in demand among people who suffer from diseases of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, and also have infertility or sexual dysfunction, problems with the musculoskeletal system. Airy water and brine spreading rejuvenates the skin. On the beaches you can swim and dabble, which is especially popular with the kids.

• Diving. Since the water in the lake is completely transparent, you can go diving. At a depth of only 2-3 meters, you can enjoy the beautiful and rich underwater world, which we already mentioned above. The bottom of the lake is covered with funny crabs, seahorses and funny algae.

• Fishing. Of course, men love fishing. Here you can fish exclusively from the shore, using a fishing rod or spinning. Nearby is the club of fishermen, where you can rent any equipment, even a boat. Fishing here is paid, on average, they cost 700 rubles a day. The fishing season begins in June and ends only in September. If you decide to catch carps, then you should do it on boiled potatoes or canned corn, because this is their favorite treat.

• Dolphinarium. Dolphin therapy is very popular. On the recreation center "Steppe Harbor" is a dolphinarium where you can go swimming with dolphins. Children will definitely enjoy such a vacation.

Donuzlav has a favorable location, since it is located in the western part of the Crimean peninsula.If you look at the map, it is worth starting from the location of the resort city of Yevpatoriya, since the distance from the lake to this city is only 28 km. It is necessary to take a ticket from the bus station of Evpatoria to the bus that goes to the village of Novoozernoye or Mirny. Buses run regularly in this direction. Since the accommodation is located on the lake, you can enjoy the beauty of Donuzlav from the window of your room.

If you wish, you can take part in a motorcycle tour if you have the basic skills of riding a motorcycle. Mototour goes from the village of Chernomorskoye to Lake Donuzlav. The route has a duration of 80 km, in time it takes 8 hours. Such a unique trip will allow you to see 28 amazing places of the Crimean peninsula.

See how to get to Donuzlav Lake in Crimea in the next video.