Donuzlav: everything 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 the article, we will consider Donuzlav Lake - the deepest and largest lake on the peninsula, it is an ideal place for a family vacation in the bosom of nature. Let us dwell in more detail on the history of its origin, description, and also consider where it is better to stay and how to get to it.

Lake Donuzlav is located in the western part of the Crimean Peninsula, near the famous resort town of Evpatoria. This lake is famous not only for tourists, but also for local residents, because it amazes with the beauty of nature and it is quite easy to get to it. Today, several versions have been presented, according to which this natural object was formed. Many scientists are inclined to believe that the lake was created as a result of the fracture of the earth's crust. As the tectonic plates shifted, a crevice was formed, which was filled with water. Today, a sandy isthmus is presented 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 origin of the lake - Donuzlav is the remnant of one of the rivers of Scythia, namely Gipakiris... In the fourth volume of the book "History" Herodotus mentions her. Another part of the researchers considers the lake as part of the Dnieper River. The lower reaches of the river flowed here. It was only during the Paleozoic era that 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 the Crimea from the north-western side.

According to studies that were carried out in the 60s of the last century, people lived on the shore of the lake in the Copper Age. Researchers from the Institute of Archeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences found burial mounds on the shores of the lake that belonged to the Eneolithic era. They have much in common with the pyramids of Egypt, but are much smaller in size. An interesting fact is that the masonry was made of a fairly high quality, since they are quite densely located. It has also been proven that no binders were used during construction.

Some archaeologists consider them to be objects, which made it possible to fence off the sacred territory from the rest. Other researchers are of the opinion that these stones were used to restrain the spread of the necropolis. Although these versions can co-exist. One should not exclude the version according to which a monument was made with the help of boulders during burial, since the silhouettes of stone mounds 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. They found tools made of stones, dishes made of clay, jewelry made from the bones of various animals, as well as bronze knives resembling spears. Much can be said about how the burial was carried out by primitive tribes. Since a wooden plow was found, it was possible to establish that in the III century BC. NS. the peoples that inhabited the west of Crimea were already engaged in agriculture. In another grave there was a musical instrument that looks very much like 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 of life was eroded, as a result of which the lake turned into a man-made bay. The fresh water of the lake became salty. But the name of the lake was not given by chance either. According to one of the legends, wild boars used to live on the shores, so the lake was called “the boar's haven” or Domuzlav. But, as we can see, the name of the lake has 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 its width reaches only 5 km. The widest place is located in the region of the Black Sea coast - the width is 8.5 km. If we consider a sand spit, then it is 12 km long and from 300 m to 1 km wide. A rather narrow channel runs in the center. The southeastern part of the spit was named the South Spit, and the northwestern part was named Belyaus. Several Crimean rivers flow into the lake - Donuzlav, Burnuk, as well as streams Chernushka and Stary Donuzlav. On average, the depth of the reservoir 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 hunting birds. If they chose this territory for themselves, then nothing threatens them, like their nests. Donuzlav is a protected area in which water chickens, teal-cracks and coots live.It is also worth noting that access to these lands became possible only recently, since they were under protection. Indeed, on this territory, at first there was a Soviet military base, and later - a Ukrainian one.

The lake is rich in minerals. Sand is mined here. 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 settle in that part of the bay where salty water predominates, you can catch sturgeon, mullet, red mullet or flounder. Silver carps, carps, bream and pike perch are concentrated in the freshwater part of the bay.

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. This place is sure to appeal to lovers of seafood, as mussels, rapana, shrimp and crabs are found here. According to research, this place is ideal for breeding giant oysters, so it is possible that in the near future there will be a Black Sea base for breeding them.

Since Donuzlav attracts tourists, locals provide several options for where to stay.

• If you like a wild vacation, you are not looking for amenities, then you can stay in a tent city that is located on the Belyaus Spit. There are places for cars, toilets and showers. Of course, all services are paid. If you are more attracted by free recreation, 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 make it possible to find accommodation for budget-conscious tourists. The villages of Gromovo, Znamenskoye and Medvedkovo are located nearby, where you can rent housing from local residents. But it should be borne in mind that the sea can only be reached by car, so you will have to swim in the lake.
• If comfort comes first for you, then it is worth staying at a hotel or inn, which are mainly concentrated in the village of Popovka. The most popular is the recreation center "Stepnaya Gavan". Rooms include all comforts, 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.

• Wellness. The lake is famous for its curative mud and clay. This place is in demand among people who suffer from diseases of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, as well as have infertility or sexual dysfunction, problems with the musculoskeletal system. Air water and brine spreading provide skin rejuvenation. On the beaches you can swim and splash, which is especially popular with the kids.

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

• Fishing. Of course, men love fishing. Here you can fish exclusively from the shore using a fishing rod or spinning rod. There is a fishermen's club nearby, where you can rent any equipment, even a boat. Fishing is paid here, on average it costs 700 rubles. The fishing season starts in June and ends only in September. If you decide to fish for carp, then you should do it with boiled potatoes or canned corn, because this is their favorite delicacy.

• Dolphinarium. Dolphin therapy is very popular. At the recreation center "Stepnaya Gavan" there is a dolphinarium, where you can go swimming with dolphins. Children will definitely like this kind of vacation.

Donuzlav has an advantageous location as it is located in the western part of the Crimean peninsula.If you look at the map, then it is worth starting from the location of the resort city of Evpatoria, since the distance from the lake to this city is only 28 km. You need to take a ticket from the Evpatoria bus station for a bus that goes to the village of Novoozernoye or Mirny. Buses run regularly in this direction. Since the accommodation is located on the shore of 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 basic motorcycle riding skills. The motorcycle tour goes from the village of Chernomorskoye to Donuzlav Lake. 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.

For information on how to get to Lake Donuzlav in Crimea, see the next video.