Pink lake in Crimea: features and location

On the territory of the Kerch Peninsula, between Kerch and Feodosia, lies the Koyashskoye Lake, better known as the Rose. Rumors about it quickly spread throughout the country - it is believed that it is so bright and saturated in color that it can be clearly seen even from an airplane. Let's try to figure out if this is so.

Among the Crimean sights, you can find many unique natural phenomena that cannot be found in other parts of our planet. Without a doubt, one of these places was Koyashskoye Lake, which is popularly called Pink. Tourists from all over the world come to see its beauty - this is not surprising, after all, the area is very picturesque, the salt and mud of the lake have pronounced healing properties, besides, the cost of visiting the recreation area is very democratic.

In previous years, a large mud volcano was located on the site of the modern lake, above it were the waters of the Red Sea. For thousands of years, the surf has formed a sandy spill in the sea - a small strip of land 3 km long and about 100 m wide, which turned a small bay into a completely independent lake with salty waters.

A microscopic algae called Dunaliella salina actively grows and reproduces in it. - it differs in that it produces a special pigment in a huge amount, the coloring components of which give the water that very unique pink tint. The water is very salty - the salt concentration reaches 35 ppm - which means that 1 liter of water contains 35 g of salt.

In ancient times, people lived near the lake, as evidenced by the data of archaeological excavations. So, at the beginning of the last century, near Mount Opuk, the ruins of the ancient site of Cimmerik, presumably built in the 5th century, were discovered. BC NS. For a long time it was the capital of the Cimmerian state, and later became the main stronghold of the Bosporus kingdom and for many years defended the country's borders from the raids of the Scythians.

In the 90s. of the last century, a stele lined with ancient runes was discovered here, now it is kept in the Tauride Museum in Simferopol. This unique archaeological site dates back to the 6th century. n. e, at that time the Goths, who worshiped Odin, had just begun to populate the territory of the Crimea. Historians estimate that this was the site of their main sanctuary.

It is obvious that an unusual lake in Crimea has always filled antiquities with a sacred meaning, which its waters, painted in an unusual shade, contained. However, the salt crystals themselves were of no less value. For many centuries, they were the only spice known to people, and therefore they were quite expensive. And the salt of Koyashkoye Lake, which also possessed medicinal properties, was absolutely priceless, therefore it was supplied straight to the Russian imperial court.

In 1998, the reservoir and adjacent lands with a total area of ​​1592 hectares were included in the Opuksky Nature Reserve, which includes the steppe, as well as coastal and partly marine zones. Many of the most unique plants grow on the territory of the natural monument, and about 20 of them are now included in the Red Book. About 60 species of birds and more than 30 rare animals are also protected by the state.

Koyashskoye Lake is literally strewn with small stone islands, on which salt crystals form intricate patterns and sculptures, they flicker in the sun and are reflected in the water, which makes the picture truly mesmerizing. The best time to visit is the second half of spring. - at this time, the water acquires its unique shade, with the arrival of the summer heat, it evaporates, and the shores of the pink lake are covered with a yellow border.

The place looks really impressive at sunset. The scarlet rays of the setting sun illuminate the surface of the water with crimson colors, which gives it a fantastic and much surreal look - this watch is ideal for taking beautiful souvenir photos.

In addition to the lake itself, its surroundings are of great interest: not far from the shore you can see sailing rocks, which in appearance resemble the outlines of ships, and 16 km from the coast at the bottom lies a real ship, which sank in ancient times and rests there under a fragment of a rock.

The dry land near the lake in summer is a scorched desert, but in spring it is filled with dozens and even hundreds of flowers of the most unusual colors - this picture is unlikely to leave anyone indifferent.

Hundreds and even thousands of tourists annually come to Koyashskoye Lake in an effort to enjoy its pink color. This is not surprising, because the photographs presented in magazines and on the Internet are truly impressive - flamingo lake, light green isthmus and turquoise sea.

There are other equally impressive shots: ugly driftwood of trees with salty growths growing on them, like huge mushrooms, protrude from the water of a pale crimson color. And, of course, the hands that scooped up a handful of pink salt. How not to get off the ground and come to such a heavenly place?

However, most of the tourists leave disappointed - the lake actually turns out to be gray, the salt that has dried up along the coastline is of a dirty brown color, and there are no salt growths on the trees, and the trees and shrubs growing here are far from the pictures. The smell is also not pleasing: instead of the violet scent, tourists inhale the smell of rotten cabbage mixed with sulfuric ointment.

Let's see if this Koyash Lake will ever turn pink? Undoubtedly! Maybe they give the images a little juiciness, but not in such a way as to pass off this slurry as a bright rose, and there is also a reddish salt here.

The alga Dunaliella salina develops at the bottom of the reservoir due to its volcanic origin. During active flowering, which occurs for the last decade of April – first half of May, a coloring pigment begins to be produced, which colors the water and salt. It is this plant that spreads a pleasant floral scent around.

Artemia crustaceans live in colonies and contribute to the improvement of the shade of the reservoir. By themselves, they cannot significantly color the water, but they cope with the role of the additive perfectly, giving the water the desired shade at the most unusual time, for example, at the end of summer.

Koyashskoye Lake is located, as already mentioned, on the Kerch Peninsula. However, old-timers note that this is a godforsaken place, and it is rather difficult to find a more unsuccessfully located territory in Crimea. If you look at the map, you will notice that the village closest to the reserve is called Maryevka, Borisovka and Yakovenkovo ​​are located a little further, but their names will tell little to tourists. It is still better to use Maryevka as a reference point, since the barrier of the reserve is located precisely on its side.

From the bus station in the city of Kerch you can get to your destination by minibus No. 78, the road will take about an hour and a half. Keep in mind that there are only 3 flights a day in the direction of the reserve - the first one leaves at about 5 am, the second one at 1 pm and the last one - at about 5 pm, when it makes no sense to go to the Pink Lake.

It is best to choose an early flight... Getting off the bus is best in Yakovenkovo ​​and along the coastal line pass through the reserve. The fact is that the minibus is not moving along the main road. You can also get off at Maryevka - but this is a stop later. You can go by car, but only to the territory of the protected area.

It is best to order an organized excursion, especially since no one will allow you to drive through the protected area unaccompanied. If you wish, you can order a bus, all you need is a driver's license and driving experience over three years. Such a trip will cost 2-2.5 thousand rubles, for a small company of 4-5 people this is a pretty reasonable decision.

So, let's move on to the main question - when is the best time to go to the Pink Lake. If you want to enjoy its unusual shade, then it is better to make a trip from mid-April to early June, it is during this period that the algae bloom. By the way, the first spring flowers bloom during this period, therefore, not far from the reserve in the Nikitsky Botanical Garden, successive festivals of tulips, irises and, of course, lilacs are constantly held. Lovers of beautiful flowers travel from all parts of Crimea to the Opuksky Nature Reserve to take pictures of the famous Schrenk tulip - and at this moment Koyashskoye Lake is already pink.

And the most inappropriate time to visit is the middle of summer. The fact is that the lake itself is quite shallow, about 1 meter deep, so by July it dries up completely under the hot rays of the sun, and strong winds begin to spread salt crystals over the adjacent territories. That is why excursions are not carried out in summer, resuming only in September, when the air warming up approaches the parameters that are comfortable for a person.

However, pinkish color during this period is no longer to be found, and visitors will only have to admire the reserve, as well as the Cimmerian settlement and the rocks that resemble ships. In winter, especially in February, like in March, the lake also does not represent any tourist value.

Koyashskoye Lake is valued not only for its beauty, but also for the beneficial properties of its water. Due to the increased concentration of sea salt and in combination with bottom muddy sediments, therapeutic mud is formed here, which in its chemical composition is close to the products of the famous balneological resort of Saki.

The beta-carotene enzyme contained in water has powerful antioxidant properties, participates in the body's immune processes, and also stimulates adaptive mechanisms.

Thanks to the action of antioxidants, fats are broken down and dangerous free radicals are neutralized, which significantly reduces the risk of neurological and cardiovascular pathologies, including such as deficiency states, atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.

If you intend to visit Pink Lake, then you need to prepare for such a trip. The main thing is to wear comfortable shoes, since you will have to walk a distance of about 6 km across the territory of the reserve. Be sure to bring hats with you - the hot scorching sun and the absence of shade often leads to sunstroke, and you can get it in just half an hour.

If you dream of running along the bottom of the lake and taking beautiful photos, be sure to get rubber beach shoes or special slippers to protect against sea urchins. Ordinary slates are fine too, but it is important that they fit snugly against your foot: if you get into a muddy area, you will pull your foot out, but your shoes may remain in the bog.

Considering that the journey will take quite a long time, do not forget to bring a snack with you.

Travelers claim that the most beautiful photographs are taken at sunset. That is why it is best to come to the lake around noon: take a walk, admire the shade of the reservoir, then go to the beach, see the surrounding sights, the cape, and return to the lake closer to sunset.

See below for a video review of the pink lake.