Donuzlav: everything about the lake in Crimea

Today, the Crimea peninsula attracts more and more tourists. It is famous not only for the endless beaches and warm sea, but also for its beautiful natural reservoirs. In the article we will look at the Donuzlav lake - the deepest and largest on the peninsula, it is an ideal place for a family holiday in the midst of nature. Let us dwell on the history of its origin, description, and also consider where it is better to stop 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 is quite easy to reach. Today there are several versions 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. As the tectonic plates shifted, 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 was formed from sand.

Some researchers adhere to the next version of the appearance of the lake - Donuzlav is a remnant of one of the rivers of Scythia, namely Gipakirisa. In the fourth volume of the book "Stories" 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 was an independent reservoir formed. About a million years ago, the valley of the river was located between the coast of the continental part and the coast of Crimea from the north-west side.

According to studies that were conducted in the 60s of the last century, already in the Copper Age people lived on the shores of the lake. 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. They have much in common with the pyramids of Egypt, but in size significantly inferior to them. An interesting fact is that the masonry is made quite qualitatively, since they are rather densely arranged. At the same time, it was proved that no binders were used during construction.

Some archaeologists consider them objects, which allowed them to isolate the sacred territory from the rest. Other researchers are of the opinion that with the help of these stones the spread of the necropolis was held back. Although these versions may simultaneously exist. We should not exclude the version according to which with the help of bricks they made a monument at burial, since the silhouettes of stone mounds in many respects resemble a human figure.

Archaeologists have found quite a lot of interesting things inside the necropolis, which tell us about how our ancestors used to live here. Stone tools, clay dishes, decorations made from the bones of various animals, as well as bronze knives resembling spears were found. You can tell a lot about how the burial was done by primitive tribes. Since a wooden plow was found, it was possible to establish that in the III century BC. erthe peoples that inhabited the west of the Crimea were already engaged in farming. In another tomb was a musical instrument that looks very similar to the modern flute.

If we look at the more modern history of the lake, then it is worth noting the year 1961, since it was this year that the base of guard ships was created, while the isthmus was eroded, as a result of which the lake turned into a technogenic bay. Fresh water of the lake has become salty. But the name of the lake is also given not by accident. According to one of the legends, wild boars used to live on the shores, therefore the lake was called “boar shelter” or Domuzlav. But, as we 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 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 sand spit, then it has a length of 12 km, and in width - from 300 m to 1 km. A rather narrow canal passes through the center. The southeastern part of the spit is called the South Spit, and the northwestern part is called Belyaus. Several Crimean rivers flow into the lake - Donuzlav, Burnuk, as well as Chernushka and Old Donuzlav streams. 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 they, like their nests, are not in danger. Donuzlav is a conservation area in the territory of which live water chickens, crackling teals and coot. It is also worth noting that access to these lands became possible only recently, since they were under protection. After all, in this area, first was the Soviet military base, and later - the Ukrainian.

The lake is rich in minerals. Sand is mined here. But locals 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 sit in the part of the bay where salt water prevails, you can catch sturgeon, mullet, red mullet or flounder. In the freshwater part of the bay are carp, carp, bream and pike perch.

On average, about 50 species of fish live here, while about 25 species are found here constantly, others swim into the bay only at certain times of the year. Seafood lovers will love this place, as mussels, brine shrimps and crabs are found here. According to studies, 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 their breeding.

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 the tent camp 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 to free rest, you can equip your home in a deserted place, but you should have everything you need with you - water, food, firewood, tents, and so on.
• The private sector will allow to find housing for budget travelers. Nearby are the villages of Gromovo, Znamenskoye and Medvedkovo, where you can rent accommodation 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 a hotel, 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.

Donuzlav is an amazing place After all, you can find quite a lot of options for a pleasant pastime.

• Recuperation. The lake is famous for healing mud and clay. This place is in demand among people who suffer from diseases of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, as well as infertility or sexual dysfunction, problems with the musculoskeletal system. Air water and spreading with brine provides 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, sea horses and funny seaweed.

• Fishing. Of course, men love fishing. Here you can fish exclusively from the shore, using fishing rod or spinning. Nearby is a club of fishermen, where you can rent any equipment, even a boat. Fishing here is paid, on average, they cost 700 rubles per day. The fishing season starts 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 delicacy.

• Dolphinarium. Dolphin therapy is very popular. At the recreation center “Stepnaya Gavan” there is a dolphinarium where you can go swimming with dolphins. Such a holiday will definitely like children.

Donuzlav has a favorable location because it is located in the western part of the Crimean peninsula. If you look at the map, you should start from the location of the resort town of Evpatoria, since the distance from the lake to this city is only 28 km. You must take a ticket from the bus station Evpatoria on the bus, which goes to the village Novoozernoe or Mirny. In this direction, there are regular buses. 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 moto tour, if you have basic motorcycle riding skills. Mototur goes from the village of Black Sea to the 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.

How to get to the lake Donuzlav in Crimea, see the following video.