Information about Svityaz

Prybuzhzhya is home to several natural tourist attractions, with Lake Svityaz taking the top spot. It is not only the deepest lake in Ukraine but also boasts incredible visibility, allowing the bottom to be seen at kilometer depths on sunny days. Svityaz is situated near the village of Shatsk, which became the district center in 1993. Additionally, the region is home to twenty lakes, with Svityaz being the largest and most beautiful among them. The creation of the Shatsky Natural National Park in 1983 further highlights the significance of this wonderful place, located on the border of Ukraine, Belarus, and Poland.

Svityaz possesses an enchanting appeal that draws people in. Immersing oneself in its crystal-clear water fills the soul with pure joy. The lake is adorned with lush forests along most of its shoreline, creating a tranquil atmosphere. During the summer, the air is filled with the invigorating scent of pine needles, and one can enjoy the pleasure of gathering blueberries, blackberries, and mushrooms. This unique experience is unparalleled for those accustomed to relaxing on the seashore.

Svityaz shares certain similarities with the sea. With a length of 9.3 kilometers and a width of 4.8 kilometers, it spans an area of 2750 hectares. The greatest depth reaches an impressive 58.4 meters, with an average depth of 6.9 meters. In windy weather, the waves can reach heights of half a meter.

Scientists have differing opinions about the origin of Svityaz and other lakes in the area. Some argue that a massive body of water formed after the retreat of the Dnieper glacier in Polissia. The glacier prevented the water from flowing down, resulting in the formation of lakes as remnants of this gigantic reservoir. Over time, the cavities deepened due to the leaching of limestones by underground streams. On the other hand, some scientists believe that the lakes have a karst origin. However, recent research has confirmed the glacial origin of Svityaz and its neighboring lakes, suggesting that the appearance of deep depressions is associated with the raising and lowering of individual tectonic blocks.

Svityaz is often compared to the renowned Lake Baikal, although on a smaller scale. Nevertheless, it shares significant depths. Crossing the lake by boat from the Buzhnia Gulf to the Pulemetske shore, passing to the left of the island, evokes a sense of awe and anxiety due to the dark and seemingly bottomless water. Depths such as Holodnetskas Tone at 32 meters and 37-38-58.4 meters contribute to this feeling. Underwater holes can also be found near the shallow areas of Hryada, such as Vovcha at 20 meters, Ohryadna at 15 meters, Kamin at 14 meters, and Verteneva at 17 meters.

While the shallow areas along the coast, particularly in the Hryada area and near the "Shatski Ozera" pension, are mostly shallow, allowing one to walk a hundred meters until the water reaches chest level, Svityaz is predominantly deep. During calm weather, the water quickly warms up, making it a delightful spot for families with children. However, it is essential to be aware of the lake's distribution of depth to avoid misconceptions. For instance, the lake covers 118 hectares at a depth of 2 meters, 720 hectares at 3 meters, 1061 hectares at 5 meters, 418 hectares at 10 meters, and more than 10 meters in depth encompass 533 hectares. Thus, the majority of the lake consists of considerable depths.