Blue Lake (Ufa): a unique natural monument. Blue lakes of Kazan - a place with healing power

Blue Lakes (Kazan) is a system of reservoirs on the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan in Russia. It is also a nature reserve, which is located near Kazan. These unique places created by nature, their flora, fauna and interesting facts will be discussed in the article.

general description

Blue Lakes (Kazan) nature reserve, which is located in close proximity to the reservoirs of the same name, has forest and wetlands. total area of the reserve is 1910 hectares, and the total area of lakes is 0.3 hectares.

Since 1972, the Blue Lakes (Kazan) have received the status of a natural monument of all-Union significance, protected by the state. After 22 years, in order to strengthen control and increase the protection and protection of the Blue Lakes, they began nature reserve. In its territory lives big variety fish, amphibians and mammals. Also in these places there are many varieties of shrubs and trees. Currently, the lakes and the reserve itself are the sights of the city of Kazan.

lake system

The lake system consists of three reservoirs that are not interconnected. These are the Big Blue, Flowing and Small Blue Lakes. These reservoirs are oxbow lakes (a section of the former river bed) of the Kazanka River, which flows in close proximity. Near the rivers are sinkholes formed over two hundred years ago.

The Blue Lakes (Kazan) have no land tributaries, so they receive water from underground springs and rivers. In the future, water from the lakes flows down the channels into the Kazanka River. In the hot season, this water noticeably cools the river, preventing the fish from dying, and prevents the Kazanka from flowering. IN winter period water from the lakes warms the river and prevents ice from forming on its surface.

The water in all lakes is almost completely transparent, and because of this, a lens effect is created. This is an optical illusion, in which it seems that the depth in the lake is much less than the real one. The water in the lakes is hard due to sulfite-sulfate and potassium-calcium salts. These salts make the water in the lakes look like sea water. At the bottom of these reservoirs, there are impressive areas of silt-salt mud, which have a blue color. These muds have medicinal properties, and it was they who gave the names to the lakes.

Big Blue Lake

big Blue Lake(Kazan) used to be called Svetloye. On larger area the lake has a depth of one to three meters, but there are two karst funnels in it, which are called the Small and Big Depths. The depth of the Big one is 18 m, and the Small one is six meters. At the bottom of these Depths springs beat, which have a temperature of three to seven degrees, depending on the time of year. It is they who warm the Kazanka River in winter and cool in summer.

In Kazan in winter, the Blue Lake is visited by numerous tourists who practice winter swimming, as well as divers. IN New Year bottom Big Depths for entertainment, they decorate a Christmas tree and dive to it, while drinking champagne. In Kazan in winter, Blue Lake is also popular with fishing enthusiasts. However, they do not fish in the lakes themselves, but next to them, in the Kazanka River. In places where warm water from the lakes it enters the river, fish is collected, which is what fishermen use. Clean air, absolutely clear water and light frost are conducive to this type of outdoor recreation.

Diving enthusiasts also dive into the lakes at night. It is at this time of day that the water acquires unusual shades under the light of lighting equipment. And when you are under water, the view of the night starry sky, through the transparent lens of the water surface, is especially mesmerizing.

Flowing and Small blue lakes

Small Blue Lake (Kazan) and rest on it will appeal to all tourists, as well as on big lake. Despite the fact that it is significantly inferior in area, it is just as picturesque. There are several small waterfalls on it, and changing cabins and small bridges are equipped on the shore, for the convenience of diving into the reservoir. The Small Lake is connected to the Bolshoy by bicycle and pedestrian paths that pass under the bridge over the Kazanka River.

In the photo of the Blue Lakes (Kazan), you will not see much difference between these reservoirs. They are all equally beautiful and fascinate with their extraordinary beauty.

The flowing lake is the smallest in area and the shallowest of these three reservoirs. Because of this, the temperature in it is slightly higher. Nevertheless, all lakes are popular with tourists all year round. Not far from the lakes there are sanatoriums and recreation centers where you can stay for relatively little money.

Flora and fauna

The flora of the Blue Lakes (Kazan) is very rich and diverse, some of its representatives are listed in the Red Book of Tatarstan. In the territories adjacent to the lakes, trees such as:

Aspen.
Birch.
Pine.

About a hundred species of coastal, aquatic and terrestrial plants grow in close proximity to the lakes, such as:

Bluegrass meadow.
Sedge.
Lake reed.
Cattail.
Buttercup.

The fauna of these places is as diverse as the flora. In the waters of the lakes there are: water scorpion, planaria, and from amphibians - snakes, frogs and toads. Along coastline you can meet beaver, muskrat, kotura (water rat). Here you can also see a wide variety of birds: tits, jackdaws, golden bee-eaters and greater spotted eagles.

Blue Lakes (Kazan): how to get there

The Blue Lakes are located on the outskirts of the city, so the trip to them will take some time. If you get public transport from the city center, you will need to use the bus following route number 40. Only on it you can get to the Blue Lakes without transfers. You will need to exit final stop- the village of Shcherbakovo.

Getting to the Blue Lakes by private car from the city center, you will need to drive along Mira Street, and then turn onto federal highway M-7. Having reached the bridge across the Kazanka River along the highway, you will need to use the paved exit in front of the bridge, which leads to the Small Blue and Protochnoye lakes.

Traveling behind the bridge will help you get to the Big Blue Lake. However, it should be borne in mind that it is forbidden to drive too close to water bodies, and the car will have to be parked in advance.

You will have to walk to the lakes themselves, along a dirt road. Getting to the reservoirs will not be difficult at all, since there are signs along the entire route. If you come to Kazan, then after the sights located in the city center, be sure to come here. Amazing nature, wonderful places and the purest expanse of lake waters will delight your imagination with their beauty.

Elena ★★★☆☆

(18-07-2016)

Having traveled to the indicated coordinates, we ran into a barrier. Then just walk 2 km. We went to the fence of the closed sanatorium and then the asphalt ended. Well, having trampled so much, we still went along the dirty path for another 300 meters, and that was where our enthusiasm ended. Mud underfoot, mosquitoes ate. The lake was not found, they returned back. Probably it was necessary to go to Shcherbakovo.

Daria ★★★★☆

(8-07-2016)

Decided to visit before leaving! The water is very cold, just ice cold! There is nothing to do on the small lake, it is worth going further! It's cleaner and more comfortable!

Andrew ★★★☆☆

(27-06-2015)

To be honest, I expected more. The cascade of lakes to the north of the bypass road seems to be equipped for recreation, but on the way to the lakes the stench from the bushes is unbearable. Couldn't the toilet issue have been resolved? There are not so many places for location, people almost dive over their heads, there are no food points, so they carry food with them, in the same place in the bushes and scatter it along with intimate hygiene items. The authorities need to pay attention to the polluted nature. The lake in Shcherbakovo has only one equipped access, and there is practically nowhere to stay on the shore. ... continuation src="/jpg/plus.gif">

Leader, everything is running!

There are several blue lakes in the navigator and even here in the reviews. Let's go exactly to the point where the coordinates of the autotrave. 2 km to the place of the barrier. I had to conquer on foot. They didn't regret it. Firstly, nature itself is quite curious on the way, especially in spring. A huge path with wooden gazebos has been built to the lake. In general, everything is equipped and furnished, I liked it. The lake itself is really blue, very unusual and unlike anything else.

Catherine ★★★☆☆

(14-05-2014)

With proper care, this would be a very beautiful place, but, unfortunately, the territory is used for barbecue picnics, so there is a lot of garbage, the blue water of the lakes is almost invisible, because. The lake has never been cleaned.

but I liked more another lake, less popular with tourists. We decided to go there after visiting the above.
Here are the coordinates of another
Latitude: 55°54′23.7″N (55.906584)
Longitude: 49°9′17.29″E (49.154804)
We left the highway in Shcherbakovo, along it to the outskirts, and 500 meters on foot. Miracle! There, the depth is even more breathtaking :)
pysy. be careful, the bridge staggers a bit if a lot of people climb onto the edge. Definitely a must see as both lakes are close by. Spent... continued src="/jpg/plus.gif">

15 minutes to get to it, did not regret a bit! With

★★★★★

(23-09-2012)

Awesome lake! I have a dacha there, so I swim there every summer ... It’s cold, of course, but it’s breathtaking! And the adrenaline rises! You can get there by bus 41 or 40 ...

Saga Basil ★★★★★

(3-09-2012)

Greetings from the walruses of Azov! I swam on Goluboy on January 2, 2012 (We specially went to celebrate the New Year to the matchmakers in Zelenodolsk) Kazanians, I envy you with white envy!!! Your lakes are amazing! I have never seen such a "blunder" anywhere else ... Now I will visit you more often!

Hiz ★★★★★

(20-05-2012)

Very beautiful, worth a visit. The water is invigorating :). People, do not behave like pigs - do not throw garbage!: (Picnic lovers leave huge piles of bottles and other things ... If you go from the barrier in the summer, stock up on mosquito repellents - they eat them :).

Awesome place! It's definitely worth a visit! The water is really cool in the spring for swimming :) "km of walking from the barrier, if you go through the recreation centers, it's worth it. Spring did not dare to go along the river. It was dirty

Anna ★★★☆☆

(10-05-2012)

How to get there by public transport is not indicated!
35.10 bus from the Ring to the stop Sun, we cross the street and reverse direction we take the 40 bus to the stop Shcherbakovka, there again across the road and reach the bridge, go down and see the pillars with the sign "Blue Lakes" further as described above ....
Dirty, a lot of snakes, and other living creatures ...
The second lake is more sympathetic, it is clear that it is looked after.
They searched for the described 100-year-old fountain, but did not find it, or it is located very far in the forest.

A very strong event! A nice place worth the trip.
+ Where the machine road ends, go deeper into the forest and see the ruined fountain and the remains of the statue, it looks very cool, apparently it has been in the forest for more than 100 years!

Rinat ★★★☆☆

(12-08-2011)

I was on the lake today, there is rubbish lying around (although there are garbage containers and bins), the water has become muddy, bottles are floating in the waterfall near the bridge! The people who go there are not at all worried about the future of this place! when I first went there, and it was in 1997, it was much more beautiful and cleaner!!! even 2 years ago when I was on the lake, it was a little cleaner than today!!! Everyone who goes there, I ask you to at least clean up your garbage and in no case throw it into the water! and then a few years later... continued src="/jpg/plus.gif">

It will be like a garbage dump!

Eugene ★★★★☆

(4-05-2011)

there are two of them! one downstream of the Kazanka river is higher, the other is lower! in one they mainly swim, in the other they dive!

A very beautiful place!!!
Not far from Kazan, it's like stepping into a fairy tale! Unreal hair color!!!

Both in summer and in winter, the townspeople come here to enjoy the amazing pictures of nature and swim in the crystal clear lake water, the temperature of which practically does not change throughout the year and is +6 degrees.
The lake is of karst origin - about two hundred years ago a sinkhole formed here, which was subsequently filled with water, which today is famous for its healing properties due to the increased content of dissolved salts of potassium sulphate, sodium and magnesium.

During our car trip in Croatia, we were very impressed by the park - it really unique place to which you want to return again and again. But who would have thought that there are similar lakes in Russia! On the outskirts of Kazan, there is a small system of lakes that are very similar to Plitvice, they have the same blue and pure water, and the nature of the reserve, located around, is in no way inferior to the Croatian landscapes. This place is called "Blue Lakes", in Tatar Zanggar kullar. The Blue Lakes in Kazan have been a natural monument since 1972, and the area around them is considered a protected area. Unfortunately, there are no numerous waterfalls here, as in Croatia, and there are only three lakes, but you can swim in them. 🙂 Like their foreign counterparts, the Blue Lakes of Kazan are karst failures that appeared in this place only 200 years ago.

Surprisingly, the Blue Lakes of Kazan do not have any tributaries that would feed them - all the water in them comes exclusively from underground sources. Perhaps that is why the water in the lakes is completely transparent.

At the bottom there is a lot of silt salt mud, which gives the lakes a unique emerald-blue hue, which, in fact, gave the name to the lakes. It is said that depending on the season, the color of the water changes from faint blue to almost black. In the first days of May, we found the water of an emerald hue.

As we have already said, there are only three lakes: Big, Small and Protochnoe. Sometimes Big Lake is also called Svetly Lake. It is easy to guess that it got its name due to its size. The depth of the Great Blue Lake ranges from 1 to 3 meters, but there are two large sinkholes with a depth of 6 and 18 meters. There are also two small waterfalls that flow from the lake into the Kazanka River.

There are locker rooms and special bridges along the banks of the Big Lake that allow you to swim. And swimming in blue lakes in Kazan they take place all year round: in winter there are some “walruses” here, and in summer all the rest who want to protect themselves from the summer heat. We, unfortunately, did not reach the Big Lake, but we looked at the flowing and small Blue Lakes, since it is much more convenient to get to them. Information on how to get to the Blue Lakes can be found at the very end of the article.

Small Blue Lake is much smaller in area than Big Lake, its depth varies from 1 to 4 meters. There are also changing rooms and bathing bridges, which are used almost all year round. We were at the Blue Lakes of Kazan in the first days of May, the air temperature was slightly above 20 degrees, and the water temperature was not higher than 5-6 degrees, but there were a lot of swimmers.

Small Blue Lake

Cabins at Blue Lake

Flowing Blue Lake is much smaller and has an elongated shape. They say that the water in it is a couple of degrees warmer than in the Small and Big, but the same turquoise.

Flowing Blue Lake

Vacationers on the Blue Lake

Flowing Blue Lake

All Blue Lakes are located in the territory protected area, the Kazanka River flows nearby - in general, beauty and beautiful place for a pleasant pastime.

Blue lakes in Kazan - how to get there

The most convenient way to get to the Small and Protochnoye Blue Lakes is by car. You need a bypass road of the M7 highway near the village of Shcherbakov.

I want to tell you about one of the natural attractions of Tatarstan, more precisely, these are two locations: Big and Small Blue Lakes. The system also includes Lake Protochnoe.

The place is very popular among Kazan citizens, and not only among them. People come here from nearby regions, and they also take guests from other cities on “excursions”. Coming here on weekends, it must be borne in mind that you will not be able to be alone.

How did the lakes deserve people's love?

They don't freeze all year round.

The water temperature is constantly kept at 4-8 degrees above zero. In this regard, the place is especially interesting in winter and looks quite exotic for our places.

The fact is that the lakes are fed by underground sources that saturate them with potassium-calcium and sulfite-sulfate salts. Due to the constant recharge and the high salinity of the lakes, the water does not freeze.

Due to the composition of the water, fish are not found here, but the Blue Lakes and the reserve itself are the habitat of species listed in the Red Book. These are the inhabitants of the waters: the milky-white planaria and the water scorpion, the inhabitants of the shores: the great spotted eagle and the mourning butterfly.

Cozy landscapes

Probably, it will not be an exaggeration to say that the Blue Lakes are the places that must be visited in Tatarstan.

By the way, for those who travel along the M7 through Kazan, it’s easier than ever to stop by the lakes to take a break. The map will be below.

The water in the lakes, indeed, has a rich azure hue, the color changes depending on the season - in winter, for example, the lakes may appear black with an admixture of blue.

Both lakes are located in the forest belt, so there is always a pleasant coolness. In winter, you can admire the bizarre patterns created by water, steam and cold.

The road itself to the Small Blue Lake represents big interest and pleasing to the eye. A wide path will take you under the arches of trees, along a stream that flows through rapids among mossy rocks and trees. Twice you will cross it over the bridges and here you can make beautiful shots.

Big Blue is located across the road, in the Kadyshevsky forest - this is also wonderful place for picnics and walks, especially since there are real waterfall! One of the three known to me in Tatarstan.

Why is lake water blue?

The hue of the water is given by silty mud that settles at the bottom of the lake. In the photo, such layers are clearly visible. By the way, this mud is therapeutic and is used in the nearby sanatorium "Krutushka".

Unusualness and accessibility

As I have already said, the Blue Lakes are quite unusual for Tatarstan, which is why they attract so much attention. Those who have ever been to Abkhazia should know about Blue Lake on the way to Ritsa. Also, the lakes of the same name are located on the territory of Karachay-Cherkessia. I visited both of these places and personally, in my opinion, I like our lakes more. Largely due to the fact that so far, fortunately, they have not been “overgrown” with cafes and souvenir stalls, since they are little known.

Many advise to come here at night or at dawn, they say that at this time an amazing fog spreads over the water, and if you illuminate the water with a flashlight at night, you can see an amazing play of light and the reflection of stars in the water.

Another interesting fact in the fact that before the fish were still found here. There is evidence that a subspecies of pike once lived here, which somehow adapted to the composition of the water and could not survive in fresh water, and also had an unusual light color.

By the way, there are no fish, but ducks live here all year round. Probably good food. This time they hid behind a fence and did not manage to take a picture.

Of course, people come here to swim!

Both lakes are equipped with walkways for easy entry into the water and changing rooms. Swim here all year round. Someone (like me) is only enough to take a dip, while someone swims calmly, as in an ordinary river. In the second case, physical training is needed. Remember the temperature of the water?

Divers regularly appear here, because the depth of the Big Blue Lake reaches 18 meters, and the Small one up to 4 meters. And most importantly - the visibility of the water: 40 meters.

Another interesting fact: Russian divers were trained on the Great Blue Lake geographical society before the expedition to Antarctica.

How to get to the Blue Lakes?

The map opens in Yandex.Maps and you can easily get directions to the point I specified.

No. 1 Drive to the Big Blue

The lowest point by the lake is the location of the waterfall. From here you can walk along the entire lake to the footbridges for swimming. And you can drive right up to them (upper mark) and then walk to the waterfall. In the second case, we leave the M7 to the village of Shcherbakovo and drive to the end of the street. The best place for parking, you can ask the locals.

#2 How to get to the Small Blue Lake?

Click on the tags and read the descriptions. I will also duplicate here that it is not necessary to drive under the bridge in winter or on ice. The climb is very steep. In summer, you can easily get to the parking lot.

By the way, in the summer you can get to the Blue Lakes by boat along Kazanka. This new excursion. The boat departs from the Riviera water park, the walk takes 4-5 hours.

Thank you for your attention! I tried my best to show you as much as possible! Ask questions in the comments.

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Blue Lake in Kazan (Kazan, Russia) - detailed description, location, reviews, photos and videos.

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Blue lakes is a general term for lakes karst origin common in the Volga region. There are three blue lakes not far from Kazan: Big, Protochnoe and Maloye. The entire area around them is about 19 square meters. km - a monument of nature, which Kazan citizens are rightfully proud of.

The reservoirs got their name due to the blue salt mud lying at the bottom - people with skin diseases often come here to be treated. The water here is completely transparent and clean, while maintaining a temperature of about +4 ° C all year round. The depth of the Small Blue Lake is about 4 m, the Protochny Lake is 3 m.

Another feature of the water in the Blue Lakes is the optical effect of the lens. Because of it, it seems that the lake is very shallow, even in the deepest parts.

Although Great Blue Lake is noticeably larger than the other two bodies of water, locals, as a rule, Blue Lake is called Small. Just on its shore, citizens of Kazan often rest. There are gazebos and benches, bridges and changing cabins.

Winter swimming enthusiasts swim in the lakes in any season, the rest prefer a contemplative rest on the shore.

Diving

The large blue lake, reaching a depth of 18 m, is loved by divers. For people involved in scuba diving, this is a unique training area with clear water and a variety of flora and fauna.

What can be seen in the depths of the lake? First, various algae. Some float on the surface and, according to divers, resemble islands or clouds, others grow on the walls of the lake. Entire colonies of crustaceans, planarians and water scorpions, listed in the Red Book, live in algae. Secondly, in the abyss of water you can see underwater springs and caves, stones and colorful pebbles.

Divers are especially attracted by night dives, when the bottom of the lake with underwater springs is better seen, and at the top, the light of the stars, refracting, plays with all the colors of the rainbow.

On the lake, divers train almost every week, hold meetings and celebrate holidays. So, on New Year's Eve, diving enthusiasts set up a Christmas tree under water.

How to get there

By car: along the Kazan bypass road (M7 highway). Exit to the Big Blue Lake - behind the bridge over the Kazanka River, to Protochnoe and Maloye - in front of the bridge.

By public transport: from the center (station "Tukaya Square") by bus number 35 to the stops "Golubyatnikova", "Solnyshko" or "Ibragimova". From there, take bus number 40 to the village of Shcherbakovo (last stop). Continue walking following the signs.

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Where to stay: for sightseeing trips around the republic, it is most convenient to be based in its capital - Kazan, from where you can easily get to other cities in the region. The choice of accommodation options is the widest: there are hostels, and family boarding houses, and standard "three rubles", and pompous business hotels in historical center. The second most popular city in the region is Naberezhnye Chelny, where there is also no shortage of hotels. Well, for lovers fine arts you can safely book accommodation in Yelabuga, where Shishkin and Tsvetaeva "checked in".
What to see: It is best to start your acquaintance with Tatarstan from the numerous sights of Kazan - the majestic Kazan Kremlin with the Syuyumbike tower and the Annunciation Cathedral, the Kul-Sharif and Zakabannaya mosques, the Millennium Bridge, the Epiphany Cathedral and the National Museum. You should definitely visit the ancient settlement of Bolgar and the cathedral mosque of Bolgar, as well as go to Yelabugato appreciate the extensive collection of Shishkin's paintings in his house-museum and visit Tsvetaeva's memory house. The choice of nature lovers is the most beautiful