It is located 130 km from Nizhny Novgorod, not far from the village of Vladimirskoye, in the Nizhny Novgorod Trans-Volga region, in the interfluve of the Vetluga and Kerzhenets rivers. Recognized as a natural monument of federal significance. The lake has an oval shape (a thermonuclear explosion that wiped out another city from the face of the earth?), and is small in size - about 500 meters in length and width. But at the same time it differs from neighboring lakes in its great depth, reaching 34 meters.
The water in Svetloyar is crystal clear, transparent, coming from a deep fissure in its bottom. And due to the fact that the lake is fed by numerous bottom springs, the water is cold.
For several centuries now, the most incredible legends and rumors have been written about Svetloyar. After all, how many unprecedented miracles happen on its shores and how many secrets it keeps within itself!
So, let's look at what Svetloyar amazes and surprises with, what secrets and mysteries it keeps around itself:
It surprises with its unusual relief shapes: from a bird's eye view the lake looks like a round coin, and in cross section it resembles the profile of a huge diamond;
The amazing transparency of the water is amazing, and its mirror surface reflects the sky, trees and churches. The healing properties of water are also unique;
Interesting here vegetable world: about 30 plant species grow on the shores, which in turn is not typical for this high latitude. You can also find this here rare view flowers like the southern orchid;
An interesting fact is that until now scientists have not been able to come to a unanimous opinion about the history of Svetloyar. IN different time researchers have expressed various hypotheses of its origin: meteorite, karst, glacial, volcanic, oxbow, cosmic. And of all the hypotheses, the meteorite one was confirmed by a number of studies. What is most interesting is that there are thousands of such cities around the world in which a meteorite accidentally fell and formed a round and deep lake.
On old maps, the city of Kitezh stood in this place
The bottom of Lake Svetloyar. Part 1
like any strange place, then it will always be protected by the state and will turn natural Park or a reserve where any archaeological excavations will be prohibited.
To summarize, Lake Svetloyar Nizhny Novgorod Region- one of the most beautiful places on earth, a real pearl of Russian nature. It is considered one of the most legendary and mysterious lakes in our country. And it’s not for nothing that the lake is called the little Russian Atlantis! Its mystery and extraordinary beauty attract millions of tourists!
Lake Svetloyar, Nizhny Novgorod region (Nizhny Novgorod region, Russia) - detailed description, location, reviews, photos and videos.
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Lake Svetloyar, full of mysteries and secrets, has been the holy lake of Rus' since ancient times, a small Russian Atlantis, located 130 km from Nizhny Novgorod, on the edge of the village of Vladimirskoye. In ancient times, rituals were held on its banks in honor of the Slavic sun god Yarila. Hence the name - Svetly Yar.
Today, as in ancient times, hundreds of pilgrims, both Orthodox and pagans, come to Lake Svetloyar. Every year on July 6, around Svetloyar, on the feast of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, Christians make a religious procession. And in the evening, a pagan action begins with bonfires, wreaths on the water and a walk around Svetloyar with candles, because on the night of July 6-7 is the holiday of Ivan Kupala.
According to legend, a wish made that night will come true if you circle the lake three times.
During the Great Patriotic War, mothers here offered prayers for the survival of their husbands and sons fighting at the front.
The legend about the city of Kitezh, told by the Old Believers, also tells about Svetloyar. Once upon a time, Prince Yuri Vsevolodovich sailed along the Mother Volga on a ship. And he built Little Kitezh. It is believed that this city is today's Gorodets. Then Yuri Vsevolodovich, having passed the Uzola, Sandu and Kerzhenets rivers, saw Lake Svetloyar. Captivated by his charm, the prince gave the order to build the city of Big Kitezh on the shores of the wonderful lake. It took three years (1165-1168) to build it, and a stone city arose with many Orthodox churches.
In 1239, the troops of Khan Batu, a godless and wicked man, went to Rus'. And they captured Small Kitezh. The prince and his retinue hid in the forests near Greater Kitezh. But he was betrayed by Grishka Kuterma, who was captured by Batu and could not stand the torture, and showed the way to the wicked enemies to the great city. Batu's hordes found the refuge of Yuri's squad and killed the prince. And on the eve of Batu’s attack on Yuri Vsevolodovich in Kitezh, three heroes were on patrol, and for a long time they blocked the path of the Khan’s army. And where they stood to death for their city of Kitezh, the holy spring Kibelek still flows, next to which is the grave of three holy elders.
Three heroes warned the inhabitants of Kitezh about the attack, but they could not defend themselves from the cruel enemy, but turned with a fiery prayer to the Lord God to prevent their enslavement and terrible murder. And God heard them. As soon as Batu’s troops rushed to the offensive, suddenly numerous springs gushed out from under the ground and began to flood the city of Kitezh. And the Tatar-Mongols retreated in horror. And the city of Kitezh sank under the water, like Atlantis, only one cathedral dome was visible above the surface of the lake, but it soon disappeared.
They say that in calm, clear weather, especially righteous people can hear the ringing of bells and the drawn-out sad singing of people flying from the depths of Svetloyar.
And in the clear lake water you can see the domes of monasteries and churches.
Great amount unsolved mysteries and mysteries contains Lake Svetloyar, the water of which has healing properties. Countless pilgrims come here to be healed physically and spiritually, and to remove damage. Indeed, miraculous inexplicable cases of recovery have been recorded here. Many psychics claim that the lake is a powerful place that draws its energy from space. On the shore of the reservoir, scientists found plant species (about 29) that do not grow anywhere else in this area.
This ideal oval-shaped lake is the largest (length - 410 m, width - 315 m) and deepest (maximum depth - about 36 m) in the Nizhny Novgorod region. Its area is approximately twelve hectares. The water in Svetloyar is very clean, does not become overgrown with mud, and can be kept in vessels for years, while maintaining its purity, transparency and taste.
Svetloyar - natural monument in the reserve of the same name, protected by UNESCO, where it is strictly prohibited to set up tents (there is a special tent city nearby) and light a fire.
Local residents tell many unusual and inexplicable stories. Those who visit these places listen and believe in them. If you want to figure out what is truth and what is fiction, come here, enjoy the beauty of the surroundings of the lake and recharge with its energy.
How to get to Lake Svetloyar
You can get to Lake Svetloyar by bus from the Kanavinskaya station (Nizhny Novgorod) to the village of Vladimirskoye or by electric train from Nizhny Novgorod to the city of Semenov with a change to regular bus. By car you can get along the Kirov highway to the Bokovaya station, passing Semenov, then follow the sign to the right to get to the village of Vladimirskoye, and through it to the parking lot. Well, then walk along the birch alley.
There are a lot of large lakes in Russia. But there are some that are of particular interest to travelers. Lake Svetloyar is one of the most mysterious places in Russia. Scientists are still pondering the mystery of the origin of this reservoir. And historians are still trying to find evidence of the existence of the mystical city of Kitezh, which is supposedly located at the bottom of the lake. Ufologists constantly note the occurrence of unexplained phenomena in the area where Lake Svetloyar is located, and travelers and vacationers speak positively about the incredible properties of the water and the amazing beauty of nature in these places.
Location
Lake Svetloyar is located in the Nizhny Novgorod region of Russia. Nearest locality, from which only walking routes- this is the village of Vladimirskoye, Voskresensky district. This reservoir is located 130 km from Nizhny Novgorod. There is a lake on the territory natural park regional significance "Voskresensk Povetluzhye".
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Lake Svetloyar has a regular oval shape and is considered one of the deepest lakes in the Nizhny Novgorod region. That is why many scientists believe that this is a crater from a long-fallen meteorite, while other experts consider it karst. The water in the reservoir is very clean and transparent, characterized by a hydrocarbonate-calcium composition. Bottom springs feed the lake, making the water of the reservoir cool and fresh even on the hottest days. There is a version about deep underground rivers that connect Svetloyar with Baikal itself. The area of the lake is about 12 hectares, length – 470 m, width – 350 m. The depth in some places can reach up to 40 m.
Legends
There are a lot of secrets and mysteries about Lake Svetloyar. On the shore of the reservoir, 29 species of plants were observed that do not grow anywhere else in this area. The water of the lake has healing properties and is almost holy. Orthodox pilgrims come here to heal mental and physical wounds and remove damage. And incredible cases of recovery are noted every year. Psychics consider Svetloyar a strong place that draws energy from space.
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Most amazing story Lake Svetloyar is the legend of the invisible city of Kitezh. This is a belief about the real Russian Atlantis - the city that plunged the bell alarm into the abyss of Svetloyarsk waters. Its inhabitants did not want to be captured by the Mongol-Tatars and their prayers were heard: the reservoir overflowed and swallowed the hail into its abyss.
According to legend, Prince Yuri Vsevolodovich, who sailed along the Volga, decided to build a city (now it is Gorodets). After he crossed the Uzola, Sanda and Kerzhenets rivers, he saw Lake Svetloyar. Admired by his charm, the prince ordered the construction of the city of Big Kitezh on the shores of the lake. Over the course of three years (1165-1168) it was erected, and a stone city with many Orthodox churches appeared.
When Batu's troops began to advance on Kitezh, people began to pray for salvation. At some point, springs began to burst out of the ground and flood Kitezh. So the city sank under the water like Atlantis, only one cathedral dome was visible above the surface of the lake, but it soon disappeared.
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According to legends, in calm and clear weather, especially righteous and pure-hearted people can hear on the shore of Lake Svetloyar the ringing of the bells of the churches of the city of Kitezh and the drawn-out sad singing of people flying from the depths of the reservoir. They say that the tops of monasteries and churches can be seen in the clear lake water.
Attractions
Svetloyar is a natural monument in the reserve, which is protected by UNESCO. It is prohibited to set up tents or light a fire on its territory. Those who are planning to spend time in these places can visit the unique wooden Church of the Kazan Mother of God, located on the territory of the reserve; there is also a stone with a trace of the Virgin Mary’s foot. The village of Vladimir is famous for the ancient wooden church of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God. There is also the Kitezh Historical and Art Museum and the Grad Svetly Museum of Local Ceramics.
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Lovers of walks in the forest can visit the Kibelek spring, which is located near Lake Svetloyar. The water in this spring is considered holy. Here is also the grave of three saints, in which, according to legend, Russian heroes who defended the land from Batu Khan are buried.
Lake Svetloyar attracts with its rich nature and pristine beauty. There is excellent fishing and hunting here, and the beautiful scenery makes for wonderful photographs. The lake itself and the legends about it have served as inspiration for many composers, artists and writers. For those going around the area, it's worth bringing a map so you don't get lost.
Holidays on the lake
Even in ancient times, rituals were carried out on the shore of the lake in honor of the Slavic sun god Yarila. This is where its name comes from – Svetly Yar. Today, as in the past, hundreds of pilgrims, both Orthodox and pagans, come to Lake Svetloyar.
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Every year on July 6, festive events are held on Lake Svetloyar. During the day, in the village of Vladimirskoye, which is located a kilometer from the lake, the village day and the feast of the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God are celebrated. In the morning, a festive service takes place in the village, and then a religious procession takes place around the lake. On this day, pilgrims from all over the region and from other places in Russia come to Svetloyar.
In the afternoon, the City of Masters begins to operate in the village of Vladimirskoye, which brings together masters and artisans not only from the Nizhny Novgorod region, but also from other regions of Russia. Everyone can take part in master classes and visit the Kitezh Museum in the village of Vladimirskoye. In the evening the festival “The City of Kitezh - the soul of Russia” begins.
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On the night of July 6-7, i.e. On the night of Ivan Kupala, a pagan action takes place with bonfires, wreaths on the water and a procession around the lake with candles. According to legend, if you make a wish on this night, light a candle and walk around Lake Svetloyar with it three times, your wish will definitely come true. On the holiday of Ivan Kupala, Lake Svetloyar is visited by thousands of people.
During the Great Patriotic War, women on Lake Svetloyar offered prayers so that their husbands and sons, who were defending their homeland from the Nazis, would survive.
In these holidays Those who wish can come to Lake Svetloyar as a pilgrim, a pagan or just a vacationer. However, you can visit the lake on any other day. Every day crowds of visitors from the Nizhny Novgorod region and nearby places come here. To all guests unforgettable experience from the lake and swimming in it are guaranteed.
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Unique and mysterious places, nature reserves, numerous attractions are the wealth of Russia. Lake Svetloyar is interesting place in the Nizhny Novgorod region, which is worth seeing at least once out of curiosity. And maybe you will be the lucky one who heard the amazing ringing of bells coming from the bottom of the reservoir. The transparent waters of the lake keep many secrets and mysteries that are yet to be discovered in the future. Everyone comes here to figure out where is fiction and where is the truth, as well as enjoy the natural beauty and recharge with the energy of Lake Svetloyar.
How to get to Lake Svetloyar from Nizhny NovgorodTo Svetloyar by bus or by train+bus
By bus Nizhny Novgorod - Voskresenskoye from the Kanavinskaya bus station. Before reaching Voskresensky, get off at the village of Vladimirsky. Travel time to Vladimirsky is 2-2.5 hours.
On commuter train Nizhny Novgorod - Semenov or Nizhny Novgorod - Uren to Semenov, then by bus Semenov - Voskresenskoye to the village of Vladimirskoye.
To Svetloyar by car
Along the Kirov highway. Pass Semenov, get to Bokovaya station (a busy place, there are a lot of trucks, a cafe, a motel), then turn right following the sign for Vladimirskoye and Voskresenskoye, get to the village of Vladimirskoye (turn right), drive through the village to a large parking lot. Next - along the birch alley on foot. Distance from Nizhny Novgorod - 130 km.
Driving directions Nizhny Novgorod - Lake Svetloyar
You can combine a trip to Lake Svetloyar with an excursion to the Levashov estate in Galibikhe, in the village of Troitskoye, in Yurino.
Museum of Epochs and Rusenikhinskoye Settlement
If you drive further from the village of Vladimirskoye towards the village of Voskresenskoye, you can stop by Museum of Ages. Between the village of Vladimirskoye and the village of Voskresenskoye there is a left turn with a sign to Tekun and the Museum of Epochs. The museum is located 7 km from this turn, in the village of Rusenikha (there are signs along the way).
IN Museum of Epochs contains exhibitions dedicated to the history of the Vetluga region, including the existence of a mysterious creature that once lived in these areas - the “vetlugosaurus”, as well as exhibitions of paintings by local artists. Excursions are available for any number of people interested. Near the museum there are the remains of the ancient Rusenikhinsky settlement and an observation deck with a wonderful view of the Vetluzhsky distance. The museum itself is located in an ordinary village house. Close to the museum and on observation deck There are stands with a description and map of the route of the ethno-ecological trail, which you can follow if you wish. Museum opening hours(data for 2014): Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (lunch 1 p.m.-2 p.m.), Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Monday are days off. |
Excursions to Svetloyar from Nizhny Novgorod
What to see in Svetloyar
History of Lake Svetloyar
Svetloyar is one of the most legendary and mysterious lakes in Russia: scientists have still not come to a consensus regarding its origin. The legend of the miraculous immersion of the city of Kitezh in its waters, which did not surrender to Batu Khan, formed the basis of Rimsky-Korsakov’s opera “The Legend of the Invisible City of Kitezh and the Maiden Fevronia” and served as material for the paintings of Vasnetsov, Nesterov, and Roerich.
The Legend of the City of Kitezh
A long time ago, even before the advent of the Tatars, Grand Duke Georgy Vsevolodovich built the city of Maly Kitezh (present-day Gorodets) on the Volga, and then, “crossing the quiet and rusty rivers Uzola, Sandu and Kerzhenets,” he went to Lunda and Svetloyar for “very beautiful "The place where the city of Kitezh Bolshoi was located. This is how the glorious Kitezh city appeared on the shore of the lake. Six domes of churches towered in the center of the city. And Greater Kitezh was great and famous.
But the black year came - Batya’s invasion swept across Rus'. In 1238, after the destruction of the Vladimir-Suzdal principality, Batu Khan set up a camp on the City River. After another unequal battle, Prince Yuri Vsevolodovich with the remnants of his troops retreated to Maly Kitezh. However, Batu took it by storm, and the prince and the remnants of his army miraculously managed to escape to Greater Kitezh. The Mongol-Tatars burned Little Kitezh, filled it with blood, and tortured the prisoners: where is Big Kitezh, in which the prince took refuge, how to find the way there? One of them could not stand the torment - he led his enemies through the Trans-Volga taiga. But Kitezh, when it was surrounded by enemies, did not surrender to them: its inhabitants prayed to God, and he protected them. The city sank down, and it was covered from above by earthen caps - hills and a lake. Horror seized the enemies, and they fled away from this miracle.
Now there is a path to the lake, which is called the Batu Trail. It can lead to glorious city Kitezh, but not for everyone, but only for those who are pure in heart and soul. Since then, the city has been invisible, but intact, and the especially righteous can see the lights of religious processions in the depths of the lake and hear the ringing of its bells.
In fact, the great depth of Lake Svetloyar (up to 36 m), its oval shape with a funnel-shaped bottom, and the purity of the water make the origin of this lake mysterious and were the basis for the widespread belief about its karst origin. However, studies carried out in the area of Lake Svetloyar by the geological survey party of the Gorky geological exploration expedition did not confirm this. An almost 300-meter well drilled near the lake showed that to a depth of about 250 meters there are no rocks susceptible to karst. This quarter-kilometer thickness is represented mainly by rocks such as loams, clays, sandstones, and marls. And the deeper-lying limestones, gypsum, and anhydrites are not affected by karst processes. The expedition's research led to the conclusion that Svetloyar is a remnant of the ancient bed of the Lunda River (the right tributary of the Vetluga), half a kilometer from which it is located. The lake has a flow into Lundu and abundant spring feeding, which explains the purity and freshness of its water.
Kibelek Key and the Tomb of the Three Saints
As you go up to the church on the hill, you will see a path to the right of the church and a sign “Kibelek Key”. The path will lead to the barrier. After the barrier you need to go right along the road. The road through the field will lead to the forest. Then go into the forest along the same road. There are signs along the way. Soon the road will end and there will be a path. Walk along the path - platforms should appear on the path. Follow them all the way to the spring. The distance from Lake Svetloyar to the Kibelek spring is about 2 km. The water in the Kibelek spring is holy.
History of the Kibelek key and the tombs of the three saints
According to legend, a battle between the Kitezh squad and the Tatars took place in this place. Three Kitezh heroes died here in an unequal battle, defending the Russian land.
There is also a well here, the water from which is also considered holy, and nearby there are three crosses in memory of the fallen soldiers. A little further, in the forest, there is a clearing with three graves of warriors. From these graves, believers take earth, which helps to heal from various ailments.
Svetloyar is one of the most mysterious lakes Russian Federation. Despite the fact that for more than 40 years researchers have been trying to understand how this body of water came into being, they have not yet come to a consensus. We can say with confidence that the Nizhny Novgorod region is famous for this source of strength and health. Lake Svetloyar causes a lot of discussions about its origin, the usefulness of the water and legends that have been passed down from generation to generation for centuries.
The Legend of the City of Kitezh
One of the most ancient legends is based on the fact that even before the Tatars came here, the city of Kitezh stood near the shore. It was a small town with six churches in the center. At this time, near the city of Maly Kitezh, a battle took place between Khan Batu and Prince Vsevolodich. In an unequal battle, the Russian heroes were forced to retreat into the depths of the forests, where Greater Kitezh stood. After the Tatars reached Svetloyar, the final battle took place, as a result of which the Russian commander died. But the enemies did not get the city; it disappeared under the overflowing waters of the lake. The Nizhny Novgorod region is known for this glorious place. Lake Svetloyar, whose history is so mysterious, still hides in its depths the city of Kitezh, which, they say, can be seen in the crystal clear waters.
Legends of the lake and reviews from tourists
The most fantastic stories about this reservoir can be heard from local residents. They claim that there is some kind of underground bottom connecting Svetloyar with Baikal. It’s hard to believe, but to date there are no refutations or confirmations. This, of course, does not take into account that quite recently a group of divers dived to explore the bottom of Svetloyar. But there is no data on this matter. Reviews from tourists indicate that the water here is crystal clear and healing. After swimming in a pond, your health improves and your mood improves.
There was a lot of talk about the fact that the scuba divers never reached the bottom, which scared them very much. There is another ancient belief, according to which the depths of the lake are guarded by a miracle fish, which protects Kitezh from uninvited guests. Local residents claim that Svetloyar, a lake whose legends are simply amazing, has miraculous powers, but it’s up to you to believe in it or not. However, today there are rumors about cases of incredible healing from various diseases at this reservoir. For example, tourists have repeatedly said that after visiting the lake, all their ailments disappeared.
When and under what circumstances did Svetloyar appear?
According to many researchers, the reservoir appeared approximately 14 thousand years ago. This time can be attributed to the end of the Ice Age. But in practice it turns out that in this area everything glacial lakes have long disappeared. This confirms the version that Svetloyar, the lake whose legends attract tourists, is of karst origin. As an argument, facts are cited, if you can call them that, from as far back as 1903. One of the local newspapers wrote that the residents of the nearest village called Shary, not far from Svetloyar, were very alarmed. One day in the middle of the night there was a loud noise and crash. But it was not thunder, since the sounds came from underground. All the residents of the village ran towards the sounds and, to their surprise, saw a huge failure, on which Svetloyar was formed. The lake, a photo of which you can see in this article, according to eyewitnesses, appeared in an instant. It was so deep that not a single tree that had grown in this place before was visible.
Expert opinions on anomalous phenomena
But many researchers and scientists reject the version of karst origin. This is due to several factors. Firstly, there are no easily soluble rocks on the shore that are washed away by the waters of Svetloyar. Secondly, according to research data, the center of the European part of the Russian Federation lies on very strong rocks. In some places, cracks form under the influence of shear. According to Nikishin, it is at the intersection of two similar faults that the lake is located today. This is quite logical, especially considering that failure in such a place can happen very quickly. As for healing waters, experts do not deny this. The fact is that high energy coming from the depths of planet Earth can have a variety of effects on the human body. Hence the mirages, the sounds of bells, and periodically appearing UFOs. But the most interesting thing is that if you take some water from this reservoir home with you, it will stand for several years and will not deteriorate at all.
Are there pagan temples at the bottom of the lake?
About 50 years ago, a complex scientific expedition visited Svetloyar. It was found that undersea world The reservoir was not created all at once, but in stages. This is due to the fact that the lake has a large number of ledges, which are located at a depth of 9 to 20 meters. The latter is only 700 years old. Around this time, Khan Batu came to these lands. Based on this, experts concluded that the monastery must be located almost at the very bottom, which is practically unexplored. In their opinion, there used to be a pagan temple here, which sank to the bottom when the waters flooded. In the center of the lake, a small island was formed, to which Christians came for the purpose of solitude. They created the temple, which also went into the abyss of the reservoir. It is these amazing legends that attract tourists that Lake Svetloyar always finds itself in the center of attention of visitors. Especially after a wooden fragment was found there, indicating that it was a building from ancient times, which was miraculously preserved.
Conclusion
Currently, recreation on Lake Svetloyar is very popular. Mostly tourists come here from all over Russia, but sometimes from other countries. Many people believe that the waters of the reservoir are healing and give vitality. In addition, almost everyone is not averse to taking “living” water from Svetloyar with them. A huge number of hypotheses that exist today suggest that there is something alluring about this place. Legends don't just happen. They may not always be reliable, but there is definitely some truth in them. In the end, faith matters a lot. According to local residents, only those who believe in the miracle of the reservoir will be able to discover all its secrets. By the way, ufologists say that Svetloyar) is the fourth dimension, or an energy column that is not visible to the naked eye. And only believers can see it. Despite the fact that this place is not a resort, those who have been here want to see Svetloyar again and advise others to visit this magical place.
