Glycerin Lake in Strilkove

Glycerin Lake is a freshwater reservoir, which was formed near the Sea of Azov and the Syvash salt lake. A long time ago, people started excavations there to find minerals. As soon as they dug a pit for the study of rocks, the work stopped: cold spring burst forth out of the earth. This has lead to the formation of Glycerin Lake. Strilkove has become another destination for travelers in the Kherson region.

The water in the lake is oily. After swimming there, the skin becomes soft, as if smeared with glycerin. Therefore, the spring was named so.

One may come to the lake all seasons of the year. In summer, the water pleasantly cools your body. In winter, it feels great to dive into the lake after swimming in hot thermal springs to feel the contrast o temperatures.

There are very few reservoirs with similar properties in the world. If you are traveling around the Kherson region, take the time to swim in Glycerin Lake.

Therapeutic properties of Glycerin Lake

The uniqueness of  Glycerine Lake is in its saturation with mineral substances and oils. After swimming, the skin covers with an oily film, which softens, moisturizes, and unwrinkles the skin surface, heals wounds. Swimming in Glycerin Lake is beneficial for people with dermatological conditions.

To enhance the effect, do not wipe yourself with a towel and let the sun and air dry you up.

Although there is no official confirmation of the lake’s mineral properties, you will find many tourists here. Both adults and children are allowed to swim in the lake. The water bursts forth out of the earth and therefore stays cool even in the heat. There are no restrictions on swimming time either. If you want, you can stay in the lake for the entire day. This feels especially nice to immerse in the cool water after swimming in the iodine-bromine spring, which is located nearby.

Sights

Tourists witness a natural spa center as they arrive at the Arabat Spit. Glycerin Lake is not the only natural wonder in this area. Syvash Lake, hot springs, mud pools are scattered around the territory of the Spit. The Sea of Azov itself is a source of natural strength and health!

The infrastructure of the village is poorly developed. Therefore, you will hardly find any attractions there. On the shore of the reservoir, there is a small St. Sergius of Radonezh Temple. Currently, there is the second reservoir for swimming, so the temple stands on the island. Public worships are sometimes held there.

The Park of Cossack Glory is being built to the south of the temple. The first part of it – Memorial Avenue – was founded in 2013 to honor the 125th anniversary of Nestor Makhno – a prominent Ukrainian political and military leader. There are memorial monuments with names of fallen heroes of Ukraine – liquidators of the Chornobyl disaster, the Heavenly Hundred, ATO soldiers and volunteers.

The remains of a 16th-century Turkish fortress are located nearby. The fortification consisted of five towers, three of which were connected by a defensive wall. The tower closest to the village is surrounded by a rampart. Only a pile of stones remained from the tower itself.

Activities for a tourist

Do not think that Glycerin Lake is the only thing you will see as you arrive in Strilkove. Here are some sights of the Arabat Spit:

• The Sea of Azov is a kind of paradise for tourists in the summer season. Beaches here are mostly pristine. The water is warm and clean. During the storm, you can move to the south – there starts a waist-deep estuary;
• Syvash is a health resort in the Kherson region. This salt lake is similar in properties to the Dead Sea. Here, you can take therapeutic iodine-bromine and mud baths in the warm season;
• Arabat thermal springs are pools with hot thermal water. A place that attracts visitors during cold and snowy periods. The iodine-bromine spring is rich in minerals. Water temperature reaches +76°C near the well.

Rest at Glycerin Lake is different compared to other resorts in Ukraine. There are no clubs, restaurants, or cafes there. You may engage in fishing, walking, and picnicking instead. If you admire hasteless relaxation without the bustle, and the influx of tourists, Glycerin Lake in the Arabat Spit is your option!

What to take with you

If you want to swim first in Syvash, and then in Glycerin Lake, take with you:

• an old swimsuit. The waters of Syvash may stain and ruin a swimsuit;
• a headdress and a beach umbrella. There is almost no shade to hide from the sun;
• food and drinking water or hot tea in winter season. There is no place to eat near the reservoir, and the nearest store is in the village.

The territory is only developing. With each passing year, stay at Glycerin Lake in Shchaslyvtseve becomes more comfortable for tourists.

Location of Glycerin Lake

Many travelers know Glycerin Lake in Ukraine. It is located in the Kherson region, the Arabat Spit, southwest of Strilkove village. Signposts and buildings of ‘Arabatski Termy’ (Arabat thermal springs) will help you to find the way. Another reference point is the fortieth kilometer. There are guest houses, tourist campsites, hot springs.

How to get there

You can get there by public transport from Kherson or Henichesk. During the resort season, this is not a problem to find a carrier to drive you to Glycerin Lake. Strilkove is the final destination.

By car, you should move along E105 road to Novooleksiivka. Then, take P-47 to the left of Henichesk to Henicheska Hirka. Then, drive along the spit, through Shchaslyvtseve and Strilkove.

Accommodation

There are several opportunities for accomodation: you will find guest houses and recreational facilities for every price category there. Prices depend on the month of stay, the level of comfort in the room, and the meal plan.

• “Satoriya” Recreation Center. The cost of a double room starts from UAH 800 per day.
• “Khmelnychanka” Private Hotel. You may stay here for UAH 600 per day.