Pink Lake in Pryozerne

One of the remarkable sights in Arabatska Strilka, which is a sand spit, is Henichesk Lake in the settlement of Pryozerne.  Tourists come here to watch the way salt is born and quarry salt crystals as souvenirs with their own hands. And what’s more breathtaking summer and fall landscapes greet you here. You should see them!

The lough stretches 5 km long. Its depth is 60 cm but mostly the surface is only slightly covered with water.

The history of salt quarry

The beginning of salt quarry here dates back to 1840. It was the only salt works in the country. Valuable beta-carotene salt was obtained which was famous for its health properties.  According to one of the versions, it is exactly the place where the well-known Chumatskyi Shliakh, the road along which salt was brought to the Crimea, began.

At the times of USSR there was a salt-producing enterprise. Now salt-production is stopped. Only half-ruined walls of the enterprise and wooden pillars dividing the water body into sections remind about the production.

Why is the water of pink colour

The water gains pink color due to microalgae Dunaliella. They live in waters where salt concentration is high and let off some substances which tincture water with pink colour. It depends on several factors: an hour of the day, light and weather.

Many tourists come to improve their health to the lake. The brine (high mineral concentration water) and salt contain a great number of magnesium, bromine, iodine and potassium. It is possible to take curative mud from the bottom on your own or buy it from local residents at 20-50 UAH.

Attendance is free of charge but be ready to face no infrastructure. Hint: be sure to take enough fresh water to wash salt off your skin.

The lake on the map and how to get

From Kherson you should go by car to the city of Henicheska Horka, further turn to the village of Pryozerne and drive about 4 km.

By train or bus to Henichesk, then by minibus to Hengirka. Exit at the turn in the village of Pryozerne, then you can call a taxi or walk (distance 4 km).