Ziablovske (Kassyrske) in Strilkove

Ziablovske Lake has not yet become such popular among tourists as other salt lakes of the Arabat Spit. In balneotherapeutic terms, it equals or betters the Syvash Lake. While local entrepreneurs are seizing up the development of Ziablovske Lake, take your time to enjoy walks and procedures there without crowds of people. Even in winter, there are tourists who want to improve their endurance by swimming there!

History of Ziablovske Lake

Salt is the main asset of the lakes of the Arabat Spit. It is known that Ukrainian Chumaks bought salt from the Crimean Tatars here in the 16th century. The trade route passed along the spit – Zaporozhian Cossacks purchased wine, honey, tobacco, while the locals bought fur, cloth, oil. The salt industry brought a good income to the khan's treasury. The Chumaks, in turn, supplied ‘white gold’ to most of Ukraine.

After the defeat of the Crimean Khanate, the territory of the Arabat Spit passed to the Russian Empire. Barracks for the workers of the salt industry were built in the vicinity of Shchaslyvtseve village. Kassyrske Lake was also actively processed by salt miners. After the transfer of state land to the private sector, large and small industries opened throughout the Arabat Spit.

Salt mining industries at Kassyrske Lake belonged to the entrepreneur Yehor Semenovych Ziablov. After his death in 1876, the salt industry fell into decay. The works have not resumed, but the memory of the salt miner is perpetuated in the new name of the lake.

Balneological Properties of the Lake

The lakes of the Arabat Spit hardly differ from each other in terms of salts and microelements content. According to preliminary data, the reservoir has the potential for investment and development in terms of health tourism. The natural properties of the lake may make it a mineral resource base for mud therapy.

So far, Ziablovske Lake does not attract crowds of tourists. Although, here you can breathe air saturated with iodine and bromine all year round or smear mud over your body during warm season. Microelements in the composition of clay improve blood flow to the skin, smooth fine wrinkles.

Local attractions

Ziablovske Lake itself is an attraction. It is divided by an earthen embankment into the northern and southern parts.

The lake changes its color depending on the season – in summer it becomes snow-white, and in spring it gets dark pink, almost burgundy. Imagine the awesome photos you can take here!

In general, the sights of the Arabat Spit are close to each other:

• Syvash Lake. This is a unique place. Many tourists are attracted by its therapeutic properties. In terms of salt and microelements, it is similar to the Dead Sea in Israel.
• Pink Lake. In summer tourists also take mud baths and swim in saltwater. At the Pink Lake, you can watch fascinating sunsets and sunrises and get incredible photos.
• Glycerin Lake. Freshwater, which makes the skin soft and silky. These are magical sensations!
• Hot spring in Shchaslyvtseve. The iodine-bromine geyser is popular with tourists especially in winter.

And this is not a complete list of the attractions of the Arabat Spit. As you come to visit Ziablovske Lake, don't forget about other cool places!

Activities for a Tourist

Activities at Ziablovske Lake are limited to mud therapy and walks along the shore. The Arabat Spit is suitable for recreation and spending time with family. There are no late-night parties, guest stars and club life. However, there are hot springs, salt lakes and the sea!

Summer offers more active leisure. ‘Oasis’ Water Park with a large swimming pool and water slides is located nearby. Fans of extreme sports will love ‘Extremarine Club’ Windsurfing School. They provide training services for the beginners and equipment for rent for the professionals.

Finally, here is the Sea of Azov! People come here to swim, sunbathe, build sandcastles, fish, and just enjoy their vacation!

What to take with you

Take the effort to bring with you to Ziablovske Lake:

• an old swimsuit you will not feel sorry to spoil with mud;
• fresh water to wash off clay after the procedures;
• drinking water or a vacuum flask with hot tea in winter – there are no shops or tents with drinks there;
• in summer, a hat and a beach umbrella – there is nowhere to hide from the heat on a sunny day.

Location of Ziablovske Lake

The lake is located in the Kherson region. The reservoir occupies the northern part of the Arabat Spit, between Henicheska Hirka and Shchaslyvtseve. The lake is about 3 km long and barely 0.6 km wide.

How to get there

The lake is located along the Henichesk-Strilkove highway. If you drive from Shchaslyvtseve (along Myru street), ‘Alladin’ Guest House is your reference point. When driving from the side of Henicheska Hirka, the reference point is ‘Odyssey’ Guest House.

If you move by public transport, you can take Henichesk-Strilkove bus or minibuses driving to the guest houses. Get off near ‘Chaika-2’ Recreation Center.

Accommodation

There are private hostels, guest houses, and mini hotels in the area. The list of the closest to the lake includes:

• ‘SeaVash House’ Guest House – a three-storey house with all amenities. The price per bed starts from UAH 100. You can contact the administration by phones: +380630204131, +380638589760;
• ‘Odyssey’ Guest House. It has comfortable and clean rooms. There is parking, restaurant, free internet. The cost of accommodation starts from UAH 500. You may book a room on booking.com;
• ‘Stop-Kran’ Mini Boarding House. It offers 2-, 3-, 4-bed rooms equipped with everything one may need. There is parking. The price per room starts from UAH 400. Phones: +38(066)286-00-91; +38(098)206-25-48.