Lake Svetloyar was lost in the interfluve of Kerzhenets, Vetluga, and Kerzhen forests. It gained wide fame because of the rather widespread legend of the invisible city of Kitezh, which once, in order not to be captured by the enemy, sank to the bottom of this reservoir.
The name "Svetloyar" means "deep and bright waters." Indeed, the waters of this lake are clean, and its depth in some places reaches thirty meters.
According to legend, in ancient times, before the advent of the Tatars, the city of Kitezh was located on the site of the reservoir. In its center, 6 churches towered majestically.
Batu, having come to Russia, heard about Kitezh and rushed to him with his army. Having broken through to the walls of the city, they were amazed, because the inhabitants did not build any fortifications and were not going to defend themselves. All that was heard was the ringing of bells - people prayed for salvation. And then a miracle happened. The city of Kitezh disappeared, and in its place appeared Svetloyar - a lake that impresses with its beauty.
The origin of the reservoir. Hypotheses
There are several different opinions about the appearance of the lake. Some believe that Svetloyar is of karst origin, others - that of glacial origin, others say that it was formed as a result of the merger of two very deep faults of the Earth's crust. There is no consensus yet. Lake Svetloyar continues to keep its secrets.
You can get to it along the birch alley, sprinkled with white sand. The sand itself was brought back in the seventies, when there was a pioneer camp near the reservoir. The natural soil around Svetloyar is clayey, it was difficult to walk on it, especially after rain. The sand path rises up the hill. Recently, it began to be called the Batu path. In the alley you can always see strolling tourists. For a person who goes to a holy place, Lake Svetloyar opens unexpectedly, precisely at the time when he is on the highest point of the trail.
Water from the lake is collected in bottles. Many say that it can be stored for a long time, not deteriorate at all and not bloom. Moreover, she is considered a saint. In summer, you can see how people in long shirts enter Lake Svetloyar and are baptized.
Laboratory studies of water, which were carried out as far back as 1969, showed that it was of a hydrocarbonate type, slightly mineralized. Also in the lake there is hydrogen sulfide of biogenic origin. Not so long ago, an analysis showed a high content of copper - a natural antiseptic. It is his presence that explains the unusual properties of water. Near Svetloyar you can find rare and listed in the Red Book plants of lakes.
If you turn left along the path, you can climb the mountain. The lake from her can be seen in full view. Svetloyar impresses many with its ideal oval shape. Every year, hundreds of people visit this holy place. There are many old believers, pilgrims, as well as tourists, schoolchildren, environmentalists and just curious people.
The most massive visit can be observed on the day of Ivan Kupala. During the day, people celebrate, and at night they go around the lake with candles, throw wreaths and arrange pagan games in the forests and fields.
Svetloyar Lake is one of the most amazing and unusual places in Russia. Having come to him, a person receives peace and peace of mind. The path here is open to everyone!
