Lake Svetloyar got lost in the interfluve of Kerzhenets, Vetluga and Kerzhen forests. It became widely known because of the rather widespread legend about 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 in some places its depth reaches thirty meters.
According to legend, in ancient times, before the coming of the Tatars, the city of Kitezh was located on the site of the reservoir. 6 churches majestically rose in its center.
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, since the inhabitants did not build any fortifications and did not intend to defend themselves. Only the ringing of bells was heard - people were praying for salvation. And then a miracle happened. The city of Kitezh disappeared, and in its place appeared Svetloyar - a lake, striking in 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 in the Earth's crust. There is no consensus yet. Lake Svetloyar continues to keep its secrets.
It can be accessed by a sprinkled color. The sand itself was brought back in the seventies, when there was a pioneer camp not far from the reservoir. The natural soil around Svetloyar is clayey, it was difficult to walk on it, especially after the rain. The sand path goes up the hill. Recently, they began to call it the Batu path. You can always see tourists walking along the alley. For a person who walks to a holy place, Lake Svetloyar opens unexpectedly, exactly at the time when he finds himself on the highest point of the path.
Water from the lake is taken into bottles. Many say that it can be stored for a long time, does not deteriorate at all and does not bloom. Moreover, she is considered a saint. In summer, you can see people in long shirts entering Lake Svetloyar and crossing themselves.
Laboratory studies of water, which were carried out back in 1969, showed that it is of the hydrocarbonate type, slightly mineralized. There is also biogenic hydrogen sulfide in the lake. Not so long ago, an analysis showed a high content of copper, a natural antiseptic. It is its presence that explains the unusual properties of the waters. Near Svetloyar you can find rare and listed in the Red Book of lake plants.
If you turn left along the path, you can go up the hill. The lake can be seen from her at a glance. Svetloyar amazes 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, ecologists and just curious people.
The most massive visit can be observed in people celebrating, and at night they go around the lake with candles, make wreaths and arrange pagan games in the forests and fields.
Lake Svetloyar is one of the most amazing and unusual places in Russia. Having come to him, a person gets pacification and peace of mind. The way here is open to everyone!
Lake Svetloyar (Nizhny Novgorod region) is one of the most fantastic corners of the Voskresensky district, located in the village of Vladimirskoe. A natural monument of federal status attracts tourists from all over the world. The area is 12 hectares, and the depth reaches 36 meters. This is a mysterious and mysterious place, about which there are many controversial stories. Scientists also cannot determine the exact origin of the object. One of the legends is the mysterious immersion of the city of Kitezh, which stubbornly resisted the Khan's troops. By the way, this story served as an inspiration for a large number of artists. Among them were Vasnetsov, Nesterov, Roerich.
How to get there?
The Family Suitcase company conducts excursions to the lake in summer.
You can make an exciting tourist trip here, asking for help from professionals, or get there on your own. There is a regular bus from Nizhniy Novgorod to the village of Voskresenskoye. You can also come on an excursion by train, which has a Kirov direction. 
It is also convenient to come by private car. Your journey from city to village will take 130 kilometers. There are special parking spaces for vehicles on the birch alley. Address - Nizhny Novgorod region, Voskresensky district, with. Vladimirskoe. High-quality lines.
General information and legends
If you believe the legend, then Prince Georgy Vsevolodovich established small Kitezh on the lake. Later it received another name Gorodets. Soon the prince made a crossing to the other side and found a more suitable place there. Greater Kitezh was created near Londa and Svetloyar. This hail was the largest. It was in high demand in its center was a six-domed temple. The prosperity of the city in Russia lasted until the attack of Batu. The conqueror established his camp on the Sit River. Unfortunately, the forces were unequal. Small Kitezh was taken, the prisoners had a hard time. One of the prisoners, under the burden of torture, nevertheless agreed to lead the enemy troops through the taiga. The inhabitants defended the settlement for a long time and tried to save it. And when the strength was running out, a miracle happened. The city seemed to have sunk down. Above, like a huge cap, hills and a lake were formed. The Mongols retreated, frightened by the extraordinary phenomenon. 
The reservoir has been systematically studied by scuba divers. Various anomalies were periodically found in it. There are all sorts of terraces under the stream, similar to stairs. Gentle slopes are combined with excessively steep ones. This fact suggests that the formation of the reservoir proceeded in parts. From time to time, objects made of wood or metal from the 18th century are found at the bottom. So far, no other imprints of civilization have been identified. 
Periodically, various sounds emanated from the depression. During the full moon and before sunrise, a strange, bubbling sound was sometimes heard. Believers say that it is during this period that they can see the incredible beauty of snow-white temples with golden domes. 
The path that goes to the lake is called the Batu trail. There is such a legend about him that only a person who has pure thoughts can walk along such a road. The hail is invisible. And only the righteous have the opportunity to see the lights at the very bottom. Psychics believe that this is where the spirits come from.
Features of origin
There are many hypotheses about how the lake appeared. Most of them are just legends. The pit depth is 36 meters. The bottom has a funnel-shaped structure. The shape of the depression is an oval, as close as possible to a circle. Geological expeditions indicate that the lake has a karst-type origin. Also, researchers believe that the reservoir is a former element of the ancient river Lunda. It is powered by a spring. In this regard, the water is unusually pure. 
There is information of a religious nature about the appearance. It is believed to be a holy place. Believers from all over the world come here, as well as people who are not indifferent to the mysteries of nature. There is a chapel in the name of the Kazan Mother of God. There is also a grave of three saints, a spring with healing water and a monument with the trace of the Virgin. 
The area is used to celebrate Ivan Kupala. The event takes place on July 6-7. You, too, if you wish, can take part in this event. The pagan holiday is filled with a variety of ancient rituals. 
Protected area
Coming here, you will immediately see a well-groomed alley in front of you, which opens up a delightful view of the reservoir. A small oval-shaped formation has a well-equipped shore. Even a small beach is provided. The water is clean and soft. Locals say that it can be stored in a vessel for a long time and not deteriorate. Its taste is excellent. 
If you come here, then take into account the fact that this area is a nature reserve. Therefore, try not to litter and clean up after a picnic. It is forbidden to make fires and put up tents. The place is special and protected. Therefore, it is necessary to follow the established rules. 
If you go a little higher, you can see the Church of the Kazan Mother of God. The shrine is made of wood and has a small size. Nearby there is a stone with a footprint of a pile of the Mother of God. If you like to take walks in the forest, then you have the opportunity to walk to the Kibilek spring. A source is organized nearby. The water in it is holy. Therefore, when setting out, do not forget to take a container with you to collect. According to the legend, the heroes were buried in the key, who were the defenders of the land from Khan Batu.
Around the pond, you can see a wooden deck. He did not appear here by chance. In times past, believers walked around the tank, praying for help. Each asked for something different.
By the way, this tradition still exists. On the holiday of Ivan Kupala, to fulfill a wish, the circle must be completed three times, while holding a lighted candle in your hand. During the festival, young men and women jump over bonfires and lower wreaths on the water. 
In ancient times, water was not used for bathing. It was used only for washing and preparing food. There is no such ban today. Anyone can take a dip or go diving.
This is a cozy, beautiful and especially picturesque place. If you are tired of the bustle of the city or a beach holiday, then you need to come here. 
Walking through the local area, you will see a gorgeous chamomile field. There is a sign at the edge of the plantation. It is necessary to rely on it in order not to go astray. This is the Pilgrim's Trail. Also, while traveling, you may come across a variety of estates and benches for recreation. The likelihood of getting lost is small.
Mysterious facts
An expedition of the Literaturnaya Gazeta was carried out. During its implementation, drilling of natural silt was carried out. This procedure revealed one amazing find - particles of hard wood with oblique cuts. The cut was probably the result of an ax or knife. 
Later, another anomaly was discovered - naturally formed silt of a special composition. At the bottom, a section was found that did not have the ability to transmit sound.
The divers have carried out the bottom diagnostics. There were two opinions about the outcome of the survey - the presence of a double bottom or its complete absence. Both assumptions have not been accurately confirmed. 
The locals also tell a lot of interesting stories. They say that Svetloyara lives under the hills. If you touch the ground with your ear at night, you can hear the bell ringing.
There is also a legend about a magic fish. It is incredibly large and scares people at night. In addition, they say that Adam Olearius, traveling across Russia, compiled chronicles. During his adventures, he encountered unusual tribes and once stumbled upon one deity in appearance similar to a crocodile. 
The most modern hypothesis for the appearance of water accumulation is the fall of a meteorite. No scientific evidence found. But this thought, like others, has an equal right to exist. Indeed, there are two other lakes in the region, which are similar in configuration to this one. After all, a huge meteorite could break into several pieces, forming huge holes in the ground.
Today research work has ceased, as many attempts have not been crowned with success. Moreover, with those who tried to unravel the mystery, all sorts of troubles periodically happened. So, a hydrobiologist, descending to the depth, had a sharp rise in temperature. He turned to doctors for treatment, but they could not make an accurate diagnosis. Soon, the disease itself disappeared without treatment. 
Once in the local plantings, a villager was picking mushrooms. The mushroom picker did not return home. The relatives began an active search, but to no avail. The police got to work. A few days later, the lost one himself returned back, explaining the case by the fact that he just accidentally got lost and suddenly lost his memory. But after a certain period of time, the wanderer admitted in a conversation with a friend that the elders had given him a drink. The mushroom picker took out a small slice of bread, which the old men treated him to. This piece instantly turned into stone in the palm of your hand. 
There is also a letter in Old Church Slavonic. It is kept in one of the museums. It contains information from son to father. Its content lies in the fact that the young man got to Kitezh in a strange way, he is alive and well and asks not to bury him ahead of time.
Where to stay for the night?
As for organizing an overnight stay, there are many interesting options. The right solution can be found for every budget. You will not be allowed to spend the night in tents on the shore, as this is a protected area. It is recommended to book a hotel in Nizhny Novgorod or Vladimirsky in advance. The prices are quite affordable.
There are many obvious and incredible facts about this amazing place. There is a legend that a pioneer camp was once organized here. A wide variety of land transport could freely travel here. Almost everyone wanted to visit the extraordinary site and no expenses stopped in front of this goal. During the Great Patriotic War, various pilgrimages were held for those who left to bravely fight for their Motherland. 
Nature
The area is quite picturesque. There are many plants and animals. There are reeds, water lilies, egg capsules, Losel's elk orchids, shrubs, sundew, etc. Worms and planktons are found in the reservoir. Earlier it was possible to meet desman. Today hedgehogs, cranes, owls, kites, hawks, owls, pepala, wolves, foxes, hares, lynxes, bears, moles and others live. Among the reptiles, there are vipers, toads, lizards, and frogs. Fish also swims - pike, catfish, ruff, crucian carp, roach. Recreational fishing is permitted. Hunting is also in demand. But you cannot kindle fires. 
There are practically no meadows here, mainly forests, wetlands and taiga. Coniferous trees predominate. Mixed forest - birch, spruce, pine, larch.
The air is incredibly clean. It is especially comfortable to relax in summer and spring, when the vegetation comes to life. The reservoir serves as entertainment for those who like swimming, diving, picnics in nature. Against the backdrop of stunning landscapes, you can take photographs of high artistic value. If you are planning to hike the trails, take your map with you just in case. There are signs around, but the risk of getting lost is possible. 
Coming to Nizhny Novgorod, be sure to visit this sacred and mysterious place. You may be able to discover something new or find confirmation of existing guesses.
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It is located 130 km from Nizhny Novgorod, not far from the village of Vladimirskoe, in the Nizhny Novgorod Trans-Volga region, in the interfluve of the Vetluga and Kerzhenets rivers. It is 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?), 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 rift in its bottom. And due to the fact that the lake is fed by numerous bottom springs, the water is cold.
For several centuries, the most incredible legends and rumors have been compiled about Svetloyar. After all, how many unprecedented miracles take place on its shores and how many secrets it keeps in itself!
So, let's look at what amazes and surprises Svetloyar, what secrets and mysteries it keeps around it:
It surprises with its unusual relief forms: from a bird's eye view of the lake it looks like a round coin, and in cross section it resembles the profile of a huge diamond;
The amazing transparency of the water is striking, and the sky, trees and churches are reflected in its mirror surface. The healing properties of water are also unique;
The flora is interesting here: about 30 plant species grow on the banks, which in turn is not typical for this high latitude. Also here you can find such a rare type of flowers as 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 the emergence of Svetloyar. At different times, researchers have expressed various hypotheses of its origin: meteorite, karst, glacial, volcanic, old, cosmic. And of all the hypotheses, meteorite has been confirmed by a number of studies. Most interestingly, 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, this place was the city of Kitezh
The bottom of the Svetloyar lake. Part 1
like any strange place, it will always be protected by the state and will turn into a natural park or reserve, where any archaeological excavations will be prohibited.
To summarize, Lake Svetloyar Nizhny Novgorod region is 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 a small Russian Atlantis! Its mystery and extraordinary beauty attract millions of tourists!
The main tradition of the blessed shores of Lake Svetloyar is to go around the lake with prayer to ask for absolution, to save the soul and heal bodily ailments.
This tradition is many centuries old. The tour begins with a visit to the temple on the lake to receive a blessing.
The blessing is given by the priest, and in his absence, the believers pray in the church in front of the icons of the Mother of God. If the church is closed at that moment, they pray in front of the worship cross with the icon of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos installed in front of the temple.
After asking for a blessing, believers go around the lake clockwise, reciting the Theotokos prayer.
Virgin Mary, rejoice, Blessed Mary, the Lord is with you;
blessed are you in women and blessed is the fruit of your womb,
as if the Savior gave birth to our souls.
If you do not know the prayers, you can go around the lake in prayer silence. Traditionally, the lake is bypassed three times, but it is blessed also once, but not twice.
There are wooden bridges around the entire lake (1.5 kilometers), it is impossible to get lost. The whole journey takes 30-40 minutes.
On the shores of the lake there are four bowing crosses, one of which is near the church. When walking around the lake, believers are baptized near these crosses, they can turn to God with a prayer for something secret.
At the end, let go, near the fourth cross, next to the alley, you should also cross yourself and thank God, who gave the strength to complete this path. It is not necessary to return to the church after the tour.
On Saturdays at 12 noon, a prayer tour of the lake is made with the parish rector, Father Vladimir. During this procession, they can not only pray together, but also hear a very meaningful story about the history of these holy places. This procession continues for about one hour and ends near the church, where the priest blesses the faithful, sprinkles them with holy water. After the tour, everyone can turn to the priest with their questions, receive instructions.
This is how the pilgrims follow the main tradition of Lake Svetloyar today. It is reliably known that earlier believers did not go around the lake, but crawled three times on their knees, reading prayers. This is evidenced by numerous old photographs and eyewitness memories. There are times that even now some travelers crawl around the lake.
The rector of the Orthodox parish in honor of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God of the village of Vladimirskoye, Archpriest Vladimir (Kraev), narrates.
- We do not worship either the water or the invisible city of Kitezh, although we also go around the lake with the procession of the cross. For us, the circle is a symbol of eternity. We go around the baptismal font in the church, we lead the people getting married around the lectern, the priests go around the circle near the throne. And here, until the mid-1960s, walk around the lake in a penitential procession on his knees, reading the "Mother of God", "The Symbol of Faith" or a penitential psalm. This is a kind of sacrifice that people made, praying for their needs and troubles, just like bowing to the ground.
For how many centuries people have been standing onthe shores of the lake, contemplate its nature, trying to understand, to hear what it hides. Until now, they are drawn to this prayer place, where our ancestors repented, prayed, asked the Lord for help and He helped them. We know of many such cases.
All additional information about the Saturday religious procession around the lake with a priest can be obtained by calling + 7-902-309-28-96 or at the temple on Lake Svetloyar.
Near the temple-chapel in honor of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God on Lake Svetloyar there are two stones that believers consider "sacred", suggesting that the Mother of God herself left a footprint on one of them. Thousands of Orthodox Christians who visit these holy shores put their hands on a stone with a footprint and pray to the Mother of God for help, intercession and blessing.
The mention of such stones has existed since ancient times in the Orthodox tradition. The Lord Jesus Christ prayed on the stone "Prayer for the Chalice", the footprint of the glass of the Mother of God is venerated on Pochaev Mountain. There are other stones-monuments of Christianity, which are revered by believers to this day.
Location: Nizhny Novgorod region
Lake Svetloyar is one of the most beautiful and mysterious in the central part of Russia. It has the shape of an almost regular oval with a size of 500x350 meters, and its depth in some places reaches 40 meters. However, Svetloyar is famous not for its correct form, but for the legends about the mysterious city that once stood on its banks and rests on its bottom. According to legend, the city disappeared without a trace during the Tatar-Mongol invasion. In turn, scientists have found that the lake received its final shape about 700-800 years ago, which only confirms the possible existence of a city on these shores.
In the 20th century, local legends attracted a large number of researchers to this area, who wanted to prove or disprove the ancient legend. On the banks of Svetloyar, the sites of ancient people dating back to the Stone Age were found, but traces of a large city were never found. Scientists have excavated all over the place, but they could not find traces of the recent violent human activity in this region.
Also, scientists have not been able to accurately establish the origin of the lake itself. The Svetloyar basin is like two drops of water similar to lunar craters, with their characteristic features. Along the perimeter, in some places there is a small rampart, and the aspect ratio, their angle and depth indicate that the formation took place not without the help of a meteorite. Also, it was a meteorite explosion that could "open" the bottom of the crater with its explosion, forming many cracks, which in turn turned into springs that filled the Svetly Yar basin.
According to the second hypothesis, which is confirmed by research, the lake was formed in the place of a break in the basement on which the entire European part of Russia stands. It is in such places that a characteristic high natural energy is very often observed, which comes out of the depths of the earth. It is precisely due to the high concentration of energy that many people often observe various mirages here, as well as hear the semblance of a bell ringing coming from the day of the lake.
From time immemorial, this place was sacred, but not only thanks to a beautiful legend. Its most important distinguishing feature is the exceptional purity of the water. Water from Svetloyar can be kept in a closed vessel for a very long time without losing its exceptional purity. The lake is powered by springs gushing at the bottom, and this is what determines the purity of its waters.
Its second main feature is the fact that it was in this place that the Old Believers hid for a long time, and Svetly Yar itself was sacred and cult for them. According to Old Believer legends, it was established that each hill, each path here had sacred, cult significance for them and had its own names. At all times, the local shores attracted not only Old Believers, but also representatives of other directions of Christianity, and Svetly Yar became, in its own way, a zone of free thought and the transformation of human souls.
Legend about the city of Kityazh.
The legend of the glorious city goes back to the distant 13th century, during the reign of Prince Yuri Vsevolodovich. At that time, there was an active development of new lands, the construction of cities and fortresses. Traveling through the Vladimir-Suzdal land, the prince arrived in Small Kitezh (now Gorodets) and ordered to rebuild the city. Later, the prince went to the eastern lands and came across a uniquely beautiful Lake, called Svetly Yar. Yuri Vsevolodovich ordered to build a city here and within three years the Prince's order was fulfilled.
According to legend, Kitezh had two hundred fathoms in length and a hundred in width, but it was not destined to stand on the shore of the lake for long. There was a Tatar-Mongol invasion of the Northern principalities of Russia in 1237. It did not pass by the glorious city of Kitezh. Although it was hidden in the forests, and unknown to the Mongols, they learned from the captives about the paths leading to the lake and hail. The siege of the fortress lasted 10 days, but the inhabitants did not want to surrender to the Mongols. When the forces of the defenders were running out, he prayed to the Lord for help. The next morning the Mongols went to the next assault on the city, but they did not find in the old place of the fortress walls, as soon as they saw the reflection of the white-stone hail in the waters of Svetly Yar. For a long time they could not understand what had happened, and they searched around the glorious Kitezh, but they did not find anything. And no one else saw the city of Kitezh, from which only a beautiful legend remained, which says that sunny clear weather, you can see its reflection at dawn in the water surface and the bell ringing of its white-stone churches, and that it still stands at the bottom, reliably covered with water like a blanket.
There is also a much more believable story of the holy city of Kitezh. Once upon a time, until the last failure of the bottom, there were small islands in the middle of the lake, which were the center of the pagan cult of Yarilo. On the islands there were statues of him and ceremonies were held. However, after the Christianization of Rus, all the statues were destroyed, and a church was built on the largest island, and a small settlement grew up, which went under water during the second failure, which just coincides with the invasion of the Mongols. The bottom of the lake has not yet been explored, and this version should not be dismissed yet.
Nowadays
Nowadays, Svetloyar is also a cult and sacred place. Various ethnic festivals and holidays are held here every year, including a large number of church holidays. In 1997, it was awarded the status of a natural monument of federal significance, it also has the status of a UNESCO monument and is under special protection. Since 2002 the lake has been included in the biosphere reserve "Nizhegorodskoe Zavolzhye".
How to get there
The easiest way to get there by car is from Nizhny Novgorod. You need to go along the p-159 highway to the north, to the village of Bokovaya, at the very end of which you turn right towards the village of Vladimirskoye, where you will need to turn right along the Soviet street, which leads to the lake.
It is also easiest to get there on your own from Nizhny Novgorod. Regular buses run daily, heading to Voskresenskoye and passing the village of Vladimirskoye, where you need to get off.
