"We have Maldives at home": the bluest lakes in Russia
From Moscow to Male many can fly to scare a lonely reef shark near their villa in the mornings. But you try traveling around Russia to take photos against a backdrop of turquoise and azure waters!
We've done our best for you, dear travelers: check out our selection of the bluest lakes you can visit this summer!
Konduki, Tula Region
The Konduki lakes are considered one of the main attractions of the Tula region. So why not buy tickets from Moscow to Tula, nap for about three hours on the train, and head out into nature?
The Konduki waters are surrounded by spoil heaps, which locals call the Romantsevsky Mountains. Upon arrival, it might seem like you're in Altai, but in reality, you're still not far from the capital.
These reservoirs got their hue from the composition of the rock in which the lakes are situated. Be prepared that there is no tourist infrastructure here, and we wouldn't recommend swimming in the lake waters — the bottom of the quarries cannot boast a smooth surface. Just come, look, take photos, and have a small picnic with friends.
Lake Dontso, Leningrad Region
Petersburgers are lucky people, especially considering that besides the Hermitage and the Russian Museum, they have the opportunity to visit the 'domestic Maldives'. Lake Dontso is located approximately 100 km from the northern capital. So you can just hop on an electric train at Baltiysky railway station and find yourself on the azure shore.
As for the residents of the white-stone city (Moscow), they, as always, can buy tickets from Moscow to St. Petersburg and embark on a journey to the lake. We advise taking a vacation and coming here on weekdays if you enjoy peace and quiet. Unlike the Konduki lakes in Tula, there are no infrastructure problems here: you can stay at a recreation center or rent a cottage with a banya (Russian sauna) and barbecue area. In short, if you decide to go to St. Petersburg for a vacation, rent a car or take an electric train for a day trip to Lake Dontso. It's a very cozy place!
Cherek-Balkar Gorge, Kabardino-Balkaria Republic
Besides the main protagonists of this narrative, the karst Blue Lakes (which we will discuss later), the beauty of the Balkar Gorge as a whole should be mentioned. Its documented history begins with the local peoples inhabiting the Zylgi-Kala fortress, built around the 10th century. Centuries later, the single-track road widened, tunnels were cut through grottoes, and a stream of tourists poured in.
Now, to the lakes. There are several here. The most famous is called Nizhnee (Lower), which is considered one of the deepest karst reservoirs in Europe. The other lakes are higher up: Sukhoye (Dry), Sekretnoye (Secret), and Verkhnee (Upper). The waters of these lakes are so transparent that you can see what inhabits and grows on the bottom.
A word of caution to those who decide to come here: it's best to go with experienced drivers, as the road is steep in every sense.
Raspberry Lake, Altai Krai
This small, endorheic lake, which, as you might guess, got its name from its color, is located in the village of Mikhailovskoye, Altai Krai. The water acquired its reddish hue due to pigmented microscopic algae in its composition. However, it's not just the beautiful color of the water surface that attracts both locals and tourists.
People come here to relax in the salty waters of the lake, which have healing properties for human skin. Therefore, in addition to its aesthetic appeal, this Altai location can also offer a resort and wellness function. However, you should be prepared that the tourist infrastructure here is not particularly developed: it's better to buy tickets from Moscow to Gorno-Altaysk and bring a tent and plenty of delicious food.
Lake Kezenoy-Am, Chechen Republic
Kezenoy-Am is considered the pearl of Chechnya. The waters of this lake change color to various shades of blue depending on the weather. Once, the Kashkerlam ridge collapsed due to an earthquake, burying the Kharsum and Kaukhu rivers. Kezenoy-Am formed in this place.
You can take a boat ride on the lake's surface — excursions are arranged for tourists. However, swimming in its waters is prohibited. And besides swimming, there's plenty to do here. If it's hot, you can walk in the shade of fragrant trees on the mountain slopes, explore the ancient settlements here, or simply get a wonderful night's sleep in one of the guest houses, of which there are plenty for guests of Kezenoy-Am.
Curonian Spit, Kaliningrad Region
A world not so wild west is accessible even without an American visa if you bought tickets from Moscow to Kaliningrad. You can also come here in search of a beautiful backdrop for photos in the form of blue water. The Curonian Spit is the westernmost point of our country, washed by the Baltic Sea. But you already know that. What you might have missed, however, is Lake Lebed (Swan Lake), which is part of the Curonian Lagoon.
People come here to relax on the shore in the shade of alder trees and observe the birds that live here. Of course, it's best to include not only a visit to the lake but also a tour of the national park of the same name in your trip. Rare red-listed vegetation, special animal species, fresh air. What more do you need for a good vacation?
Quarry in Shalovo-Perechitskoye, Leningrad Region
And hello again to Petersburgers! 160 km from St. Petersburg lies a quarry dubbed the 'Luga Maldives'. The place is truly impressive. People often come here to see the blue water, the pink-hued quartz sand, and to take photos.
Swimming here is prohibited because the quarry bottom is very unstable. However, you can certainly take a walk around the territory of the eponymous nature reserve with friends.
Aquamarine Beach, Ryazan Region
Relaxing by blue waters is quite easy if you happen to find yourself in Ryazan! A 20-minute drive — and here you are at the 'Aquamarine' recreation center in Dubrovichi, where you can have a great time by yourself, with friends, or even with children.
The base offers the opportunity to come here for a day to relax, swim, paddleboard, or stay for several days in comfortable glamping, visit a restaurant, ride a bike, or take a banya. In general, it's a great location for a weekend reset.
Karakabak Lakes, Altai Republic
Of course, no one will be surprised by the beauty of Altai and the Chuysky Trakt (though it is truly an incredibly mesmerizing sight), but there's something else here. Namely, the Karakabak Lakes. You'll have to climb to an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level to enjoy the alpine meadows, lakes in the Mazhoy River valley, and majestic mountains.
To see these lakes, you need to buy tickets for a trip to Altai, and then... walk for about two days as part of a tourist group. But he who doesn't risk, doesn't drink tea from a thermos on the shore of the Karakabak Lakes, you know!
Kaolin Quarry near Kyshtym, Chelyabinsk Region
We can hardly reveal the secret of the Kyshtym Dwarf, but we can suggest a trip to Chelyabinsk and visit the Kaolin Quarry. The latter, by the way, is called the Ural Bali. Previously, raw materials for porcelain production, kaolin, were extracted here, and today it's just a pretty quarry.
It's noteworthy that the clay bottom is very visible in the quarry because, due to the high concentration of minerals, no living creatures inhabit it. And we do not recommend diving into the water. Besides the water quality, most visitors are concerned about the clay bottom, which can easily pull you in. Come simply to look at the water, the small fir trees growing here and there along the banks, or just to have a picnic with loved ones. The views here are truly very romantic!
And don't forget to subscribe to our Telegram channel! There you'll find: selections of cheap tickets, private sales for subscribers, the latest news on entry rules for countries worldwide, and simply interesting travel content — travel hacks, guides, and expert advice.
