Chalk quarries near Volkovysk: the Belarusian replacement of the Maldives

Finally came the long-awaited time for vacations and rest. Even those who by chance do not manage to seize a few weeks for a full-fledged relaxation, tend to devote a short weekend to socializing with nature. Some pack suitcases, anticipating the warm sand and the hot sun of the tropics. Others are looking for the best options for recreation for a day.

In order to enjoy the unique nature and untouched beauty of landscapes, it is not necessary to go far. Maybe in the neighboring area is located just what you are looking for. Take Belarus, at least. In the territory of this small country there are a lot of lakes and rivers, where with great pleasure both the local population and tourists come to rest. Braslav Lakes, Naroch, the Minsk Sea, the Pripyat, the Neman and the Western Dvina rivers are very popular . However, there are not so famous, but no less picturesque places in Belarus. These include the chalky quarries near Volkovysk. Photos of these amazing beauties can be found quite often. Many are surprised to learn that these landscapes are of Belarusian origin, and not any Maldives or Seychelles.

Swim in the azure water

Cretaceous quarries near Volkovysk (near the town of Krasnoselsky) fall in love with themselves at first sight. Such a beauty landscape can rarely be found in temperate latitudes. Water in artificial reservoirs has a bright color: from azure to green-blue. At the same time it is very clean, although slightly cloudy. However, this property is due to the high concentration of chalk in it. Bathing in such water is not only possible, but also necessary. It is very useful for the skin. The lack of the benefits of civilization, natural beauty, amazing in its properties of water - all this attracts tourists coming to at least look at the chalky careers of Belarus at Volkovysk.

Lack of benefits

It would seem that such a place should become a Mecca for tourists. However, no steps are taken to ennoble this territory. In addition, at the entrance to the Cretaceous quarries near Volkovysk quite often there are signs "Danger Zone" and "Bathing is prohibited." The thing is that the rocks here are very unstable and can fail. Local people say that often in the mining of chalk, they find deep caves and pits formed during the Neolithic period. At the bottom of one of the quarries is MAZ. He fell through the thickness of the chalk during the working process. However, even these horrors do not frighten the public, and every year, as soon as the sun begins to fume, the chalk quarries along Volkovysk become a magnet for tourists.

Where does chalk come from?

Historians believe that during the ice age from the ocean floor was raised a huge sequence of chalk. Under the pressure of the frozen masses, the rock broke up into large blocks. One of them now rests near the village of Krasnoselsky. The glacier is gone, and the Cretaceous rocks are left. On the surface of the earth, the fragments of the lump extend a few kilometers in length. Their thickness and height also surprise. Sometimes it is difficult to understand that the embankment mounded underfoot consists of chalk. Only a thin layer of sand and vegetation hides from the eyes of the true ruler of the slopes. The absence of any animals and plant organisms is also a distinctive feature characterizing the Cretaceous quarries near Volkovysk. Rest in this area is a real adventure. To be smeared with a useful substance, to swim in the azure water, to sunbathe on the slopes of the elevations and to enjoy the amazing landscapes - what could be better in a hot summer day!

Their number is hundreds

Cretaceous quarries near Volkovysk are located on a fairly large territory. Their number is also quite impressive. Intensive mining allows you to enjoy the beauty of not a dozen, but several hundred quarries. The path to the wild places takes quite a long time.

The public displays the greatest interest in new, only recently abandoned quarries. It is there that the water has a bright, rich shade. As a rule, over time, the reservoir loses its colors and becomes similar to the usual lakes and ponds. Therefore it is not surprising that most of the tourists come to admire the azure surface of new quarries.

The appearance of artificial lakes

Any process connected with the extraction of such minerals as chalk, clay and sand, is accompanied by the appearance of water. When production in one place ends, the technique is distilled to another location, and the water remains. Its bright, eye-capturing color is the result of chemical reactions occurring between the alkali metals in the chalk stratum. The liquid itself is a bit like soap: the same dense and oily. At the same time, the water is fairly clear.

How can I get to

Starting from the capital of Belarus - Minsk, be ready for a long (almost four-hour) journey. However, the long way is worth it. After a specified time, before the eyes of the traveler, a magnificent panorama will open - chalk quarries near Volkovysk. The map shows that the path should be kept to Volkovysk, and then from it go to the village of Krasnoselsk.

At the moment, the government structures are discussing the question of what to do with this land. Refine the territory of quarries or protect it from the attention of tourists? To date, you can not swim here officially, but the lack of protection makes this prohibition unfounded.