On the map: Mysterious Lake Svityaz

Lake Svityaz is located in the Novogrudok district of the Grodno region in the heart of the state landscape reserve “Svityazansky”. It has a proper round shape and is considered to be one of the most beautiful lakes in Belarus.

The lake is surrounded by a massive emerald forest ring, a kilometer-wide ring of forests with a unique landscape, rare plants and diverse fauna.

The unique scenery, picturesque coastline and beautiful plants create an aura of mystery and fairy tale around the lake. The centuries-old giant oaks remind us that once upon a time powerful knights fought on this land, couples in love relaxed, and the forest was a favourite hunting ground for local dukes.

Legend says that the eponymous city once stood here. Its ruler Tugan, who was subordinate to Grand Duke Mindovg, during the siege of Novogrudok by the enemy army, went to defend the capital. This campaign became fatal for Svityaz - in the absence of his troops the enemy came to the gates of the city. Left in it the old men, women and children chose death over captivity - they set fire to their houses. But the land suddenly opened up, and Svityaz fell through. In this place, a forest lake was formed. When the prince returned home, he saw a large lake in the place of his residence. A flower was floating in the center of the lake. The Ruler recognized his daughter in it. He had been unable to bear his grief and had turned into a black stork. To this day, the lonely cries of the stork can still be heard on the lake, informing others of his grief.

There is also a legend that mermaids appear on the banks of the Svityaz, which people have named “Svityazanki”. These legends were included in the works of Adam Mitskevich (Polish and Belarusian poet, founder of Polish Romanticism, leader of the national liberation movement), a native of Novogrudok district, whose ballads have become classics of European literature.

The forest lake is now characterised by crystal clear water, which is unique in itself. At all times of the year and in any weather conditions, it is calm and tranquil, and in some places the mighty pine trees come right up to the shore, putting their roots into the water.

The area of the lake is just over 2 square kilometres, and its maximum depth is 15 metres. It takes less than two hours to walk around Svityaz on a narrow, winding path.

The entrance to the lake is gentle, the bottom is sandy and covered with black silt. The water level in the lake is always the same, unaffected by droughts, rainfall or snowmelt.

The most mysterious phenomenon of the lake is the growth of tetradinium javanicum (It is a rare plant species that was first described on the island of Java), which can only be found on the island of Java (An island in Indonesia).

If you prefer a quiet and relaxing holiday near a beautiful place shrouded in ancient legends and tales, you will certainly like Lake Svityaz. Here you will find all the conditions for a comfortable holiday.