Synevyr Lake Synevyrska Polyana

Lake Synevyr, located on the territory of the National Nature Park of the same name in Mizhhirya district of Zakarpattia region, is the largest and one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Ukraine, surrounded by numerous mysteries and legends, and is rightfully considered the hallmark of the Ukrainian Carpathians. So it's no wonder that every year a huge number of tourists from all over Europe come to admire its crystal clear blue waves!

Lake Synevyr has long been a true legend of the Carpathians, as it is known to be the largest and most mysterious hydrological natural monument in the Ukrainian mountains. This pearl is located among the forests and rocks of the Inner Gorgan mountain range in the village of Synevyrska Polyana, where you can provide yourself with comfortable accommodation in the private sector.

The lake is located at an altitude of 989 meters above sea level. The total area of the water surface (depending on the season and the average annual rainfall) ranges from 4 to 5 hectares, the average depth is 7-9 m, and the maximum depth is 20-24 m! However, the old-timers say that no one has yet managed to measure its exact depth. Due to the altitude at which Lake Synevyr is located (about 1000 meters above sea level), the water here is cold even in summer. Since Synevyr is located high in the mountains and its waters are very deep, the lake does not warm up even with the onset of summer heat. For example, even on the hottest day, only 1-2 meters of water will be warm.

The waters of the Synevyr are so clean and clear that trout (brook, rainbow, and lake trout) feel great in it, which is known to live only in crystal clear, oxygenated water.

Scientists believe that the lake was formed as a result of an earthquake. Synevyr is fed by three mountain streams, so the water level is maintained almost at the same level all year round (except, as already mentioned, in very hot years). The surface of the lake sparkles with incredible blue, and in the very middle of the water a small island peeks out of the water. From a bird's eye view, Synevyr looks like a blue eye with a dark pupil in the middle - that's why it is also called the Sea Eye of the Carpathians.

Synevyr is a cult place for tourists. Travelers with tents and backpacks come here all year round, and groups of tourists arrive by bus and car. And all of this with one goal in mind - to admire the indescribable beauty of Synevyr, a lake surrounded on all sides by majestic old fir trees that fill the air with the dizzying aroma of pine needles. That's why cottages, hotels, and restaurants gradually began to appear around the area - everything to make the guest feel comfortable. There is also a cable car that allows you to see the mountains better. It is also worth walking around the lake on a specially equipped path. In winter, skiing is offered near the lake. Entrance to the protected area is paid, and if you arrive by car, you should leave it in a special parking lot near the barrier.

Although there is always a large number of tourists near the hydrological pearl of Transcarpathia, this does not affect the possibility of meeting a wild animal. The area around the lake is protected by the state, and deforestation, hunting, and any human interference in the affairs of nature itself is prohibited.

Tears of love - the legend of Lake Synevyr

Those who have already visited the Sea Eye could not help but notice a local landmark - a wooden sculpture that adorns the lake. This composition depicts two lovers - the girl Sin and the boy Vir, whose names, according to legend, formed the name of the lake itself. The height of the monument is about 13 meters. And who are these legendary lovers whose names gave the name to Synevyr?

The legend says that a count's daughter lived in this place, whose eyes were as blue and deep as the sky itself. One fine day, while walking in the woods, she met a young man tending his flock and playing his flute, and she immediately fell in love with him. Since then, the girl went to the forest more and more often to see the young man, to talk to him, to listen to his magical music...

The lovers continued to meet even after the count himself forbade them to do so, and when he learned of his daughter's disobedience, he ordered the shepherd to be punished and killed by throwing a huge stone down a mountain. When the girl learned about her father's cruel act and the tragic fate of her beloved, she hugged the stone that killed Vir and wept bitterly. From Xin's tears, a lake was formed, which to this day embraces that ill-fated stone.

Despite this, there are several prohibitions:

• You can't swim or fish in the lake. There is a special raft on the shore that offers to get to the middle of the reservoir.
• Since Synevyr is a part of the national park, it is forbidden to pitch tents and make a fire near it.

In addition to Synevyr, there are many other interesting places in the national park, such as the brown bear rehabilitation center, the Museum of Forestry and Rafting, Kamianets Waterfall, Lake Ozirce, and the legendary village of Kolochava.

The village of Mizhhiria can be reached by bus from Lviv. Then you need to change to a bus to Synevyrska Polyana. But the bus to the village makes only one trip a day. Therefore, it is best to go to Synevyr by car on the Kyiv - Chop highway, and in Nyzhni Vorota turn in the direction of Volovets and Mizhhirya.

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