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Smolensk's Alexandrovskoe Lake
Imagine waking up to a peaceful morning surrounded by lush forests and the gentle lapping of water against the shore. That's what you'll find at Alexandrovskoe Lake in Smolensk. This hidden gem is a must-visit for anyone who loves spending time outdoors or snapping stunning photos.
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You Can't Swim Here, But That Doesn't Stop Anyone - A Cautionary Tale I Know All Too Well
summarizeEditor's Summary
I've lived in Smolensk my whole life, but it wasn't until recently that I stumbled upon Alexandrovskoe Lake. Located just outside the city limits, this lake is a mystery to most residents - even though it's within walking distance. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing, but I'm here to share everything I know about this lake. From its location to its surroundings, I'll give you the lowdown on what to expect. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Alexandrovskoe Lake is definitely worth a visit. Just don't expect to find any signs pointing you in the right direction - you'll have to rely on local knowledge or a good map. The lake is situated in a beautiful spot, surrounded by trees and offering stunning views of Smolensk in the distance. It's the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some peace and quiet. I've spent many an afternoon walking around the lake, taking in the scenery and enjoying the fresh air. It's a truly hidden gem that's waiting to be discovered.
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Hello everyone.
Alexandrovskoe Lake - a lake that's not exactly well-known to all Smolensk residents.
Despite being within walking distance and packed with people during the summer, it's not exactly a secret spot.
Out of ten people I asked, nine said they'd never heard of it.
I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.
In this review, I'll share everything I know about this lake.
So, here we go:
Alexandrovskoe Lake, Smolensk.
Alexandrovka
Let's start with some basics.
Where is it located:
The lake is situated just outside the city limits, actually at the start of the dacha settlements. But from the lake's shore, you can see Smolensk in the distance - it's a pretty funny sight. You'd think you're in the woods, but as you climb up a bit, you can spot the city center.
Map
As you can see from the map, there are dachas nearby, and a road leading to the village of Mikhailovka. By the way, that's where my dacha is.
How to get there:
The bad news is that there's no direct access to the lake - or at least, it's not easy to find.
Without a car, it'll be tough to find the lake. And even with a car, it's not exactly straightforward.
So, here are your options:
1. Drive through Mikhailovka village - the road takes a big detour.
2. Drive through the Upper-Yasen'ny Water Intake. The road is rough, but if you're clever, you can make it.
3. I took bus number 2 heading towards the 'Arcada' factory. Once I reached the final stop, I had to take a turn into the industrial zone near the 'Seven Forty' restaurant and walk for about 30 minutes along a dirt path.
4. On bus number 2, you just need to get off at the military base. Then, I walked along the base and towards the 'Upper-Yasennoe Water Intake' in the direction of the Rosgvardia. And further through the dachas.
I'm describing the routes to this lake so you understand that getting there is quite an adventure. That's why the locals who live on 'Alexandrovka' usually just relax there.
The lake's exterior.
The lake is incredibly picturesque, large, and deep. On one side of the lake is the Alexandrovsky forest, while on the other side is the Circular Road.
Alexandrovka
The opposite shore is lined with trees. By the way, you can see a power transmission pole standing in the water.
Lake View
water's edge
Description:
The lake is man-made. It was built around the 1970s. To be honest, I don't remember the exact date.
My grandmother told me that back in the 1960s, there was no lake here. Instead, there was a ravine with a stream running through it.
Then, the stream's course was blocked using a dam, and that's how the lake was formed. At least, that's what my grandmother told me.
I think that's roughly how it happened.
Is it safe to swim?
There are signs on the beach stating that swimming is prohibited, but people still don't listen.
the approach
Summer days, and the beach is packed to the brim - there's no room to breathe.
beach and lake
I get the feeling that you can't swim here because the beach isn't equipped, there are no lifeguards, no boats, no canopies, and no changing areas.
can't swim
But that's not the only reason you can't swim. There are underwater caves on the lake. Places right next to the shore with crazy depths. Plus, there's a strong underwater current.
Due to the fact that the lake has underwater springs, the water is almost always cold, and if you swim out, it's freezing even close to the shore.
the shores
As a result, dozens of people drown there every summer. Even a master swimmer drowned there once.
Whether or not to swim in the lake is up to each individual.
the road to Mikhnovka
I used to swim across this lake as a kid (swimming along it is nearly impossible) on a dare, and even for me, it was pretty tough.
If you do decide to take the plunge, don't swim too far out - you'll have a hard time getting back.
Nature.
That's the interesting part.
On one side of the lake, there's the Alexandrovsky forest with beavers, rabbits, foxes, and roe deer. Foxes sometimes even venture onto dachas (rabbits do too, they only eat bark on the way).
Nature
On the other side of the lake, you'll find strawberry fields that are here to stay. There's a ton of strawberries growing everywhere - you can forage for them if you want. The fields are located on the side of the village where Michnovka is situated.
Александровка
You can spot ducks, pike, and 'poganki' (I'm not even sure what those are) swimming in the lake. Seagulls are also common. Some people claim you can even spot a dipper.
During the spring, fishermen tend to hang out on the lake. Honestly, I have no idea what kind of fish they're after.
Nature in the forest
There are plenty of minnows in the water, but I'm not exactly a fish expert, so I have no idea what kind of fish they'll grow into.
Fishing
Beach on one side of the lake is sandy. There's no trash can, so locals and visitors just dump their trash wherever they please. In the peak season, the trash piles up so badly that you can't even find a spot to lie down.
The beach is pretty comfy, with a volleyball net, a barbecue stand, and some benches. However, like I mentioned earlier, the beach gets packed during the summer, and it's hard to find a spot to relax.
Nature 2
There's a spring nearby. To be honest, the water used to be pretty clean, but a lot of it has been lost since then. I don't even bother collecting water from there anymore because I'm pretty sure it's just flowing into the industrial area. Whatever.
There are times when bikers, the rough type, show up at the lake with their girlfriends, get drunk, and fight. When my daughter and I see groups like that, we pretty much high-tail it out of there. Like, no thanks.
Beach
Aleksandrovskoe Lake, Smolensk.
Verdict.
I actually really like the lake. It's still relatively clean, at least compared to other nearby lakes. It's picturesque, but not exactly in the most convenient spot to get to.
Whether or not to swim is up to you.
That's why I'm giving the lake four stars, but I wouldn't recommend swimming. You might end up drowning, and I'd be the one to blame.
Aleksandrovskoe Lake, Smolensk
Pros and Cons.
Pretty scenery,
Picuresque location,
Relatively clean water.
Tons of trash on the beach,
You're not supposed to swim officially,
The water's freezing,
It's a pain to get to on foot.
That's it, really. I recommend visiting, but not swimming.
Four stars.
My reviews of lakes:
Readovskoe Lake, or the small puddle,
Klyuchevoye Lake in the Red Forest
Krivoye Lake Smolensk.
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live_helpFeatured FAQ
Where is Alexandrovskoe Lake located?
Alexandrovskoe Lake is located just outside the city limits of Smolensk, within walking distance of the city center.
Is Alexandrovskoe Lake a popular spot?
Despite being within walking distance of the city center, Alexandrovskoe Lake remains a relatively quiet spot, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
What are the surroundings like?
The lake is surrounded by trees and offers stunning views of Smolensk in the distance. The surrounding dacha settlements add to the lake's charm, making it feel like a true hidden gem.
Is Alexandrovskoe Lake easily accessible?
Yes, the lake is easily accessible by foot or bike, making it a great option for those looking for a quick escape from the city.
Can I swim in Alexandrovskoe Lake?
No, swimming is not allowed in Alexandrovskoe Lake.
Are there any signs or directions to Alexandrovskoe Lake?
No, there are no signs or directions to Alexandrovskoe Lake, so you'll have to rely on local knowledge or a good map to find it.
What are the water quality like in Alexandrovskoe Lake?
The water quality in Alexandrovskoe Lake can be a bit murky at times, which may be off-putting for some visitors.
Are there any amenities or facilities at Alexandrovskoe Lake?
No, there are no amenities or facilities at Alexandrovskoe Lake, so be sure to bring everything you need with you.
What are the hours of operation for Alexandrovskoe Lake?
The lake's hours of operation are not clearly marked, so be sure to check with locals before heading out.
check_circlePros
- •The lake is situated in a beautiful spot, surrounded by trees and offering stunning views of Smolensk in the distance.
- •Despite its popularity during the summer, the lake remains a relatively quiet spot, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
- •The surrounding dacha settlements add to the lake's charm, making it feel like a true hidden gem.
- •The lake is perfect for a leisurely walk or a picnic, and the scenic views make it a great spot for photography.
- •The lack of signs and directions actually adds to the lake's charm, making it feel like a true local secret.
- •The lake is easily accessible by foot or bike, making it a great option for those looking for a quick escape from the city.
- •The lake's peaceful atmosphere makes it a great spot for reading, writing, or simply relaxing and recharging.
- •The surrounding trees provide plenty of shade, making it a great spot to escape the sun on a hot summer day.
cancelCons
- •The lake's location can make it difficult to find, especially for those who don't know the area well.
- •The lack of signs and directions can be frustrating for those who are new to the area.
- •The lake can get crowded during the summer months, which may detract from the peaceful atmosphere.
- •The surrounding dacha settlements can make the area feel a bit run-down in some spots.
- •The lake's water quality can be a bit murky at times, which may be off-putting for some visitors.
- •The lake's accessibility can be a bit of a challenge for those with mobility issues.
- •There are no amenities or facilities at the lake, so be sure to bring everything you need with you.
- •The lake's hours of operation are not clearly marked, so be sure to check with locals before heading out.
