Kazan's Hidden Treasures: Blue Lakes Day Trip

A Family-Friendly Day Trip to Kazan's Hidden Gems: The Blue Lakes

summarizeEditor's Summary

The Blue Lakes near Kazan stole our hearts with its breathtaking natural beauty. We spent a day exploring the lakes, and our experience was nothing short of amazing. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the crystal-clear water, fresh air, and serene surroundings. Our kids loved the adventure, and we appreciated the ease of getting there by tourist bus. The Blue Lakes are a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique experience in Kazan, with its stunning scenery, fascinating geological features, and pristine condition making it a great spot for hiking and exploration. We highly recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is not too strong, and the crowds are smaller.

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Hello there!

I'm still buzzing from our recent trip to Kazan, and I couldn't wait to share our experience with you.

One of the highlights of our trip was a visit to the Blue Lakes, a stunning system of three lakes located near the M-7 highway.

We took a tourist bus from the city center, which dropped us off near the Tatarstan hotel where we were staying. The journey took around 30 minutes to reach the first lake.

What are these incredible lakes?

The Blue Lakes are a series of three lakes that aren't connected to each other. They're nestled within a nature reserve, and it's a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique experience.

The lakes were formed about two centuries ago in karst cavities. The water takes on a bright blue hue due to dissolved hydrogen sulfide and a high mineral content. The lakes are fed by underground springs, which maintains a constant water temperature of around +4 °C throughout the year. The natural complex includes three lakes: the Big Blue Lake, the Small Blue Lake, and the Flowing Lake.

The Big Blue Lake.

First up, we headed to the Big Blue Lake, which is just a 6-7 minute walk from the car park.

Getting to the lake is a breeze, with a little bridge and a small waterfall underneath. The lake itself is calm and serene, making it the perfect spot for a peaceful stroll.

You can walk down to the lake on the bridges and take in the sights, or snap some photos to capture the memories.

Just a heads up, you can't swim in this lake, and there aren't any fish either. The water here is hydrogen sulfide-rich, which gives it a strong smell, kind of like rotten eggs.

The water is cold, and it's got a lovely greenish-blue color. You might even spot some ducks swimming around!

As we were exploring, the ducks swam right up to us, hoping we'd feed them. It was hilarious!

There are plenty of ducks, and they're all well-fed, which is great to see.

Stream and Small Blue Lakes.

The next two lakes are located on the same nature reserve territory, and it takes around 10 minutes by bus to get to them from the Big Blue Lake.

You'll need to walk almost 2 km on foot, first on asphalt, then on a dirt path. That's about 20 minutes one way.

Stream Lake.

Stream Lake is the smallest and longest of the three lakes. It's more like a stream than a lake at times, with a pretty weak current.

The water is calm, and there aren't many ducks here. You can't swim in this lake either, but there's a nearby Kazanka River where you can swim, go tubing, or take a ride on a catamaran.

Small Blue Lake.

This lake is the bluest of the three, and it's a real showstopper. The water's cold, but there's a designated bathing area where you can swim.

There's also a separate entrance, which our guide told us is for honored guests and high-ranking officials.

The water's a lovely greenish-blue color, and you can even see the springs that feed the lake. It looks like the lake's not very deep, but it actually is.

You can walk down to the lake via the stairs and boardwalks. From our group, nobody ended up swimming, but there were people in the lake, just not many. It's no surprise, given the water's always cold.

One thing to note is that there's no sulfur smell around the Stream and Small Blue lakes like there was at the first one.

There are snack stands and toilets within the nature reserve, so you can take your time and grab a bite to eat if you're not part of a guided tour.

My experience.

I was really impressed by the lakes - my whole family loved them, even my teenager, who can be hard to impress these days. There weren't too many people around, which was probably due to the chilly weather. The lakes were spotless and looked well-maintained, it's clear that the staff take pride in their work.

If you're visiting with kids, it's a good idea to bring some snacks and water, as you'll only have about 1.5 to 2 hours to visit all three lakes. Some of the lakes are a bit of a hike, and I saw a few moms with strollers on the way.

If you're looking for a place to swim, I'd recommend the Small Blue Lake or the Kazanka River - you can swim, go tubing, or take a ride on a catamaran.

Value for money.

The total cost for our family of four (two adults and two kids) was 4,400 rubles with the guided tour. If you're doing it on your own, it'll be cheaper.

I'd definitely recommend the trip and visiting the nature reserve.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a great time exploring the Blue Lakes!

live_helpFeatured FAQ

How do I get to the Blue Lakes from Kazan's city center?

You can take a tourist bus from the city center, which drops you off near the Tatarstan hotel, from where it's a short walk to the lakes. The journey takes around 30 minutes.

What's the best time to visit the Blue Lakes?

The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is not too strong, and the crowds are smaller.

Can I swim in the lakes?

No, swimming is not allowed in the lakes, as they are a nature reserve and the water is quite cold.

Are there any amenities or services available at the lakes?

No, there are no amenities or services available at the lakes, so be sure to bring everything you need, including food and drinks.

Can I bring my dog to the Blue Lakes?

Yes, dogs are allowed in the nature reserve, but be sure to keep them on a leash and clean up after them.

How long does it take to explore the lakes?

It depends on how much time you want to spend exploring, but a half-day visit should be enough to see the main attractions.

Are the lakes accessible for people with disabilities?

The lakes are not very accessible for people with disabilities, as the terrain is quite rough and there are no ramps or elevators.

Can I take a boat tour of the lakes?

No, boat tours are not available at the Blue Lakes, but you can rent a boat and explore the lakes on your own.

What's the best way to get around the lakes?

You can walk or hike between the lakes, or rent a boat to explore the lakes on your own.

check_circlePros

•The natural scenery is simply breathtaking, with the lakes' crystal-clear water and surrounding hills making for a perfect backdrop.
•The lakes' unique formation, created about two centuries ago in karst cavities, is a fascinating geological feature.
•The water's bright blue hue, caused by dissolved hydrogen sulfide and a high mineral content, is a sight to behold.
•The lakes are fed by underground springs, maintaining a constant water temperature of around +4 °C throughout the year.
•The natural complex includes three lakes: the Big Blue Lake, the Small Blue Lake, and the Middle Blue Lake, each with its own charm.
•The area is a nature reserve, ensuring the lakes' pristine condition and making it a great spot for hiking and exploration.
•The lakes are easily accessible by tourist bus, making it a convenient day trip from Kazan's city center.
•The scenery is perfect for photography, with the lakes' unique formation and surrounding hills making for a great backdrop.

cancelCons

•The journey to the Blue Lakes takes around 30 minutes by tourist bus, which might be a bit long for some families.
•The lakes are not connected to each other, so you'll need to walk or hike between them, which can be tiring for young children.
•The water temperature is quite cold, around +4 °C, so be prepared for a chilly experience, especially in winter.
•There are no amenities or services available at the lakes, so be sure to bring everything you need, including food and drinks.
•The area can get crowded during peak season, so it's best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
•The lakes' unique formation and water chemistry can make the water smell slightly sulfurous, which might be off-putting for some visitors.
•The terrain around the lakes can be rough, making it difficult for people with mobility issues to access the area.
•There are no boat tours available at the Blue Lakes, but you can rent a boat and explore the lakes on your own.