About This Site

Shatsk National Nature Park is a unique territory of Volyn Polissia featuring 23 picturesque lakes, including Lake Svitiaz - the deepest in Ukraine at 58.4 meters.

Shatsk National Nature Park is located in northwestern Ukraine in Volyn Oblast and represents one of the country's most valuable natural complexes. The park covers an area of 490 square kilometers and includes 23 lakes of varying sizes, which together form one of the largest lake groups in Europe. Lake Svitiaz - the pearl of the park - is Ukraine's deepest lake with a maximum depth of 58.4 meters and an area of 27.5 square kilometers. The water is exceptionally transparent (up to 8 meters visibility), clean, and rich in silver ions and glycerin. The lake has karst origin and was formed over 2 million years ago. The park is distinguished by its unique combination of natural landscapes: dense pine-oak forests, clear lakes, swamps, and meadows create diverse ecosystems. 1,302 plant species grow here, 24 of which are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine. The fauna is represented by 1,632 animal species, including rare birds, mammals, and fish. Volyn Polissia, where the park is located, has special cultural significance. These very places inspired the outstanding Ukrainian writer Lesya Ukrainka to write the drama-fairy tale 'The Forest Song'. While being treated in Georgia, she recalled the Volyn forests and dreamed of meeting Mavka.

Historical Significance

Shatsk National Nature Park was established on December 28, 1983, by Resolution No. 533 of the Council of Ministers of the Ukrainian SSR to preserve, restore, and effectively use the natural complexes of Volyn Polissia. The park's original area was 188 square kilometers but was later expanded to 490 square kilometers. The scientific curator of the park is Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University. In 1995, the Shatsk Lakes were included in the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. On April 30, 2002, the territory received the status of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve under the 'Man and the Biosphere' program as part of the transboundary biosphere reserve 'West Polesie'. Lake Svitiaz is recognized as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Ukraine based on nationwide voting results. Over recent decades, the park has become an important center for environmental education and scientific research.

Highlights

• ✓Lake Svitiaz - Ukraine's deepest lake (58.4 m)
• ✓23 lakes forming one of Europe's largest lake groups
• ✓Part of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve 'West Polesie'
• ✓Ramsar Wetland of International Importance
• ✓1,302 plant species, 24 in Red Book of Ukraine
• ✓Resting place for 80,000 birds during migration
• ✓One of Seven Natural Wonders of Ukraine
• ✓Exceptionally transparent water (visibility up to 8 m)

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