Shelekhivske

This location was formed during the Ice Age and has tectonic origins, which makes it especially fascinating. A distinctive feature of the lake is not only its ancient history but also its clean, very cool water. Shelekhivske Lake is located within the forest fund of the Lebedyn Forestry Enterprise. Tourists—still relatively few—come here not only from nearby villages and settlements but also from neighboring regions. The lake delights every visitor with its picturesque scenery and untouched natural beauty.

Description of Shelekhivske Lake

The lake is a state-level hydrological natural monument. It impresses with its unspoiled beauty and incredibly clear water. Its origin is considered unique. According to many experts, the Shelekhivske phenomenon dates back to the Ice Age. Its age is comparable to that of Lake Ladoga, Lake Onega, Lake Victoria, and Lake Baikal. The lake is surrounded by forest—birch, willow, alder, oak, maple, acacia, and coniferous trees.

The local flora is particularly rich. If you visit during the warm season, you can enjoy walks through local meadows and woods. During the season, you can find blackberries, wild strawberries, hops, and dead nettle. Many guests come not only to forage but to enjoy peace and quiet. Wild animals such as boars and beavers inhabit the area, and near the lake, one may encounter vipers, so caution is advised.

The lake also has a diverse aquatic life. The southern part is muddy and home to crayfish, weatherfish, and crucian carp. In the northern part, where the water is cleaner, fish species such as pike, tench, and perch are more common. This makes it a favorite destination for anglers from all over Ukraine. The shoreline provides plenty of convenient spots for fishing. Shelekhivske Lake even has its own tiny island connected by a small bridge.

Video from Shelekhivske Lake

Characteristics of the Lake

The shores are mostly steep, though there are gentle slopes for easier access. The lake is about 700 meters long and 100 meters wide. It is a freshwater lake with very clean and transparent water. Its surface area is around 70,000 m², and the average depth is about 10 meters. Locals claim it reaches depths of up to 18 meters in some spots, though this has not been officially confirmed.

Interesting Facts

Scientists believe the lake was formed by massive shifts in mountain masses that blocked meltwater from flowing away. This created a large icy basin with an area now exceeding 7 hectares. Interestingly, the bottom of the lake still maintains cold, abnormally low temperatures inherited from prehistoric glaciers. The lake’s shape is also noteworthy—it resembles an open horseshoe when viewed from 50 meters above.

There’s a legend that the lake was named after Centurion Selekhovsky, who lived in the area in the 17th century. He arrived with Cossack settlers from Right-Bank Ukraine. A manor believed to have belonged to Selekhovsky still stands near a small ravine. Locals say a beautiful alley once stretched from the manor to the lake, with a watermill and a working dam nearby.

Infrastructure & Activities

Shelekhivske Lake is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, fishing, picnicking, or camping. Walking trails around the area allow visitors to enjoy the fresh air, sounds of nature, and bird songs. During the season, people come here for berries and mushrooms. However, due to limited infrastructure and difficult access, visiting the lake is not recommended for families with small children. In summer, the area is swarming with midges and insects, so repellent is essential.

Food is available in nearby Lebedyn. Tourists often praise cozy cafes like Yunist, Pyrizhkova, Karamel, Pozytyv, and Zakusochna, where you can find baked goods, sweets, main courses, desserts, and non-alcoholic drinks. You can also visit Café IN, Coffee Bakery, or the Hryll restaurant for tasty meat dishes made from fresh ingredients. In the village of Vorozhba, there’s a decent diner-style cafe called Zupynka.

Overnight stays are possible either in tents or with locals (though rooms for rent are not common). For more comfort, accommodations in Sumy—about 30 minutes away—are recommended. The Fazenda hotel on Karbysheva Street, 43, offers good conditions. Spacious family rooms are available at Sadyba on Sadova 24a. Also worth checking out is Zustrich—an informal complex with river views, a spa, and a pizzeria-restaurant. On Pryvokzalna Square 9, Yuvileinyi hotel offers elegant rooms, a conference hall, and a restaurant. Sofa Boutique Hotel SPA is another excellent option.

Location

The lake is located in the forest north of the village of Mezhyrich, in Lebedyn Raion, Sumy Oblast, just 35 km from the regional center. Getting there is not as easy as it seems. In autumn and spring, access roads often become impassable due to rain, and cars may get stuck in the mud. It’s best to use GPS coordinates:50.714464, 34.502572. From Kyiv, take highway H07. After passing the village of Romny, near Shtepivka, turn onto road T1906 and continue to the destination. Alternatively, you can travel to Sumy by train or bus, as both a bus station and railway station are available.