Lake Turgoyak - the younger brother of the Baikal near Miass

When choosing a place of rest, people have different preferences. Some like to sit by the water, while others prefer visiting historical places, hiking mountains, or are looking for a merger with nature in the forests. Lake Turgoyak near the city of Miass combines all of these possibilities. This lake in the Ural Mountains, surrounded by coniferous forest, is not in vain called the younger brother of Lake Baikal. 

Turgoyak contains more than half a billion tons of clean freshwater. The water here is clear and tasty. Thanks to its plankton, it glows, as if silvering from the inside. The International Limnological Commission places the lake on the list of the most valuable reservoirs in the world.

Some facts about Turgoyak

The area of the lake is spread across 26.4 sq. km, with a length of 6.9 km, a width of 6.3 km, and with a 27 km long coastline. Turgoyak is located in a deep intermountain basin between the Ural-Tau and Ilmensky mountain ranges, at an altitude of 320 m above sea level. This is the deepest lake in the Southern Urals: its depth reaches 34 m, the average depth being 19.2 m. Also, the average distance of bottom visibility is 15 meters. Hello, diving fans!

The value is not only of the lake itself but also of the surrounding landscapes: picturesque mountain slopes covered with huge hundred-year-old mast pines, pristine springs, unique flora and fauna. All this forms a one-of-a-kind natural complex that attracts tourists from all over the world.

The numerous settlements of ancient people, and the presence of megaliths and dolmens, whose age exceeds 5000 years old, are also of interest. Fishing on Lake Turgoyak can please with the following fish: codfish, roach, perch, ruff, pike, crucian carp, ide, tench, trout, ripus, and burbot. The best fishing is in the grassy bays. The lake is full of miracles and paranormal phenomena: everyone who has been here experienced this on their own. You never know what to expect at the junction of two ancient continents - Europe and Asia. By the way, if the mystic of the Ural mountains attracts you,  then you should visit Arkaim, the unsolved mystery of the Southern Urals. 

Vera Island

Vera Island is named after the hermit who lived here in the 19th century. She was a healer, and the locals called her a saint. Vera Island is located near the western shore of the lake. A strip of water 140 meters long separates it from the coast. The island stretches from northwest to southeast by 440 meters, with a width of up to 290 meters. In the summer, numerous recreation centers offer the delivery of tourists to Vera Island. You can also rent a boat or a catamaran. Some go to the west coast and swim to the island. The minimum depth of the strait in low water is 1.8 meters. In winter, it is easier to get here - on foot or skiing on the ice.

The rich history of the island

Nowadays, archaeologists have become interested in this place. The first research exceeded all expectations. Religious buildings were discovered on a large territory of the island. People have used the island for worship for many millennia, and the megalithic structures date back to the 4th millennium BC. Ancient Neanderthal settlements were also found. They are 60-100 thousand years old. Near the megaliths is a stone mountain on which an iron cross was mounted. This mountain is entirely made by nature, and it attracts exalted visitors to the island. People climb it, pray, tie bright ribbons there, leave food and money.

In the southern part of the island, stands a menhir, which is a vertical standing boulder with an elongated shape. It is believed to symbolize fertility. According to legend, touching the menhir helps women get pregnant. 

Vera Island attracts various esotericists who consider it a place of power. To the west of the island, the Zaozerny Ridge rises. Popular hiking trails lead to it. From here, the most beautiful view of Lake Turgoyak opens.

How to get there

The nearest airport is in Chelyabinsk. From Chelyabinsk, by train, you need to get to the city of Miass. The distance from Chelyabinsk to Miass is about 150 kilometers. Turgoyak Lake is located 15 km from the city of Miass. There are regular shuttles from the railway station to Turgoyak. Private taxi services are also available. Near the lake is the village with the same name, where there are hotels. Along the shores of the lake are guesthouses and campsites.

The Ural Lake Turgoyak near Miass is famous for its crystal clear water, picturesque shores, and its historical mysteries. Get acquainted with the nature, history, and the legends of the younger brother of the Baikal. You will get an unforgettable experience.

Turgoyak Lake, Miass

533Q+VG Turgoyak, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Russia