Donetsk Reservoir
Donetsk's largest reservoir, offering a natural escape for picnics and fishing, though amenities are scarce and swimming is not advised.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Ideal for picnics and outdoor activities
Donetsk Reservoir
Best Time
Ideal for picnics and outdoor activities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Donetsk's largest reservoir, offering a natural escape for picnics and fishing, though amenities are scarce and swimming is not advised.
"A natural spot for picnics and fishing, but come prepared for a rustic experience with no amenities."
Bring Your Own Everything! 🧺
Pack food, drinks, and trash bags. No amenities like gazebos or toilets are available.
Check Water Safety ⚠️
Swimming is officially prohibited due to E. coli. Assess risks before entering the water.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Family Picnic Spots
Along the Mariupol highway
Enjoy a natural setting perfect for family gatherings and outdoor meals. Bring your own setup for a memorable day.
Fishing Opportunities
Various points along the shore
Anglers can find a quiet spot to cast a line. Despite some shallowing, fish are still occasionally caught.
Scenic Views
Reservoir shores
Experience the vastness of Donetsk's largest reservoir, even with its receding water levels. Enjoy the natural landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Rustic Experience
Water Quality and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Everything! 🧺
Pack food, drinks, and trash bags. No amenities like gazebos or toilets are available.
Check Water Safety ⚠️
Swimming is officially prohibited due to E. coli. Assess risks before entering the water.
Access Points 🚗
Easily reachable from Khoroshovo village or the Mariupol highway.
Respect Nature 🌳
Help keep the area clean by taking all your trash with you.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Everything! 🧺
Pack food, drinks, and trash bags. No amenities like gazebos or toilets are available.
Check Water Safety ⚠️
Swimming is officially prohibited due to E. coli. Assess risks before entering the water.
Access Points 🚗
Easily reachable from Khoroshovo village or the Mariupol highway.
Respect Nature 🌳
Help keep the area clean by taking all your trash with you.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Donetsk Reservoir offers a natural escape for picnics and fishing, with some areas featuring sandy beaches. However, visitors should be aware of the lack of amenities, including toilets, and the official prohibition on swimming due to water quality concerns. Litter is also a noted issue, requiring visitors to be self-sufficient and responsible.
"The Donetsk Sea is located along the Mariupol highway. You can access it from either the village of Khoroshovo or from the highway. It's perfect for family picnics, fishing, and swimming in the warmer months. Seaweed grows near the shore, which spoils the scenery somewhat. There are some plantings around, and some areas have slabs and sandy beaches. There are no amenities: no gazebos or barbecues. You must bring your own."
Сергей Пляшечко
"The Donetsk Sea[1] (Ukrainian: Донецьке море) is Donetsk's largest reservoir, an artificial lake in the Leninsky District on the southern edge of the city. Its surface area, with two large bays, is 206 hectares, its volume is 0.07 km³, and its maximum depth is 17 meters. Its elevation is 126.7[1] meters above sea level. Its coordinates are 47°55'44'' N, 37°47'56'' E.
According to the hydrological classification, this reservoir is fed by atmospheric water, meaning its full flow directly depends on precipitation. Drought years and uncontrolled water diversion for irrigation can lead to an environmental disaster.[2]
The Shirokiy, Pyatikhatki, and Avdotyino microdistricts adjoin the Donetsk Sea. The reservoir has a green area[1], a favorite spot for Donetsk residents to relax. In recent years, the artificial reservoir has begun to dry up, the water level has dropped by 4 meters, and the shores have receded by 20-30 meters.
The Donetsk Sea has never been desilted. After the reservoir bottom is cleared of silt, springs may reopen, ensuring the water in the Donetsk Sea remains cool even on the hottest day.
For the past 13 years, lactose-positive E. coli levels in its water have been 10 times higher than the norm. According to microbiological and chemical tests, swimming in the reservoir is prohibited.[3]
Originally, the Donetsk Sea was a quarry with several springs at the bottom. As it deepened, the quarry continually filled with water, making it impossible to quickly pump it out. Consequently, mining operations ceased, and the quarry gradually filled with water. It was subsequently named the Donetsk Sea.
In 1966, a pit was dug, and in 1967, a concrete[1] dam was built, blocking the flow of the Shiroka River[4]. Currently, the depth in the middle of the reservoir is 5-6 meters, and at the dam it is 10 meters. The dam is 820 meters long and 10 meters wide.[1]"
Sergey Salden
"The water is clean.
Despite the large number of people (mostly fishermen), it was quiet and calm.
The only, but major, drawback is the trash left behind by vacationers."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can access the Donetsk Reservoir from the village of Khoroshovo or directly from the Mariupol highway. These routes offer entry points to the reservoir's shores.
Information on direct public transportation is limited. It's generally recommended to travel by private vehicle for easier access and flexibility.
Areas along the Mariupol highway and near Khoroshovo village are suitable for picnics, offering natural settings.
The reservoir is a prominent feature on the southern edge of Donetsk, often referred to as the 'Donetsk Sea,' making it relatively easy to locate with navigation.
Designated parking facilities are not mentioned. Visitors typically park their vehicles near the access points along the highway or village roads.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Donetsk Reservoir itself is generally free. However, some paid gazebos might be available for rent.
The reservoir is an open natural area, so there are no official opening or closing hours. You can visit at any time.
There is no specific entrance fee for fishing. However, local regulations or permits might apply, which are not detailed in the provided information.
As a natural area, there are no official restrictions on visiting hours. However, visiting during daylight hours is advisable for safety and enjoyment.
Yes, you can visit year-round, but the warmer months are ideal for picnics and outdoor activities. Winter visits offer a different, starker beauty.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular activities include family picnics, fishing, and enjoying the natural scenery. Swimming is not recommended due to water quality concerns.
No, there are no public amenities. You must bring your own food, drinks, and any equipment for barbecuing. The surrounding forest is used as a toilet.
Recent tests show elevated E. coli levels, and swimming is officially prohibited. While historically popular for swimming, it's best to avoid entering the water.
It's great for family picnics and enjoying nature. However, the lack of amenities and swimming advisories mean it's more suited for daytime outings than extended stays.
Bring everything you need: food, water, picnic blankets, fishing gear, trash bags, and any entertainment. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the expansive water views, the receding shores, and the natural landscape. Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the scenery.
The contrast between the natural beauty and the signs of environmental change, like the receding water levels, can offer unique photographic perspectives.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the reservoir. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting if any are present.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local drone laws and obtain any necessary permissions before flying.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most flattering light for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's essential to pack all necessities, including plenty of food, drinks, and entertainment for the children. Ensure you bring extra trash bags to maintain the cleanliness of the area. Consider visiting during daylight hours for safety and to make the most of the natural light for any activities.
🎣 Anglers
Remember to check for any local fishing regulations or permit requirements. Bring your own fishing gear and be prepared for a rustic experience, as there are no facilities for anglers. The quiet atmosphere, especially on weekdays, can make for a rewarding fishing trip.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Ecology of the Donetsk Reservoir
In recent years, the reservoir has faced environmental challenges. The water level has dropped significantly, receding by 20-30 meters from its former shores, leaving much of the bottom exposed. This shallowing, coupled with a lack of desilting, has impacted its ecosystem. Furthermore, microbiological and chemical tests have revealed E. coli levels ten times higher than the norm, leading to official prohibitions on swimming.
Despite these ecological concerns, the Donetsk Reservoir remains a popular spot for locals seeking a natural escape for picnics and fishing. The presence of some sandy beaches and planted areas offers a semblance of a recreational space, though the lack of amenities like toilets and barbecues necessitates a self-sufficient approach from visitors.
Planning Your Visit: Amenities and What to Expect
This means you need to be entirely self-sufficient. Pack all your food, drinks, and any recreational equipment you might need. Crucially, bring trash bags to ensure you leave the area as you found it, as litter left by previous visitors is a noted issue. The lack of amenities makes it more suitable for day trips focused on activities like fishing or picnicking rather than extended stays.
Access is straightforward via the Mariupol highway or the village of Khoroshovo. While the water is visually appealing, remember the advisories against swimming due to water quality. The reservoir's charm lies in its natural setting and the opportunity for a quiet retreat, provided you come prepared for its undeveloped nature.
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