Ukraine has true wonder – largest underground lake: Where it is and how it looks
Where in Ukraine is the largest underground lake located? (photo: Getty Images)
In the depths of Ternopil region lies a true natural wonder — the largest underground lake in Ukraine. Its crystal-clear waters and vast scale have impressed even experienced researchers. This lake has every chance of becoming a tourist sensation, as it also possesses other fascinating features.
What is known about the largest underground lake in Ternopil region, and how has it surprised scientists?
What is known about the largest lake
Ukrainian speleologist from Lutsk Ihor Trotsiuk made a discovery that may change the perception of the largest cave in Europe. In the depths of Ternopil region, near the village of Korolivka, he found an entirely new passage to the largest underground lake in Ukraine. The area of this body of water exceeds 500 square meters, and the temperature remains +7 degrees all year round.
The road to the lake – two hours on knees
To reach the unique body of water, one must have remarkable endurance. According to Trotsiuk, the path to the hall with the lake takes almost two hours of crawling through narrow passages on knees.
However, there is no need to be afraid, as researchers say that crawling on knees is required only in certain places, not along the entire route. Initially, the way to the lake took more than four hours, but now researchers have discovered new, shorter paths.
Huge body of water underground
Two hours in darkness and narrow passages – and before your eyes appears a crystal-clear lake. It covers an area of more than 500 square meters, with a depth reaching 5–6 meters.
The water temperature remains stable throughout the year – about 7 degrees Celsius – and it is so transparent that it creates the impression of untouched nature.
Lake in Optimistic Cave (Photo: gazeta-misto.te.ua)
Optimistic Cave – a world record holder
Optimistic Cave is the longest cave in Europe and the second longest in the world in terms of labyrinth length. At first, it was only 2 kilometers filled with clay and numerous passages.
Over time, speleo-expeditions expanded it, and it gained the status of the longest cave in Europe, and among gypsum caves – the longest in the world. Today, the length of Optimistic Cave exceeds 260 kilometers.
Its exploration has been ongoing for more than 50 years, and every year speleologists discover new chambers and underground lakes. Among the known ones are the lakes Dream, Particle of God, Pentagon, Perm, Freak, Mystic, Pocket, and the latest – Micron.
It is Micron that is considered the largest among them and may claim the title of the largest underground lake in Ukraine.
Extreme-style research
The lakes in the cave are studied by specialists of a very rare profession – speleo-divers. In wetsuits and with oxygen tanks, they attempt to pass through the underground lake underwater to uncover its secrets.
History of the discovery of Lake Micron
The largest underground lake in Optimistic Cave was discovered by speleologist Ihor Trotsiuk back in 2018.
For some time, the lake was closed to visitors while research work was carried out. Later, access was opened for tourists, but due to the difficult route, only a few enthusiasts ventured to see it.
Now, swimming in the lake is even permitted, though it remains an attraction for thrill-seekers, since the crystal-clear water maintains a temperature of +7°C, while the air stays around +9 to +10°C.
Interestingly, at first the researcher did not consider his find to be particularly significant, which is why the lake was named Micron. However, years of studies proved that it is a true gem of Ukraine – and perhaps even of the world.
Lake Micron – Ukraine's largest underground lake (photo: gazeta-misto.te.ua)
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