Gorkoye Lake

Gorkoye Lake is a salt lake located in Novosibirsk Oblast, Russia, situated between the Bagansky and Kupinsky districts with distinctive salt-laden waters. The lake covers a significant area with shores lined by residential buildings and guest facilities that serve visitors throughout the year.

The lake formed through natural geological processes over time and gained formal protection status as a Russian nature reserve. This designation has allowed the salt-rich ecosystem to remain largely unchanged across generations.

Local visitors come to use the therapeutic mud found along the shore, drawing on traditional Russian healing practices passed down over time. This self-treatment custom remains an active part of how the lake serves the community today.

Accommodation options are available along the shore in the form of wooden guesthouses, making it accessible for day visits and longer stays. Planning a visit during warmer months offers the most comfortable experience for exploring and using the lake's therapeutic resources.

The water remains unfrozen during winter months because of its high salt content, an unusual feature in this region of Russia. This extreme salinity also supports a thriving population of orange-hued brine shrimp that depend on these unique conditions for survival.