Lake Lemuria, Pink salt lake in Kherson Oblast, Ukraine
Lake Lemuria is a salt lake in Kherson Oblast where the water takes on pink tones from Dunaliella saline algae. These microorganisms produce beta-carotene, which gives the lake its distinctive coloring and makes the water extremely salty.
The lake came into existence in 1969 when rescue workers accidentally breached salt aquifers while searching for remains of a Soviet bomber. This unintended geological event created the water body that exists today.
The lake carries a name inspired by the mythical lost continent of Lemuria, though locals once simply called it 'Yama'. This shift in naming reflects how the area blends practical local tradition with imaginative storytelling.
The water is highly saline with concentrations between 270 and 300 grams per liter, so visitors should limit how long they spend swimming. The salt content means most people float naturally but need to plan shorter visits for comfort.
Summer evaporation creates salt crystal deposits along the shores that look like white stalagmites rising from the pink water. These natural formations shift and change with the seasons, offering a different landscape each time you visit.
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