Kjurlevskiye Quarries, lake of Russia
Kjurlevskiye Quarries is a lake in Leningrad Oblast that formed in old extraction pits where limestone and gaja stone were once mined. The water is very clear with a turquoise tint from the pale minerals on the bottom, and the shores vary between rocky slopes and patches of green vegetation.
The area was worked for decades to extract limestone and gaja stone, a material used in cement production that contributed to building Saint Petersburg. When commercial mining stopped, the open pits gradually filled with water and formed the lake seen today.
The lake sits where limestone was once extracted for cement production and has since become a popular spot for visitors from Saint Petersburg looking for a natural swimming area. The turquoise water and pale bottom stand out sharply against the surrounding forest, giving the place an unusual look for this part of Russia.
The lake can be reached by car or on foot from Elizavetino train station along unpaved tracks. There are no facilities on site, so bring your own water, food, and sturdy footwear, as the ground is rocky and uneven in places.
The Oredezh River begins right at the lakeshore, fed by underground springs that keep the water exceptionally clear year round. These springs are rare in the region, and the river that starts here goes on to flow across a large part of Leningrad Oblast.
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