The Mountain Eye Lake

Chernivtsi Oblast is known for its beauty and unique natural attractions. One such attraction is the Mountain Lake, a stunning lake in the Ukrainian Carpathians that attracts the attention of both locals and tourists from around the world. The official name of the local natural hydrological landmark is "Mountain Lake," but it has other names as well. Among the locals, it is known as Bukovynske Oko, Carpathian or Black Eye.

The Mountain Lake is located at an altitude of over 1,500 meters above sea level. It has a natural origin and is considered one of the highest mountain lakes in Ukraine and Europe. The body of water has an exceptional shape - it resembles a large eye, surrounded by green mountain slopes and snowy peaks. The clean, transparent water of the lake, sustained by the high alpine climate, has an incredible rich blue-green color that adds mystery and magic.

The Mountain Lake in Ukraine is a natural diamond of Chernivtsi Oblast

High-mountain lake is distinguished not only by its stunning appearance but also by its great natural value. It is a place where researchers can study rare mountain plants and animals that have adapted to extreme living conditions at high altitudes. Here, you can find such rare species as the Carpathian mountain poppy, stonecrop, alpine butterwort, and others.

The Mountain Eye also has great recreational potential. It is a place where tourists can enjoy mountain panoramas, visit unforgettable landscapes, and breathe in fresh mountain air. The Bukovynian lake is also a popular place for cycling and hiking, as well as for photography and painting, as every corner of the lake impresses with its unique beauty.

It is also a place where you can find peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The lake is known for its natural unspoiledness, lack of mass tourism, and commerce, which allows you to enjoy nature in its purest form and have a good rest in the Ukrainian Carpathians.

The Mountain Eye is a real natural treasure of the Chernivtsi region and all of Ukraine. Visiting this unique mountain lake will leave unforgettable impressions, recharge your energy, and open up new horizons in exploring nature.

The Lake Mountain Eye: Secrets of Origin

Lake Mountain Eye is one of the most charming natural wonders of the Chernivtsi region. This picturesque place, nestled in a mountainous landscape, has its own interesting and mysterious history of origin, which remains the subject of research and speculation among scientists and local residents.

The legend associated with the origin of Lake Synevyr has various versions, but the most popular one tells the story of a young shepherdess named Hanna who lived in the Carpathian Mountains in ancient times. Hanna was a beautiful girl who loved the mountains and was very fond of wild nature. One day, she heard about a wonderful place hidden among the mountains - a crystal clear spring that was hidden from human eyes. She decided to find this place, convinced that it would reveal its secrets to her.

After a long search, Hanna found the spring hidden in the depths of the mountain forest. She drank the water from the spring and suddenly felt an incredible strength and energy that charged her body. Hanna realized that this was a special, magical and miraculous water. Several days passed, and Hanna returned to the spring again, but she could not find it anymore.

The girl was wandering through the mountains, searching once again for that miraculous spring, but she couldn't find it. Instead, she discovered that a small lake with crystal-clear water had appeared where the spring used to be. Hannah realized that the water from the spring had formed the lake, and she named it "Mountain Eye" in honor of her discovery.

Since then, the Mountain Eye lake has become known in the surrounding area for its exceptional beauty and legendary origins. Local residents believe that the water in the lake has special healing properties and can provide strength and health to those who drink it.

But scientists are also interested in the origin of this remarkable lake, which has no bottom. They believe that the water body has a karstic origin and is related to the dissolution of limestone rocks by mountain waters over many years. Karst processes occur when water seeps along cracks and streams, dissolving limestone rock and forming large caves and underground rivers. Over time, the ceilings of these caves collapse, creating elongated water bodies such as the Mountain Eye lake.

This explanation by scientists may clarify the technical nature of the lake's origin, but the legend of Hannah and her search for the miraculous spring adds a special romantic charm to the Mountain Eye lake.

Another interesting theory about the origin of the Mountain Eye lake is related to the Ice Age. Scientists believe that as a result of the melting of the glaciers that covered this area thousands of years ago, large basins were formed that filled with water and turned into lakes. The Mountain Eye lake could have been one of these basins that remained after the disappearance of the glaciers, and since then it has become known for its crystal-clear water and unearthly beauty.

Seeking adventure: Visit the unique Mountain Eye in Chernivtsi Oblast

Mountain Eye Lake is one of the most beautiful corners of Chernivtsi Oblast, located in the picturesque Carpathian region. If you're looking for a break from city hustle and bustle and want to enjoy the beauty of nature, then you definitely should visit this wonderful place. So, embark on a journey and find out how to get there.

Traveling through the Bukovinian Carpathians is quite a challenge for those who want to relax in nature. The road to the Mountain Eye is not easy, but it is picturesque. You will have to overcome the highest mountain pass in Ukraine and off-road along the Romanian border, as well as pass document checks at the checkpoint in the buffer zone. But all this is worth the final destination!

So, to get to the Mountain Eye, follow the road to the village of Shepit. Here, if you wish, you can leave your own transport and order a jeep tour to the lake from local residents. This service is in great demand because the road here is not the best. If you want to continue your journey independently, then keep heading towards Nyzhniy Yalovets. Here you will have to leave your car and walk approximately 2 km following the signs to reach the lake. Of course, the road to the Mountain Eye lake is quite difficult. However, if active recreation is your priority, then this extreme route through the passes will definitely not scare you.

Author: Grebovych N.I. ⁞ 28.04.2023