Volgograd is a city where there is no shortage of historical and architectural sights. There are also natural objects that also deserve the attention of tourists. Among them, of course, is the island of Sarpinsky. Although Volgograd has many beaches and recreation areas, none of these objects can be compared with it in terms of beauty and an abundance of recreational resources.
Geographical Information
Sarpinsky Island in Volgograd is 20 kilometers long and 18 kilometers wide. Administratively, this territory is part of the Kirov region and covers an area of 11,272.64 ha. This circumstance allows us to consider the island one of the largest river analogues of the European continent.
On the one hand, Sarpinsky is washed by the Volga, and on the other, by the Volozhka River. The latter is represented in the old Russian sources as the Old Volga, and the Tatars preferred to call it Sarpa, which in Turkic languages means “river” or “water”.
A bit of history
Sarpinsky Island in Volgograd is considered a place covered in legends. In 1579, a guard station was established there to protect merchant and passenger ships from attacks by Tatars and Cossacks. Two years later, a fortress was laid in its place, which, according to many historians, laid the foundation for the city of Tsaritsyno. It is difficult to say how many heroic deeds were accomplished by archers, who were supposed to keep an eye on the horizon, looking for Horde and robbers. Often they did not succeed, and dashing Cossacks landed on Sarpinsky, who did not recognize the power of the Moscow Tsar. According to legend, during one such incident, Stepan Razin himself appeared on the island. Ataman decided that a better place to hide his innumerable treasures could not be found, and buried a treasure there. However, to this day no one knows where its exact place is, so from time to time there are adventurers and just lovers of archeology who are excavating.
Sarpinsky Island played an important role in the days when Stalingrad heroically opposed the Nazis. Then it was outside the city limits, it was relatively safe there, and barges and boats could moor to its berths. This made the island an excellent place for arranging field hospitals, as well as transshipment bases for food and weapons.
Nature
Sarpinsky Island in Volgograd is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the Volga region. Flora on the island is represented by more than 300 species of various plants. Among them there are quite a few rare species listed in the Red Book, such as Schistifolia marsh, Valerian Volga, Salvinia floating , etc. In May, the first lilies of the valley and tulips appear on the island. In addition, it is an excellent place for a "quiet" hunt, so there are always a lot of mushroom pickers.
Lakes
Sarpinsky Island in Volgograd, the photo of which you have already seen in the article, is covered with many small lakes. There are about 25 of them there. There are also many Ericks. In the reservoirs of Sarpinsky crayfish and more than 20 species of freshwater fish are found. In addition, in Erik you can find a marsh turtle. The representatives of the lake fauna of the island include a large aquatic rat - muskrat.
From land animals on Sarpinsky there are hares and weasels.
Birds
The island has a large variety of birds. More than 80 species of birds live there. Among them there are also migratory ones who spend only the end of spring and summer on the island. During the autumn and spring migrations on Sarpinsky, gray geese, woodcocks, partridges, swans, river and diving ducks, waders, spoonbills, red-breasted geese, gray cranes, etc.
The ornithological complex of the island in 1996 was included in the list of potential most important ornithological territories of the Russian Federation of international importance.
To preserve it, for subsequent generations on Sarpinsky Island for nearly 20 years, any economic activity that could disrupt the functioning of the natural complex, as well as its environmental resources, has been banned.
Life on the island
On the territory of Sarpinsky there are several settlements - Beketovsky, Kozhzavod, as well as the Pavlovsky farm and others. In total, a little more than 800 people live on the island. About 300 of them are pensioners. In the summer, the population of the island increases by more than 5.5 times due to tourists and summer residents.
Sarpinsky Island in Volgograd: how to get
Unfortunately, the island has no land connection with the city. And although the need for a bridge connecting Sarpinsky's inhabitants with large land is obvious, it has not yet been built. This creates many problems for the population, especially in winter. From December to March, people live primarily from food stocks. However, this situation can hardly be considered normal, especially since many young “islanders” work or study in the “mainland” Volgograd.
Even 30-40 years ago, winters were quite severe, so in the cold season an ice crossing operated. In the past few years, this has not been possible, and there are weeks and even months when the only hope of the inhabitants of the island are rescuers who transport people on snowmobiles in emergency situations.
Crossing to the island of Sarpinsky (Volgograd)
As already mentioned, the life of the islanders is completely dependent on water transport. A cargo ferry regularly departs from the mainland of Volgograd to Sarpinsky from the pier near the Panorama of the Battle of Stalingrad museum from 6:00 to 21:00. Departure Interval - 1 hour.
In addition, ferries depart from the berth of Rudnev (Beketovka).
The cost of a ticket for passengers is 13 rubles. for adults and 6.5 rubles. for children from the pier located at the museum, and 16 and 8 rubles, respectively, when leaving from Beketovka. Baggage weighing up to 10 kg is estimated at 5 rubles.
The car ferry, so you can go to Sarpinsky to relax on their own vehicles.
Now you know what the hero city of Volgograd can please fans of outdoor recreation. You also know how to get to Sarpinsky Island by car, so as soon as possible, without hesitation, go to these hospitable lands - you will not regret it! Here you can go fishing, watch wild animals in their natural habitat and even search for the treasure of the legendary Stepan Razin.