Krasnoselsky chalk quarries (where they are located, it will be said a little lower) almost instantly acquired the status of the most visited attraction in Belarus. And despite the fact that this phenomenon is considered a technical object, those who want to see first-hand the “Belarusian Maldives” do not become smaller from year to year. They are located near Volkovysk. The bewitching beauty of the local landscape is revealed to tourists in a unique combination of an unusual landscape with bright turquoise water. Today Krasnoselsky chalk quarries, some tourists compare their vacations with a trip to the Red Sea, are called by many names. So, among them: "tourist mecca of Belarusians", "the most popular attraction of the Volkovysk region." Also, this place is also called "paradise for photographers." Currently, the total area of the quarries is equal to the size of approximately 300 football fields.
Pastime
Krasnoselsky chalk quarries reveal a lot of interesting things to their visitors. Tourists can not only enjoy the extraordinary beauty of the opened view, swim in the turquoise waters, cook kebabs or gather together at a campfire with a friendly company. This place is also of interest to a targeted audience:
- Fishing. For those who like to sit with a fishing rod, it’s just paradise, because many careers were fish-laden.
- Diving. To enjoy scuba diving, now there is no need to fly a thousand kilometers to the Maldives or the Red Sea.
- Extreme vacation. The great depth of the pits and steep slopes will provide extreme lovers with a fair amount of adrenaline.
- Photo and video shooting. The bright beauty of the chalk quarries invariably attracts those who want to capture themselves in the lap of nature. Recently, a Belarusian landmark was also chosen by domestic pop stars for shooting their videos. Which is understandable, because the local beauties are no worse than the Maldives.
Description
Once upon a time, chalk was mined in quarries near Volkovysk. After some time, the excavated cavity is naturally filled with water. Due to the fact that a small amount of chalk remains at the bottom of the quarry, the water acquires a very beautiful shade: from gentle sky-blue to bright azure and even emerald. A beautiful complement to the landscape was the high steep banks strewn with the crown of young trees, stone blocks and pieces of silicon resembling meteorites. The picture presented to the eye creates a sense of unreality of perspective, as if shots from a science fiction film were embodied here.
Other interesting objects
The pits are located near the urban village, by the name of which they got their name - "Krasnoselsky chalk quarries". It is no exaggeration to say that this settlement has the highest tourist potential in all of Belarus. According to statistics, in 2012 alone, about 100 thousand independent travelers visited here. And this taking into account the fact that the Krasnoselsky chalk quarries are far from the only attraction of the settlement. It is here that the concentration of the most ancient silicon mines of Belarus is located. About 5 thousand years ago, primitive people mined a valuable breed in them in order to produce tools that were so necessary for them then. Unfortunately, the mine shafts are currently sealed. There has long been an intention to organize a museum, but the project to open it has been gathering dust on shelves for many years. Another dream that has not yet come true is the idea of creating specially equipped beaches and parking near chalk pits, building a campsite on its territory, organizing tent rental, and opening food outlets. Also, the tourism industry could bring more income if a visit to the Krasnoselsky chalk quarries were included in the excursion programs.
Old pits
Krasnoselsky chalk quarries can be divided into new and old. Moreover, the age of the second is not so big - only about 50 years. They were placed at the disposal of the state. You can find old careers near the motor depot, and a more detailed route to them will be able to tell every local. It is unlikely that there is at least one prohibition sign about swimming. And because the "local Maldives" have become a favorite vacation spot for residents of the surrounding area and those who do not want to break the law.
New pits
Presence in the territory where they are located is punishable by a fine of 3 to 10 basic units, since the quarries are the property of Krasnoselskstroymaterialy. Since mining is carried out here, they relate to industrial facilities. It will be possible to legally visit new Krasnoselsky chalk quarries, the photos of which are presented above, in 7 years, when the enterprise writes them off from its balance sheet. For this, it is necessary that the angle of the coastal slope becomes less than 35 °, then the foundation pits will go into public use. From this moment, all prohibition signs will disappear, and access to their territory will be allowed.
Krasnoselsky chalk quarries. How to get to these places?
New pits are located along the industrial road behind the cement plant. Not noticing her is very difficult. Often passing MAZs and BelAZs chalk all around: trees, the road and people passing by. This is where the bulk of tourists tend to get, since they simply do not know about the existence of "blue lenses" with open access. Along the road leading to new quarries, signs are installed that prohibit outsiders from entering their territory. Entrances are dug up or blocked by blocks. However, this fact does not bother those who wish to relax here. Near the road you can watch improvised parking. And some brave men leave their car right on the side of the road, not even being afraid of the "heavy" trucks passing by. Swimming in new pits is also prohibited. And since the owner company, namely Krasnoselskstroymaterialy, is responsible for all the accidents that occurred here, it becomes quite clear why vacationers are unwanted guests for them.
Why not swim
- Since this facility has an industrial purpose, any infrastructure is absent here. There are no equipped places for recreation, no parking for cars, the descent into the water is very steep, there are no garbage cans.
- Another warning from the plant can be seen by going to its website. It reads: "Water in the quarries does not meet the requirements of sanitary rules and norms." However, tourists are skeptical about it. This is not the first time that many have come to Krasnoselsky chalk quarries. Reviews of regular tourists are very positive. All plant warnings are simply ignored. Many argue that they have already bathed in the local waters, and nothing happened.
- The bottom and the coast of the quarries are strewn with silicon, which in ancient times was used by ancestors for the manufacture of axes and spears. The likelihood of cutting yourself into stones of this breed is very high.
- The depth in some places of the quarries can reach 15 m, and therefore it is better for inexperienced swimmers not to risk it.
- There is also a risk of coastal collapse.
Visits
Starting on Friday evening, everyone is slowly flocking to new careers. The maximum number of people arrives on Saturday afternoon. As a rule, they arrive in cars with Minsk numbers, but tourists from Russia are also found. People take mattresses, tents, their pets, boats and food supplies with them. Vacationers are sure that the water in the new quarries is absolutely safe, since it rises from the bowels of the earth. As a result, it goes through several natural stages of gravel and sand filtration. The color of water is influenced by the chemical processes occurring at the bottom of the quarry with chalk. In order for the pleasant shade of the pond to please the eyes of its visitors for a long time, it is necessary to monitor the object. Otherwise, after 50 years, the bottom will overgrow with sludge, and the water will become dark.
About how the plant punishes
For the enterprise, vacationers are violators of the established order. And despite the fact that the plant makes a lot of efforts to prevent illegal entry into quarries, the measures taken are still not enough. They try to enlighten tourists as follows:
- Verbal warning. A raid group arrives twice a day for new careers. Representatives of the plant explain why it is unsafe to be in quarries, and asked to leave.
- Monetary sanctions. Near the quarries, one can observe installed shields that threaten illegal visitors with fines. But in reality, no tourist has ever been punished in this way.
- Evacuation of the abandoned car. This is perhaps the worst punishment for a tourist. Employees of the plant call the traffic police to remove the obstructing vehicle from the side of the road.