The extreme northwest corner of Ukraine is home to the country's largest lake — Svityaz. This lake region is covered with forests and is thinly populated. There are numerous sanatorias where the chronically ill live for weeks in quiet seclusion, breathing the pine-scented air and bathing in the lakes. The area is accessible by bus from Kovel, which is in turn an overnight train ride from Kiev.
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The road to Svityaz Lake from Shatsk.
Svityaz is the largest of the Shatsk lakes and the largest lake in Ukraine.
These lakes in the northwest corner of Ukraine are of glacial origen.
Sandy lake bottom
Close-up of that boat. The lakes are known for their purity and have many sanatoria on their shores.
Sunshine on Svityaz lake
Another large lake, where the well-known Lisova Pisnya sanatorium is located
This part of Ukraine is covered with mixed forests.
View of lake through pine tree
Sunlight through yellow birch leaves
An 'interpretive' picture
Cluster of "mukhomor" mushrooms. Don't eat these — they're poisonous.
Meadow with yellowing birches
This maple stood out among the other trees.
Beautiful empty roads like this make the Shatsk lakes a perfect place for cycling.
Roads pass through forests and meadows, giving occasional views of lakes on the side.
All photos are the original work of Rick DeLong. To learn about purchasing originals, go here.
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before using my pictures for any purpose.