Lake Smerdiacheje

Lake Smerdiacheje (Озеро Смердячье - lake which smells bad) is a small lake in Moscow Oblast of Russia near Shatura 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) north from the nearest village Bakhscheevo (Бакшеево).

Lake Smerdiacheje
Смердячье (Russian)
Lake Smerdiacheje
Lake Smerdiacheje
Location	Moscow Oblast, Russia
Coordinates	55.735°N 39.823°E / 55.735; 39.823
Type	lake

Lake

The lake is situated in a pine forest. It is round (diameter 300–400 metres (980–1,310 ft)) and appeared thousands years ago as a meteor crater. Depth is 35–40 metres (115–131 ft). The condition of the lake is slowly degrading. The water changes colour, level and purity with seasons and years, and pine trees come very close to the shore of the lake. Smerdiachee is surrounded with a wall-like ring which is common for craters.

Transportation and tourism

The lake can be accessed from Moscow by car (the closest city is Roshal), but the last miles must be done on foot through the forest (people usually park their cars in Bakhscheevo village). Several dozen tourists visit Smerdiacheje each year. The lake is also popular among UFO enthusiasts and mystics. Locals from the village use the lake sometimes for fishing and pick wild berries nearby.