Shatsk is an urban-type settlement in the northwest of Volyn, the center of the Shatsk hromada, and the main resort center of the Shatsk Lakes. Over 5 thousand people live here, and in summer — several times more. Around it are three dozen lakes: Svitiaz, Pulemetske, Luky, Lyutsymer, Chorne Velyke, Somynets, Karasynets, and others. Shatsk lies in the very heart of the Shatsk National Nature Park.
Jagiellon's Hunters and Fishermen
The first mention of Shatsk dates back to 1410: then Polish King Władysław II Jagiełło sent hunters to the Shatsk forests to prepare meat for the army. According to the 1564 lustration, the village of Shechko had 35 peasant households, 7 gardeners, and 33 fishermen — fish fed the locals even back then. In 1595, Shatsk was already mentioned as a town.
In 1812, Napoleon's troops passed through these lands, but already in mid-September Shatsk was free from the French. From 1768 to 1849, the town belonged to the Branicki family, and the name "Shatsk" became established in 1788 — before that it was called Shechko.
What to See
The main attraction is the lakes. On the eastern shore of Svitiaz within the settlement is Hryada tract, the most popular recreation area with beaches and pine trees. On the shore of Lake Lyutsymer is an ancient settlement and archaeological site of the 11th–14th centuries, offering a fine view of the water and the forest.
In the center of the settlement is a monument to Taras Shevchenko in a square, a memorial at the site of the execution of Jews, and commemorative signs to those who died in World War II. A forestry college operates in Shatsk, and in the surrounding areas there are homesteads, recreation bases, and the private sector for vacationers.
When to Go
The beach season lasts from June to mid-September, with the peak in July and August. In spring and autumn, it is quiet here, making it great for cycling around the lakes and fishing. In winter, the lakes freeze over, and the region becomes almost deserted.
Shatsk Lakes on Video
Nearby
Svitiaz, the deepest lake in Ukraine, is a few minutes away from the center. Liuboml with its 13th-century church is less than an hour's drive away. More can be found in the article Kovel Raion.
Practical Tips
Accommodation for July and August is best booked in advance — during the peak season, available places are scarce. Prices on the shore of Svitiaz are higher than in the settlement center or in neighboring villages. Bicycle routes are laid out around the lakes, and bicycles or boats can be rented at recreation bases. Remember that Shatsk is located in a national park: campfires may only be lit in designated areas, and cars are not allowed to drive close to the water.
How to Get There
Buses to Shatsk run from Lutsk, Kovel, and Liuboml. In summer, direct routes are available from Kyiv and Lviv. There is no railway in Shatsk; the nearest stations are Kovel and Liuboml.
