Volgograd is a city where there is no shortage ofhistorical and architectural landmarks. There are natural objects there that also deserve the attention of tourists. Among them, of course, is Sarpinsky Island. Although there are many beaches and recreation areas in Volgograd, none of these objects can compare with it in its beauty and abundance of recreational resources.
Sarpinsky Island in Volgograd has 20kilometers long and 18 kilometers wide. Administratively, this territory is part of the Kirov district and occupies an area of 11272.64 hectares. This circumstance allows to consider the island as one of the largest river analogues of the European continent.
On the one hand, Sarpinsky is washed by the Volga, withthe other is the Volozhka River. The latter in the old Russian sources is presented as the Old Volga, and the Tatars preferred to call it Sarpa, which in translation from the Turkic languages means “river” or “water”.
Sarpinsky Island in Volgograd is considered a placecovered with legends. In 1579 a guard post was established there to protect merchant and passenger ships from the attacks of the 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 Tsaritsina. It is difficult to say how many heroic deeds were committed by archers, who were to follow the horizon, not looking to see the horde and robbers. Often they did not succeed in this, and dashing Cossacks, who did not recognize the authority of the Moscow tsar, landed on Sarpinsky. According to legend, during one such incident, Stepan Razin himself turned out to be on the island. Ataman decided that the best place to hide their untold treasures is not found, and buried there treasure. However, where his exact place is, no one knows to this day, therefore from time to time there are adventurers and simply lovers of archeology who are digging.
Sarpinsky Island played an important role in the dayswhen Stalingrad heroically resisted the fascists. Then he was out of the city, there was relatively safe, and barges and boats could pester his moorings. This made the island a great place for arranging field hospitals, as well as transshipment bases for food and weapons.
Sarpinsky Island in Volgograd is considered to beone 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 the thistle-bearing bog, the Volga valerian, the 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 "quiet" hunting, so there are always a lot of mushroom pickers.
Sarpinsky Island in Volgograd, which photo youalready seen in the article, covered with many small lakes. There are about 25 of them there. There are also many eriks. Crayfish and more than 20 types of freshwater fish are found in the Sarpinsky reservoirs. In addition, in Erik can meet the marsh turtle. The representatives of the lake fauna of the island also include the large water rat, the desman.
From land animals on Sarpinsky there are hares and weasels.
The island has a great variety of birds.There are more than 80 species of birds. Among them there are migrants who spend only the end of spring and summer on the island. On Sarpinsky during the autumn and spring migrations, gray geese, woodcocks, partridges, swans, river and diving ducks, sandpipers, red-faced geese, gray cranes, etc., stop.
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 save it for future generationsSarpinsky Island has for about 20 years prohibited any economic activity that could disrupt the functioning of the natural complex, as well as its environmental resources.
On the territory of Sarpinsky there are severalsettlements - Beketovsky, Kozhzavod, as well as the farm Pavlovsky, etc. In total, the island is inhabited by just over 800 people. Of these, about 300 people are retired. In the summer, the island’s population increases by more than 5.5 times due to tourists and summer residents.
Unfortunately, the island has no land connection withthe city. And although the need for a bridge connecting the inhabitants of Sarpinsky with the mainland 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 due to food stocks. However, such a situation can hardly be considered normal, especially since many young “islanders” work or study in “mainland” Volgograd.
30-40 years ago winters were enoughharsh, so in the cold time acted ice crossing. In the past few years, this is impossible to do, and there are weeks and even months when the only hope of the inhabitants of the island are lifeguards, who in emergency situations transport people on snowmobiles.
As already mentioned, the life of the islanders is completelydepends on water transport. From the mainland part of Volgograd to Sarpinsky from the pier near the museum "Panorama of the Battle of Stalingrad" from 6:00 to 21:00 regularly departs freight ferry. Departure interval - 1 hour.
In addition, ferries go from the pier Rudneva (Beketovka).
Ticket price 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 departing from Beketovka. Baggage carrying up to 10 kg is estimated at 5 rubles.
The ferry is a car, so you can go to Sarpinsky to relax on your own vehicle.
Now you know what can please fansoutdoor recreation city-hero Volgograd. You also know how to get to Sarpinsky Island by car, so at the first opportunity, without hesitation, go to these hospitable lands - you will not regret! Here you can go fishing, watch wild animals in their natural habitat and even search for the treasure of the legendary Stepan Razin.
