Uniqueness: The main object of protection in the Nature Reserve is Seljava Lake– one of the most beautiful lakes in the Belarusian Poozerje. This is one of the largest reservoirs in the northeast of Belarus. The area of the water surface is about 1,500 hectares, the length of the lake is over 14 km, maximum depth is more than 17 m. In the central part of the lake, there are three islands, the largest of which has an area of about 200 hectares. Bathing is allowed in Seljava Lake.
The natural complex of the lake and the surrounding area is distinguished by a picturesque combination of coastal slopes and the lake water area (the lake is surrounded by steep slopes with century-old pine trees (6-8 m high)) with a variety of capes, islands, and bays. The transparency of the lake in summer amounts to three metres. Seljava Lake attracts tourists as a place for recreation, fishing, and bathing.
The Seljava Nature Reserve is nicknamed the Belarusian Bermuda Triangle because of the anomalous phenomena, rumours about which spread among people. Thus, there is a rumour among local communities that near the lake there is an anomalous zone where one can lose one’s way in broad daylight.
Northern Firmoss, Dark-Red Helleborine, European Globeflower, Gladiolus Imbricatus, and White Waterlily grow in the Nature Reserve. If you are lucky, during a walk here you can see Badger, Osprey, Hazel Dormouse and some other species of animals listed in the Red Data Book of Belarus.
One of the popular recreational activities on Seljava Lake is amateur fishing. The reservoir is home to Sheat-Fish, Pike, Ide, Silver Bream, Ruff, Chub, Asp, and rare species - Burbot and Vendace.
Ecotourism services: Around Seljava Lake, there are a number of well-equipped recreational areas with gazebos, parking lots, changing cabins, camping sites, etc.; accommodation services at the Panskaya Bathhouse Recreation Centre with a beautiful beach, the sand to which was brought from the Gulf of Riga; organization of fishing; possibility of camping in permitted areas; badminton and volleyball tournaments.
Ecological routes: Proshickie Swamps nature trail.
Places of interest: Seljava Lake is a traditional location for numerous tourist rallies, festivals, and competitions (Green Christmastide international gathering of caravanners, Vasilkovyj Venok (Cornflower Crown) regional youth festival, etc.).
