Sarpinsky Island, Volgograd: description, nature, how to get

Volgograd is a city where there is no shortage of historical and architectural sights. There are also natural sites there, which also deserve the attention of tourists. Among them, of course, is the island of Sarpinsky. Although in Volgograd there are many beaches and recreation areas, none of these objects can match the beauty and abundance of recreational resources.

Geographical information

The island of Sarpinsky in Volgograd is 20 kilometers long and 18 kilometers wide. Administratively, this territory is part of the Kirovsky district and covers an area of 11272.64 hectares. This circumstance allows us 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, and on the other by Volozhka River. The latter in old Russian sources is represented as the Old Volga, and the Tatars preferred to call it Sarpa, which in translation from the Türkic languages means "river" or "water".

A bit of history

The island of Sarpinsky in Volgograd is considered a place covered with legends. In 1579 there was founded a guard point for the protection of merchant and passenger ships from attacks by 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 Tsaritsyn. It is difficult to say how many heroic exploits were committed by the archers, who were supposed to watch the horizon without eye contact, looking out for the Horde and the robbers. Often they could not do it, and dashing Cossacks landed on Sarpinsky, who did not recognize the authority of the Moscow Tsar. As the legend says, during one such incident on the island was himself Stepan Razin. Ataman decided that there was no better place to hide his untold treasures, and he buried the treasure there. However, where its exact place, nobody knows to this day, so from time to time there are adventurers and just lovers of archeology, which are digging.

The island of Sarpinsky played an important role in the days when Stalingrad heroically opposed the fascists. Then he was out of the city, it was relatively safe, and barges and boats could pester his berths. This made the island an excellent place for equipping field hospitals, as well as transshipment bases for food and weapons.

Nature

The island of Sarpinsky in Volgograd is considered to be one 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 many rare species listed in the Red Book, such as the marshwort of the forest-steppe, the Valerian of the Volga, the Salvinia floating , etc. In May the first lily 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.

Lakes

The island of Sarpinsky in Volgograd, whose photo you have already seen in the article, is covered with many small lakes. There are about 25 of them. There are also a lot of Ericks. In the reservoirs of Sarpinsky there are crayfish and more than 20 species of freshwater fish. In addition, in Erica you can find a marsh tortoise. A large water rat, the desman, belongs to the representatives of the lake fauna of the island.

Of land animals in Sarpinsky there are hares and caresses.

Birds

The island is distinguished by a large variety of birds. There are more than 80 species of birds. Among them there are migrants who spend on the island only the end of spring and summer. At the Sarpinsky during the autumn and spring migrations gray geese, woodcocks, partridges, swans, river and duck ducks, waders, spoonbills, red-breasted goose, gray cranes, etc. stop.

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.

For its preservation for the next generation on the island of Sarpinsky for about 20 years, any economic activities that could disrupt the functioning of the natural complex, as well as its environmental resources, are banned.

Life on the island

On the territory of Sarpinsky are several settlements - Beketovsky, Kozhzavod, as well as the Pavlovskiy farm, etc. In total there live just over 800 people on the island. About 300 of them are pensioners. In summer, the population of the island increases by more than 5.5 times due to tourists and summer residents.

Sarpinsky Island in Volgograd: how to get there

Unfortunately, the island has no land connection with the city. And although the need for a bridge connecting the inhabitants of Sarpinsky with a large land is obvious, it has not yet been built. This creates a lot of problems for the population, especially in the 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 the "mainland" Volgograd.

Another 30-40 years ago, the winters were severe enough, so in the cold weather, the ice crossing operated. In the last few years, this can not be done, and there are weeks and even months when the only hope of the inhabitants of the island are the rescuers, who in emergency situations transport people on the aerosleighs.

Ferry to the island of Sarpinsky (Volgograd)

As already mentioned, the life of the islanders depends entirely on water transport. From the mainland of Volgograd to Sarpinsky from the pier near the museum "Panorama of the Battle of Stalingrad" from 6:00 to 21:00 regularly sent by cargo ferry. The departure interval is 1 hour.

In addition, ferries go from the pier of Rudnev (Beketovka).

The 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 sending from Beketovka. The transportation of luggage weighing up to 10 kg is estimated at 5 rubles.

The ferry is car, therefore it is possible to go to Sarpinsky to rest on your own motor transport.

Now you know what the nature-loving city of Volgograd can enjoy. How to get by car to the island of Sarpinsky, you also know, so at the first opportunity, without hesitation, go to these hospitable lands - do not regret it! Here you can go fishing, watch wild animals in their natural habitat and even look for the treasure of the legendary Stepan Razin.