Lake Elton

Lake Elton (Russian: Эльтон; Kazakh: Эльтон, romanized: Elton) is a salt lake in Volgograd Oblast, Russia, near the border with Kazakhstan. It has an area of 152 km² and is about 0.1 m deep (in spring 0.7 to 0.8 m). Its surface is 18 m below sea level.[1]

Lake Elton
Эльтон
The shores of Lake Elton
Lake Elton
Эльтон
Location within Russia
Lake Elton
Эльтон
Lake Elton
Эльтон (Volgograd Oblast)
LocationVolgograd Oblast
Coordinates49°8′0″N 46°40′0″E
Typesalt lake
Basin countriesRussia
Surface area150 km2 (58 sq mi)
Max. depth0.6 m (2 ft 0 in)
Surface elevation−18 m (−59 ft)
Lake Elton, as seen from space

It is the largest mineral lake in Europe and one of the most mineralized in the world.

Transportation

A bus ride can be taken from Volgograd (6 hours mostly because of long stops in rural towns) and also by train from Saratov and Astrakhan (also 6 hours) can lead travelers to the area.

History

Salt was excavated from Elton beginning in the early eighteenth century.[2] Before 1865 the government was the excavator; from 1865–1882 the lake was heavily used by private businesses.

Image of the surface of the lake showing salt deposits

A spa resort has been located near the lake since 1910 and a sanatorium since 1945. Sulfide silt mud and brine from Elton are claimed to have anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, analgesic, relaxing and revitalizing properties[3].

Elton Ultra Trail Run

The Elton Ultra Trail is one of Russia's toughest races. There are two distances of 38 km and 100 miles. It was first organised in 2014.

References
  1. Эльтон (озеро), Great Soviet Encyclopedia
  2. "Lake Elton". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 2013-10-18.
  3. "Elton sanatorium".


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