Walking route “Three lakes”
Walking Route “Three Lakes”
Lace up your boots and prepare for one of the most immersive and rewarding outdoor experiences in Pridnestrovie — the Walking Route “Three Lakes” — a two-day, 25 km hiking adventure through nature reserves, ancient cemeteries, swan lakes, oak forests and the spectacular lake triangle of Doibany-1, Doibany-2 and Koikovo in the Dubossary district. This is the republic’s answer to the world’s great lake routes — and it more than holds its own.
Day 1 — From the Reserve to the Tent Camp: Waterfalls, Ravens and Oak Forest Panoramas
The adventure begins at the edge of the State Reserve “Yagorlyk” (Goyany village, Dubossary district) — one of Pridnestrovie’s most precious protected natural areas. The route opens with a walk along the scenic river bay to an artesian well, rewarding early risers with a panoramic view across the reserve that sets the tone for a day of extraordinary natural beauty.
After 16 km, the trail arrives at the Lake in Doibany-1 village (Dubossary district) — a magical place where swans glide across still water in the heart of the village. Nearby, an artificially created waterfall fills the air with the sound of rushing water, making this the perfect spot for a well-earned picnic before pressing onward. From here, the route continues toward Doibany-2 through a landscape that reveals its treasures one by one: an ancient Cossack cemetery tucked into the hillside, a stunning house of culture that surprises at every turn, a vertiginous descent to the Trostyanets River through dozens of ravines, and — especially in autumn — panoramas so dizzying they stop you in your tracks.
After 5.6 km, Lake Trostyanets (Doibany-2 village, Dubossary district) comes into view — and with it, the evening camp. Climb the observation tower for an unforgettable bird’s-eye view across the lake and the ancient oak forest stretching to the horizon. As darkness falls, gather around the campfire to cook dinner, walk through the oak forest and explore the mouth of the former river that once fed this remarkable lake. Fall asleep under the stars to the sound of the forest — this is what the route was made for.
Day 2 — Morning Fire, Open-Air Shower and the Closing Lake
Rise early to the smell of a campfire breakfast and the freshness of an open-air shower — two simple pleasures that feel like pure luxury after a night in the Pridnestrovian countryside. The second day is gentler in pace, focused on the final destination: the third and closing lake of the triangle.
After 3.5 km, the route reaches the Lake in Koikovo village (Dubossary district) — where a wooden boat awaits for a gentle row across the water, and the tranquility of the surroundings invites nothing more strenuous than rest, reflection and the quiet satisfaction of having walked from the edge of a nature reserve to the shores of three remarkable lakes in the heart of Pridnestrovie.
State Reserve "Yagorlyk"
“Yagorlyk” holds the distinction of being the only state scientific reserve in the entire republic. Located on the left bank of the Dniester between the villages of Tsybulevka, Goyany and Doibany-1 in the Dubossary region, the reserve covers a substantial area of 863 hectares. Established in 1988, the reserve’s primary purpose centers on preserving the natural complex of the Goyan Bay in its pristine natural state — a bay that itself formed during the flooding of the lower reaches of the Yagorlyk River, a direct consequence of the construction of the Dubossary hydroelectric power station.
Through years of dedicated botanical research, scientists have identified over a hundred species of rare and endangered plants within the reserve’s territory, with 16 of these species specifically listed in the PMR Red Book of protected species. This remarkable botanical diversity is matched by equally impressive fauna: more than 30 species of mammals call Yagorlyk home, including roe deer, wild boars, stone martens, foxes and raccoon dogs. The reserve also shelters genuinely rare animals such as the European ground squirrel and the ermine, adding to its conservation significance.
The water area of the reserve supports approximately 20 species of fish, including sturgeon varieties such as sterlet and bester — connecting this protected natural area to the broader sturgeon conservation efforts taking place throughout the region. The abundance of bird species found here results directly from the diversity of biotypes present within the reserve. Yagorlyk hosts 121 different bird species, including several listed in the Red Book: the mute swan nests within the reserve, while ospreys and field harriers can be observed during migration periods.
An observation tower positioned on a hill above the bay offers visitors a beautiful panoramic view across the reserve and its surrounding landscape, providing the perfect vantage point for appreciating the rich biodiversity this protected natural area works so diligently to preserve.
Lake in the village of Doybany-1
This lake in Doybany-1 village offers a genuine pastoral scene straight out of a painting — blue waters reflecting brilliant sunlight, wooden boats drifting gently across the surface, and swans floating peacefully through this tranquil setting. The combination of natural beauty and quiet serenity makes this lake one of the most picturesque spots within Dubossary district, offering visitors a perfect place to pause, relax and simply appreciate the gentle rhythms of village life unfolding beside the water’s edge.
Lake Trostyanets
Lake Trostyanets serves as the main tributary of the Yagorlyk, its waters stretching gracefully between low rolling hills that frame this remarkable natural landscape. The surrounding forest creates an unusually picturesque backdrop, displaying the full spectrum of seasonal colors throughout the year — from the fresh greens of spring through the rich golds and reds of autumn, the forest’s appearance transforms continuously, ensuring Lake Trostyanets offers a genuinely different visual experience with each visit, depending on when travelers choose to explore this beautiful corner of the Dubossary countryside.
Lake in the Village of Koykovo
This charming lake in Koykovo village offers a genuinely cozy setting, beautifully decorated by the presence of various waterfowl that make their home along its shores. The peaceful atmosphere surrounding the lake makes it an ideal destination for both fishing enthusiasts hoping to land a catch and visitors simply seeking a pleasant spot for a relaxing picnic, surrounded by the gentle sounds and sights of birdlife going about their daily routines on and around the water.