Slavgorod district. The Golubaya Krinitsa (Blue Spring).

In the Slavgorod district, not far from the village of Kliny, which was evicted after Chernobyl, there is a place that scientists call a hydrological miracle, and believers — a shrine. The Blue Spring (or Blue Well) is the most powerful ascending spring in the entire Eastern European Plain.

A miracle of nature: Water from the bowels of the earth

The spring is a small emerald-blue lake, from the center of which a stream of groundwater escapes under enormous pressure.

• Capacity: 60 liters of water are released to the surface every second (about 5,000 m3 per day);
• Depth: A vertical shaft is hidden under the mirror of the water. Its exact depth is still a matter of dispute: the probes descended 200 meters, and according to some assumptions it can reach 300 meters;
• Temperature: The water here always keeps the temperature at +5 °C. In summer, it burns with cold, and in winter steam rises over the lake, since krinitsa never freezes.;
• Color and purity: The unusual turquoise hue of the water gives a high content of calcium and silicon. Scientists of the Academy of Sciences of Belarus have recognized this water as the standard of purity for the country's groundwater.

The legends of Catherine and the mermaids

The main legend of this place is the tale of the beautiful warrior Katerina. Two giants were fighting for her heart: Stepan and Marko. Katerina loved Stepan, but Marko won the boulder throwing competition. In order not to marry someone she didn't love, the girl threw herself off a rock, turned into water and came out of the ground with a clean spring.

• Traces of the past: Boulders can be seen at the bottom of the lake and on the shore, one of which is called the "Markov Stone". It is believed that touching it gives heroic strength.;
• Mysticism: Old-timers talk about the Spring guardian, a giant old pike that fulfills the wishes of those who came to the water with a pure heart.

Sacred meaning: From Radimichi to Makovei

Spring was a holy place back in the 9th century, when the tribes of the Radimichi tribes used it as a pagan temple.

• Epiphany: It is believed that it was in the waters of the Blue Well in 988 that the mass baptism of the Radimichi took place;
• Makovei Holiday (August 14th): Tens of thousands of pilgrims flock to the spring on this day. The main tradition is to ford the Spring thrice.

It is believed that after such a ceremony, a person is protected from diseases for the whole year. Interestingly, the rite of walking on water is included in the list of intangible cultural heritage of Belarus.

What to see?

The place is well-maintained: there is a chapel, bridges, baptismal fonts and shopping malls, where you can buy the best honey in the region for Honey Savior.

• The Chernobyl paradox: Despite the fact that the surrounding villages have been resettled, the water in Spring remains crystal clear. Powerful layers of chalk and clay act as a natural filter, blocking radiation.
• Nature: In the water, you can see "alien" purple bacteria and rare algae that purify the source. And century-old oaks and linden trees grow along the shores.

Bottom line: Is it worth going?

Blue Spring is a place of power where you can literally "wash away" the hustle and bustle of the city. It's worth coming here to:

1. Plunge into the icy turquoise water and feel an incredible burst of energy;
2. To see the "reference" water of Belarus, the transparency of which is comparable to crystal;
3. To hear the whispers of ancient legends in the shade of ancient trees.

How to get there?

• Location: 2.5 km from Slavgorod (Mogilev region), near the former village of Kliny.
• By car: A new bridge was built across the Sozh River in 2020, so access has become comfortable. Follow the signs from Slavgorod.

Tips from the author:

• Ablution ritual: If you plan to follow the tradition and cross the crinice three times, take a change of clothes and a towel with you. The water is bitterly cold ($+5°C), and even after going ashore, the legs will "tingle" from the rush of blood;
• Water supply: Take an empty container. The water here is considered a reference in terms of purity and mineralization, it is ideal for drinking and does not spoil for a long time. Important: when collecting water, according to tradition, you should not pour it back or scoop it repeatedly into the same vessel;
• Honey Savior: If you want to experience the most colorful atmosphere, come on August 14th. But be prepared for huge queues and thousands of pilgrims. If you are looking for silence and the opportunity to take beautiful photos without people, it is better to choose weekdays early in the morning.;
• Markov stone: Be sure to find that huge boulder on the shore. Among the locals, it is considered good form to touch it to recharge with "heroic energy";
• Ecology and rules: The place has the status of a republican nature reserve. It is strictly forbidden to make noise, leave trash, or use soap/shampoo in the spring itself. Remember the legend about the old pike — the Spring guardian does not like those who stir up the water;
• Shoes: The bottom of the stream flowing out of spring is sandy, but in the spring bowl itself it can be slippery due to silt and algae. Ordinary rubber swimming slippers can be useful for wading.

Krinitsa is a small, clean reservoir surrounded by trees. The sound of nature only complements the spring and gives it an extraordinary sense of beauty. The water in it is bluish-emerald due to chalk, and the bottom is covered with blue clay. There is even a belief among people about the healing properties of this very water from the Blue Spring. They say that a person who crosses the spring three times will be healthy for a long time, diseases will be avoided, and his life will be long. The water is ice-cold, tastes very soft and pleasant, anyone can take it with them. On the shore near the spring there is a small chapel where you can put candles, and nearby there are changing rooms and a specially equipped place for taking a dip. The area itself is very clean, there are benches for relaxation, and a little further, right behind the spring there are paid areas with barbecues where you can sit and barbecue. Not far from the spring there are also small trading tents where you can buy a variety of types of honey, souvenirs, handicrafts, fast food and drinks.

Blue Spring is a very clean, picturesque and pleasant place to visit, which everyone should visit!