Rossony district. Lake Voloba.

Voloba is a compact but expressive reservoir of the Rossony region. The combination of open ples, rugged bays and forested shores creates the feeling of a secluded "northern wilderness", while there are convenient parking lots and access roads nearby. The lake is convenient for short trips, family vacations and kayaking trips.

The basin has a complex shape: the coastal strip with a sandy bottom stretches up to 3-4 m (in the western part — up to 5-7 m), then the bottom is muddy‑sandy with patches of sapropel in deep pits. The maximum depth reaches 9.9 m. The Studenitsa River and several streams flow into the Voloba; the channels connect the lake with the Drissa system, providing water exchange and making connected waterways possible. The coastline is winding: coves, headlands and shallow bays are convenient for camping and nature observations.

The surrounding forests are typical for the transition zone to the southern taiga: pine and mixed forests rich in berries and mushrooms. Coastal thickets and islands serve as nesting sites for waterfowl; in the warmer months, migratory species arrive here. A special botanical value is the water nut (chilim), listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus, which is found on the surface of the water and attracts the attention of botanists.

The ichthyofauna includes pike, bream, roach, grouper, crucian carp, tench, rudd, bleak and ide. Voloba often gives good results for spinning (pike) and shore float fishing (roach, rudd), but the bite depends on the season, weather and local factors. Commercial fishing is sometimes practiced; toll plots are possible in some places.

The Voloba is convenient for kayakers: the channels allow them to create connected routes along the Drissa lake system. There is an equipped parking lot on the north shore; in other places there are wild coves and secluded beaches. The lake is suitable for day trips, family vacations, photo walks and bird watching. Wind and waves can create difficult conditions on open ples — take the weather into account when planning swims.

Voloba combines wildlife and minimal infrastructure: there are shelters and parking lots, but most of the shores remain untouched. The proximity of the border gives the routes a sense of remoteness — when driving along forest roads, it is useful to have a passport with you. In remote bays, mobile communication may be weak; a navigator and offline maps will make it easier to navigate.

The lake is located within the boundaries of the 'Sinsha' National Landscape Reserve, so restrictions apply: bonfires and tents are only in designated areas; gasoline-powered boats and spearfishing are generally prohibited; nets and night fishing outside permitted areas are punishable. Have your passport with you when approaching the border. For permits and clarifications, please contact the administration of the Rossony district or the inspection of the reserve.

The best time is late spring to early autumn; winter is for ice fishing with stable ice. How to get there: navigate to Rossony; on the road ≈34-37 km, a navigator is required. Take your navigator/offline maps, passport, first‑aid kit, mosquito repellents, water and firewood, fishing gear and rubber shoes. Set up tents and make bonfires only in designated areas; use kayaks and rowboats, motors — only with permission. Do not leave trash, do not disturb birds, do not cut down vegetation; plan a route and report it.