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 kilometres (94 mi) and is normally about 0.1 metres (4 in) deep, and about 0.7 to 0.8 metres (28 to 31 in) in spring. Its surface is 18 metres (60 ft) below sea level.^[1] The lake's name originates from the Mongol language: “Altyn-Nor” (Golden Bottom). Long ago local nomads used the lake's mineral-rich mud for skin and respiratory treatments.^[2] For centuries, Lake Elton was a favorite location for Russian rulers and nobles. One can still see remnants of Empress Yekaterina II's “bath” there.^[2]

Lake Elton Эльтон
The shores of Lake Elton
Lake Elton Эльтон Location within Russia Show map of Russia Lake Elton Эльтон Lake Elton Эльтон (Volgograd Oblast) Show map of Volgograd Oblast Lake Elton Эльтон Lake Elton Эльтон (Continental Asia) Show map of Continental Asia
Location	Volgograd Oblast
Coordinates	49°8′0″N 46°40′0″E
Type	Hypersaline lake
Basin countries	Russia
Surface area	150 km2 (58 sq mi)
Max. depth	0.6 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. The lake is filled with a saturated salt solution. Mineralization is 200–500 grams per litre (27–67 oz/US gal). Salt, extracted from the lake since the early 18th century, is used for the production of magnesium chloride.^[3] The water contains Dunaliella salina algae that give a reddish shade to the lake. At the bottom of the lake are salt deposits (mainly NaCl, KCl) and beneath them, a layer of mineral hydrogen sulfide mud.

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.^[4] Before 1865 the government was the excavator; from 1865 to 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.^[5]

Elton Ultra Trail Run

The Elton Ultra Trail is one of Russia's toughest races. There are two distances of 38 kilometres (24 mi) and 160 kilometres (100 mi). It was first organized in 2014.

Sunset over Lake Elton

Salty sunset on the lake Elton