Lake Bannoe (Yaktykul): the Switzerland of the Urals

#hellohalloween If you think Magnitogorsk is all factories and metal, try visiting Lake Bannoe. Just a 40-minute drive, and instead of an industrial city, a crystal-clear lake framed by the Ural Mountains opens before you. ⸻ 💙 About the lake itself Bannoe, or Yaktykul, is one of the most beautiful lakes in Bashkiria. The water is clear, about 28 meters deep, and covers an area of ​​8 km². The lake is surrounded by forest, hills, and slopes that turn green in the spring and literally glow with color in the fall. ⸻ 🚠 What to do on site • Take the cable car (about 600 rubles in 2025) to the top of the mountain range and enjoy a panoramic view of three lakes. • Ride a mountain bike along the equipped trails or simply stroll along the forest paths. • In summer, there's swimming, SUP boards, beaches, and catamarans. • In winter, there's a ski resort with trails of varying difficulty, an instructor school, and rentals. ⸻ 🏨 Where to stay On the shore are sanatoriums and holiday homes, many with therapeutic programs and lake views. A popular spot is the "Mountain Gorge" restaurant: you can warm up with a cup of tea and gaze out at the lake through the panoramic windows. ⸻ 📍 How to get there Magnitogorsk is about 50 km from Bannoye. By car, the R-316 highway takes about 40-50 minutes. There are also buses heading to Abzakovo and the sanatoriums on the lake. In winter, the road is mountainous, so it's best to check the weather and tire studs in advance. ⸻ Tip: Arrive at sunset, when the mountains turn pink and the water becomes mirror-like. This is one of those rare moments when the Urals feel like the Alps, only without the crowds and unnecessary noise. ⸻ Lake Bannoe is a place where you can get an adrenaline rush on the slopes or simply relax by the water. A true Ural Switzerland, a place you'll want to return to at any time of year.