A bitter-salt lake in the Kulunda steppe whose water in certain seasons turns pink-crimson — the tint comes from salt-loving organisms and the shades of the bottom.
Malinovoye Lake
Malinovoye lake lies in the Mikhaylovsky district of Altai Krai, ten kilometres south of the village of Mikhaylovskoye, by the Kulunda–Rubtsovsk railway line; nearby stands the settlement of the same name that grew by the station. Its height above sea level is 154 metres; like all the western Kulunda, the lake is closed and bitter-salt. The name speaks for itself: in warm seasons the water and the salt crusts along the shores give off pink-crimson tones — an effect known from salt lakes on several continents. The steppe around grants the lake complete solitude: no resorts, no crowds — only the wind and the rails nearby. Photographers and travellers come here 'for the colour': on a good day the lake looks otherworldly. As on any salt lake, bathing is a matter of personal comfort, and a rinse after the water is a must.
How to get there
From Slavgorod or Rubtsovsk to the settlement of Malinovoye Ozero (a station on the Kulunda–Rubtsovsk line); the lake is within walking distance of the settlement.
Best season
July to August: the water is at its warmest and the colour most pronounced.
Travel tips & stories
The water's colour depends on season and light: come at midday under a clear sky.
The salt crust on the shores cuts footwear — closed sandals beat flip-flops.
There is no infrastructure around: water, food and spares — bring your own.
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Local guides
- TR
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