Lake Burlinskoye, or Pink Lake, in the Altai Territory, continues to draw thousands of tourists annually due to its unique landscape, natural salt resources, and alleged medicinal mud. A key attraction is the train that runs directly across the lake’s pink water via submerged rails. The lake’s unusual color is due to the microscopic red algae Dunaliella salina, with shades varying from lilac-pink to crimson depending on temperature.

Salt mining at Lake Burlinskoye has a rich history, dating back to the 18th century when it gained prominence as a source of high-quality salt. Catherine the Great is said to have favored Burlinskoye salt, leading to its exclusive use at her table.

Originally, salt extraction was a manual, seasonal process, with workers using crowbars and scoops to collect salt. The construction of a salt factory in 1924 marked the beginning of industrial salt production. In 1934, rail connection was established to facilitate transportation of salt.

The “Altai Salt Mining Company” currently operates at the lake, extracting, processing, and selling salt. The company states that the lake contains more than five million tons of minerals and employs over 100 people from the nearby village of Bursol. Salt can only be mined during the summer months. The lake’s salt reserves are replenished, allowing for repeated mining in the same areas after eight years.

The lake’s bottom consists of salt crystals and a layer of silt from dead Artemia crustaceans, which is also considered to have therapeutic properties. In addition to the draw of its scenery and resources, the lake’s high salt concentration makes it impossible to drown in the lake.