Sights of Krasnaya Polyana. The most important and interesting sights of Krasnaya Polyana - photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, websites.

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Cultural and ethnographic center "My Russia"

Krasnodar region, Esto-Sadok, Rosa Khutor mountain resort, Lavender embankment, 9

The cultural and ethnographic center “My Russia” in Krasnaya Polyana was opened twice. For the first time - before the opening of the Olympic Games in Sochi in 2014. The center somewhat balanced the nearby Rosa Khutor with its pronounced “Russianness”.

• The small village of Krasnaya Polyana cannot boast of an abundance of attractions. Its once glorious legacy was somehow lost either during the Soviet years or during perestroika. Today Krasnaya Polyana attracts tourists primarily not as a settlement where there is something to see, but as a place where there is something to do.

  First of all, this concerns the Rosa Khutor sports ski complex. The construction of the Olympic facility has become a fairly large-scale project, and those who have already tried it can confirm: the Rosa Khutora slopes are world-class and challenging enough to attract athletes with good riding experience. The cultural and ethnographic center “My Russia” is located very close to Rosa Khutor. It is completely completed, although not yet fully “inhabited,” and is a complex of a dozen buildings that, on a reduced scale, copy the most typical buildings for different parts of Russia. Here you can see, for example, the Kazan Kremlin, a Siberian wooden house or a Buryat datsan.

  A truly old (to put it mildly) and original attraction of Krasnaya Polyana are its dolmens.

  Another cultural and entertainment establishment in Krasnaya Polyana that deserves a visit is the Galaktika social and cultural center built by Gazprom. First of all, it is interesting because of its rather large water park for adults and children. Secondly - billiards, bowling, a cinema, several cafes, restaurants and shops. And finally, the special “trick” of the “Galaxy” is a large children’s club, occupying several floors. The club, united by the theme of space, offers a variety of interactive programs and attractions.

  If you still want to get acquainted with the less modern history of Krasnaya Polyana, you should first go to the House-Museum of the writer Tammsaare. The writer was treated in Krasnaya Polyana for tuberculosis and stayed in the ethnic settlement of Estonian immigrants Esto-Sadok. The exhibitions of the house-museum are dedicated not only to the work of Tammsaare, but also to the general way of life of Estonians in the Caucasus. Another, in a certain sense, “ethnic” monument of Krasnaya Polyana is associated with Greek settlers, who, in fact, founded the village. This is the Church of St. Harlampius, originally built for the Greek Orthodox parish. True, today’s temple is a remake of the 20th and 21st centuries, but it still belongs to the community and functions.

  But the really old (to put it mildly) and original attraction of Krasnaya Polyana are its dolmens. There are several groups of dolmens in the Sochi region, and the Krasnopolyanskaya one is the best preserved. Today, about 10 of these megalithic structures can be seen here, cleared from the ground in the second half of the 20th century, but scientists say that there may be as many more underground.

  The nature around Krasnaya Polyana hides enough interesting things to warrant spending a day or two exploring the surrounding area. You can start right from the Krasnopolyanskoe highway: for example, from the observation deck near the village of Monastery you can clearly see Sochi. The Slantsevaya cave near Krasnaya Polyana is an interesting gallery 100 m long. And in the summer season from Krasnaya Polyana you can take a cable car up the mountainside to a height of a couple of kilometers or more - to subalpine meadows and lakes. A special attraction of the area is the Achishkho ridge, which unofficially bears the title of the rainiest place in the country.

Come to Sochi and not visit Krasnaya Polyana - means not seeing one of the most amazing places here. The mountain village of Krasnaya Polyana is located in the Adler region, 75 km from the center of Sochi, at an altitude of about 600 meters above sea level, surrounded by the picturesque mountains of the Main Caucasus Range more than 2000 meters high. The unique combination of mountains, glaciers, rivers and lakes descending to the Black Sea with its mild climate gives extraordinary beauty and charm to this place. The mountains shelter the village from cold air masses. Therefore, the climate of Krasnaya Polyana is mild and relatively warm, mountain-sea. The average July temperature is 23.5*, but it can also be hot, up to 40*. In winter, the snow cover reaches one and a half meters, the average January temperature is 0.4*. The flora varies from subtropical to alpine. Beech, maple, chestnut, oak, ash, linden, rhododendron, evergreen laurel, and azalea grow in the surrounding area. In the forest, away from people, noble Caucasian deer and timid roe deer, badgers, wolves, brown Caucasian bears and many other animals and birds live their lives. The clean, clear waters of rivers and lakes are home to trout and salmon.
How to get to Krasnaya Polyana.

The road itself is a modern highway stretching from Adler for 40 km. Until recently, in some places it narrowed and passed directly over the abyss. In August 2005, President Putin inaugurated the longest (2420 meters) Krasnopolyansky tunnel in Russia. It stretches from the village of Monastery to the village of Kepsha. The road to Krasnaya Polyana surprises with its views at any time of the year. From Adler it goes through the valley of the Mzymta River, the largest river on the Black Sea coast within the Krasnodar Territory. The Mzymta originates on the southern slopes of the Main Caucasus Range at an altitude of 1850 meters, flowing from the high-mountain Lake Kardyvach, which flows into the Black Sea near Adler. After passing the village of Kazachiy Brod, you will pass a trout farm and the Canyon restaurant. Not far from here is the Akhshtyrskaya Cave. After leaving the 450-meter-long tunnel, move on. To the right of the road, on the banks of the Mzymta, there are places for rest and picnic. Boarding and rafting also take place here. In front of the Monastery village, to the right of the road, you will see an observation deck overlooking the majestic Akhtsu gorge. Below, the tireless Mzymta noisily makes her way. Ahead, the road dives into the new Krasnopolyansky tunnel, and on the right there is a fork into an old dangerous road, carved into the rock more than a century ago. She passed by the picturesque rock “Carry it, Lord.” On the right, the gorge drops down, where you can hear the sound of a mountain river, clamped in a vice by rocks. Having passed through the tunnel, we find ourselves in the village of Kepsha. We pass an apiary. Further, after 5 km we cross the Chvizhepse river. The road junction leads to the left, to the town of Medvezhiy Ugol, famous for its mineral springs of medicinal narzan. And the federal highway, having passed two more small tunnels, leads to Krasnaya Polyana.
You can get to Krasnaya Polyana by bus No. 105 (from the Sochi railway station) and bus No. 135 (from the center of Adler).

Temple of Saint Charalampios
In the center of the village, in 2003, the restoration of the Church of St. Charalampios, which was destroyed in 1937, was completed. Local old-timers say that one of their residents then kicked so violently
icons, pushing them towards the fire. And after some time, this leg began to hurt. So much so that it had to be amputated. The new temple was built, like the previous one, with public donations.

Museum of Flora, Fauna and Mineralogy of the Western Caucasus
The museum is located next to the royal hunting lodge. Here you will be told about the unique flora and fauna of the Caucasus Nature Reserve. In the first hall, stuffed bison, bear, badger, wild boar, red deer, badger, lynx, wolf, wild cat, and roe deer are exhibited. The second hall displays samples of plants and minerals. Next to the museum there is a gazebo of Love and an observation deck with a picturesque view of the village and the Aibga ridge. It is best to come here in the afternoon, when the ridge is illuminated by the sun. From a height of 800 meters above sea level, a stunning panorama opens up with views of the Pseashkho, Aishkho and Aibga mountains. At the foot of the mountains, in the valley of the Mzymta River, the village of Krasnaya Polyana is spread out in full view. Here you can take a photo for memory.

Naumov's dacha
The dacha of lawyer Naumov was built in 1902. Some mistakenly call it Stalin's dacha. In fact, he only spent the night here. The cottage is well preserved. It is located on the territory of the Krasnaya Polyana tourism and recreation center. In autumn, chestnuts ripen and fall around the house - a real delicacy for those who know a lot about it.

Fishing "Russian yard"
You can get to this charming place by driving along Achishkhovskaya Street from Krasnaya Polyana towards the Achishkho shelter for 2.5 kilometers and passing the bridge over the Beshenka River. It is located on the territory of the reserve, so there is a charge for travel. The mountain lake is home to trout, carp, and chub. The caught fish will be cooked for you. The trout soup is especially good. Horseback riding and crossbow shooting are also offered. If you wish, you can steam in a jar and spend the night.

Dolmens
Near the village there are several dolmens. Six of them are located in the valley of the Beshenka River, in the vicinity of Krasnaya Polyana. Two of them are tiled, and four are well-shaped, half covered with earth. An interesting feature of local dolmens is their miniature size. They are smaller than those on the coast, sometimes several times smaller. Local residents and tour instructors will show you the way to them. In Krasnaya Polyana you need to move to the end of Achishkhovskaya Street and then along the country road to the Beshenka River. Next, without crossing the river, you need to walk another 60 meters up against the flow of the river until you meet the dolmens. The journey from the village on foot one way takes about an hour.

Apiary "Mountain Garden"
Located in the village. Esto-cage.
This is one of the apiaries of the state experimental breeding farm "Krasnopolyanskoe", the largest in Europe (includes 60 apiaries). You will hear a fascinating story from an experienced beekeeper about the gray Caucasian bee, which is bred here. In terms of its productivity and peacefulness, it has no equal in the world. The Caucasian bee has a longer proboscis (7.2 mm, and the Central Russian bee up to 6.4 mm). Therefore, “Caucasian women,” as they are also called, are considered the best pollinators of honey plants with deep nectar. In addition, Caucasian bees fly out for nectar in fog and light rain, work until dark and are not afraid of lower temperatures than other bees. They open the season earlier and end later. “Caucasian women” collect an average of 12-13 kilograms of honey per family per season. At the apiary you can taste fragrant mountain honey produced in the ecologically clean region of the Caucasus and purchase beekeeping products first-hand. Be sure to stock up on such useful bee products for the winter as pollen, royal jelly, propolis, which will help you and your children in the winter, strengthen the immune system and resist many diseases.

Scientific research complex "Pyramid"
Located in the village. Esto - Zadok. st. Polevaya, 131
The complex is located 700 meters before reaching the village, to the left of the road. If you are interested in unknown and mysterious phenomena, then you will be interested in visiting here. This pyramid was built of wood and without a single nail for scientific research according to the design of Moscow professor S.B. Proskuryakov. It is 29 times smaller than the famous Pyramid of Cheops in Egypt and is its exact copy. Here they explore the influence of the pyramid on water, food, humans and animals. You will listen to an interesting lecture, visit the inside of the pyramid, and watch a video.

House-museum of the writer Tammsaare
Located in the village. Esto - Sadok, Tammsaare street 86.
Travel to the village of Krasnaya Polyana by bus No. 135.
The house-museum of the classic Estonian literature Anton-Hansen Tammsaare is located in the village of Esto-Sadok. A modest, neat house located to the left of the road leading to the ski lift. From the museum's caretakers you will learn about the history of the village of Esto-Sadok, founded in 1886 by Estonian settlers, and get acquainted with their way of life. In 1912, from May to October, the classic Estonian and world literature writer Tammsaare lived and worked here. He suffered from a severe form of tuberculosis. Doctors forbade him to work, but he still wrote several works. They will show you the room that the writer rented. It amazes with its modesty and unpretentious decoration.

Art and music salon "Olgiz"
Located in Pos. Esto - Zadok, 85.
This unusual salon is located next to the highway to the ski lift. Everyone who accidentally looks here seems to find themselves in a fairy-tale world. After all, here are collected the original works of more than 100 masters from various regions of the Caucasus and the Near Abroad. Each work of art is one and only. The most amazing exhibits are the ocarinas. These are rare musical instruments of the most incredible shapes and sizes. They will show you what they sound like and teach you how to use them. Here you can also see works of applied art: ceramics, embroidery, wickerwork, dolls. As well as furniture, dishes, and decorations made from valuable trees. There is a video and audio studio where several films and music CDs were created inspired by the nature of Krasnaya Polyana. Anything you like can be purchased. Usually, a visit to this place leaves no one indifferent.

Aviary complex of the Caucasus Nature Reserve
Located on Krasnaya Polyana, Laura cordon.
Travel by bus No. 135 to the stop on request “Aviary complex”
This is a kind of mini-zoo, where the inhabitants of the Caucasian Nature Reserve live in spacious enclosures: bison, red deer, chamois, roe deer, wild boars, wolves, lynx, foxes, raccoon dogs, raccoons, badgers and other animals. Birds you can see include the black vulture, steppe eagle, peregrine falcon, white-tailed eagle, and swans. The complex is located just 2.5 km from the ski lift.

TO THE ALPINE MEADOWS
After climbing in an hour on the chairlift, you will get to the upper station of the 4th stage (2238m) with an observation deck with a 360-degree all-round view and a visibility range of up to 100 km. From here, in clear weather, you can admire the stunning panorama of the Main Caucasus Range. The clean mountain air intoxicates and drives you crazy. Somewhere far below, the threads of the Mzymta and Laura rivers wind like a snake, the houses of Esto-Sadok are lost and paragliders fly. Clouds are floating low above you. The impression is that you have gone to heaven. From June to September, here you can admire the beauty of alpine flowers, which you will not find below, in Krasnaya Polyana. They bloom all summer, replacing each other. But you can't tear them. Since almost all of them are listed in the Red Book. In June, the mountain slopes are covered with a carpet of rhododendrons, and at the end of August blueberries ripen. The taste is so hard to put down!

SKI COMPLEX "ALPIKA - SERVICE"
Located in the village. Krasnaya Polyana, st. Defenders of the Caucasus, 65.
From Krasnaya Polyana, after 6 kilometers, an excellent highway past the village of Esto - Sadok leads to the Alpika - Service ski complex. All services for active recreation are concentrated in the lift area. This includes ski equipment rental, ski and board instructors, lift ticket offices and excursion centers. And, of course, cafes, bars, shops, souvenir stalls. In Krasnaya Polyana you don’t have to pay to climb up each line. All day passes are sold here. And on weekends and holidays their cost is a little more expensive. To date, 5 stages of the Alpika-Service cable car have been built. And this is not the limit, since the construction of three more mountain-skiing complexes is in full swing: “Carousel”, “Rosa-Khutor” and “Grand Hotel Polyana” of Gazprom OJSC. Today, ski and snowboard lovers are offered trails of varying complexity ranging from 2300 to 6000 meters with the largest elevation difference in Russia - 1698 meters (from 540 m to 2238 m). The length of the ski slopes is 25 km.
The longest ski season (from November to May) now lasts on the fourth stage of the 1.6 km long lift. At the top station of the 4th stage of the cable car (2238m) there is an observation deck. During the skiing season, the first three lines are prepared daily by snowcats. The fourth stage is the most extreme. There is no groomed track here, which allows you to ride in an unlimited space on virgin slopes. When ascending by cable car, a unique view of the ancient forest and mountain peaks sparkling in the sun opens up. What is striking after the noise of the cities is the ringing silence in which you can hear the birds singing and the babbling stream. The local nature gives people the joy of life every day. At each line of the cable car, a standard warming set is offered: tea, coffee, mulled wine. You can eat more seriously.

MOUNTAIN TOURIST CENTER “GRAND HOTEL POLYANA”
Located in the village. Esto-Sadok.
Since December 2007, in the vicinity of the village of Esto-zadok, the first stage of the new modern ski complex “Grand Hotel Polyana” opened. OJSC Gazprom built six cable cars on the Psekhako ridge. The technical equipment here is world class. At an altitude of 1436 meters above sea level, skiers are transported by a gondola lift. From the highest point - the Psekhako site - 5 more cable cars of various types diverge in different directions. Their total length is about 5 km. Three chairlifts and two rope tows will take skiers and snowboarders to slopes of different difficulty levels in a few minutes. For winter skiing you are offered 16 tracks. Among which there are slopes for beginners and ski professionals. In 2010, the second stage of the cable car was launched, which consists of 8 lifts.

PSLUKH NARZANS
This place is located 6 km from the ski lift of the ski complex, if you move along the forest road along the left bank of the Mzymta River up against the current. After crossing the river on the bridge, the road continues along the Pslukh River, a tributary of the Mzymta. 300 m from the confluence of the two rivers there is a source of mineral water. This is a real “people's resort”. Indeed, in July and August, up to a hundred people camp here to undergo free treatment in the lap of nature. The water in the springs is carbonated, transparent, and slightly reeks of hydrogen sulfide. In terms of its composition, it is carbonate-carbonate mineral water. Before taking baths, it is better to consult a doctor in advance.

MOUNT AIBGA
The mountain rises above Krasnaya Polyana just beyond the Mzymta River. The Aibgi mountain range consists of four peaks: the Black Pyramid peak and three unnamed peaks. The most convenient route from the village leads to the middle peak, which starts from the Greek Bridge, located near the hydroelectric power station reservoir (at the entrance to Krasnaya Polyana). It is best to start your ascent early in the morning so you can return before sunset. The path to the top goes through a beech forest. Crossing the stream, it runs up steeply. Having passed through the fir forest, after 4 hours we find ourselves in a large clearing. The Goluboy stream flows a hundred meters away. Here you can drink spring water and relax. Further, the trail again leads through the forest and emerges into subalpine meadows. After passing through thickets of tall grass and climbing steeply, we reach the pre-summit ridge. The sheer ledge offers a breathtaking view of Krasnaya Polyana and the surrounding mountains. Another hour along the ridge of the mountain - and you are at the top of the middle peak. There is a small platform here that offers a fabulous view in all directions. You are at an altitude of almost 2500 meters above sea level. The third and fourth peaks are more difficult to climb.

LAKE KARDYVACH
A fabulously beautiful alpine lake in the upper reaches of the Mzymta River is located at an altitude of 1850 meters above sea level, 44 km from Krasnaya Polyana. The lake is located on the territory of the reserve, and you can only get here as part of a special tour, on foot or by helicopter from Krasnaya Polyana. Kardyvach is especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
The lake is surrounded on three sides by mountains over 2000 meters high. In shape it is an ellipse 500 meters long and more than 300 meters wide. The depth of the lake is about 17 meters. Even in summer, the water in it does not warm up above 12*. The Mzymta River, more like a stream, originates from here. Flowing out of their lakes, the river soon falls into the 15-meter Emerald waterfall. There is no fish in the lake, since the waterfall is an insurmountable obstacle for it, and in winter the lake is covered with a layer of ice and snow. On the southern shore there is a Hospitable Meadow, covered in summer with an amazing carpet of flowers. Currants, blackberries, blueberries, bird cherry, and various mushrooms grow around the lake. In total, about 1,000 different plants grow in the area of ​​alpine meadows where the lake is located. Among the fauna, you can find chamois and mountain goats - aurochs. More experienced tourists can climb Lake Verkhniy Kardyvach at an altitude of 2470 meters.

KHMELEVSKIE LAKES
The lakes are named after the botanist Khmelevsky, who lived and worked here at the beginning of the twentieth century. You can only get here by SUV, which can be rented with a driver in the parking lot near the ski lift. Having reached the fork in the road near a gas station in Krasnaya Polyana, we turn left, towards the tourism center of the Krasnaya Polyana municipality. We drive another 1 km along the highway to a sharp turn and turn onto a dirt road. The forest road rises higher and higher into the mountain. The Melnichny stream flows to your left. After 12 km of steep ascent we approach Lake Khmelevskogo. Here, at an altitude of 1750 meters, you will be amazed by the beauty of virgin nature and intoxicating mountain air. The shape of the lake resembles a pear, its length is about 200 meters, width -100 meters. You can come here for the whole day to swim in the lake, sunbathe and have a picnic.

ACHISHKHO RIDGE
This journey will take a whole day. It is better to go with an instructor who knows the route. On the ridge you can go through Lake Khmelevskogo, or you can take another road - from the center of Krasnaya Polyana, along Zapovednaya Street. The forest road goes upstream of the Beshenka River. Past two dolmens, to the Achishkho shelter of the Krasnaya Polyana tourism and recreation center. After 10 km, the mountain road leads to the Round Glade, covered in summer with a carpet of flowers. From here, from a height of 1450 meters, a breathtaking panorama of the mountains and Krasnaya Polyana opens up far below. Further the path leads through the Beech forest to the crest of the Achishkho ridge. At an altitude of about 1900 meters there is a small platform from where the surrounding snowy peaks, the valley of the Mzymta River and the village of KRASNAYA Polyana are perfectly visible. Not far below is a small lake called Mirror at an altitude of about 1880 meters. The Achishkho ridge is the wettest place in Russia. The snow depth in winter sometimes reaches 7.5 meters. It happens that the weather on Achishkho changes 5-6 times a day. You can go back through the waterfalls at the sources of the Achipse River and Lake Khmelevskogo. If you're lucky, in the summer you can play snowballs at altitudes above 2000 meters.

ENGELMANOVA POLYANA
Located 30 km from Krasnaya Polyana upstream of the Mzymta, there are more than 120 springs along both banks. This famous Engelman Glade. Here water shoots out from underground in seething streams. In one place there is even a small lake, from the bottom of which bubbling streams of mineral water rise.

It's time to go on a sightseeing tour to a picturesque village in the Krasnodar Territory called Krasnaya Polyana. Although this place cannot boast of an abundance of attractions, every tourist here will find entertainment and activities to suit their taste. Some guests will be happy to conquer the turns of the Rosa Khutor ski complex, others will be able to enjoy the exposition of the ethnographic center “My Russia”, and some will include in their cultural and entertainment program a visit to the “Galaktika” center, which was created by the Gazprom company.

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Mineral spring Chvizhepse

This natural source of deep fresh water is located in the floodplain of the river of the same name in a place called Bear's Corner. A uniquely beautiful place that amazes with the variety of meadow grasses and other vegetation. But tourists come to these places not for the picturesque landscapes, but to enjoy the unusual taste of the water. In addition, the spring is famous for its healing properties. This may be due to the fact that water rises to the surface from a depth of several hundred meters. Another interesting fact is.

Those who tried water for the first time say that to drink it you need to force yourself to take the first sip. But it’s worth it, because as a reward a person receives substances and minerals that help renew the blood and renew the protective walls of the stomach. According to the locals, arsenic was found in the water in greater quantities than is safe for the human body. When it became necessary to sell bottled water from the source, measures were taken to reduce the content of this dangerous chemical element.

A visit to Chvizhepse is not free, but this does not in any way affect the number of people who want to get to this picturesque and healing place. You can first get to the natural attraction by bus No. 135 from Adler to the Chvizhepse stop. If you start from Sochi, then look for bus number 105 or 186.

Social and cultural center "Galaktika"

This site was created specifically to entertain tourists who are tired of a leisurely beach holiday. Take one day to fill your heart with bright emotions! The entertainment center has everything you need: bowling, billiards, cafe, water park, cinema, ice skating rink and shopping area. And young tourists will certainly be delighted by the huge children's club, where children can expect bright adventures, educational games and activities with experienced teachers.

It is worth noting the impressive range of film shows at the cinema. There are several cinema halls here that offer viewing of films in 2D/3D/5D format. If you liked it, you can stay overnight or for several days in one of the nearby hotels, so that in the morning you can continue your entertainment activities with renewed vigor. The opening hours of the attraction are daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. A visit is paid and costs 100 rubles for adults and 600 rubles for children (prices are based on the whole day).

Achipse Fortress

Fans of archeology and vibrant historical events should definitely visit the ruins of the Achipse fortress. This place and its surroundings still bring grandiose discoveries to archaeologists, which is why geologists’ camps are always running here. Axes, knives, tools, clay products - all this and much more regularly ends up in “archaeological networks”. Tourists will be interested to look at the remains of an ancient structure, dilapidated walls and towers due to military operations and under the force of nature. You can get to this interesting place by minibus to the village of Esto-Sadok (for tourists traveling from Sochi, minibus number 105 is suitable). After getting off at the stop, move upstream of the Laura River. The walking route is about 3 km.

Olimpic village

The Olympic Village became famous thanks to the games in 2014, which became even more popular after this event. In the past - for athletes, but now for tourists, a whole complex of hotels has been built here with a Scandinavian interior and views of the snow-capped mountains from every room. There are cable cars leading to the village at an altitude of 1,170 meters, which you can use for free if you check into one of the hotels.

This place is more popular among skiers, but for nature lovers there is also something to enjoy - rivers, lakes, waterfalls, valleys and mountain ranges. From June to October there is a calm in the village, but still the Rosa Khutor recreation center is open to visitors. But in winter it will be difficult to book a room due to the large flow of people wishing to climb the peaks of the “Stone Pillar” (2509m) and “Rose Peak” (2320m) peaks, as well as affordable prices for accommodation from 500 rubles per day.

The Achipse waterfall, at a height of 60 meters, is represented by the source and tributary of the Achipse River, which in their location and flow resemble the English letter “V”. 2 small streams begin their journey slowly and flow in small paths into one stormy mountain stream, which is why they got their name. This natural attraction is located not far from Mirror Lake, but the path to it is laid through several forks, among which an inexperienced traveler can get lost.

From May to October, guides take groups of 10 people there on three-day excursions, stopping overnight in the mountains along the way. You can get a pass to these places yourself for a price of 200 rubles. The 12-kilometer route in both directions and 400-meter elevation changes require comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen, as well as plenty of food and water - the place is untouched by civilization and there is nowhere to get food.

The waterfall has this name due to the legend about the love of an ordinary girl for a mountain spirit, who were not destined to be together due to the envy of an evil witch. Refusing the old woman’s offer to break off relations with her beloved, the young beauty threw herself from a 13-meter cliff in the place where water now pours incessantly, breaking on the stones. Eyewitnesses of the waterfall note the “mirror” purity of the water and compare it to a tear.

6 km from Krasnaya Polyana, at the entrance to the old Krasnopolyanskoe highway, there is a right turn, following which you will stumble upon an amazing creation of nature, but it is better to organize a trip in autumn or spring. In the summer, the waterfall dries up and not only will you have nothing to look at, but you will also not be able to perform the ritual for unmarried girls who are recommended to wash their faces with this water in order to find a husband.

The highest waterfall in Sochi, and according to some sources - in Europe, is located on the northern slope of the Aibga ridge at an altitude of 72 meters. It is popularly known as “pants” or “heroes” due to its shape and strong seething streams during the snowmelt period. There are three ways to get there: making your way through abandoned forests and roads to the K-13 cable car; get to Gorka Gorod, and from there take a cable car to a height of 960 meters, which will take a couple of hours; buy a tour to the waterfalls for 800 rubles and be there in 15 minutes. For those who like to “dissolve” in nature, the first option is recommended, as you will be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes along the way. In the summer, tourists take swimsuits to take a shower under the falling waters of Polikar.

Not far from the village of Krasnaya Polyana there are three picturesque reservoirs, named after the Polish botanist, surrounded by mountains and meadows, the most curious of which is “Bolshoye”, which is only 2 meters deep, but occupies 1 square. km. territories. From a bird's eye view, neither it nor the other lakes (Western and Eastern) can be even noticed, since they are heavily overgrown with grass and leave only small islands of puddles. A walk will take 2 hours along a 13-kilometer route, and a trip in a rented Russian SUV will make it 2 times faster. Or you can buy a jeeping tour that will take you for about 9 hours around all the surroundings of Rosa Khutor, including the Khmelevsky Lakes, for 1,500 rubles.

The largest lake (133,000 sq. m.) in Sochi is not so easy to get to - the 44 km path from Krasnaya Polyana to it lies between two mountain ranges, and the gorge passes through dense forests, but photographs of hikers from the tour to Kardavych convince that it's worth it. For 8 months of the year, the lake is covered with ice and heats up to a maximum of 12 degrees Celsius at the height of summer, and the air temperature around Kardavych on the most sweltering hot days is 20 degrees.

The reservoir looks beautiful and frightening at the same time - in the ideal surface of the lake the bottom is visible from any vantage point, the water in it is crystal clear. Around Kardavych there are bears, deer and other living creatures, while not even fish live inside it. If you are lucky enough to visit here, take care of warm clothes and a pass to visit these and other places, since without it you will not be allowed here.

An independent hike to the Dzitaku Valley, also known as “Semiozerye,” will cost 1,500 rubles (for admission and use of the cable car) or from 5,000 rubles for a guide. The guides offer to do this route, including in the price of the excursion food, tents, trekking poles and everything else that is necessary when traveling through the mountains. First along a dirt road, and then making your way through the thicket of forests along the path, you will overtake the Bzerpinsky cornice, from where you will see the Aibga, Psekhako, Achishkho and Chugush ridges.

Before the subsequent conquest of the peaks, you can stay and relax in a rented tent (500 rubles per night) and watch the sunset and sunrise. Following the signs past thickets of rhododendron and shallow ponds, you will finally reach the Great Lake with an area of ​​20,000 square meters. m. At the very beginning of the path, you can turn along another path that goes to the Pseashkho ridge and the Tabunnoye plateau, Mount Kogot, and the Kholodny glacier. The recommended time to visit this valley is summer and autumn.

10 kilometers from the Krasnaya Polyana ski resort, Mount Achishkho from a height of 2390 meters above the ground will pamper you with its views of the surrounding expanses of the Black Sea and Abkhazia. On one side, “Horse” Mountain is covered with fir and beech forests, and on the other, the slopes are covered with meadows, small lakes and waterfalls. For beginners, experts in these places recommend the route through the Khmelevskie Lakes or the Bear Gate, and experienced extreme sports enthusiasts can pave the way along the Beshenka River or along the Greek spur, which is famous for its steep climbs.

According to the rangers, the beauty of wild nature is worth it. Achishkho and other attractions of Krasnaya Polyana are located on the territory of the Sochi National Park and are carefully protected, so for collecting plants listed in the Red Book, of which there are many here, for hunting wild animals and for catching fish, you may face criminal liability.

In 1993, on the slopes of the Aibga ridge, the very first ski complex prepared 7 trails of varying degrees of difficulty with a total length of 25 km. Since 2014, thanks to the Olympic Games, the complex began to actively develop, with cable cars for tourists, attractions, sightseeing tours, rental of snowboarding equipment, paragliding, ski jumping, hotels, restaurants and parking lots.

The Alpika administration offers to see the sights from a height of 2256 meters on observation platforms, which can be reached in two ways - using cable cars or climbing the mountains on your own on skis. On the same top there is a bathhouse with panoramic windows, which you can’t resist visiting. When children get tired of the mountain ranges, they will be offered a trampoline park and rental of ATVs, electric cars and other types of children's transport.

If early in the morning you are not lazy and follow the path from the Greek Bridge through beech and fir forests, subalpine meadows and streams, then after 4 hours the four famous peaks of Aibga will appear to you in all their glory, named after the Abkhaz tribes that once lived at the foot of these mountains. You can get to two peaks, the Black Pyramid and the Stone Pillar, by chairlift, or you can do it yourself, saving money. At the top you will receive a small reward in the form of a walk along the suspension bridge, as well as the opportunity to see foggy Russia on one side and sunny Abkhazia on the other. It will take a whole day to conquer all the points, but with the help of suspended trailers you can do it in half a day.

Water park with an area of ​​5000 sq. m. is able to completely replace seaside resorts, since in addition to heated white sand, beach volleyball and air temperatures up to 30 degrees, there are several pools that simulate waves. 7 slides, the longest of which is 50 meters, and a sea salt jacuzzi pool are open to all visitors from the age of seven. For children up to a meter tall there are separate children's blocks with small water slides.

The park also houses Finnish saunas, salt caves, massage rooms, exotic spa treatments (fish peeling), a gym and a restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine. Children under 6 years old, birthday boys under 16 years old and children with disabilities are provided with free admission upon presentation of documents. The water park is open every day from 11:00 to 22:00 at a price of 1300-1500 rubles for adults and 800-1000 rubles for children. There are live entertainment events on weekends for which you must purchase a separate ticket.

This unique zoo differs from the rest in that the animals were not purchased for it, but were taken from poachers or sick or orphaned in nearby areas, after which they are treated by veterinarians and transferred for observation to the Caucasian Nature Reserve “Laura”. Accordingly, the diversity of species is limited by the surrounding habitat, but also among roe deer, lynxes, raccoons, wild boars and vultures there are rare individuals listed in the Red Book.

The Eco-Center also offers an interesting opportunity to take care of an animal, which means sponsoring it with food, toys, the right to choose a name for it and visiting the zoo for free. Here, in the cottage complex, you can rent a house, go to the bathhouse and rope park. Children under 7 years old do not need to pay for entry; for others under 14 years old, a ticket will cost 150 rubles, and for adults – 300. The aviary complex is available every day from 9:00 to 17:00.

“Honey Paradise” is the calling card and pantry of Krasnaya Polyana, from where it is impossible to leave empty-handed. Tourists buy tea, souvenirs, “folk” clothing, Orenburg scarves, Gzhel porcelain, designer wooden products and ceramics, dishes with Khokhloma painting and, of course, honey (from 200 to 5000 rubles) - linden, alpine, maple, chestnut, blackberry and with adding ingredients (pollen, nuts, prunes, ginger, dried apricots). The top ten purchases also include honey soap with various herbs and propolis, fur vests made of raccoon, fox and arctic fox from 25,000 rubles, ceramic mugs from Kuban craftsmen depicting local landscapes from 400 rubles. and herbal teas with mountain medicinal herbs and berries from 200 rub. per package.

Looking at the huge arch between the limestone layers, densely planted with broad-leaved and fir forests, one can believe in one of the versions about the translation of the name of this gorge - “the place where lightning struck.” The cultural and historical monument at a distance of 50 km from the city center brings not only aesthetic pleasure from observing the landscapes, but also historical value. It is known that the Kepshinskaya cave inside the gorge served as a refuge for people of the Paleolithic era.

In addition, monuments to the engineer Konstantinov, who paved the road to Krasnaya Polyana, now closed, and the Red Army are also located here and are a mandatory point of the program. You will follow the excursion points along a steep road along the mountain arches above the river, in which, according to local residents, salmon begin to spawn in mid-October.

The extreme park began its work in 2014 and is on a par with similar complexes in Australia, Germany, China, Singapore and France, that is, there are only 6 of them in the world. For adrenaline junkies, there is entertainment for every taste - skybridge (a walk along the longest suspension bridge in the world at an altitude of more than 200 meters above the river), freestyle bungee (jumping from a height of 69 and 207 meters on bicycles, from a gondola, with immersion in water) , rope jumping, gorge flying, a climbing wall, a rope park and a museum dedicated to extreme sports.

The owners of the entertainment center purchased the latest equipment for insurance and disabled people - now people with disabilities can also experience an unforgettable experience. There is an entrance fee of 1,250 rubles, but you need to pay extra for using each attraction separately (from 1,000 to 15,000 rubles).

The 10-meter wide river valley was formed as a result of an earthquake and is located in a remote place that can only be reached by off-road vehicle. Tourists who love a comfortable holiday or at least a hike along paved paths bypass the canyon - dozens of stone ledges covered with moss slide under their feet for 2 km. In a small azure-colored lake between two rocks, you can swim and have lunch at a nearby cafe, and then either return home or walk further and enjoy a shower under the falling waters of a stormy river. Entrance to these areas costs 100 rubles per person.

According to the Soviet archaeologist Zamyatin, the cave was once inhabited by Neanderthals, whose tools and remains were found within its walls. Then a natural disaster forced the “first” people to leave their “home” and they were replaced by bears, whose bones were also discovered in the cave. The monument of primitive culture above the Mzymta River (185 meters above water level) can be walked around in a few minutes and it will cost 200 rubles for an adult and 100 for a child.

All tips on what to see in Sochi lead to Krasnaya Polyana, Rosa Khutor, Rosa Peak and the Olympic Village. For several days we figured out what it was and where exactly to go to see all the best places.

What is Krasnaya Polyana?

A village located in the mountains. In 2014, during the Olympic Games, competitions in most sports disciplines were held here. Thanks to the Olympics, the place received new roads, developed infrastructure and much more. In winter people come here to ski and snowboard, and in summer Krasnaya Polyana becomes a center of mountain tourism.

How to get there?

When traveling, we always use two navigators: Yandex.navigator and maps.me. When you enter “Krasnaya Polyana” they show a separate village. The resorts included in the village are also called Krasnaya Polyana. All the most interesting things are located at the resorts; there are no cable cars in the village. Nearby on the map is Esto-zadok, then Gorki Gorod and finally Rosa Khutor, today we need to go there.

What to see?

There are three resorts in Krasnaya Polyana: Rosa Khutor, Gorki Gorod and Gazprom.
Each of them is equipped with cable cars, and there are walking routes everywhere.

There are three stops at Rosa Khutor: Olympic Village, Caucasian Express, Rosa Peak. At the third stop (Rose Peak), after climbing to the top, there are two ways: to the waterfall park or to the stone pillar, this is an observation deck (2509 meters).

Olimpic village
Rose Peak

Gorki Gorod also has interesting routes (alpine meadows, relict forest, Polikarya and Medvezhiy waterfalls).

Parking in Krasnaya Polyana

We placed it next to the Rosa Khutor railway station. This package is not marked on the maps. Cost 200 rubles per day. From there we walked to the ski lifts (20 minutes at a leisurely pace).

There is also a girl standing there selling tickets for the cable car to Rosa Khutor (1,350 rubles, the same as at the ticket office). But if you buy tickets from her, they will give you a free ride from the parking lot to the ski lifts.

Cost of the cable car at the ticket office

You can get back by free bus (schedule below).
The last one leaves at 18:40, there was no bus at 22:00.

Free bus schedule

If you don’t want to go, you can park your car near Rosa Khutor, but the prices there are different. From 100 rubles per hour and above. The closer to the cable car, the more expensive.

Parking in Gorki Gorod. The first hour is free, each next hour is 100 rubles. Maximum 500 rubles.

Parking at Gazprom. An hour costs 100 rubles, a day costs 500 rubles, the first 30 minutes are free.

Also, people park on the side of the road at their own risk, but as they say, before the first tow truck.

Since we were specifically at Rosa Khutor, I’ll share our life hacks before our visit.

Rosa Khutor. Lifehacks:

1. Come in the morning. This way you will definitely have time to see everything. The chairlift on Rosa Peak leading to the falls closes at 16:30, and to Bear Rocks at 18:00. Calculate your time to be on time everywhere. Last descent at 20:15.
2. Bring your favorite snack with you. Celebrate conquering a new peak! There are food outlets at each station, but the prices there are higher than usual.
3. Wear comfortable shoes. Better than sneakers. Even in the best sandals you can't walk very far.
4. Take photos. At each station there are points with a photographer who takes memorable photographs (with the Olympic torch, medal and other things). The trick is that you get one small free photo. You can buy a larger one and a magnet.
5. Bring a sweater with you. At the top the temperature is much lower (about 14 degrees).

Small free photo
We descended from Rosa Peak and refuel with cappuccino (120 rubles)
On the way to the Path of Health

Bonus for those who finished reading!

On the territory of the Rosa Khutor resort there is a free walking route “Path of Health”.

It runs along the picturesque slope of Mount Psekhako on the territory of the Sochi National Park and has three levels of difficulty: Big Ring, Middle Ring and Small Ring. The longest trail will take an average of 1.5 hours to complete. The Middle Ring takes about an hour to complete, while the Small Ring can be completed in just 15 minutes.

The first half of the route is a steep climb up numerous steps. Then the path also goes down the steps. There are forests, fresh air and streams all around. And at the end you will find a spring with mountain water.

Seeing off the sun