It's time to go on a sightseeing tour to the picturesque village of Krasnodar Territory called Krasnaya Polyana. Although this place does not boast an abundance of attractions, every tourist here will find entertainment and activities to their liking.
Some guests will be happy to conquer the bends of the Rosa Khutor ski complex, others will be able to enjoy the exposition of the My Russia ethnographic center, while others will include in their cultural and entertainment program a visit to the Galaktika center, which was created by Gazprom.
Krasnaya Polyana has many historical, cultural and natural attractions that every self-respecting tourist should definitely visit. Here, writers and public figures of the Soviet Union once loved to spend all their free time, a celebrity underwent treatment and simply came to admire the picturesque nature of the inhabitants of an immense country from different parts of it.
We will tell you about the main attractions of Krasnaya Polyana, where to go and what to see on your own.
Dolmens
Perhaps the oldest attraction, to the creation of which the ancient settlers had their hands, are the dolmens. These are unusual structures made of stone in the form of wells or dugouts, which consist of multi-ton slabs and rocky statues. By the way, scientists have not yet come to an unambiguous conclusion regarding the purpose of unusual structures.
The Krasnaya Polyana dolmens are located in the Krestenyukov tract, which is not so easy to get to. Experienced guides suggest combining visits to stone buildings with hiking in the mountains.
If you only plan to visit this monument of ancient civilization, go to the stop on Zapovednaya Street. From it you will need to walk about 3.5 km along a dirt path, and then turn off and walk about another kilometer to the forest.
House-Museum of A. Kh. Tammsaare
All admirers of the work of the Estonian writer should visit this place. The museum is located in the village of Esto-Sadok and tells not only about the work of the writer, but also about many domestic literary and cultural figures of the last century.
Genuine interest is aroused by the very design of the house-museum, which, with its atmosphere, seems to immerse everyone who entered that era, makes them ponder over many things. Here, everywhere, are posted rare photographs of ancient events, including those that told about some events in the life of the settlers.
You can find the museum on Estonian Street, where it occupies house number 35. Visitors are welcome here from Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Imperial hunting lodge
Especially for Nicholas II, a hunting lodge was designed at more than a kilometer above the sea. Although outwardly the house does not resemble a spectacular imperial residence and does not in any way hint that Nicholas II spent a lot of time here, it nevertheless evokes a certain interest from tourists.
The three-story British villa style building was completed in just a couple of years. Near the house there were other buildings intended for hunting and preparation for it - the house of the gamekeepers, buildings for the guard, a wall for protection. The groves in the vicinity were declared forbidden, were protected and only members of the royal family had the right to hunt in them.
Unfortunately, order on the territory of the hunting lodge was maintained only in Soviet times. As soon as the property was transferred to private hands, the palace and other buildings were ravaged and abandoned.
Only in 2013, restoration work began and tourists had the opportunity to visit another interesting historical site of Krasnaya Polyana. If you are planning a hike without a guide, your route will run through the recreation center of the same name.
From the sanatorium you will need to climb the hill and follow the signs. No transport goes to the house, there is no road, so you should rely only on your own strength.
Museum of local lore
The initiator of the creation of the museum of the native land "Krasnaya Polyana" was the historian and ethnographer B. Tskhomaria. It is worth noting that he was not just a public figure with an active life position, but also an indifferent citizen, a patriot of his land and an honored teacher.
That is why the collection initially had a school format, but later began to expand thanks to replenishment of exhibits from private collections and the results of archaeological excavations. At the moment, the collection includes at least 18 thousand items of various historical and cultural significance.
Many pedagogical collectives and schoolchildren joined in the creation of the collection.
The most popular among visitors is the Hall of Military Glory, in which military exhibits, samples of weapons, as well as personal belongings of commanders, privates, military officers and even heroes defending the city are displayed for review.
The museum's merits include the victory in the competition for the title of the best patriotic museum in Russia, which the exposition was awarded in 1998. Finding a museum is very easy. It is located in a recognizable building on Turchinsky Street at number 42. You can get there either by public transport or on foot (if you are staying close to the attraction).
Cultural and Ethnographic Center "My Russia"
It is under this name that the cultural and ethnographic center is known in Krasnaya Polyana. After the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, the center was temporarily closed and even a little forgotten about it.
But in 2015, interest in it was revived, tourists were again able to visit the well-groomed territory, a restaurant, study structures, during the construction of which various architectural techniques and directions were used.
It is here that you can see and appreciate copies of such iconic structures as the Moscow and Kazan Kremlin; a courtyard with a wicker fence and a thatched roof of the house, which seems to transport all visitors to the Kuban hinterland; Ural brick factory; the Buryat datsan and many other structures and buildings typical for different regions of the country.
To get to the center, tourists should get off at the Rosa Khutor public transport stop. There is also a car park for those who travel by private car.
Then you need to walk for about 10 minutes along the left embankment. But they won't take money for visiting the sights.
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 the Bear's corner. A uniquely beautiful place that strikes the imagination with a variety of meadow grasses and other vegetation.
But tourists do not get to these places for the sake of picturesque landscapes, but in order to enjoy the unusual taste of the water. In addition, the spring is famous for its healing properties. Perhaps this is due to the fact that water rises to the surface from a depth of several hundred meters. Another fact is interesting.
Those who have tried water for the first time say that in order to use 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 contribute to the renewal of blood, renew the protective walls of the stomach.
According to the locals, more arsenic was found in the water 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.
Visiting 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 get to the natural attraction first by bus # 135 from Adler to the Chvizhepse stop.
If you start from Sochi, then look for bus number 105 or 186.
Social and Cultural Center "Galaxy"
This playground was created specifically to entertain tourists who are tired of a measured beach holiday. Take one day to fill your heart with bright emotions.
The entertainment center has everything you need: bowling, billiards, cafes, a water park, a cinema, an ice rink and a shopping area. And young tourists will surely be delighted by the huge children's club, where children will have bright adventures, educational games and activities with experienced educators.
It is worth noting the impressive assortment of movie screenings in the cinema. There are several cinemas here that offer viewing of films in 2D / 3D / 5D format.
If you like it, you can stay for a night or a few days in one of the nearby hotels to continue your entertainment with renewed vigor in the morning. The attraction is open daily from 10 am to 11 pm.
Achipse fortress
Fans of archeology and striking historical events should definitely visit the ruins of the Achipse fortress. This place and its surroundings still bring grandiose discoveries to archaeologists, so geologists' camps always work here.
Axes, knives, tools, clay products - all this and much more regularly falls into the "archaeological networks". Tourists will be interested to look at the remains of an ancient structure, dilapidated due to hostilities and under the force of nature, walls and towers.
You can get to an interesting place by minibus to the village of Esto-Sadok (minibus no.105 is suitable for tourists leaving Sochi). 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 for its games in 2014, which became even more popular after the event. In the past - for athletes, and now for tourists a whole complex of hotels with a Scandinavian interior and a view of the snow-capped mountains from each room has been built up here.
There are cable cars to the village at an altitude of 1170 meters, which you can use free of charge, provided that you check into one of the hotels.
This place is more in demand among skiers, but for nature lovers there is also something to “profit from” - rivers, lakes, waterfalls, valleys and mountain ranges. From June to October, the village is calm, but still the recreation center "Rosa Khutor" is open to visitors. But in winter it will be difficult to book a room because of the large flow of people wishing to climb the peaks of the peaks "Stone Pillar" (2509m) and "Rose Peak" (2320m), as well as affordable prices for accommodation.
Brothers waterfall
The Achipsinsky waterfall at an altitude of 60 meters is represented by the source and tributary of the Achipse River, which resemble the English letter "V" in their location and flow. 2 small streams begin their journey slowly and in small paths flow into one stormy mountain stream, for which they got their name.
This natural landmark is located not far from Lake Mirror, but the path to it is laid through several forks, among which an inexperienced traveler may get lost.
From May to October, guides take groups of 10 there on three-day excursions, stopping overnight in the mountains along the way. You can get a pass to these places on your own.
The 12-kilometer path in both directions and 400-meter elevation changes provide for comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen, as well as more food and water - the place has not been touched by civilization and there is nowhere to get food.
Maiden's Tears Waterfall
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 because of the envy of an evil sorceress. 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 is pouring incessantly, breaking on the stones.
Eyewitnesses of the waterfall note the "mirror-like" purity of the water and compare it with a tear.
6 km from Krasnaya Polyana, at the entrance to the old Krasnopolyanskoe highway, there is a right turn, passing along which you will stumble upon an amazing creation of nature, but it is better to organize a trip in autumn or spring.
In 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.
Polikarya waterfall
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 currents during the melting snow.
You can get there in three ways: making your way through abandoned forests and roads to the cable car K-13; get to Gorki-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 advised, as on the way you will be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. In the summertime, tourists take bathing suits to shower under the falling waters of the Polikar.
Khmelevskie lakes
Not far from the village of Krasnaya Polyana there are three picturesque reservoirs, named after a Polish botanist, surrounded by mountains and meadows, the most curious of which is the Bolshoye one, only 2 meters deep, but occupying 1 square meter. km. territory.
From a bird's eye view, neither it nor other lakes (Western and Eastern) can even be 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.
Lake Kardyvach
It is not so easy to get to the largest lake (133,000 sq. M.) In Sochi - 44 km of the way from Krasnaya Polyana to it runs between two mountain ranges, and the gorge passes through dense forests, but the photographs of hikers from the tour to Kardavych convince that it's worth it.
For 8 months a year, the lake is covered with ice and heats up at the height of summer to a maximum of 12 degrees Celsius, and the air temperature around Kardavych on the most exhausting hot days is 20 degrees.
The reservoir looks beautiful and frightening at the same time - in the ideal surface of the lake you can see the bottom from any point of view, the water in it is crystal clear.
Bears, deer and other animals are found around Kardavych, while even fish do not live inside it. If you are lucky enough to be here, take care of warm clothes and a pass to visit these and other places, as without it they will not be allowed here.
Jitaku lake valley
An independent trip to the Dzitaku Valley, also known as the "Semiozerie", will cost 1,500 rubles (for a pass and use of the cable car) or from 5,000 rubles for a guide. The guides offer to do this route, including food, tents, trekking poles and everything else that is necessary when traveling through the mountains in the price of the excursion.
First, along a dirt road, and then making your way through a thicket of forests along a path, you will overtake the Bzerpinsky cornice, from where you will see a view of the Aibga, Psekhako, Achishkho and Chugush ridges.
Before the next conquest of the peaks, you can stay in a rented tent, watch the sunset and sunrise.
Following the signs, past the thickets of rhododendron and shallow bodies of water, you finally come out to the Big Lake with an area of 20,000 sq. m. At the very beginning of the path, you can turn along another path, going to the Pseashkho ridge and the Tabunnoye plateau, the Kogot mountain, and the Kholodny glacier. The recommended time to visit this valley is summer and autumn.
Achishkho mountain range
10 kilometers from the Krasnaya Polyana ski resort, you will be pampered by its views of the surrounding expanses of the Black Sea and Abkhazia, Mount Achishkho from a height of 2390 meters above the ground. On the one hand, the 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, connoisseurs of local places recommend a route through the Khmelevskie Lakes or Medvezhye Vorota, and experienced extremists can pave the way along the Beshenka River or along the Greek spur, which is famous for its steep climbs.
According to the gamekeepers, the beauty of the wild nature is worth it. Achishkho and other sights of Krasnaya Polyana are located on the territory of the Sochi National Park and are carefully protected, therefore, you may face criminal liability for collecting plants listed in the Red Book, of which there are many, for hunting wild animals and for catching fish.
Alpika-Service Ski Complex
In 1993, on the slopes of the Aibga ridge, the very first ski complex prepared 7 slopes of varying degrees of difficulty with a total length of 25 km.
Thanks to the Olympic Games, the complex began to actively develop, there were cable cars for tourists, attractions, sightseeing tours, snowboarding equipment rental, paragliding, ski jumping, hotels, restaurants and parking lots.
The administration of "Alpika" offers to see the sights from a height of 2256 meters on observation platforms, which can be reached in two ways - using the cable cars or climbing the mountains on skis.
On the same summit there is a bathhouse with panoramic windows, which you cannot 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.
Mount Aibga
If in the early morning you are not lazy and walk the path from the Greek Bridge along the path through beech and fir forests, subalpine meadows and streams, then in 4 hours the four famous peaks of Aibga will appear to you in all its glory, named after the Abkhaz tribes that once lived at the foot of these mountains.
You can get to two peaks, "Black Pyramid" and "Stone Pillar" by a chairlift, or you can do it yourself, saving money. Upstairs you will have a small reward in the form of a walk on 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 points, but with the help of overhead wagons, it can be done in half a day.
Mountain Beach Water Park
Aquapark with an area of 5000 sq. 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 jacuzzi with sea salt 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 Mediterranean restaurant.
Children under 6 years old, birthday people under 16 years old and children with disabilities, upon presentation of documents, are provided with free admission. The water park is open every day from 11:00 to 22:00. Entertainment is available on weekends and requires a separate ticket.
Aviary complex Laura
This kind of zoo differs from the others in that the animals were not bought for it, but were taken from poachers or picked up by the sick or orphaned in the nearby territories, after which they are taken care of by veterinarians and transferred to the Caucasus Nature Reserve "Laura". Accordingly, the diversity of species is limited by the environment, but among roe deer, lynx, raccoons, wild boars and vultures, there are rare individuals listed in the Red Book.
The Eco-Center also offers an interesting opportunity to take custody of an animal, which means sponsoring it with food, toys, the right to choose a name for it and visit the zoo for free. Here, in the cottage complex, you can rent a house, go to a bathhouse and a rope park. The aviary complex is available every day from 9:00 to 17:00.
Apiary "Honey Paradise"
"Honey Paradise" is a visiting card and storeroom of Krasnaya Polyana, from which it is impossible to leave empty-handed. Tourists buy tea, souvenirs, "folk" clothes, Orenburg shawls, Gzhel porcelain, designer wooden products and ceramics, dishes with Khokhloma painting and necessarily honey - linden, alpine, maple, chestnut, blackberry and with the addition of 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, ceramic mugs from Kuban craftsmen depicting local landscapes and herbal teas with mountain medicinal herbs and berries.
Akhtsu gorge
Looking at the huge vault between limestone strata 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”.
A cultural and historical monument at a distance of 50 km from the city center carries not only aesthetic pleasure from observing 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, the 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 must on the program. You will follow the points of the excursion along a steep road along the mountain arches above the river, in which, according to local residents, salmon begins to spawn in mid-October.
Extreme Amusement Park AJ Hackett Sochi
The Extreme Park began its work in 2014 and is on a par with the same complexes in Australia, Germany, China, Singapore and France, that is, there are 6 such complexes in the world. For adrenaline lovers 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 (jumping with a rope), flying through the gorge, climbing wall, 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.
Psakho canyon
The 10-meter-wide river valley was formed by an earthquake and is located in a hard-to-reach place, which can only be reached by an off-road vehicle. Tourists who love a comfortable rest or at least a hike along the paved paths bypass the canyon - dozens of stone ledges covered with moss slide under their feet for 2 km.
In a small azure lake between two rocks, you can swim and dine in a nearby cafe, and then either return home or go further and enjoy a shower under the falling waters of a stormy river.
Akhshtyrskaya cave
According to the Soviet archaeologist Zamyatin, the cave was once inhabited by Neanderthals, tools and remains of which were found within its walls.Then a natural disaster forced the "first" people to leave their "home" and were replaced by bears, whose bones were also found in the cave.
The monument of primitive culture above the Mzymta River (185 meters above the water level) can be walked around in a few minutes.
