Attractions and entertainments of Krasnaya Polyana

Krasnaya Polyana and its surroundings are known for their natural attractions, including picturesque views of the mountains, waterfalls, mountain rivers, rich flora and fauna. There are several museums and a couple of historical attractions. Well, for most vacationers on the coast, this resort is primarily known, of course, for cable cars, on which you can climb the mountains to the observation decks without exhausting and demanding mountain hikes to enjoy the magnificent views of the Caucasus Mountains and even walk in the snow in summer.

You can see the sights in Krasnaya Polyana yourself, but it is much easier to do it with excursions that are offered, including from the beach resorts of Sochi. You can buy them on the streets from distributors, travel agencies or online on these sites with reviews:

• 📷 search for excursions in Krasnaya Polyana on Sputnik8.com
• 📷 excursions in Krasnaya Polyana from the tour operator TEZ Tour
• 📷 search for excursions in Krasnaya Polyana on Tripster.ru

Since this is a modern developing resort, there is no shortage of all kinds of modern tourist Entertainments available all year round. Of course, in the first place are cable cars and ski slopes, the total length of the latter is more than 100 kilometers. In summer, cable cars do not stop working and carry vacationers along walking routes to viewing platforms on the peaks and to natural attractions located high on the slopes. A lot of active types of entertainments are presented: water park, hiking in the mountains, extreme descent on mountain bikes, electric bike tours on mountain roads, rope parks, ice rink, hot air balloon riding, quad biking and snowmobiling, horse riding, Husky Park, Ice Age entertainment park, rodelban. Of course, there are baths, saunas, spas, massages, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. And this is a zone where casinos are allowed, so you can come off to the "fullest".

Another type of entertainment available only in summer is a beach holiday. Yes, surprisingly, this mountain resort has several artificial beaches, and you can also relax by the pool of hotels, including even in winter in the heated pool of Sunshine Park. Well, if you really want during the day you can go to the coast and relax on the nearest Black Sea Adler beaches or village Sirius. By the way, in Sirius there is even a well-equipped Pebble Beach "Rosa Khutor", belonging to this resort.

We advise you to get acquainted with entertainments on the official websites of resorts:

• Entertainments of the resort complex "Rosa Khutor"
• Entertainments of Krasnaya Polyana resort complex

Well, if you are ready for an independent acquaintance with the interesting places of this resort, then here is a list and description of local attractions with an indication of the time, cost and how they can be visited independently:

Krasnaya Polyana cable cars

An obligatory tourist activity in Krasnaya Polyana, which every guest of the village and other resorts of Sochi should and seeks to experience, is, of course, cable cars. This is not about skiing or snowboarding, but about climbing on a cable car to one of the viewing platforms on the slopes or peaks surrounding the village of Krasnaya Polyana. By the way, even in early summer you can climb to a height with snow and play snowballs in June.

There are simply ascents to the observation decks, and there are complex excursions with entertainments and visits to individual attractions at the top (as a rule, these are waterfalls and hiking trails) or at the bottom (museums). Most of the ascent takes place in closed cabins, but the highest and farthest points are accessible with transfers between cable cars and sometimes with a change of cabin to a chairlift. We advise you to dress warmer, because upstairs is 8-12 degrees colder. And yet, we advise you to choose the highest point of ascent, and not be limited to 900 meters, for example:

• In the resort "Krasnaya Polyana" - 2375 meters for 1390 rubles, and 850 rubles for children.
• In the resort "Rosa Khutor" - 2320 meters for 1590 rubles, and 950 rubles for children.
• At the resort "Gazprom" - 2256 meters for 1400 rubles, and 800 rubles for children.

See learn more about Krasnaya Polyana cable cars here.

Ecotropics and hiking trails in the mountains

In the area of the village and ski resorts there are countless ecological trails, one-day and multi-day tourist routes. Some of them are official, and there is a fee for passing through them. Long multi-day routes start or end here of the Caucasus Nature Reserve. If you have no experience of hiking in the mountains (we are not talking about climbing, namely trekking or hiking) and you are for the first time in this area, it is best to take advantage of Group or individual guided tours. If you have experience hiking in the mountains with overnight stays, then almost any route in the vicinity of Krasnaya Polyana you can overcome yourself without the help of guides, but, of course, this requires appropriate equipment and preliminary study and study of the route. Learn more about Eco-trails and tourist routes in Krasnaya Polyana here.

Achipse Fortress

The ruins of the Achipsin fortress of the early Middle Ages (VII-X centuries) were the site of excavations, where many fragments of ceramics, glassware and metal objects were found. Today it is a protected archaeological site of history, but in fact an abandoned place. Only a couple of crumbling walls of several buildings remained from the fortress, so lovers of antiquities and archeology will not see anything special here. But a walk through the forest on the Hill will be quite a pleasant entertainment. In addition, at the top of the hill on which the fortress is located, there is an observation deck with views of the resort complexes and the river valley. Learn more about Achipsa fortress here.

My Russia Museum

This is an open-air Ethnographic Museum, which recreates the architectural traditions and customs of different regions and cities of Russia. It consists of several pavilions made in architectural styles inherent in the Caucasus, Suzdal, Moscow, central Russia, Kazan, the Urals, Siberia and Buryatia. An exhibition and sale of souvenirs and Folk Crafts is organized in each of the pavilions. In addition, master classes and excursions, festive events and festivals are held. On site there are cafes and boutique hotels in pavilions.

Museum Of Archaeology

This is a modern interactive museum of archaeological finds and history discovered and obtained during the construction of Olympic facilities in 2010-2014. The exhibition is small and there are not very many real archaeological artifacts, and the basis of the exhibition is Multimedia Information and interactive exhibits. Therefore, in our opinion, this place is not very similar to a classical museum and will not be particularly interesting for children. But if you are even a little interested in history and archaeology, then you will definitely like it here.

To make the visit more exciting, it is better to install the "Museum of Archaeology" application on your smartphone in advance (link in Google Play and AppStore), and then you can fully experience the interactivity of the museum in the form of augmented reality. If the application could not be installed in advance, you can rent a tablet on the spot for 300 rubles.

Chvizhepse mineral spring and bear corner

This narzan mineral spring is the only one in Sochi, the water of which is officially recognized as therapeutic, and as stated by the guides, has a "rejuvenating effect". You can drink water from a cup and even pick it up with you. It is located in a drinking pump room with Paid Access (200 USD), so in our opinion (the authors of the site) this is a typical a tourist trap in Sochi not worth visiting. But if you are traveling on your own, and not on a tour bus in a group, you can drink mineral water for FREE. To do this, you need to drive further after the tourist source of 1.3 kilometers, and go over the bridge to the free source.

Here is the bear Corner Hotel and an equipped playground for outdoor recreation, or as it is sometimes called - a picnic complex. Learn more about the mineral spring Chvizhepse and bear corner here.

Dolmens Of Krasnaya Polyana

On the outskirts of the village there is a whole complex of dolmens, equipped for visiting in the form of a hiking route of the Sochi National Park. There are at least 7 dolmens, several mounds and stone labyrinths and ritual stones. The route is equipped with signs and places for rest, has a length of just over two kilometers. To go through it all, you will have to climb stones in several places, so you need comfortable shoes with a strong sole.

Health trail and waterfall "High"

This ecological trail or hiking tourist route consists of three rings: small (310 meters / 15 minutes), medium (1630 meters / one and a half hours), large (1920 meters / 2 hours). All three options are laid on the mountainside through the forest near the Mzymta River. Trails are equipped with stairs and railings in difficult places, but in general you will have to walk on the ground and stones, so sports or trekking shoes are mandatory. On the small ring you will see almost nothing except the forest, but on the middle and large you will visit a waterfall, an observation deck, yoga Glades, a font, two springs, etc. And here is the upper platform for flying over the river on the troll. What is most pleasant in this place, unlike other similar and even less interesting routes referred to the Sochi National Park, a walk here is completely free, at least for now.

Waterfalls "Mendelikha"

This is a complex of 7 waterfalls and 10 observation decks, which are visited in the form of an easy hiking route from the resort "Rosa Khutor". But to get to the beginning of this route, you will first have to get to it on the Rosa Khutor cable car, since, unfortunately, it will not work on foot to climb and descend during the day. Trails and observation decks are well equipped with decking, stairs, railings, there are places for recreation and picnics. In total, there are three routes of different lengths and complexity: small (1 waterfall / 900 meters / 50 minutes), Medium (2 waterfalls / 1500 meters / one and a half hours) and large (7 waterfalls / 3000 meters / 3 hours). We advise you to pass a large car route, because only on it you will see all the waterfalls and the beauty of nature, visit the observation decks with gorgeous views of the mountains and valleys. Learn more about "Mendelikha" waterfalls here.

Polikara Waterfall

Polikara waterfall is the highest waterfall in the whole of Sochi, its height according to various estimates is from 60 to 80 meters, and this is the height of an 18-26 storey building. In addition to the waterfall itself, the path to it is interesting, which is a picturesque route among the mountains and a whole adventure that is overcome on foot or by excursion jeeps. It is much easier to visit it with the help of the cable car of the Krasnaya Polyana resort, for which even a special walking ticket is provided, and most tourists get to it that way. Learn more about Polikarya waterfall here.

Cave Falls

Keiva or Keivu is one of the most easily accessible on foot and spectacular waterfalls in the Krasnaya Polyana area, second only to the "high" waterfall on the health trail. It is reached by a relatively simple hiking trail from the village of Krasnaya Polyana, but in good weather you can easily drive any car along a dirt road to the ticket office at the entrance, from where the waterfall is only 20-30 minutes on foot. In general, Keiva is a whole complex of several waterfalls and rapids. The largest of them is more than 10 meters high. On the rock next to it there is a plaque in honor of one of its pioneers, an instructor at the local campsite cave Elmar Janowicz. Downstream of the main creek there are several other small water slides and waterfalls. Well, the most inquisitive can go to another stream in a five-minute walk from the big waterfall (it flows into the main stream on the right and a little downstream), and there you can see several more waterfalls and water slides. Learn more about Keiva waterfall here.

Khmelevsky lakes

These are "conditionally mountainous" lakes in the vicinity of Krasnaya Polyana, the most easily accessible for mass tourists and vacationers in Sochi. There are only four lakes, but you can not always see them all. The fact is that during a drought in the summer they dry out and hide in the overgrown grass. Around them there is a tourist route of the Sochi National Park with viewing platforms, places of rest and picnic. Three kilometers from the Khmelevsky Lakes is a much wilder and more beautiful Lake Mirror. It can also be visited, but for this you will have to come here with an individual excursion or climb yourself, preferably with an overnight stay. Learn more about the Khmelev lakes here.

Mirror Lake

This is a beautiful mountain lake in the vicinity of Krasnaya Polyana at an altitude of more than 1800 meters. It got its name for a reason: in calm weather, it really reflects the sky and the coast as in a mirror. From the site on which it is located, there are excellent views of the main ridge of the Caucasus Mountains, and in good weather you can see the famous peaks of Fisht, Oshten, Pseashkho, Aibga, Agepsta. Only lovers of hiking or one-day hiking can visit it, and Jeep tours are not carried here. Learn more about Mirror Lake and how to visit it here.

House Museum of A. H. Tammsaare

A. H. Tammsaare is an Estonian writer of the XIX-XX centuries, whose life and work is associated with the village of esto-Sadok in Krasnaya Polyana. The fact is that the village was founded in 1886 by families from Estonia, originally called Estonian. In 1911, the writer was diagnosed with tuberculosis, and he decided to go for treatment in Sochi, namely in Estosadok, where he spent time from 1912 to 1913. The museum is organized in the original house where the author lived, and tells not only about the life of the writer, but also about the life and culture of this settlement at that time. The exhibition includes household items and crafts, tools and clothing of settlers; books, photographs and personal belongings of Tammsaare.

Sovarium at Gazprom resort

On the territory of the GTC "Gazprom" in Krasnaya Polyana there is a small thematic zoo - "Sovarium". Here, in good conditions, in clean cages and with careful care, about two dozen individuals from the order of owls are kept, among which there are, for example, an eared owl, a house owl, a steppe eagle, a vulture and others. The visit provides an excursion, which is carried out even for one visitor. During the tour, they introduce all the inhabitants, each of which has its own name, talk about its habits and features. After the excursion part, you can walk around the aquarium and communicate with the birds for as long as you like. You can also hold an owl in your arms, stroke and take a photo with a bird in your arms for an additional fee of 1500 rubles. In general, the place is not bad and worthy of a visit. Learn more about Sovarium here.

Mountain biking and bike tours

In summer, fans of extreme sports and entertainment in Krasnaya Polyana can change skis and snowboards to wheels, for which extreme downhill trails are equipped on the slopes, and special bike passes are sold to the Krasnaya Polyana resort cable car. The ticket costs from 2000 rubles, depending on the validity period and the height of the lift. View all fares and buy a bike pass online here - shop.krasnayapolyanaresort.ru/bike-pass, and also already in place at the box office. In addition to the extreme downhill mountain biking, simpler bike tours are offered along mountain roads on electric bicycles. Learn more about mountain biking and bike tours in Krasnaya Polyana here.

Water park and entertainment center "Galaxy"

The Galaktika shopping center is the entertainment center of the Gazprom Resort, and if you wish, you can visit it from otherresorts of Krasnaya Polyana. In addition to the indoor year-round water park, there is a wax museum, a museum-exhibition of Cosmonautics, A Museum of illuminations "Wow Park", an Ice Arena, a cinema, a slot machine zone. Also in the RC there are shops with souvenirs, sports and festive events are held, etc.even if you do not intend to visit the water park or one of the museums, you can just come here and take a walk, take beautiful photos. Learn more about the RC "Galaxy" and the water park here.

Mountain Beach Water Park

The Mountain Beach Water Park is quite modest in terms of slides: there are only children's slides, three parallel pipes and several spiral slides. But there are several swimming pools, recreation areas, a sandy beach, artificial palm trees, a restaurant, a bar, a salt cave. Actually, it is in this form-as a place of rest, and not as a classic water park, we advise you to consider this place so as not to be disappointed after visiting. You can go to relax and have fun here at any time of the year, it is located indoors in the building of the shopping center.

Laura aviary complex

The Laura aviary complex is a zoo in which animals are kept not in cages, but in spacious aviaries, operating at the Caucasian National Reserve. If you or your children love animals, then this is one of the must-see places to visit in Krasnaya Polyana. True, the variety and number of animals is not very large, all these are local inhabitants: bison, Caucasian deer, Caucasian Tur, chamois, roe deer, spotted deer, Wolf, wild boar, Jackal, Lynx, birds. Of the local animals, only the bear is missing.

Local History Museum of Krasnaya Polyana

This small museum works in the building of School No. 65, created on the initiative of the local historian and local historian B. Tskhomaria, supported by the initiative of the school administration, teachers and even students. The collection presents exhibits mainly devoted to the period of the Second World War. Most of them were not discovered by professional archaeologists, but were found during hikes around the neighborhood by locals and tourists, and then donated to the museum. Here you can see weapons and ammunition of the Second World War, personal belongings of Front soldiers, tools, documents, photos.

Church of St. Harlampius

The Church of the Holy Martyr Charlampius of Magnesia is a modern church, but was erected on the site of an old Greek church. The old church appeared from the foundation of the village at the beginning of the XX century, did not survive the period of the USSR and was destroyed in the 30s of the last century. The church was revived in its present form only in the next century, the first service was held here in 2003. Tourists can freely explore it inside and out, believers can put a candle and pray. When visiting, do not forget to follow the rules in clothing: women with a covered head; men take off their headgear; shorts, short skirts, flashy clothes are unacceptable.

Nature Museum

A small nature museum operates in the administrative building of the Sochi National Park in the center of the village. The exposition tells about the history of the formation of the National Park in photos and documents, the nature of the region. The collection consists of photos, stuffed animals, dioramas, minerals, information materials. The room and the exhibition as a whole are not in the best condition, so we will not recommend the museum to visit, but if you walk past, you can look.

Waterfall brothers or Achipsinsky waterfalls

Achipsin waterfalls or brothers are located at an altitude of about 1800 meters above sea level on the Achipse River, which originates on the slopes of Mount Achishcho. This is a remote place where it is difficult for a physically unprepared person to get during a one-day hiking trip, and it is absolutely impossible to do it on cable cars. In addition, they are located on the territory of the Caucasian Reserve, and for legal passage to the route you will first have to pay for a pass.

To visit them, it is best to go on a full trekking with at least one night in a tent. But objectively speaking, the waterfalls themselves are not worth the effort and are usually visited as one of the places on the route during longer hikes to the area and to the top of Mount Achisho. Of course, there is no question of going here on your own without a guide or without hiking experience. On the other hand, the hike to the waterfalls is technically uncomplicated and in the summer is overcome with simple hiking equipment without special training and climbing equipment.

Husky

During a rest or excursion to Krasnaya Polyana, you can make friends with affectionate and kind husky dogs. To do this, you need to go to one of the Husky parks, of which there are currently three in the vicinity of Krasnaya Polyana. Each of them offers similar services and prices for communication with dogs, so the choice of place will rather depend on where it is more convenient for you to get to. The program of the visit is approximately the same: it includes a sightseeing tour with a story about animals, and then gives the opportunity to stroke, play and "cuddle" the dogs, from which both children and adults remain delighted. In some parks, for an additional fee, you can walk with a dog, and in winter ride in a sled from 1500 rubles. In summer, skiing is not held. Learn more about Husky parks here.