In the vast expanses of Russia, there are a variety of natural objects that deserve special attention because of their features and pristine beauty. Waterfalls scattered across the country are one of them. Some are well known and located close to other attractions, while others are more difficult to reach, but well worth it. Large and small, temporarily freezing or drying up, associated with myths or major geographical discoveries - the choice is great. It remains only to outline the ones you like and go on a trip around the country.
The most beautiful waterfalls in Russia
Big Kureiskiy
It is located in the Krasnoyarsk Territory on the river of the same name. Height - 13 meters. Belongs to the territory of the Putoransky Nature Reserve. The capacity of its spillway is the largest in Russia, so the waterfall looks spectacular. There are several routes to it, the most frequently used is the 25 km long ascent along the Kureyka. Helicopter flights are also relevant. Swimming in natural baths formed nearby is popular among tourists.
Talnikovy
It is located near Lake Dupkun in the same Krasnoyarsk Territory. The height is about 600 meters. On the account of this parameter, controversy does not subside due to the difference in approaches to measurement. Talnikovy is definitely the highest in Russia, and possibly in Asia. It has five steps. It operates only for one to two months, as it is formed by a seasonal stream and flows down from Mount Trapezium.
Kivach
Located in Karelia on the Suna River. Belongs to the territory of the reserve of the same name. Height - 10 meters. It has two streams separated by a rocky ledge. The water flows unevenly due to the large number of steps, but the length is increased. The dam built above made the waterfall less powerful. The arboretum and the Museum of Nature are located nearby.
Chegem waterfalls
They are located in Kabardino-Balkaria at once on three rivers flowing into Chegem. Height - 60 meters. The main Chegem waterfall is divided into several streams. The second largest is located in the crevice. Small waterfall is the most powerful of the trinity. A popular tourist route, included in most tours, convenient walkways with handrails and observation platforms are built in the district. Nearby attraction - Weeping Rocks.
33 waterfalls
They are located in the vicinity of Sochi in the Shakhe valley. Height - 12 meters. They are part of the national park and are a natural monument. The waterfalls are surrounded by abundant vegetation: from lianas and ferns to alder and maple. And oaks prevail among the trees in the Dzhegosh tract. A nearby attraction is the Tulip tree, which celebrated its 750th anniversary. Convenient for visiting, locals come here to swim.
Zeigalan (Midagrabin waterfalls)
Located in North Ossetia. The height is about 600 meters, accurate measurements have never been taken. Belongs to the valley of the Midagrabindon River. Not valid all months of the year. The most active period is mid to late summer. The flow is influenced by the melting of the glacier. When the temperature drops, the waterfall stops feeding, and islands of ice appear on the rocks. The rest of the time, the waterfall is also unstable.
Kinzelyuk
Located in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, flows out of the lake of the same name. Height - 328 meters. The area around is mountainous and inaccessible. Forms cascades. The stream passes by a thin stream into the Lower Kinzelyuk Lake, which is quite small in size, and flows into the Kinzelyuk River. At the same time, the background is made up of snow-covered slopes and glaciers, and the valley itself is covered with dense undersized vegetation.
Gedmysh
It is located in Kabardino-Balkaria on the right tributary of the river of the same name. The height is about 60 meters. There are also a number of names used in the tourism sector: "Tsar's crown", "70 jets" and others. It drains in a cascade, forming several streams. You can get there by a dirt road, but the final section is often covered on foot due to soil erosion. Powered by an underground source.
Avian
Belongs to the territory of the Kuril reserve. Located in the Sakhalin region on the island of Kunashir. It is located in the area where the Bird River flows into the Sea of Okhotsk. Height - 12 meters, width of a single stream - 20 meters. Many species of fish come here to spawn, which in turn attracts birds, hence the name of the river and waterfall. You can also see bears fishing nearby.
Jur-Jur
It is located in the Crimea on the Megapotamo river, which has the second name Vostochny Ulu-Uzen. Height - 15 meters, width - 5 meters. Water flows down the steps of the gorge. The flow is powerful, does not dry out even at very high temperatures. However, it spreads out at the base of the ledge, and the river itself at the waterfall is very shallow. There are many mountains and rocks in the area: Tyrka, Karabi-yayala, etc. Above there is a natural observation deck with a panoramic view.
Agursky waterfalls
They are located in the Sochi region on the river of the same name. The maximum height is 23 meters. Below it flows into a small river lake called "Devil's Font". Lower Agursky waterfall consists of two cascades. It is lower than the neighboring ones, but it is considered more picturesque. To get to the Middle and Upper waterfalls, you need to overcome a difficult climb of half a kilometer. There are several natural attractions in the area, including the Eagle Rocks.
Nameless
It is located in the Krasnodar Territory on the Bezymyanka River. Height - 75 meters. The stream is replenished from snowfields and gushing springs. The rocky ledges are covered with dense ivy. The vegetation in the gorge is heterogeneous: there are densely planted areas with various types of flora, there are almost bare ones. In the lower reaches, a very small pool was formed, overflowing with trickles and rivulets. Attendance is limited: you need to obtain permission or have a local residence permit.
Bolshoi Amginsky
Located in the Primorsky Territory on the river of the same name. Height - 33 meters. It has one more name - "Black Shaman". Since the Devil's Mouth canyon, where the waterfall was formed, is rather closed, the sun is a rare visitor here. From this, the snow melts slowly: sometimes you can find snow islands even in summer. There is a mineral spring nearby. There are many places for rafting and fishing in the area.
Girly Braids
It is located in Kabardino-Balkaria on a tributary called the Chyranbashi-su. Belongs to the territory of "Elbrus" - a national park. The height is about 32 meters. The name appeared due to the shape of the waterfall: it resembles a girl's loose hair. The water stays cool all year round, although walruses sometimes swim here. The waterfall is very noisy: it is powerful in itself, but the absence of vegetation affects the acoustics.
Big Yaniskengas
It is located in the Murmansk region on the Kutsayoki river. The height is about 20 meters. Has the nickname "Mom". Consists of three steps. Moreover, the latter is much smaller than the others. Rafting on it is dangerous: there are many obstacles and currents, besides, the waterfall is quiet and not immediately visible from the water. You need to know the area well so as not to get hurt. Almost to the waterfall itself can be reached by a forest road.
Galdoridon
Belongs to the territory of the Alania National Park. Located in North Ossetia on the river of the same name. Height - 35 meters. A depression of 10 meters in diameter formed at the base. There are other names: "Pearl" and "Kroshkin's Waterfall" in honor of the deceased climber. Nearby there is a "Tana-park hotel" and a tourist base. From them the hiking route to Galdoridon begins. The road involves overcoming obstacles and elevation changes.
Ilya Muromets
It is located in the Sakhalin region on the Iturup island. Height - 141 meters. Named after the nearby cape. You can get and see the waterfall only from the ocean, where it flows. In winter, the stream freezes right on the rocks.The rest of the time, the saturation of the waters changes: flowing from the Demon stratovolcano, it either gains strength, then it loses its natural nourishment and partially dries up.
Orekhovsky
Named after a nearby settlement. It is located in the Krasnodar Territory on the Bezumenka River. The height is a little less than 30 meters. The territory around the waterfall has been ennobled: stairs, paths and small fences have been built, which simplified approaches and ascents. There is a small cafe. The forest around is varied: oaks and chestnuts predominate, next to a grove of walnuts.
Korbu
Belongs to the territory of the biosphere reserve in the Altai Territory on the Bolshaya Korbu River. Has the status of a regional natural monument. The gorge is very humid. A favorable atmosphere for mosses and ferns, which are abundant here. You can get to the waterfall only along the Teletskoye lake. Boats run from the village of Artybash on schedule, and private boats also operate.
Small Zhombolok
It is located in Buryatia on one of the tributaries of the river of the same name. Height - up to 22 meters. It freezes for the winter, but before that the flow slows down, so the ice does not look like a single and powerful structure: it is broken into a stalactite and a stalagmite. For the locals, this area is associated with traditions and legends. Burkhan was built at the top. The area around is ennobled: observation decks, stairs, railings and fences.
Honey waterfalls
They are located in Karachay-Cherkessia on two rivers at once. Two waterfalls formed on Echki-Bash, and three - on Alikonovka. Big is the tallest, Pearl is the most powerful. Height - 18 meters. Refers to a natural and recreational object. There is a restaurant and a tourist base nearby. There is an ethnographic museum. The name of the waterfalls remained from antiquity, supposedly wild bees were found in these rocks.
Polycar
It is located in Sochi on the slope of the Aibga mountain range. The height is about 70 meters. The main food is melting ice, precipitation. The snowfield allows the surface temperature to practically not warm up in some areas; snow lies on them even in summer. Nearby attractions and places of leisure are located, including Krasnaya Polyana, a ski resort, a national park.
Tobot (Khunzakh waterfall)
Located in Dagestan. The height, due to different approaches to measurement, varies - from 50 meters to 100 meters. Water falls from the plateau into the gorge. The terrain allows the sun's rays to bounce off the surface in a special way, so the water droplets shimmer in the light. The canyon expands thanks to Tobotu, and numerous rapids are formed. Attraction nearby - Khunzakh Fortress.
Cascade of waterfalls on the Shinok river
Refers to the territory of a nature reserve in the Altai Territory. The highest among the waterfalls is Sedoy - about 70 meters. The cliffs of the canyon are not only high, but also without significant protrusions. There is confusion in the names, so most often the waterfalls are considered as a complex. Above the main group, there is another gorge with six waterfalls, tourists rarely get to them.
Cheremshansky waterfall
Located on Sakhalin on the Yellow River. The stream is wide, but not too powerful. It is shallow at the base, tourists come close. There are small ledges, but the waterfall looks uniform. The likelihood of meeting other tourists is high, as the place is popular. At the same time, the dirt road leading to it is constantly out of order: it is littered with trees, then it is washed out.
Waterfalls on the Kyngarga river
Located in Buryatia. The cascade is formed by a dozen waterfalls, although some researchers identify eight more. The height of the largest is 10 meters. You can get there on foot along the hiking trail leading from the nearby settlement - Arshan. The walls of the canyon are covered with a variety of vivid messages. There are healing springs nearby. And also the Chalice of Virgins - a natural deepening in the channel of Bukhota, with which legends and superstitions are associated.
Alibeksky
It is located in Karachay-Cherkessia on the Dzhalovchatka River. The height is more than 25 meters. The name is given in honor of the glacier from which the water flow falls down. Every year the glacier loses in area. There are many hiking trails here. The waterfall is heterogeneous, divided into subtle branches. The noise from Alibeksky is carried along the gorge, amplified by its architecture.
Uchar
Located in Altai on the Chulcha river. Height - 160 meters. The visit is paid, but the price is symbolic and goes to the needs of the local reserve. Boulders of impressive size are scattered everywhere. The banks of the river in some areas are almost opposite in appearance: one is covered with dense forests, and the second is dominated by low plants. Whichever variant of a tourist trip travelers choose, part of the way will still have to go on foot.
Khanagsky
Located in Dagestan on the Khanagchay River. The height is about 30 meters. It forms two cascades, differing in size, and a lake at the base. The water warms up well in the summer months, so both tourists and locals come here to swim. The gutter, through which the water flows, is practically pressed into the rock. A special ecosystem has been created in the district, which is why so much attention is paid to rare plants and animals.
Chirkhalyu
Belongs to the territory of the Dagestan reserve on the Oysor river. The height is about 50 meters. A pulsating waterfall, the water level in it depends on the season and the melting of snow. There is no single name even at the official level. The second popular variation is “Chvakhilo”. Chirhalyu changes its bed every few years, so it is not possible to measure it exactly.
Kumi
Located in Karelia on the Voinitsa River. The second variant of pronunciation of the name is Kumi-threshold. Height - 14 meters. Attractions: the place where the front line of the Second World War passed, as well as the spring. Since the state border is not far away, tourists should take their passports with them, preparing for inspection and conversations on the topic of smuggling. There are parking areas in the area, you can go fishing and eat berries.
Small Yaniskengas
It is located in the Murmansk region on the Kutsayoki river. It has another name "Oba-na". The height is about 10 meters. Spills out in a wide and powerful stream. Rocky shores are sometimes covered with rare trees and bushes. Suitable for rafting and other water tourism. However, the path to the conditional finish is the most difficult. Its rolls are not audible either: from the water it is difficult to understand that you are approaching a waterfall.
Rufabgo Stream Waterfalls
They are located in Adygea on the Belaya River. Height - maximum 20 meters. You can get to the waterfalls via a specially built bridge, then the passage will be paid, and the path is convenient and short, you can get around and be on the spot for free. Nearby attractions: Ancient Circassian Gardens and Skvoznaya Cave. There are sixteen waterfalls in the area, among them: Three brothers. Noise, Cascading and others.
Kamyshlinsky waterfall
It is located in the Altai Republic on the river of the same name. The height is about 12 meters. Consists of two stages. There was a mill here during the war, and then a sawmill appeared. Some of the buildings remained, although the foundations of the buildings are already faintly discernible in them. The tourist complex "Tsarskaya Okhota" is located nearby. Sightseeing tours have two directions and are held regularly.
Waterfall on the Chavanga river
Located in the Murmansk region on the river of the same name. It belongs to a protected area, almost any activity is prohibited nearby, it is a natural monument. The waterfall is three-stage. The height of the largest is just under 5 meters. The steps at the base are granite or with the addition of other rocks. The vegetation is mainly taiga, there are swamps, lakes in which a variety of fish species live.
Shirlak
It is located in the Altai Republic on the Tektu River. The height is about 20 meters. A rocky ledge divides the waterfall conventionally into two rapids. Due to the microclimate in the lower reaches, fog often rises here. The vegetation on the rocks is fragmented, mainly moss.The appearance of the waterfall is associated with the legend of a brother and sister who jumped off a cliff, preferring death to slavery.
Big Shaltan
It is located in the Altai Republic on a tributary of the Kamga River. Height - 20 meters. There are bears in the area, and there are more of them here than in similar climatic zones. Cedars and firs grow, although there are enough inclusions of other plants. The first part of the way to the waterfall must pass through the water, and the rest - on foot. The territory of the reserve is protected, there are restrictions on activities.
Yukankoski (White Bridges)
They are located in the Republic of Karelia on the Kulismayoki River. The height is about 18 meters. The name comes from the bridges built by the Finns from white stone. Now only ruins remain of these structures. Both waterfalls are located on small branches and are separated by an island. As the condition of the waterfall began to deteriorate, a nature reserve was created around and now the environment is closely monitored.
Horses Aira
It is located in the Altai Republic on the river of the same name. The area around is divided into two zones: a glacier and rocks covered with vegetation. The stream is powerful, and the crevices where it flows are narrow and with turns. This both adds danger and makes the waters always whipped and frothy. Attractions near: Kucherlinskoe lake, Belukha mountain.
Atysh
It is located in Bashkortostan on the river of the same name. The height is a little less than 4 meters. Unusual in origin and appearance: an underground river emerges from the grotto to the surface. Sometimes the stream is one, sometimes it is divided into two. Depressions appeared at the base, as well as a small lake. Almost close to Atysh you can drive up by car. One of the attractions is a nearby cave.
Gadelsha
Located in Bashkortostan on the Khudolaz River. The height is over 20 meters. The stream flows down in three steps. The stream is not strong almost all year long and is rather narrow. Only in spring does the waterfall gain strength. Local beauties attract travelers; a tourist center has been built nearby. Nearby there are jasper outcrops - a semi-precious gem. Among the local flora, there are plants listed in the Red Book.
Cook-Karauk
It is located in Bashkortostan on the river of the same name. It is located on the territory of the reserve and is a natural monument. The height of the cascades is up to 12 meters. The area is dominated by woodland. In summer, only small springs and streams remain from the waterfall. Very rocky terrain, especially the banks and seabed. Natural attractions nearby: Salavatskaya cave, Ziganovka cave and Kalim-uskan rock.
Waterfall on the Urik River
Located in Buryatia. Height - 8 meters. You can only get there by air, or by river. In the course of the canyon, where the waterfall is located, it is a rocky gate. You also need to overcome the pebble spit to get to the waterfall. Rafters prefer these places, but they are suitable only for experienced tourists. Nearby there is a helipad and a small themed museum.
Kuperlya
It is located in Bashkortostan on the stream of the same name, which is a tributary of the Nugush. Refers to the territory of the national park. The height is about 10 meters. Water flows down the stone ledges, forming a cascade. In summer, the stream almost disappears, but in spring, on the contrary, it gains strength. A natural attraction nearby is a karst bridge that looks like a stone arch with two spans. The road is not paved, it is difficult to get there.
Pshekhsky
It is located on the territory of Adygea on the Pshekha tributary. The height is about 160 meters. During the summer months, the stream loses its strength. It conventionally divides the mountain range into two parts, but does not go deeper into it. The road to it runs through the forest belt along dirt roads and hiking trails, and the walls of the waterfall are covered with moss. The path is not difficult, travelers with children often come here.
Plakun
Located in the Perm region on Sylva. Height 7 meters. The way of food is springs. A chapel was built nearby, which is why baptisms are often held here. The waters of Plakuna are legendary as curative, but this has not been confirmed. Partly freezes during the winter months. Tourists during this period do not become less, thanks to the rays of the sun and the refraction of light, the ice floes shimmer in different colors.
Unexpected (Primorsky Territory)
It is located in the Primorsky Territory on the Steklyanukha tributary called the Left Humpbacked Key. It is a natural monument. Height is about 8 meters. It has several high and close-set rapids. It is not easy to get there: part of the road is unpaved and washes away. There is a parking lot near the trees with colorful ribbons. The descent is overcome on foot.
Abai-Su
It is located in Kabardino-Balkaria on the river of the same name. Belongs to the territory of the Chegem reserve. Height - 78 meters. The name was given in honor of a well-aimed local hunter. The waterfall goes a little deeper into the steep rocky walls. If you get closer, you can see how the wind currents carry water droplets to the sides of the lower reaches. In summer, the water in the river is warm and suitable for swimming. The area is dominated by coniferous forests.
Benevsky (Elomovsky)
They are located in the Primorsky Territory on the Elomovsky Key. Hence one of the names, the second - from a nearby village. Form a cascade. The height of the "Star of the Sea" is over 20 meters. It is the tallest of more than ten waterfalls. For the winter period, they all freeze, a spring gushes out of the ice, which is why it invariably increases until the onset of spring. Below on the river is a good place for rafting.
Zhigalan waterfalls
They are located in the Perm Territory on the river of the same name. Height - up to 15 meters. Waterfalls form cascades, four of them stand out in particular. In the Northern Urals, snow lies for a long time, which must be taken into account during spring and even summer trips. When it melts, the flow becomes very powerful. The rest of the time, the waterfall is powered by rains. A nearby attraction is the Three Brothers outcrops.