In this article, we have collected all the best attractions in Krasnaya Polyana, which are definitely worth seeing in summer and winter, on your own or with the help of excursions. We made a map of the location of beautiful and interesting places, it will help plan a route for a walk or a trip by car in the vicinity. We gave recommendations on where to visit in one day, found excellent accommodation options. And of course, where is it tasty and inexpensive to eat in Krasnaya Polyana? What restaurant to visit at the end of the day and sit in a cozy atmosphere? We have picked some really exciting places and shared tips for a trip to Sochi.
The village of Krasnaya Polyana was little known at the beginning of the century, but now it is a popular ski resort in Russia. In 2014, the Olympic Games were held here, and many sports facilities were built for this event. The settlement consists of three independent mountain complexes: Rosa Khutor, Gazprom and Gorki Gorod, the tourist season in which lasts all year round. What are the sights of Krasnaya Polyana in Sochi?
It is worth highlighting its unique location: at the foot of the mountains and in the middle reaches of the Mzmyta River. There are many natural monuments, reserves, unique places in the area. In addition, the history of the region goes back to ancient times, therefore, monuments of history and art are still preserved here.
Thus, tourist sites, where you should definitely visit both in summer and winter, can be divided into 3 groups:
- monuments of history and art;
- natural monuments;
- objects of the Olympic heritage.
Attractions Krasnaya Polyana: historical
Church of St. Harlampy
The Orthodox Church got its name in honor of the holy Martyr Harlampius, who was engaged in missionary work. For refusing to participate in the pagan rite, the bishop was brutally tortured and then killed. The temple was founded by the Greeks at the beginning of the 20th century. It worked until 1930, and then it was destroyed. The construction of the new building began in 1992. The construction was carried out at the expense of the parishioners, therefore it was progressing very slowly and dragged on for nine years.
The author of the architectural project was a local resident F. Afuskenidi. The church is a brick building with semicircular window openings. It is notable for its semicircular dome, belfry and beautifully painted interior.
Temple-Chapel of Martyr Zinaida of Tarsi
It is an early Christian church and is made in the Greek style.
Imperial hunting lodge
What to see in Sochi in Krasnaya Polyana? Curious tourists will certainly be interested in visiting the residence of the imperial family in the Western Caucasus. Emperor Romanov was captivated by the natural beauty of Krasnaya Polyana, so he decided to build a three-story house with 50 rooms here. Before the First World War, the princes of the Romanovs often visited here: Mikhail and Sergei.
The hunting house is located on the outskirts of the village, and it was built in 1903. In 1920-1961, a sanatorium was located in the building, and later a rest house with a sports base was located in it.
With the collapse of the USSR, the building fell into disrepair. Now it has been transferred to private ownership and is being reconstructed. It is planned to accommodate a four-star hotel with all the necessary infrastructure.
Dolmens
This is the name of the stone structures in the valley of the Mzmyt River, created by ancient people. Distantly, they resemble dugouts, with a hole on one side. Dolmens are built of stone slabs weighing several tons. Today it is not known for certain for what purpose they were built, but their age is 4000-6000 years. The dolmens of the Western Caucasus are excellently preserved, despite their considerable age.
Dolmens were cleared of the earth cover in 1968. A dozen more have been found now, but there may be as many under the soil layer.
If you are interested in what to see in Krasnaya Polyana on your own, pay attention to these tiled structures in the Krestenyukov tract. The structures are located in a picturesque forest near the river.
Bronze soldier
The Bronze Soldier monument recently adorned the center of the Estonian capital, Tallinn. It was part of a war memorial. In 2007, the Estonians decided to move it from the center to the cemetery. This news caused outrage among the Russian public.
The Russian businessman decided to make a copy of the Bronze Soldier and place it in Esto-Sadok, the only Estonian settlement in Russia.
Achipse fortress
Today - the ruins of a Medieval building, erected in the VIII century, left after numerous historical events that took place on its territory. Currently, archaeological excavations are still underway on the site where the stronghold stood. Lovers of antiquity to this day discover objects from the past here: tools of labor, everyday life and other ancient finds. Connoisseurs of archeology will certainly add it to the list of attractions that can be seen on Krasnaya Polyana.
Resort guests often visit this ancient stronghold.
Rest in Krasnaya Polyana in winter.
Interesting museums
Museum of the History of Krasnaya Polyana
The museum was opened at the school in 1961 by Boris Tskhomaria. Who should visit? First of all, for schoolchildren who are fond of the history of excavations of archaeological sites of the ancient era. At the moment, over 10 thousand various genuine exhibits from different times, including the war years, are exhibited here.
Tammsaare House Museum
Where else to visit and what to see in Esto Sadok? Visit the House Museum dedicated to the classic Estonian writer Tammsaare. The writer in 1912 was treated in the local area for consumption. He lived in the house of the Vaarmans - representatives of the cultural elite in the Western Caucasus.
Museum exhibits acquaint guests not only with the work of the writer, but also with other cultural figures who in those days were in this area. Surrounded by stunning nature, they drew inspiration and created their literary masterpieces.
The famous poet and singer Vladimir Vysotsky often visited Esto Sadok.
Pyramid
Research complex. It is an exact copy of the Egyptian pyramid of Cheops. It was built to study the effect of pyramidal structures on the human body and the environment. To be honest, we do not recommend staying here for more than 5 minutes, but we do recommend taking a photo as a souvenir.
Aviary complex of the Caucasian reserve
It is a mini-zoo where you can study the life and behavior of animals. It is worth visiting here with a child and the whole family, first of all, from the species presented, you can see rare birds (short-eared owl, barn owl, peregrine falcon, mute swan, mallard and others); ungulates (wild boar, sika deer, roe deer); from predators (jackal, lynx, Caspian wolf). And this is just a part of the whole diversity of the wild animal world in one territory.
A ticket for one adult costs 300 rubles, children from 7-14 years old - 150 rubles, (up to 7 years old free). The complex conducts excursions, where we recommend you to visit and listen to fascinating facts. You can buy an audio guide for only 200 rubles.
- Working hours: from 09.00 to 17.00.
- Address: Southern Department of the Caucasian Nature Reserve, Laura complex, towards the Grand Hotel Polyana.
- Tel. for communication: +7 988 150 01 02
Cultural and Ethnographic Center "My Russia"
He resumed his activities after the 2014 Olympics. The center is notable for its well-groomed territory, where you can see copies of such famous historical buildings as the Moscow and Kazan Kremlin.
Visitors to the center will also see the Ural brick factory, a house from the Kuban province, and other buildings characteristic of various regions of Russia.
Apiaries and nurseries of Krasnaya Polyana
- Apiary "Mountain Garden". Fragrant honey is produced here. Excursions are organized to the apiary to taste and purchase local honey.
- Apiary "Caucasian Bee". Caucasian bees are bred here, the uniqueness of which lies in the fact that they collect 12-13 kg more honey than bees of middle latitudes. Here you can also get acquainted with useful products: mountain honey, pollen, propolis.
- Trout farm. Here you can see how trout is grown, how products are made from it, as well as arrange fishing for the "king's fish". The cost of the excursion for an adult is 250 rubles, for children - 150 rubles.
Natural Monuments
Maiden's Tears Waterfall
Do not hesitate about where to go in Krasnaya Polyana, but go straight to this picturesque sight. The waterfall got its name thanks to a legend about love between a simple girl and a mountain spirit. According to legend, she did not want to give up her beloved for the sake of an envious sorceress and for this she paid with her life, throwing herself from a 13-meter cliff.
At the site of the tragedy, a waterfall was formed, from which water continuously pours and breaks on stones. It is very clean and transparent. In the light of the sun's rays, the water sparkles beautifully, revealing a magnificent and unforgettable sight to the eyes of those present.
Polikarya waterfall
It is considered the highest in Sochi and throughout Europe, since its height is 70 m. It is located on the Aigba mountain range.
Brothers waterfall
Located on Mount Achishkho, at an altitude of 2000 m above sea level.
If you are interested in waterfalls, then you can go to see the sights of Sochi with an excursion "33 waterfalls»On the territory of the resort. You can book it here. The cost is 800 rubles per person. A unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the region and be alone with nature. The excursion takes place every day at a certain time, lasts 9 hours. The organizers offer tourists a high level of service.
Narzan spring Chvizhepse
It is located in Medvezhy Ugol in the valley of the Chvizhepse River, not far from the highway. Water is delivered to most resorts and hotels in Sochi, it has beneficial properties for the body, restores fatigue and has a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
Akhtsu gorge
A tunnel road runs along the gorge along the mountain, which was previously actively exploited..
AJ Hackett Sochi
Near the gorge there is an extreme amusement park, for which one day of walks in the mountains of Sochi with the whole family should be allocated.
Skypark offers the following entertainment:
- suspension bridge at an altitude of 200 m - the longest suspension bridge in the world;
- Bungee jumping - jumping to a depth of 69 m;
Prices for tickets and travel, how to get to the extreme park →
Khmelevskie lakes
What to see at Rosa Khutor on your own in the summer? Visit three colorful water bodies named in memory of the Polish botanist V.F. Khmelevsky, who studied the flora and fauna of this place, his house was also located here. The lakes are surrounded by mountains and lawns and are located at an altitude of 1750 meters. The largest of them is called “Bolshoye”, it is two meters deep and has an area of 1 sq. Km. The other two reservoirs are much smaller.
Today tourists come to look at the unique natural reservoirs that are of tectonic origin.
Mount Aigba
The mountain range is located in the east of Krasnaya Polyana, is specially protected, but, despite this, it is actively built up with tourist sites. Consists of 4 peaks of different heights and the highest point - Stone pillar, 2510 meters high. In the northern parts there are popular ski resorts: Rosa Khutor, Gornaya Karusel, and Alpika.
Akhshtyrskaya cave
What to see in the summer in Sochi? Of course, this historical monument was the site of a primitive man. The cave is located above the Mzymta River and has a depth of 160 meters. According to the assumption of archaeologists, it served as a shelter for the Neanderthals. Here were found their remains, flint tools, scrapers, flakes, and other artifacts.
Due to the natural disaster, people were forced to leave the cave, and instead of them it was occupied by bears. Their bones were also found here.
Psakho canyon
It is a gorge of a mountain river, where every year the streams of active tourists who love to visit the bosom of wild nature and fresh air strive. The canyon has two channels, one now flows the river; the second is ancient, formed as a result of an earthquake, and it attracts most of the photographers. Here you can watch waterfalls, karst caves, swim in cold water. By the way, the aforementioned Akhshtyrskaya cave is not far away. We recommend visiting a trout farm for one thing.
You can get to the natural monuments on your own. But a safer way is group excursions, which are much more interesting in terms of knowledge of the historical facts of the area.
Alpine lake Kardyvach
If you want to see the stunning sights of Rosa Khutor, go to Lake Kardyvach. The reservoir is surrounded by three mountains. It is covered with ice for most of the year. Even in summer, the water temperature in the lake does not exceed eight degrees, but this does not prevent some tourists from swimming in it.
Kardyvach is located at an altitude of more than 1800 meters, so you will have to spend a whole day on the road to it. Thus, the ascent and descent will take two days and this must be taken into account when planning your vacation. The water in the lake is very clean; tourists often camp on its shore and enjoy the Alpine beauty for several days.
Engelmanova Polyana
It belongs to the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve, where tourists are always interested in going to Rosa Khutor. It is located at an altitude of one and a half kilometers among incredible mountain landscapes. On its territory, 120 mineral springs were found, the waters of which in their composition are close to Essentuki and Borjomi.
You need to set aside a few days to visit this amazing area in order to get real pleasure from your vacation.
Lift "Caucasian Express"
This cable car takes tourists to the very top of the village - Rose Peak, which is located at an altitude of almost 2400 meters. There is also a cafe "Heaven", where you can dine among endless clouds.
The lift delivers professional skiers to the very top, as well as just amateurs who want to admire the enchanting views of the mountains and trails from the cabin. An excursion on the "Caucasian Express" on the way to the very top provides for several stops at different heights, and it is called "The Way to the Top". There is always something to see at Rosa Khutor!
Wonder Land
A great place for a pleasant pastime in the bosom of nature. The forest area is located on the territory of the Gorki Gorod. In the relict forest, trees and plants characteristic of this area grow, and in its remote area, raccoons, squirrels, pheasants and other representatives of the fauna often live.
For visitors to the fairy forest, paths are laid throughout the territory. In the role of its fabulous inhabitants are animators who introduce guests to the natural world, talk about forest dwellers, teach how to recognize dangerous plants and berries.
Guests of the forest can also take part in interactive quests, have fun at the disco, take a master class and choose other entertainment.
Entertainment and active walks
Olympic village and facilities
What to see at Krasnaya Polyana in Sochi from the Olympic facilities? Coming to rest at the resort, you simply must visit all the places that will be discussed. Most of the sights of Sochi can be viewed by taking excursion tours, but just a walk is easy to triple with the whole family.
- Olimpic village
After the 2014 Olympics, it became even more popular.Now it is a complex of hotels with rooms decorated in a Scandinavian style. From the window of each of them a magnificent panorama of the snow-capped mountains opens up.
The village is located at an altitude of about 1200 meters. They get to it by cable car, which is not paid for if you check into any of the hotels in the Olympic Village. Those wishing to relax here in winter need to book a room in advance, since many tourists strive to conquer the mountain peaks Rosa Peak and the Stone Pillar.
The Olympic Village is located on the territory of Rosa Khutor. It was built in order to host athletes - participants in the Olympic Games. It can accommodate 1100 people. The buildings are made in the same Alpine style.
- Olympic facilities
- Gorki Gorod resort... Located on the territory of Esto-Sadok. There are many hotels, restaurants, entertainment centers on the territory of the complex. In summer, excursions, extreme entertainment, mountain tourist routes run here.
- Ice Arena "Puck". Hockey stadium with a capacity of 700 seats.
- Iceberg Palace. Made in the shape of an iceberg, it can accommodate 1200 people.
- Curling center The Ice Club can accommodate 3000 people.
- Big Ice Palace. It has the shape of a frozen drop and can accommodate 12,000 people. During the Olympic Games, the opening and closing ceremonies were held here.
- Katerina-Alpik. It is located in Krasnaya Polyana and does not belong to the Olympic facilities. It is an elite Club-type settlement of a complex of houses, made in the same style.
There are many interesting places in Krasnaya Polyana. If you live in Sochi, then you can safely order an excursion to the complex. This will enrich your vacation, provide an opportunity to get acquainted with the history and beauty of the region.
Mountain Beach Water Park
Water entertainment complex, harmoniously blended with the surrounding mountain landscapes. The establishment has a large pool and a smaller pool with ocean waves and a jacuzzi. Also equipped with a "paddling pool" for kids.
The eco-water park has seven slides, volleyball courts, and a beach. It is covered with white sand and is heated during the cooler period of the year.
What to see in one day in Krasnaya Polyana?
If you are planning a day trip around the area, we recommend visiting the following interesting and beautiful places:
- The resort village of Rosa Khutor. The village is very well maintained, has excellent infrastructure and offers guests all kinds of entertainment.
- Waterfall Maiden's Tears. It looks especially impressive in spring during the melting mountain snow.
- Akhshtyrskaya cave - the site of ancient people.
- Adler trout farm where delicious fish is grown.
- An art glass workshop, whose virtuoso glassblowers will show you the process of making exquisite and original products.
Attractions of Krasnaya Polyana on the map
How to get there quickly and inexpensively?
- Faster and easier out Adler take bus number 135, the stop is at the New Age shopping center. The trip takes about 2 hours.
- If you are in Sochi, then we take minibus No. 105 or 105E from the bus station, the travel time is 1 hour and 20 minutes. From the railway station (56 Gorkogo st.) By train Lastochka, travel time is 1 hour 10 minutes. We leave at the Rosa Khutor station. Tickets can be bought at the station itself or at the office. Russian Railways website. Recently, car sharing has been developing in Sochi, the cost will be about the same as a taxi ride, at least 1200 rubles.
- It is cheaper to travel from Sochi airport by bus or train. You will have to walk about 15 minutes after leaving the terminal to the railway station, where we sit on the Swallow. By bus, you can leave directly from the stop at the airport, №105 and №105E, which follow through the terminal in the direction of Krasnaya Polyana.
Where to eat deliciously?
- One of the most luxurious summer verandas in Krasnaya Polyana for dinner in the evening is located at the cafe Luciano on the street Olympic records, 35 (Esto Sadok). Just imagine what your vacation will look like when you see the mountains? All dishes are served beautifully, especially desserts. Phone for inquiries +7 862 243-97-20.
- Lovers of a cozy interior are advised to sit in Eat well on the street Polyanka Embankment 4. Ideal for winter holidays. Serving on the level, the average bill is about 1300 rubles per person.
- We put a solid 5 points for the interior and comfort of the cafe Hygge cafe on the street Volokolamskaya 112. You can order everything from soups to pizza, the average check is 800 rubles for lunch and 1200 rubles for dinner. You can sit both inside the institution and outside. Tel. for inquiries +7 977 801-10-10.
- For meat lovers, we definitely recommend going to the barbecue on the street. Defenders of the Caucasus 59. They prepare ordinary meat dishes, but very tasty and satisfying. The average bill for the guys is about 130 rubles. Tel: +7 989 164-66-66.
- A PUB Old Boys on the street Medoveevskaya 19. Many tourists in their reviews note delicious drinks, gastronomic cuisine is present in full sophistication, and even with a fascinating presentation, the average bill is 800 rubles.
