Sights of the HOT KEY // Photo with description

The Krasnodar region is one of those regions of Russia where the most picturesque photographs of pristine nature are obtained. On its territory there is a small town called Goryachiy Klyuch, the total area of which is no more than 20.5 km². Today its permanent residents are 39 thousand people.

Hot key from the middle of the 19th century. is a balneological resort, which is especially popular among tourists. There are many interesting sights, architectural and historical monuments, as well as entertainment facilities.

The city has a developed infrastructure; within its borders there is everything necessary for a comfortable pastime of a particular guest. More details about this below.

Healing Park

During the years of its foundation, the Healing Park was called Sanatorium. The park, with wide alleys, rich vegetation and beautiful fountains, was founded in 1870. On the territory of the park there are gazebos for vacationers, there is also a small Aquarium, a Drinking Gallery, a Water Mill fountain and a Happy Bridge. The dominant feature of the attraction is 2 arches, built in 1914 and 2009. The “Arch with Lions” was built in honor of the 50th anniversary of the resort (1914). The new arch features a sculpture of lions hunting wild boar.

Phanagoria stalactite cave

Phanagorian cave can be called one of the largest in the Krasnodar region. It consists of several corridors and interior halls. The cave is located 12 km from the village of the same name. The hole formed in the mountain slope has a height of 1.5 m. Through it there is an entrance to the stalactite cave. The total length of the underground attraction is 1.5 km. This is only the accessible part of the tunnels; further chambers were blocked as a result of the collapse. In the cave, special attention should be paid to the stalagmite “Climb”. It surprises everyone with its huge size. And the rest of the stalagmites and stalactites, which once adorned the underground attraction, were taken away by “curious” travelers.

Hotels in Goryachiy Klyuch

In Goryachiy Klyuch there is a wide variety of hostels, hotels and hotel complexes designed for guests with different budgets.

The most popular include:

"Paradise" Address: st. Voroshilova, 33. Located 2.5 km from the city center. Guests are offered 1-2-3 bed accommodation in rooms of the Standard and Comfort categories. The cost of daily accommodation with breakfast is from 1600 rubles.
"Residence Park Hotel". Address: st. Lenina, 9. Located 2.8 km from the center of Goryachiy Klyuch. Each room “Standard”, “Studio” and “Lux” can accommodate up to 3 people at a time. Price for daily room rental – from 1900 rubles.
"Spring". Address: Lenin St., 4. It is separated from the main city street by about 3 km. The guest house offers 1-2 bed accommodation in Twin and Lux rooms. Cost of living – from 2500 rubles.
"Provence". Address: st. Lenina, 15. The hotel is 2.8 km from the central square. Guests are offered a choice of 1-2-3-4 bed accommodation in “Standard”, “Superior”, “Business”, “Lux” rooms, the rental of which is available for 2,500 rubles. – 6000 rub. per day including breakfast.
"In Birch". Address: st. Sportivnaya, 2. The hotel is located about 1.5 km from the central area of the city. Here guests can check into Standard rooms, designed for simultaneous stays from 1 to 3 people. For daily accommodation you must pay from 1500 to 2200 rubles. Breakfast is not included in the room rate; it can be ordered separately for 150 rubles.
"Forest Tale". Address: per. Sverdlovskaya, 2B. The hotel is located 3 km from the center of Goryachiy Klyuch. Its distinctive feature is its unusual number of rooms, which lack classic living rooms. It is an apartment complex where each room is designed like an apartment with a private kitchen and bathroom. The maximum number of guests in one room is up to 5 people. The cost of daily accommodation in such a hotel is from 4,000 rubles. (no food).
"4 seasons". Address: st. Mira, 24. The hotel has 2 types of rooms: “Standard” (from 1800 rubles per day) and “Family” (from 2300 rubles per day).

Regardless of the hotel and room category, each room is provided with 1 extra bed (paid service) and 1 baby cot (free service).

All rooms also have:

A classic set of cabinet and upholstered furniture (sometimes a balcony or terrace).
TV and telephone.
Refrigerator and electric kettle.

Rock Cockerel

The top of the rock resembles a comb or even the head of a rooster. That is why the stone cliff received such an interesting name. The second name of the rock is “Salvation”. The Psyfabe fortress was built on its surface. In past centuries, those living in the village came up here to hide from enemies. In addition, people have written many legends about this rock, which talk about a sorcerer who imprisoned a unicorn here, about an evil man whose tears turned into healing waters, and about criminals who climbed the slope to receive pardon. The Cockerel Rock is a symbol of the city of Goryachiy Klyuch. A large stone in the shape of a wavy cockscomb will crown its surface. In 1864, the Tsar's Gazebo was built here. An observation deck was built next to it.

Mineral glade

The mineral glade is located near Dante's Gorge. A considerable number of springs with healing water are concentrated on its territory. In past centuries there were much more of them, but over time some of them dried up. In Mineralnaya Polyana you can always see many people wanting to try healing water from a natural source. In addition, there are interesting sights here. For example, in 1914, for the 50th anniversary of the resort, a monument to a “living” source – water – was erected in the Healing Park at Mineral Glade. It is the only one of its kind in the whole world. Also on this territory they built the chapel of the Iveron Mother of God.

The Legend of Dante's Gorge. Attractions

A long time ago, in one of the villages located here, a girl named Catalpa lived with her husband. She was smart, pretty and virtuous, and she also knew herbs and knew how to heal people with their help. Every day before sunrise, the beautiful healer left to collect medicinal herbs until their healing power dried up, and wandered for a long time along the valleys and mountain slopes. One day, as usual, she went to buy herbs and wandered into a place where she had never been before. A striking contrast appeared before the girl’s eyes - a gloomy, cold gorge, and next to it a wonderful and crystal clear spring, alluring with its murmur and coolness. Tired on the road, she plunged into it, and then lay down on its bank and fell asleep.

Meanwhile, the healer’s lover, taking advantage of her long absence, collected things and what was valuable in the house and fled to the mountains with a woman from a neighboring village. For a long time they met in secret and hatched plans to escape, and then such an opportunity presented itself. When Catalpa returned home, she did not find her unfaithful husband there. She was greatly saddened and waited for him for a long time, every day before dawn she went to that very source, hoping that when she returned back, she would find her husband at home.

Centuries have passed since then, and the girl, who has not aged a day, still comes at dawn to the ringing mountain spring, washes her mesmerizing hair, combs it for a long time on the shore, braids it, and then dissolves in the pre-dawn fog. Local residents, who nicknamed the girl the Mistress of the Cleft, often see this picture. According to legend, every person with a pure soul and thoughts can meet a sad healer if he comes early in the morning to the Key Stream.

What's interesting in the gorge

From the bottom of the gorge, a staircase consisting of 49 steps, cut down in the second half of the 19th century by townspeople, will rise steeply along a picturesque slope covered with green moss. It is called the same as the gorge - Dante's, and leads to another local attraction - the Belling Cave, which has fascinating acoustics, gaping in the wall of the rock-mountain Rooster. Next to the flight of stairs flows the same Key Brook, further downstream it is fed by other, smaller streams, turning into a rather high-water river.

The surroundings of Dante's Gorge are rich in interesting and entertaining corners, not only natural, but also man-made, such as the Iverskaya Chapel, for example. Completely unique, it is completely carved into solid rock, down to the smallest detail, and is located not far from the spring of the same name, which has healing properties and is considered holy. Opposite the chapel, another remarkable man-made object of these regions was built - the Monument to Mineral Water, represented by a pointed obelisk erected here in 1914.

Psyfabe Fortress

In past times, numerous fortresses were built on the territory of the Psekuls Valley. Psyfabe, with 3 m massive walls of stones, was one of the most famous citadels of its century. The ancient structure is located on the top of Abadzekh Mountain. Being on the walls of the fortress, the soldiers were able to observe the entire district. The citadel was built around the 5th-7th centuries. Today, only ruins remain on the site of the fortress. But the remarkable defensive complex still attracts the attention of many travelers.

Drinking gallery

The resort town of Goryachiy Klyuch is most desired to be visited due to the presence of numerous mineral water springs on its territory. The drinking gallery is located in the central part of the city - on the territory of the Healing Park. Water supply in the Drinking Gallery is provided by 3 natural healing springs. The chemical composition and temperature of water in mineral springs may differ, but they are all used for the treatment and prevention of many diseases. You can drink the healing water right there. But if necessary, you can pick up mineral water in small quantities for free.

How to get there

There is an airport in Krasnodar. Regular flights connect it with other major cities of Russia. The M-4 Don federal highway runs along the outskirts of Goryachiy Klyuch, which ensures transport accessibility. From Krasnodar you can get to Goryachiy Klyuch by car, taxi, minibus and bus.

The resort town has its own railway station, where all trains heading towards Sochi stop. Electric trains run between Krasnodar, Goryachiy Klyuch and Tuapse. From Krasnodar they take electric trains to the sea, making a transfer in Goryachiy Klyuch.

Kaverzinsky waterfalls

The falling water flows of the Kaverza River formed dozens of water cascades. This is the right tributary of the river. The waterfalls are located in a remote area from the city. Here you need to cover an 11 km path. Water cascades are located in the area of the village of Khrebtovaya; excursion tours with a 2-day overnight stay are organized here. The hiking route passes through quiet forests, where you can admire the beauty of wild nature. The Big Kaverzinsky waterfall has a height of more than 10 m. The Small and others in their composition fall from a height of 1-5 meters.

Rest in Goryachiy Klyuch

Goryachy Klyuch (Krasnodar Territory), photos from vacations on the territory of which are uploaded daily to social networks by numerous tourists, is one of the oldest Caucasian resorts. Both guests from Russia and foreigners have been coming here for recreation and tourism for more than 150 years. Places where you can spend your leisure time include local beaches and various entertainment venues.

Beaches

Goryachy Klyuch (Krasnodar Territory), photos of its landscapes often become popular and discussed among users of various thematic sites and forums, has several public beaches that anyone can visit. All beaches are located either along the large Psekups river or on the shore of a lake, which is located in the central area of the city.

Swimming is officially allowed only on the 3 most popular beaches:

City Beach. Is free. Located on the territory of the Central Park of Culture and Recreation. The total length of the sandy beach is about 150 m. A distinctive feature is the gentle entrance into the water. It is equipped with changing cabins and benches, and there is a lifeguard station. There is a grocery store and cafe within walking distance. Local residents often go fishing on the shore of the lake to which this beach belongs.
Read also: Khosta beaches - the most complete overview, marks on the map, photos, reviews, hotels nearby
River beach near the bridge over the river. Psekups (on Revolution Street). Is free. The length of this beach is 100 m, the width is about 25 m. Near the central entrance there is a wooden gazebo and a makeshift communal barbecue. When entering the water, you often come across large and small stones.
Public beach located on the banks of the river. Psekups. The entrance to it is in the private sector, at the end of the street. Transport. The beach is free, but it is not equipped with anything. Its surface is grass with small sandy areas. The total length of the beach is no more than 60 m.

Leisure

Holidays in Goryachiy Klyuch can be not only beach, but also active.

Guests most often visit:

Mirror Cave. It is a favorite place among visiting rock climbers who, accompanied by professional mountaineering instructors, are ready to climb to its peak. A distinctive feature of this place is the unusual surface of the rocks, which, due to its structure, looks like a mirror. The cave is located in the public transport stop area called “Valley of Enchantment” (southwestern part of the city). Cost for 1 hour, including equipment rental and instructor work, from 1000 rubles. for 1 person Age limit is over 14 years old, weight limit is less than 120 kg.
Indoor ice skating rink. It is located in the building of the sports complex at the address: st. Obezdnaya, 8. Opening hours: from 09:00 to 21:00 seven days a week. Ticket price for 1 session, including skate rental, from 200 rubles. up to 300 rub. for 1 person
Paintball club "Saboteur". Address: st. Yaroslavsky, 123. Opening hours: from 10:00 to 19:00. Only persons over 16 years of age can participate, and the team must consist of at least 4 people. The cost of the game, which lasts about 30 minutes, is 1200 rubles. for 1 team.

Nightlife

The variety of nightlife entertainment in Goryachiy Klyuch includes:

Night club "Baby club Entertainment Center". Address: st. Urusova, 67. During the daytime, there is a restaurant in the club building, and after 21:00 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, it turns into a club where well-known DJs in local circles are responsible for the music. At the entrance there is a pass-through system operating on the principles of Face Control and Dress Cod. Guests are offered a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, hot dishes and snacks, desserts, as well as hookahs. Restaurant opening hours: from 12:00 to 21:00 daily, club opening hours: from 21:00 to 04:00 several days a week.
Bar "Prestige". Address: st. Yaroslavsky, 58. Open 24 hours a day. There is an age restriction - products from the menu are not sold to persons under 18 years of age.
Entertainment complex "Old Castle". Address: M-4 Don highway (in the area of 1388 km). Opening hours: 24 hours a day.

Guests of the complex can visit a local restaurant or sauna, take a beer bath, and play billiards. Entrance to the complex is free, entertainment is paid separately.

Dante's Gorge

The development of the territory began only in 1870; before that, there was a narrow fracture in the stone rock. At the bottom of the damp gorge there is a walking path, which they used to call the hellish road. According to local legend, in past centuries there lived an evil witch named Dante. She wanted to destroy the entire world, and the Great Goddesses had to kill her. When the witch died, strong lightning struck the rocks and split them. A stream of blood fell from the rift, and the gates leading to the kingdom of the dead opened. One of the goddesses decided to change the witch’s spell and sacrificed herself, then healing water began to flow instead of blood. Nowadays, the territory of the gorge is called a paradise on earth.

City Historical Museum

In the city of Goryachy Klyuch, the historical museum was founded in 1864. This is the first exhibition opened in the Caucasus. The idea to open a museum complex belongs to Colonel Ivan Popko. He served in the Cossack troops of Kuban. The soldier made a lot of efforts to collect the best historical exhibits in the museum. There is a collection consisting of ancient household items of the Kuban people. The museum also displays exhibits related to the military history of the area. In total, the museum collection contains at least 7 thousand paleontological and archaeological exhibits.

How to navigate the Hot Spring

You can move within the city in 3 ways:

On buses No. 214 and No. 922, running daily between several destinations. Opening hours from 07:00 to 22:45. The fare is 17 rubles.
On municipal city minibuses No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4, No. 5, No. 6, No. 8, No. 10. Operating hours are from 06:55 to 23:05 (some routes start later and finish earlier). The fare is 20 rubles.
By 24 hour taxi. The fare is from 100 to 150 rubles.

Goryachiy Klyuch is a resort town located in the Krasnodar Territory. Every year new tourists come here who want to get to know the history and traditions of this place, relax on its beaches, and take various photos against the backdrop of the main regional attractions.

Visitors here will be greeted by friendly locals, a wide variety of hotels and hotel complexes with different pricing policies, cafes and restaurants, entertainment facilities and beaches.

Author: Ksenia Schneider

Article design: Vladimir the Great

Sounding Cave

A small grotto located in the Cockerel rock is called the Zvonka Cave. It was given this name because of its extraordinary acoustics. While in the cave you can hear all the sounds and noise happening on the other side of the Psekups River. The sonorous cave is recognized as one of the most interesting attractions of Goryachy Klyuch. Many people come here to check the acoustics of the Sounding Cave for themselves.

Happy Bridge

From this side of the river, you can only cross the main part of the sanatorium area and the Resort Park via a 70-meter suspension bridge (Bridge of Hope, also known as the Happy Bridge). At night, the bridge and the rock are illuminated, so it’s beautiful not only during the day.

Bridge of Hope (Happy Bridge). Hot key

From the bridge there is a good view of the Psekups River and the Cockerel Rock. The view in a southerly direction (against the flow of the river) is more interesting.

River Psekups. South view

River Psekups.

On the right bank of the river there is a small bathtub with a hydrogen sulfide healing spring. Here in the warm season there are always people who want to improve their health.

Hot tub with hydrogen sulfide source

Alexandrovsky spring

The natural spring with healing water was consecrated in 1864. It is from this period that the history of the resort town begins. The mineral water of the source is effective for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. The source of “living” water is located at the foot of Abadzekh Mountain. This is the territory of the right bank of the Psekups River.

Unique natural places

The main attractions of Goryachiy Klyuch are nature and its most beautiful places.

Waterfalls

What you definitely need to see in Goryachy Klyuch are its picturesque waterfalls:

Hell's Falls. Agree, a sonorous name, and at the same time mysterious. People called it that for its resemblance to the kingdom of the dead. By the standards of waterfalls, it is not high (only 12 m); from sharp, ominous-looking stones, water rapidly falls down into a deep bowl. However, the nature around is so fragrant that the overall picture is not at all frightening, but picturesque. The road to the waterfall is not easy. If you are new to such routes through mountains and forests, then it is better to go with a tour of rocks and waterfalls for the first time.
You can go to another beautiful waterfall - Ayuksky. It is located 10 km from the Phanagorian village. The flow of water is especially impressive because it flows in two steps.

Among the numerous waterfalls in the vicinity of Goryachiy Klyuch, there are others that you can reach on your own. Each has its own name and an interesting legend - Chepsinsky, Berendey, Sobachkin, Kesukh, Maltsev, Mouth of the Devil, Kaverzinsky, Dolmenny. You just need to set aside a day, stock up on provisions and go on an unforgettable journey. Don’t forget your gadgets, you will take photos at every step, because the places are indescribable.

Rocks

What else you must see in Goryachy Klyuch are the numerous, beautiful rocks with interesting names:

Mirror. The rock received this unusual name due to its ability to reflect nearby objects. At the top it is steep and smooth, and at the bottom it has a negative steepness. Professional climbers often conduct their training here.
Temptations. The rock is not high, only 10 m, and many tourists think that they can climb to the top without any problems. But due to the sheer steep slope, not everyone can do this. So the temptation remains to go conquer the rock again.
Natashkina. Local residents named this rock in honor of a girl from Krasnoyarsk, Natasha, who was vacationing in their area. She constantly praised the nature of her native land, but at the end of the vacation she admitted that some local natural attractions were more beautiful than those in her homeland. She especially liked the high rock (32 m), which after the girl’s departure received the name Natashkina.
Monastic. These rocks have a very interesting structure; they consist of many grottoes and niches. A long time ago there was a landslide here that covered the ancient monastery, hence the name of the rocks. At their feet there are two mineral springs – ferrous and hydrogen sulfide.
Cockerel. The high 28-meter rock is visible from afar. It received this name due to the teeth at the very top, which are shaped like a rooster's comb. Inside the rock, two caves were manually cut out of stone - the Staircase of Life and the Sounding Cave. And at the very top there is an observation deck, the views from it are stunning - the entire valley of the Psekups River is in full view.
Alquins. These rocks reach a height of 18 m. Where did they get their name? Student Aleftina from Rostov, whom her family called Alka, was vacationing in these places with her dad and brother. While walking along the picturesque rocks, the girl got lost. But brave Alka was not taken aback, climbed onto the highest rock, began screaming and waving her red scarf. Her relatives found her, and from then on the rocks called Alkiny.

Alexandrovsky spring

Within the city limits, near the Psekups River, there is a low rocky mountain, which seems to be cut by gorges and caves, and shrouded in fragrant coniferous forest. At its foot there are mineral springs, one of which is Aleksandrovsky - the oldest, the ancestor of the resort. When people realized what miraculous powers the water from the source had, a health resort was built nearby. People with diseases come to be treated with its waters:

musculoskeletal system;
digestive organs;
of cardio-vascular system;
male and female reproductive functions.

Hell's Falls

The cascading water streams of the stream of the same name caused the appearance of a magnificent waterfall. Interesting legends have been written about the beautiful water cascade with a height of 12 m. One of them says that healing water is heated by a prince imprisoned in a dungeon. He cursed the princess for not accepting his proposal. And terrible ulcers appeared on the girl’s body. The princess cried for a long time and prayed to the spirits. They helped her by making the man a prisoner of the dungeon. The prince worked hard to heat the spring water with sulfur fire. With the help of the source, the princess got rid of the disease and became beautiful again. Since then, the water in the spring has been considered rejuvenating. And another folk legend says that the gates of the Dead World are hidden behind the powerful flows of the waterfall. Therefore, in ancient times, people did not approach him.

Absheronsky district

Caves (Absheronsky district)

Piketnaya Cave
Tender Cave
Azish Cave
Bondarevskaya Cave
Cave "Kamyshanovskaya"
Cave Beautiful

Waterfalls (Absheronsky district)

Waterfall "Twisted"
Cascade of waterfalls on the Matuzka river
Khadyzhensky waterfall

Rocks (Absheronsky district)

Kurdzhip Gorge
Guam Gorge
Guam Grotto
Lenin's Rock
Canyon "Sukhaya Balka"
Wolf Gate Canyon
Lago-Naki plateau
Cathedral-Rock
"Ivanova Polyana"

Rivers and lakes of the Absheron region

Abadzekh gorge of the Tsitsa river
Lake Samurskoe
Lake Huco

Attractions

Absheronsk Museum of History and Local Lore
Kamyshanova Polyana Nature Reserve
Dolmens
Source of Elijah the Prophet

Chapel of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God

The small Iverskaya Chapel is located next to the Abadzekh Mountain, on the territory of the Mineral Glade. It was erected around the middle of the 19th century. During this period, the resort flourished, and its healing springs were sanctified. On the site where the chapel dedicated to the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God was built, there used to be the Iveron Spring. But at the beginning of the twentieth century, the layers of the earth's surface shifted, and the spring dried up. The old chapel is still visited by pilgrims.

Mount Lantern

Lantern Mountain is located on the banks of the Psekups River. The unusual name of the mountain comes from the name of the Phanagorian village. The word "lantern" is accepted as a simplified version of "phanagoria". There is also another version about the name of mountain peaks. During the Caucasian War, a guard post was created here and a signal light was installed. Therefore, the mountain range was given this name. The mountain has a height of more than 278 m. From its top there is a stunning panorama of the valley.

Maltsevo waterfalls

Magnificent water cascades begin from Maltseva Glit, which is why they were given this name. Getting to them is easy; you only need to travel 5 km from the city. The route will pass through places with picturesque natural landscapes. This waterfall is popularly called “Dragon’s Mouth”. The waterfall with 4 cascades has no more than 23 meters in height. In the spring season, when the snow melts abundantly, the water flow increases several times. And during the hot summer, here you can see only a thin thread of water jets.

Where to go with children

entertainment town "Tigger"
Older children, having visited the healing park and learned about its legends and history, will be able to get carried away just as much as you and plunge into the atmosphere of those times.

For everyone who loves active recreation and likes to travel “at their own pace,” Goryachiy Klyuch is one of the most ideal places. Moreover, it is very close to Krasnodar.

You can park near the Old Castle Hotel. And here the rest begins in the shade of the trees, you can take pictures with fountains in the form of a waterfall and a mill. There is a playground for children, and adults can enjoy tasty treats in the cafe if they need refreshment. Next we cross the bridge over the Psekups River and here it is - the park area of the city of Goryachiy Klyuch. And you slowly begin to wander along the shady alleys, where there are many plants and trees, since the park is practically adjacent to the forest, as if merging with it, sit on benches, wander along the paths, listen to the chirping of birds.

In the center of the park there is a Mineral Glade, next to it there are wells of local sources of mineral water, which from here flows into the Drinking Gallery and the Hydrotherapy Center. Drinking gallery: you buy cups at the entrance (ordinary plastic ones, although you can bring your own if they are available). There are taps with warm mineral water and cold, they are also divided into salted and non-salted. You can drink as much as you like - water is free, many people pour it into bottles with them. In general, this is a paradise for photography lovers - there are figures of all kinds of animals, flowers and water cascades and the well-known golden lions.

There is also a historical landmark (for retro lovers) - the Adyghe Pillar. It is made from a fragment of a Byzantine column and is decorated with inscriptions in Arabic carved into the stone. It was installed long ago for the eternal memory of a certain Khapach Lakshuk, one of the most famous heroes of the Bzhedukho tribe.

We return to the river: we see a small chapel built in honor of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God. It is carved right into the rock - and blends very harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. On Fridays at 11.00, Akafest (church service) is held there.

Nearby is the healing Iveron spring (ferruginous mineral water) - illuminated in the name of the healer Panteleimon. Feel free to drink this water, and drink a lot - there are rumors that by drinking a bucket, you can miraculously rejuvenate.

We recommend wandering around Dante's Gorge - a very beautiful combination of nature and modern “rock painting”. People tried to immortalize in stone their names, love stories, sacred symbols, even not only their own portraits, but also the faces of their leaders. In general, there is something to look at, and if you wish, I think you won’t be able to resist scribbling a message for history.

Through Dante's Gorge or along the river you can climb the Cockerel Rock - this is a sheer cliff of 28 meters. The top of the rock consists of six teeth, reminiscent of a cockscomb. It is visible from the Don highway. From the Rock of Salvation (Cockerel) there is a beautiful view of the valley of the Psekups river. Anyone who wants forest walks can go beyond Cockerel into the forest. In general, you can spend the whole day here!

For those who want new experiences, one of the most easily accessible natural attractions of Goryachiy Klyuch is the Bogatyrsky Caves. Even with small children you can easily reach them. Drive past Goryachiy Klyuch along the M-4 Don highway and turn towards the village of Fanagoriyskaya. You move along the road past the “Charming Polyanka” tourist center. And on the right you will see a small path up the mountain.

You climb up through the forest for about 15 minutes - and here they are, the Bogatyr Caves! Those who have already been to the caves advise taking flashlights. At first you climb on all fours, and then the caves widen and you can easily stand upright. There are no living creatures in the Bogatyrsky caves - you don’t have to be afraid, there aren’t even cobwebs there. There are so many people there, especially during the season, that all the living creatures have long been scared away. The caves are made of sandstone; it absorbs water well, so it is not dirty there. Ordinary pants and sandals with good soles will be enough).

Rock Mirror

A unique natural object with a height of at least 32 m, located on the territory of the Maltsev Valley. The rocky hill was given the name “Mirror” because of its surprisingly smooth surface. It is worth noting that mountaineers and rock climbers love to train on this rock. Because Not every athlete manages to climb to the top of a rock with an absolutely smooth surface, where there are no protrusions. The rock was formed from quartz-glauconitic sandstone with a yellow color. Its age exceeds a million years. On the surface of the rock you can see bizarre patterns formed naturally. According to legend, patterns can predict the future.

Territory of caves, rocks and waterfalls

No less interesting are the immediate surroundings of Goryachiy Klyuch, where there are 160 natural, historical and archaeological monuments. These, for example, include the Great Phanagorian Cave. It is located on the right bank of the Ayuk River, 12 kilometers southwest of the village of Fanagoriyskoye. Its length reaches one and a half kilometers. In fact, it is a long pipe of natural origin.

A karst void in the mountain was discovered back in 1666! The entrance is located at an altitude of 300 meters. At the beginning of the journey, the cross-section is small - only one and a half meters in diameter. Then the cave expands. There are even spacious halls. The main hit is considered to be a huge stalagmite, which was called “The Climb”. The name was given for a reason - in order to continue the path, the stalagmite will have to be climbed over.

There are several caves in the vicinity of Goryachiy Klyuch

The first official explorer of the cave was the Turkish traveler Evliya Celebi. He visited here in the middle of the 17th century! According to local legend, the karst tunnel once stretched for 25 kilometers and reached the Black Sea. However, then the roof collapsed and the main passage was filled in. Now the cave ends with a fork. One passage becomes too narrow to climb through, another ends in a dead end. Until recently, there were many stalactites and stalagmites in the cave, but they were all barbarically destroyed.

There is also a Cat Cave near Gorny Klyuch. The name is due to the fact that people found the skeleton of a huge wild cat in it. Archaeologists made an even more surprising discovery - they discovered a human skull on a stone shelf. He was pierced through by a stalactite, which, as you know, grows very slowly. It turns out that people lived in these places hundreds, or even thousands of years ago. In the depths of the cave there is a small lake that appears and disappears. Perhaps, through karst voids it connects with other underground lakes.

The mountain with the strange name Navisla is located between the Ayuk and Chepsi rivers. It got its name from the steep exposed slope that literally hangs over the water. Its height is 704 meters. The surface of the mountain is covered with dense vegetation, however, tourists storm the peak with pleasure. It takes about four hours to get to the top. The steepest are the southern and eastern slopes. For beginners, it is better to choose the northern slope.

A waterfall with the terrifying name “Devil’s Mouth” is a water stream that cascades down in the upper reaches of Maltsev Stream. The fall height is 20 meters. The intensity of the stream makes you respect the power of the waterfall, and the narrow gorge in which it seethes evokes thoughts of dark forces. A well-trodden path leads along the left bank of Maltsev Stream to the “Devil’s Mouth”.

The “Mirror” rock is popular among tourists. It is located on the banks of Maltsev Stream, four kilometers from the resort center. Why this name? The smooth surface of the quartz-glauconitic sandstone reflects the surrounding space. Climbers and rock climbers come here to train. There is a path leading to the rock, which starts on Shchorsa Street. Along the way you can see Maltsev Waterfall. It falls in cascades from a height of 23 meters.

Cascade of waterfalls

Among the natural hits, it is also worth noting the Ayuksky and Kaverzinsky waterfalls, as well as the Karaulka waterfall. In addition to Fanagoriyskaya there are Bogatyrskaya and Zvonkaya caves. The Catacomb rock is picturesque. Near the above-mentioned “Mirror” rock, a red ferruginous spring gushes out of the ground. It is worth visiting the Podnavisla settlement on the Chepsi River at the source of the Monastyrsky stream. In addition to the trough dolmen, there is the Kesukh waterfall.

In Goryachy Klyuch it is worth trying mineral water from the neighboring region

The nature of the region itself is also an attraction. Goryachy Klyuch is located in the place where the Kuban steppes turn into forests. Oak trees make up almost half of the forest area. It is followed by beech, fir, and spruce. Lots of juniper. More than 130 species of animals live in the region. Of course, you won’t see deer near settlements, but it’s quite possible to see a golden eagle, an eagle or a gyrfalcon. The city itself amazes with the abundance of greenery and bright flowers. In this regard, the Mountain Healing Park is especially indicative.

Mount Lysaya

Mount Lysaya occupies the space opposite the picturesque Abadzekh mountain peak. During the Great Patriotic War, the mountain range occupied an important strategic position. The fact is that it is practically impossible to climb to its peaks from 3 sides due to the location. Therefore, fierce battles between opponents took place over the Lysaya mountain range. And sometimes military operations ended in hand-to-hand combat. In order to perpetuate the memory of the soldiers who took part in these merciless battles, a monument was erected on the mountain peak.